11 Facts About Memory foam

Higher-density memory foam softens in reaction to body heat, allowing it to mold to a warm body in a few minutes.

Memory foam derives its viscoelastic properties from several effects, due to the material's internal structure.

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"; most called it "temper foam".

Memory foam was initially too expensive for widespread use, but became cheaper.

Gel-infused memory foam was next developed with what were described as "beads" containing the gel which, as a phase-change material, achieved the desired temperature stabilization or cooling effect by changing from a solid to a liquid "state" within the capsule.

Memory foam mattress is usually denser than other foam mattresses, making it both more supportive and heavier.

Memory foam mattresses are often sold for higher prices than traditional mattresses.

Memory foam mattresses retain body heat, so they can be excessively warm in hot weather.

Laws in several jurisdictions have been enacted to require that all bedding, including memory foam items, be resistant to ignition from an open flame such as a candle or cigarette lighter.

The HAP emissions associated with polyurethane Memory foam production include methylene chloride, toluene diisocyanate, methyl chloroform, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, propylene oxide, diethanolamine, methyl ethyl ketone, methanol, and toluene.