What is Memory Foam Made With?
Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is a special material that was originally designed in the 1960s by NASA to absorb shock in spaceship seats and seatbelts. Shortly after its invention, memory foam became an incredibly popular material for a variety of uses. Today, it is most commonly found in helmets, shoes, prosthetics, and – perhaps most famously – mattresses.
Memory foam consists primarily of an elastic material called polyurethane, which is known for its ability to return to its original shape even after stretching or squishing for a long period of time. In a mattress, this makes for a plush and close-conforming surface that offers exceptional pressure-relief.