Visco Elastic Foam Mattress

A Visco elastic foam mattress is also known as memory foam, was first produced by NASA.  The rocket scientists were hard at work trying to reduce those powerful G-forces astronauts experienced during lift off.  All that force put a lot of strain on the body and something was needed to help alleviate that pressure.  They found the solution and visco elastic foam was born!

The medical community was quick to pick up on this technology.  Many patients are bed-bound and complications can certainly arise from lying prone for extended periods of time.   Mattresses made with visco elastic foam proved to work wonders by easing patient stiffness and adding to their comfort.

Taking it one step further, the world of commerce entered the market.  Now this space age technology has been incorporated in mattresses that cuddle the body for total support during sleep.  Although we don’t experience the same kind of cosmic forces while we’re reclining in bed, we do have gravity working against and a visco elastic foam mattress can help provide comfortable sleep support right here on Earth.

Now this space-age material was really gaining popularity.  Furniture retailers were quick to jump on the bandwagon and began manufacturing mattress overlays, mattress pads and even memory foam pillows.

Tempur-Pedic is no doubt a brand name most have heard of.  Marketed as orthopedic bedding, Tempur-Pedic claims a number of health related benefit.  Memory foam mattresses are reputed to help those who toss and turn all night.   Claims have been made that they can lesson arm and leg numbness caused by poor circulation problems.  Elastic foam mattresses have been contributed to enhancing overall heath by aligning the spine and with aligned vertebrae, posture is improved.

So how does visco elastic foam work?  The material conforms to the weight and natural heat produced by the body.  The body parts that add to pressure while lying – shoulders and hips – are gently accommodated and molded.  This molding is achieved by open cells in the material.    These open cells pass air to nearby cells when compressed.

Every one has their own unique sleeping posture and hence, different pressure points.  But regardless if you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, you need proper support.  Without it, you’ll feel discomfort or even pain.  This is wear memory foam can help attain a good night’s rest.  Visco elastic foam will initially feel firm, then its incredible properties kick in to mold or ‘caresses’ the contours of your body.

Another great benefit of a visco elastic foam mattress is one most people don’t want to even think about; dust mites in your bed!  These pesky little insects have a tendency to live and flourish in traditional box spring mattresses.   Dust mites and their by-products are known to cause respiratory and allergy problems for some.  It’s best to take measures to avoid their growth and reproduction.

Visco elastic foam is less likely to provide a favored environment for the proliferation of dust mites; high humidity and plenty of dead skin cells.  This is an big plus for the use of memory foam, especially with those with existing health problems.

But not everyone is enamored sleeping on a memory foam mattress.  By its very design, visco elastic foam traps body heat with its open cells.   Manufacturers are quick to point out though room temperature can be a leading contributor to this harboring of heat.

There is research going on to find solutions to this retained heat problem.  One technique to alleviate excessive heat is achieved via Surface Modified Technology (SMT).  SMT is a patented series of grooves that are sliced into the visco elastic foam to reduce or vent the amount of heat buildup.  Another heat relief technique is Heat Reduction Channels (HRC).  HRC allows air to circulate beneath the sheets.

If you’re interested in a visco elastic foam mattress, be sure to get quality material and not some imitation stuff.  Some manufacturers provide inferior foam by mixing formaldehyde and other fixers.  These added chemicals may cause severe allergic reactions and emit a nasty chemical smell.   One way to check: good quality visco elastic foam will not visibly flake or break.

Manufacturing procedures differ too so you want to check for inconsistencies in the density of the mattress foam.   Vacuum injection is the latest way to create quality visco elastic foam mattresses.  This technique uses a vacuum chamber during manufacturing and produces a uniform density and a superior foam mattress.

So thanks to NASA, many have found a good night’s rest sleeping on a visco elastic foam mattress.  If you toss and turn at night, perhaps this space-age material will let you catch up on your ZZZs!