Memory Foam
Memory foam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Memory foam is made from polyurethane with additional chemicals that add to its viscosity level, thereby increasing its density. It is often referred to as visco-elasticpolyurethane foam.
Depending on the chemicals used and its overall density, it is firmer
in cooler temperatures and softer in warmer environments. Higher
density memory foam reacts to body heat which allows it to mold itself
to the shape of a warm body within a few minutes. A lower density
memory foam is pressure-sensitive and will mould more quickly to the
shape of the body. The example often used to demonstrate its properties
is that a hand pressed into the foam and then removed will leave a
clear impression in the foam.
Memory foam was originally developed by NASA to ease the pressure of extreme G-force
during space shuttle take off. It was never used in the space program,
but was subsequently used in medical applications, for example with
patients suffering from pressure sores or bed-bound for a long period.
Memory foam was initially too expensive for general use, but in
recent years it has become cheaper to produce and is now widely
available. Its most common domestic applications are mattresses, pillows and mattress toppers
(also known as mattress pads). It remains useful in medical-related
uses, such as wheelchair seat cushions, hospital bed pillows, and
padding for persons suffering long-term pain or postural problems; for
example, a memory foam cervical pillow may alleviate chronic neck pain.
Its heat-retaining properties are also helpful to some pain sufferers,
who find the added warmth helps alleviate pain.
A memory foam mattress is usually denser than an ordinary foam
mattress. This makes it more supportive – but also heavier. It is often
seen as a good compromise between the comfort of a soft mattress and
the supportiveness of a firm one. Memory foam mattresses often sell for
more than traditional mattresses but they last longer.
When new, memory foam often gives off a distinct chemical odor which
many people find unpleasant. This fades with airing, but some people
remain sensitive to it.
The hardness or softness of memory foam plays an important role in
ensuring comfort. Its firmness is determined by its IFD rating.
Indentation Force Deflection measures the amount of force, in pounds,
required to indent a 50 inch disc into a 15"x15"x4" viscoelastic foam
sample and make a 1" indentation. This is commonly known as IFD @ 25%
compression. IFD ratings for memory foam range between super soft (10)
and semi-rigid (120). Most memory foam mattresses are 12-16 IFD firm.
This article was copied from Memory foam :From Wikipedia
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