Some sleepless nights and groggy mornings are caused by the inability to sleep comfortably on the pillow used. Ordinary pillows tend to flatten and “deflate” after a prolonged period of supporting the weight of a sleeping human. What happens then is either the individual cannot sleep and tosses and turns, or manages to sleep somewhat successfully, but wakes up with stiff joints. Most commonly, the neck and back areas would get the most number of bad hits from one lumpy, inadequate pillow. Thankfully, the revolutionary memory foam pillow has truly changed everything!
During its NASA days, “memory foam” (as its now commonly known) was simply referred to as visco elastic polyurethane foam, created to increase the comfort and safety of astronauts on their space excursions. After its exclusive employ in NASA spacecrafts, the foam entered the medical and veterinary spheres. Memory foam pillows and mattresses were then used to relieve bedridden patients of bedsores and help stabilize prized race horses with injured limbs.
Finally, memory foam broke into the at home sleep industry, where it created big waves of interest and curiosity, and eventually became known by its present name. Here, visco elastic memory foam provides another benefit: a truly restful night’s sleep! At this juncture, it becomes essential to take a closer look at just what makes this space tech turned sleep support a winner among sleep products.
Memory foam is made of polyurethane, plus other chemicals that enhance its viscosity and density. This unique formulation allows a memory foam pillow, mattress topper, or bed to mold to the natural contours of the head, neck, shoulders, and back while sleeping. This ability vastly relieves the body’s pressure points, removing stress from these areas. As a result, the neck and spine are properly aligned, allowing a comfortable position – and consequently, promoting a significantly more restful sleep.
Unlike ordinary varieties, memory foam pillows return to their original shape, thus removing the annoying necessity of punching or fluffing up pillows in order to coax a more sleep supporting shape. As well, the memory foam pillow is sensitive to temperature, in that it reacts to body heat. This then causes the visco elastic foam to mold to the shape of the body.
What is more about memory foam mattress toppers, pillows and other bedding accessories is that they last longer than their ordinary counterparts in the area of keeping dust mites and parasites at bay. This is believed to be because of their chemical composition. In achieving this micro accomplishment against the microbes, however, memory foam turns off many sleepers because of its mild chemical odor. It may even cause respiratory irritation in more sensitive individuals; however the good news is that airing out your memory foam pillow and mattress pad before initial use can greatly decrease any unpleasant scents.
Another important precaution about memory foam is that it is combustible. Yes, as in go up in flames! Open flames like a candle or cigarette lighter are enough sparks to set this revolutionary sleep technology ablaze. Thankfully, fire retardants have been added to the formulation to keep the odds of accidentally fires significantly lower.
Since its unveiling as a space comfort, memory foam has become significantly cheaper. Thus, a good night’s sleep is just a tiny investment away. Though still slightly more expensive than regular varieties, wouldn’t the fact that a restful sleep night after night with your memory foam pillow be enough incentive to overlook that tiny cost disparity? I sure think so, and I hope you will as well!
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