How Did Memory Foam Originate?

NASA is ultimately responsible for the introduction of visco-elastic memory foam back in the 1970's

. The problem they were facing had to do with the high levels of g-force the astronauts were exposed to during lift-off. So they needed flight seats that would be able to reduce pressure points, but at the same time still provide enough support.

The answer was visco-elastic memory foam due to its temperature sensitive characteristics. When it's exposed to warmer temperatures, it softens and conforms to the body. In cooler conditions, it becomes more firm. During lift-off, the astronauts would sink down into this foam so they would't feel pressure points.

Memory foam is the only material that reacts in this manner. If the seats were made out of your everyday foam, it would push back against the body instead of conform. This is how pressure points are created.

Because of the g-force felt during lift-off, being subjected to pressure points could be overwhelming and cause harm to the astronauts.

By conforming, the memory foam would act as a shock absorber by distributing the forces over a wider area.

However, NASA ultimately decided not to use memory foam because they were not able to perfect it enough for practical use. Since chemicals are used during the manufacturing process, the smell it emitted would be unhealthy in a small, congested space shuttle.

Anyone who buys a memory foam mattress has to deal with a chemical smell at least initially. Most people won't notice it after a few days or weeks. They have the advantage of opening up a window so they can air the mattress out. Astronauts obviously don't have this luxury, and would be forced to breathe in these chemicals for an extended period of time.

The other issue is that the memory foam seemed to break down in a very short period of time. It would begin to flake and tear after limited use.

At this point, NASA didn't feel like the use of memory foam was practical. They sold the technology to Fagerdala World Foams of Sweden, which is one of the largest foam manufacturers in Europe.

They developed their own version of the memory foam with the idea of selling it to the public in the form of a mattress. Initially, it was only used by the medical community to help those who suffer from pain.

Down the road, the Tempur-Pedic mattress was produced by Fagerdala and sold to the public. Not too long after, other manufacturers started developing their own foam for public consumption.

by: Marsha Walderson

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