Resting and sleeping are vital functions of the human body. In order to be at your best you need several hours of sleep a day. Now it is true that the number of hours vary for each individual. But one thing is definite: if you are sleeping on a hard, lumpy mattress then you probably spend most of the night tossing and turning. Having the right mattress is absolutely essential. A bad mattress can lead to numerous physical conditions that make it nearly impossible to get the rest you need. Memory foam mattresses have really hit the market hard and are gaining in popularity because of their "space age" design that is supposed to guarantee you a restful night's sleep. This article will cover just a few of the basics where memory foam mattresses are concerned. You may want to check one out for yourself if you are having trouble sleeping.

How was memory foam mattresses invented?

Believe it or not but memory foam mattresses were not initially even designed to be mattresses. It is the memory foam that was created first. This revolutionary material was designed by NASA in the 1970's for use in the space program. The idea was to create foam that would help astronauts when they experienced the high G's of liftoff. The cushion would help protect them from the pressure. Unfortunately the foam did not make it into the shuttle or into the space program. But the medical community quickly saw the advantages of this foam to help patients that were suffering from bedsores. The initial concepts of a memory foam mattress were not truly developed and expanded upon until the Swedish company Tempur-Pedic got their hands on the foam. They were able to design a mattress that was not brittle and would last far longer than the earlier attempts.

Does it take time for people to adjust to sleeping on memory foam mattresses?

Memory foam mattresses are definitely not like traditional bedspring/pillow top mattress sets. You definitely have to get used to sleeping on this foam. At first it is going to feel really strange because the foam basically holds to your shape. It may feel like it is clinging to you. Another factor in why it takes people time to adjust to their memory foam mattress is the heat difference. The foam does give off more heat and holds more heat in. It will take a few weeks for your body to adjust to this heat.

Do memory foam mattresses resists stains better than contemporary mattress sets?

Unfortunately no, they do not resist stains better. You have to stop and think about what type of material the mattress is made from. Most traditional mattresses have a slick, almost satin-like, top that will repel some spills and stains. Memory foam mattresses are made from foam which will soak up a stain like a sponge. Most people do not have to worry about stains but if you are buying a memory foam mattress for a toddler that is not fully potty trained yet, you may be buying the wrong mattress. These are very expensive mattresses and you do not want one soaked with urine. Granted there are ways around the stain issue. One way is to put down a barrier sheet that will protect against stains. Another is not to try the wine glass trick. You know…the one where someone is jumping right next to a glass of red wine to prove that the memory foam mattress is so stable.

Can memory foam mattresses help people with back problems?

Memory foam mattresses can definitely help people with back problems. Since the memory foam shapes to fit your unique body shape, it can help support your back much better than a traditional mattress. As the foam conforms to your body shape, your upper and lower back both get phenomenal support. It will not cure a back problem but it will allow you to sleep or rest far more comfortably than a traditional mattress set.