Memory foam

Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyurethane material that molds to body shape through heat and pressure reactivity.

Composition and Structure

Memory foam consists of polyurethane enhanced with chemicals that increase density and viscosity. The foam contains open cells that create an air-permeable matrix, allowing the material to respond to temperature and weight.

Physical Properties

The foam’s behavior stems from three key mechanisms:

• The network effect pushes outward to restore shape
• The pneumatic effect controls air flow through pores
• The adhesive effect creates internal surface tension
• The relaxation effect governs gradual shape recovery

Historical Development

NASA developed memory foam in 1966 to improve aircraft cushion safety. The material entered the public domain in the 1980s, with Fagerdala World Foams creating the first commercial mattress under the Tempur-Pedic brand in 1991.

Modern Innovations

Gel Technology

Third-generation memory foam incorporates gel particles to address heat retention issues. This advancement came in 2006 through Peterson Chemical Technology’s patent, leading to popular product lines from Serta and Simmons.

Safety Considerations

Memory foam presents several health and safety concerns:

• Respiratory irritation from chemical emissions
• Fire safety requirements for flame resistance
• Previous use of PBDE fire retardants
• Suffocation risks for infants and small children

Performance Specifications

Memory foam density ranges from 24 kg/m³ to 128 kg/m³, with most consumer products falling between 48-72 kg/m³. Firmness is measured by IFD (Indentation Force Deflection) ratings, typically ranging from IFD 10 (super soft) to IFD 16 (firm).

Environmental Impact

Manufacturing produces hazardous air pollutants, with methylene chloride comprising 98% of emissions. Long-term exposure risks include headaches, dizziness, and potential organ system effects.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_foam
• https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/memory_foam

Memory foam (Wikipedia)

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Memory foam consists mainly of polyurethane with additional chemicals that increase its viscosity and density. It is often referred to as "viscoelastic" polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu). The foam bubbles or ‘cells’ are open, effectively creating a matrix through which air can move. Higher-density memory foam softens in reaction to body heat, allowing it to mold to a warm body in a few minutes. Newer foams may recover their original shape more quickly.