Memory Foam Mattresses – A Mattress Good Enough for an Astronaut
Believe it or not, memory foam came about in the early 70′s when NASA funded an experimental project intended to create a substance that could help relieve the discomfort astronauts felt during lift-off. During the course of research, a new foam material, named visco elastic, was invented that was capable of conforming to a person’s shape and subsequently return to its own natural shape when weight was taken away. The foam allowed for the even distribution of body weight over the full surface of the foam, rapidly adapting to any movements of the body. Tempurpedic introduced the original memory foam beds in 1992, to great success.
A visco memory foam mattress is not what you would label as a “soft” mattress. It molds and contours to the body, and the contouring effect spreads that weight over more of the sleeping surface, thus reducing pressure points. On an ordinary inner-spring mattress, pressure points can create soreness and cause you to toss and turn, so visco’s contouring nature will allow for a better night’s sleep.
The foam also has an open cell composition making it possible for the mattress to breathe. This feature leaves the surface of the mattress comfortable by repelling dampness and dissipating body heat.
Visco foam is very resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria and other odor causing germs. Since many people suffer from allergies, visco can help to improve your overall health and comfort by reducing the presence of these allergens in the bedroom.
If you move around or get up from bed you won’t bother your spouse because of visco foam’s ability to isolate motion transfer. As you would imagine, this leads to an even more restful night’s sleep.
Note that you really don’t have to have a traditional box spring under a memory foam bed. More often than not the only reason you would want to make use of a box spring is to put the bed at a height that you’re happy with.
It’s a smart idea to stick with well known manufacturers that carry lifetime warranties. If the mattress you are considering isn’t manufactured in the US, then make sure to thoroughly do your research to make certain you are getting a quality visco elastic foam mattress.
Incoming search terms:
- astronaut mattress (19)