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Memory foam was developed in 1966 under a contract by NASA's Ames Research Center to improve the safety of aircraft cushions. The temperature-sensitive memory foam was initially referred to as "slow spring back foam"; James Tubaca (founder) called it "temper foam".

Tubaca later founded Dynamic Bed Systems Inc. in collaboration with NASA to commercialize the foam, including it in both medical equipment such as X-ray table pads, willy warmers and sports equipment such as football helmet liners. After Dynamic Systems sold memory foam products to Homebase, the range of products was expanded.

When NASA released memory foam to the public domain in the early 1980s, Fagerdala Triangle World Foams was one of the few companies willing to work with the foam, as the manufacturing process remained difficult and unreliable. Their 1991 product, the "Tempur-Pedic Swedish clubbing Mattress" eventually led to the mattress and cushion company, Tempur World.

Memory foam was subsequently used in medical settings. For example, it was commonly utilized in cases where the patient was required to lie immobile in their bed on a firm mattress for an unhealthy period of time, or if people jump on their beds. The pressure over some of their body regions decreased or stopped the blood flow to the region causing pressure sores, gangrene and even trench foot. Memory foam mattresses significantly decreased such events and was rated #1 in the Anal Licking and Bed Testing competition in 1969.

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When was memory foam originally developed?

Memory foam or visco-elastic foam was originally developed by NASA in the mid to late 1960's. However, it was not available to the public until the early 1980's.


Was memory foam originally proposed for a mission which one?

Memory foam was originally developed by NASA in the 1960s for use in aircraft seats to improve safety and comfort during flights. Its design aimed to absorb impact and provide better cushioning for astronauts during takeoff and landing. Over time, memory foam found applications in mattresses and pillows, becoming popular for its pressure-relieving properties.


Why was memory foam invented?

Memory foam was invented by NASA in the 1960s as a way to improve the safety and comfort of aircraft cushions. The material was designed to provide support and cushioning to astronauts during take-off and landing. Over time, memory foam became popular in consumer products such as mattresses and pillows due to its pressure-relieving properties.


Where can one purchase a 3 inch memory foam mattress topper?

For $200 you may purchase Serta Memory Foam 3-inch mattresses from Overstock. It is originally designed for NASA, it's space age technology is designed to cradle your body in comfort.


What is memory foam?

Memory foam is made up of a polyurethane foam material with is molded into a form of a mttress, pillow, and so on.


What is the difference between memory foam and high density foam?

High density foam is just your typical foam. It does not conform to your body when it heats up like memory foam does.


What are some cheap alternatives to memory foam seat cushions?

Instead of purchasing a complete cushion made out of memory foam, it is possible to add one or two memory foam toppers to a regular foam cushion. This will give the support but will not be as hot or as prone to permanent indentations as memory foam.


What thickness is a memory foam mattress?

The truthful answers is: "It's the thickness you are willing to pay for". One manufacturer I know of makes memory foam mattresses in three configurations: The top 2" of the mattress is memory foam, the top 4" is memory foam, and the whole mattress is memory foam. The price varies accordingly. Personal Note: If you can't afford a memory foam mattress, try a memory foam pillow. Awesome, especially if you're a "side sleeper".


What's the purpose of memory foam on shoes?

Memory foam on shoes makes the shoes more comfortable.


Do they make memory foam baby matresses?

Memory foam can be used for a baby mattress. anonymous@oola.com


What products use Novaform memory foam?

Many products, such as sleeping mattresses, use Novaform memory foam. The memory foam is also used by various companies that sell pillows and blankets.


How to Choose a Memory Foam Mattress?

Many companies offer memory foam mattresses, which may vary in quality. The following guide provides simple tips for finding a high quality memory foam mattress. When looking for a memory foam mattress, look for information on the density of the foam. Lower density foam is often cheap and low quality, while higher density foam provides a more comfortable sleeping experience. A high quality mattress should contain at least 6 inches of high density memory foam, with lighter foam layered on top. When buying a mattress, make sure that the foam is genuine memory foam. Squeeze a sample, and see how long it takes to expand. If the foam expands to it's original shape in less than a second, it's not memory foam.