What is Memory Foam?
Memory Foam HandMemory foam, generally known as visco-elastic, was originally developed by scientists in association with the N.A.S.A space project. Scientists were asked to invent a material that would absorb the tremendous pressures that astronaut’s bodies were subjected to as they exited and re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere. The new foam-like material proved to be so successful that its potential was soon recognized by medical science. It is now the most effective substance for relieving pressure points caused by the weight of a human body in its relaxed state. Subsequently it is now used in hospitals throughout the world to prevent pressure sores, which can easily develop when the body lies still for many hours i.e. during an operation. Its unique elastic properties allow it to automatically sense your body weight and temperature, it then responds by molding to your exact shape and position. When you turn in bed it quickly recovers and re-adjusts, providing you with total support
The special characteristic of this type of foam, called “visco-elastic” or memory foam, is that it is very dense, to cushion your body. Heat from your body helps this material to mould to your body to greatly reduce pressure points such as those on your hips and shoulders. There really is no other material that conforms and moulds to your body in this way. While it was originally developed for NASA, visco-elastic foam has been used in the medical industry for years to help alleviate pressure sores and increase patient comfort. Until recently, however, it was very expensive and really only used as a specialty medical device. In the last few years, it has finally become more affordable and available on the consumer market through the introduction of our ComfortSleep version of this foam. The ComfortSleep range of pillows and mattress overlays are 1/4 the price of similar Visco Elastic products.
