Memory Foam Mattress is Magic Mattress

One of the most important factors that affect a person's health -- arguably as important as food itself -- is getting the right amount and quality of sleep. Promoting good memory and enhancing concentration are just two of the benefits that we get from a good night's sleep. It is also during sleep that our body repairs cells damaged during the day. Although scientists have not come up with specific answers as to exactly why people need sleep, a number of studies have proven that chronic lack of sleep can increase a person's risk for developing a number of serious medical conditions, among them diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular problems.

It is for this reason, perhaps, that memory foam mattresses have become a big success. Of course, who wouldnýt want to be free of all the aches and pains that we feel as soon as we wake up each morning? This new type of material ensures a good night's sleep due to the fact that the foam follows the contours of the human body when in use, thus reducing pressure on a person's back, shoulders and legs. Because the memory foam is now known to the public as the material used in creating some sort of "magic mattress" and is mainly being used in the bedding industry, it is surprising to know that it traces its origins back to NASA.

In the early 1970's, NASA was in search of something to relieve astronauts of the g-forces that assault their body during lift-off. They figured that they needed a foam material that would hold the conformity of a person's body shape but can also accommodate any movement that person makes. Hence, they invented a visco-elastic material which returns to its normal shape as soon as pressure is removed.

Enterprising businessmen soon rushed to find the perfect consumer use for this new product, and in 1991 Swedish mattress company Tempur-Pedic succeeded. They came out with the first line of memory foam mattress and introduced it in the Swedish market. The success of that launch led to a project expansion in North America and the rest, as they say, is history.

The material goes through quite a complicated process before the correct weight and density is achieved. Although it has been certified to be non-toxic, the foam can emit a certain smell that remains for about a couple of weeks after it is taken out of its packaging. If you are sensitive to strong odors, it would be best to air out the room for at least a couple of days. You can also try placing a dish of vinegar on your night stand.

Whatever the little inconveniences such as an unfamiliar odor, consumers are definitely reaping the rewards of the NASA researchers' ingenuity and the Swedish company's business acumen, as people are getting better quality of sleep from this magic mattress. As it is introduced to more and more markets and reaches global popularity, it is hoped that the memory foam mattress will deliver its promise of better sleep and better health.

Paul Picher writes articles about memory foam topper and memory foam mattresses. We invite you to read our memory foam reviews from our website.