National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) scientists created in 1966 to absorb shock in NASA's airplane seats. In the 1970s and 1980s the Dallas Cowboys used it as padding in their helmets. It was used as cushioning material for insoles in shoes and even for bedridden patients to protect against bedsores. This memory foam is also in some mattresses to relieve pressure points when sleeping.
Systems Dynamics Group
Originally designed by Dynamic Systems through a partnership with NASA, temper foam technology was expanded for use in other applications. Eighty percent of this company's sales is derived from the medical industry for the use as orthopedic cushioning material. The viscoelastic materials in temper foam provide cushioning to relieve the pain from pressure points for the severely disabled. Applications for this include the Foam-In-Place Seating (FIPS) system and mattress pads.
Pain and Mattress Firmness
The size of a person and sleep positions affect pressure points. Larger, heavier people require firmer mattresses to provide proper support. However, if a person is a side sleeper, the hips and shoulders pressure points need more softness for cushioning. People who sleep primarily on their stomachs or backs actually present less pressure on certain body parts and can achieve a restful sleep on a firmer mattress. Pillow-top mattresses or an egg crate foam mattress pad over a firm mattress will help cushion pressure points and relieve pain.
Memory Foam
The Tempur-Pedic Company is the prominent manufacturer of memory using the NASA technology. Pressure points occur when certain areas of the body press against a mattress. Generally, these include the hips, shoulders and heels. Memory foam mattresses cradle these areas and provide support without causing any pressure on these body points. By conforming to an individual's body, the memory foam material allows the mattress to support the spine and the body without excess pressure on any one specific area.
Spine Pressure Points
A good mattress supports all the points along the natural curve of the spine in a manner similar to a good position when standing. A healthy individual without back issues may have a restful sleep in any position with a firm mattress. However, an individual with any type of back pain is susceptible to painful or irritable pressure point areas along the spine, so a softer mattress that cushions these areas on the body is more appropriate.
Tags: pressure points, temper foam, areas body, cushioning material, firm mattress, foam mattresses, hips shoulders