Memory foam was originally developed by NASA to ease the pressure of extreme G-force during space shuttle take off. It was never used in the space program, but was subsequently used in medical applications, for example with patients suffering from pressure sores or bed-bound for a long period.

It is used in mattresses, pillows and mattress overlays. It has been used medically in wheel chair seats, hospital pillows and padding for people with pressure sensitive conditions.

A memory foam mattress is normally denser than ordinary foam, this makes it more supportive. Memory foam mattresses can cost more than a traditional mattress but often last longer.

Unlike standard foams that compress and want to spring back to their original shape immediately, memory foam cells (open cell foam, which means the individual cells in the foam have holes in them) compress fully and spread their air pressure to adjoining cells. This spreads the pressure through a greater number of cells of the memory foam - which decreases the pressure you feel in the cells of the memory foam that you are laying on. This accounts for the way that memory foam actually reduces pressure points.

The ability of memory foam to deform also allows it to really conform to your body's shape and weight bearing areas, thereby reducing these pressure points. No other material has this ability to shape to your body - this is unique to memory foam.

What does this mean to you and your night’s sleep – because memory foam reduces the pressure points on your body you are able to get a more restful night’s sleep without the tossing and turning that is typical of traditional mattress. This allows you to wake up feeling refreshed, free of aches and pains, and ready to face the day ahead!