What is Memory Foam?

The range of foam materials available for bedding and mattress production has increased in recent years, with manufacturers creating increasingly intuitive foam materials to meet a range of needs. One key factor in this advancement is the use of polyurethane (PU) foams, offering enhanced flexibility, PU foams have a number of resilient properties.

The most well known form of PU foam is memory foam. Also known as viscoelastic foam, memory foam was developed by NASA in the 1960’s to counteract the extreme pressures and g-force that astronauts are subjected to during space travel.

Since then, memory foam has become increasingly popular for domestic applications such as mattresses, pillows and mattress toppers, offering superior comfort compared to their traditional counterparts.  

Why choose memory foam?

Known for its enhanced support and comfort, memory foam has its own set of characteristics which makes it ideal for a range of bedding products and requirements.

Pressure and recovery time: Viscoelastic foam uses the body’s heat to soften and mould to the body shape. Generally made of material with higher density than other resilient foams, memory foam has a slower recovery time. This feature means improved comfort and targeted support for users, especially around pressure points.

Optimal shape for excellent comfort: Memory foam mattresses seamlessly mould to the shape of the user’s body. By evenly distributing weight to reduce pressure on low lying points such as the shoulders, users benefit from an optimal spinal alignment. This ability to change shape to match the contours of your body makes this type of memory foam mattress feel almost personal to you, also helping to relieve aches and pains, as well as improving blood circulation.

Improves Sleep Quality: Superior comfort and support lead to a deeper, more restful sleep, allowing users to wake up feeling refreshed and energised.

Durability: Memory foam mattresses are well-known for their exceptional durability, ensuring long-lasting comfort and support night after night.

Memory foam applications for different markets

The unique properties of memory foam extend beyond the bedroom, offering comfort and support in various applications.

In healthcare environments, memory foam is often used for patients who require extended periods of rest, helping to reduce discomfort and pressure sores. Ensuring that patients are comfortable and do not struggle with poor blood circulation to particular areas of the body.

PU Foam is also used for improved comfort in seat cushions. In particular, memory foam seat cushions provide enhanced comfort for users who remain stationary for long periods, such as wheelchair users, reducing pain and discomfort.

Protective equipment such as helmets can also utilise memory foam for improved shock absorption and comfort.

Markets

The Vita Group is Europe’s leading flexible foam solutions provider. Built on 70 years of heritage, Vita develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of value added and differentiated flexible polyurethane foam and Talalay latex products. For more information, please contact our team.

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In a medical setting memory foam is ideal for situations where a patient must remain immobile for long periods of time, helping to reduce discomfort and issues caused by long term pressure and loss of blood to particular areas of the body. In this instance, memory foam offers a superior experience.

It is also used for improved comfort in seat cushions where a user will be stationary for long periods, such as those found in wheelchairs, reducing pain, discomfort, and possible irritation to the seated person. Memory foam can also be found in protective equipment such as helmets.

The Vita Group is Europe’s leading flexible foam solutions provider. Built on 70 years of heritage, Vita develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of value added and differentiated flexible polyurethane foam and Talalay latex products. For more information, please contact info@thevitagroup.com.