How Are Memory Foam Mattresses Made?
Memory foam is an invention that has been around for a while. It was first invented in the 1960s by NASA scientists as they attempted to make protective materials for airline passengers and crew in case of a crash. Memory foam has unique abilities to mold to your shape and this marvelous engineering caught the eye of mattress makers, who found a pristine material to make mattresses. For people who need pressure relief and better support when they sleep, memory foam is the best mattress for them.
Memory Foam
Memory foam consists of three substances: polyurethane, diisocyanate, and water. The mixture produces an exothermic reaction which creates a bubbling mix. The making of a memory foam involves six steps:
- First, reacting agents combine with polyols and isocyanates
- The mixture whips into a froth by a machine before they pour it into a mold where it bubbles into foam
- Add blowing agents or gas to the foam where, based on the amount of air and polymer mixture, the density varies
- After the foam cools, it heats again, and then for a few hours or days it cures
- To ensure that the foam meets standards, it is washed, dried, and inspected
- The final step cuts the memory foam into pieces for mattress construction
Memory Foam Beds
Memory foam makes mattresses in several different ways. To achieve specific qualities of memory foam mattresses, professionals use different construction designs.
- Comfort layer: This is the topmost section of the mattress. It consists of one or more foam layers that allow cushioning and contouring depending on the firmness level of the mattress. The comfort layer uses more breathable foams to keep heat away from the sleeping surface.
- Transition layer: The transition layer is firmer than the comfort layer to keep heat away from the comfort layer. This section of the mattress consists of more than one layer of foam that works between the core and the comfort layer.
- The core: This is the largest layer that is found at the base of the mattress. It consists of much firmer foam to provide stability and support to the mattress.
How Does It Work?
Memory foam is designed to mold the body shape slowly by becoming soft enough to mold around a person or a body shape in response to pressure; this allows it to evenly distribute body weight. Molding happens when low-resilience, high-density polyurethane foam reacts to body heat. However, it returns to its original shape without pressure.
Memory foam is good at absorbing impact force, and depending on how you apply pressure, it responds differently. The foam changes its shape more slowly if you apply pressure quickly. When memory foam is used to make mattresses, this quality allows the mattress to cushion the body evenly and, in the process, creates a slow contouring feeling as it adapts to the pressure of your body and re-forms around your curves.
Types of Memory Foam Mattresses
There are three types of memory foam mattresses available on the market. You must understand the difference between the three of them to find the one that suits you perfectly.
- Traditional Memory Foam: These mattress types boost circulation and minimize stress on your joints.
- Open Cell Memory Foam: These cater to individuals who complain of excessive heat retention in traditional memory foam. They respond well to body temperature to ensure that you don’t get too hot.
- Gel Memory Foam: They are suitable for people who suffer from chronic back pain and neck pain
Conclusion
Sound sleep is the best thing that can happen to you after a hard day’s work. Understanding how to choose the best mattress goes a long way in ensuring that you sleep better. Choosing memory foam mattresses can solve your sleep problems for good. At Matter Brothers Furniture, we can help you get your ideal mattress. Visit our Naples mattress store or any of one of our 5 convenient locations. You can also contact us today for more information.
