January 26, 2009

Memory Foam Mattress, Toppers and Beds

by: Josie Lee

A memory foam mattress is normally denser than a typical foam mattress. This makes it all more supportive—and heavier. It is usually seen as a good compromise between the comfort of a soft mattress, as well as the supportiveness of a firm mattress. A memory foam mattress can actually sell for more than customary mattresses, but they do indeed last longer. When it’s new, the memory foam usually emits a distinct chemical odor which many individuals find unpleasant. The odor fades with airing, but several people remain sensitive to it. Respiratory irritation can be the result of emissions from the memory foam mattresses.

Memory foam mattresses were first developed by NASA to ease the pressure of G-force during the space shuttle take-off. The memory foam was never used in the NASA space program, but was used in medical applications subsequently. For example with bed-bound patients or those suffering from pressure sores for a long period.

Memory foam mattresses were originally too expensive for general use. However, in recent years it has become less costly to foster and is now vastly available. Its most typical domestic applications are pillows, mattress toppers (mattress pads) and mattresses. Memory foam mattresses usually sell for more than customary mattresses but they last much longer.

Memory foam beds come in a vast variety of shapes and sizes. The early beds were little more than piles of straw or other organic materials. A vital change was lifting them off the ground, to avoid dirt, pests and drafts. To make memory foam beds much more comfortable, the top layer is usually a mattress. Initially, these were straw bags for most individuals and filled with fluffy feathers for wealthy individuals. Subsequently, new fillings such as artificial fillers and cotton became common. Currently, most mattresses use solid foam, water, springs or air. The second layer is the “divan” or box spring. It’s a large mattress-sized box that contains wood and springs which provide suspension and additional support for the mattress. The bed frame is the third layer, as it lifts the mattress/ mattress-box spring right off the ground.

Memory foam toppers reduce tossing and turning that is normally associated with uncomfortable sleeping. They allow air to circulate beneath one while sleeping, as they ensure a comfortable, cool night’s rest. With memory foam toppers, you can sleep soundly for the entire night on a cool memory foam pad to provide support for comfort. Memory foam toppers wick the heat away from one’s body to keep one cool. Due to the revolutionary air circulation advancement, memory foam toppers are suitable for all types of climates, any time of the year. The progressive cut offers extra support where you need it, and of course softness exactly where you want it.

Josie Lee enjoys her memory foam bed. It has great back support and offers a better night sleep. For more information on memory foam visit http://www.comparememoryfoam.com/