Memory foam promotes restful sleep.
According to MemoryFoamMattress.org, NASA created memory foam to cushion astronauts from g-forces when space shuttles lift-off. Later, a foam company in Sweden adapted memory foam for personal use. Tempur-Pedic introduced the first memory foam mattress in 1991. Manufacturers often describe memory foam by indicating the foam's density. Density directly correlates with the mattress's softness or firmness.
Significance
The density of a memory foam mattress tells how many pounds each square foot of the mattress weighs. A 3-pound density indicates that one square foot of the mattress weighs pounds and a 5-pound density indicates that one square foot of the mattress weighs 5 pounds. The density of the foam does not determine the thickness of the foam. Memory foam mattress toppers typically have thicknesses of 2 to 3 inches and memory foam mattress typically have thicknesses of 6 to 13 inches. thus, manufacturers can produce both a 2-inch foam topper and a 13-inch mattress with a density of 5-pounds.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of memory foam mattress determines the weight of the mattress. More chemicals equal greater weight. Memory foams consists primarily of synthetic polyurethane foam, but Essentia, a natural foam mattress manufacturer, reports that other chemicals may include ethylene oxide, isocynates, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, trichloroethane, benzene and acetone. According to MemoryFoamMattress.org, the chemicals in memory foam do not include toxins or any other unsafe materials. However, formaldehyde, benzene and acetone are all toxic, according to Essentia.
Considerations
Denser memory foam will cost more money. However, Overstock.com's Memory Foam Buyer's Guide explains that denser foam typically lasts longer. MemoryFoamMattress.org explains that consumers should also consider other factors when buying memory foam products. For example, the Indention Load Deflection (ILD) indicates how many pounds it takes to compress twenty-five percent of the foam in an area of fifty square inches. Higher ILD numbers indicate firmer foam. For the best results, many manufacturers use layers of foam to create one mattress with each successive layer having a higher ILD than the layer above. Other specifications to consider include resilience and tensile. Resilence measures the springiness and tensile measures the stretchiness of the foam.
Benefits
Memory foam mattresses helps decrease pressure on the body during the sleeping hours. Memory foam conforms to the body allowing the body to sink into the mattress slightly. Dr. Rick Swartburg, a back pain specialist, asserts that memory foam greatly improves sleep in individuals with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. According to healthyfoundations.com, denser memory foam performs better than less dense memory foams. A 3-pound density qualifies as medium density whereas a 5-pound density qualifies as high-density. Greater density provides more support.
Types
If you already have a quality mattress, you may want to consider only purchasing a memory foam mattress topper. However, if your mattress needs replacement anyway, you might as well go ahead and buy a memory foam mattress. MemoryFoamMattress.org recommends that consumers buy memory foam products from reputable companies that manufacture their mattress in the U.S. or from Tempur-Pedic of Sweden. Other overseas manufacturers tend to be of lower-quality.
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