A memory foam mattress is a type of bedding that is both pressure and temperature sensitive. The Visco-Elastic foam was developed in the 1970s by NASA engineers to provide protection and comfort for astronauts during lift and reentry into the earth's atmosphere. Designed to be breathable, memory foam is able to distribute pressure evenly over its surface and return to its original state when the pressure is removed.
Memory foam was first introduced to the general public in the form of special pillows. Today it is also available in mattress and mattress sets and comes in varying depths from 3 - 6 inches (7.62 - 15.24 centimeters). Memory foam pads less than 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) are used as mattress pads for an existing conventional bed.
A memory foam mattress is comparable in price to an equivalent sized regular mattress. The most popular type is 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) and has both a soft and firm side. Memory foam mattresses can be purchased from regular brick and mortar stores or online.
Many super centers sell memory foam mattresses and full mattress sets packaged in boxes for a very reasonable price, often less than conventional bedding. Once you take the package out of the box and the open the vacuum-sealed plastic around the mattress, the memory foam will expand quickly to its stated size.
Online, memory foam mattresses range in price from five hundred to several thousand dollars. By doing a price comparison, it is easy to find the best value for your dollar.
Sleeping on a memory foam mattress is often compared to sleeping on a cloud by many manufacturers. It is recommended for those who have back problems, arthritis and other bone and joint difficulties. Most memory foam mattresses come with a cover made of anti-microbial fabric, which repels dust mites which can relieve allergy symptoms for many sufferers.
Many people claim that memory foam mattresses gave them the best nights sleep they have ever had. Not only does the foam give them complete comfort while sleeping, movement by their partners no longer affects them. A spouse or partner can climb in and out of bed without waking the sleeping person, since the foam doesn't move except beneath the one who is doing the movement.