Mattresses
Published February 24, 2022
10 minIs Memory Foam Toxic?
Recently the trend of memory foam has picked up amongst sleepers. People with chronic back, hip, and shoulder pain have started picking it up for its unparalleled comfort and pressure relief. Also, ow
Table of contents
What Is Memory Foam?What Is Memory Foam Made of?Is Memory Foam Toxic?Nectar Mattresses are 100% Carbon NeutralToxic Materials Used in Memory Foam MattressesMemory Foam Mattress Off-GassingAre Memory Foam Mattresses Soft?Are memory foam mattresses safe?Frequently Asked Questions
Recently the trend of memory foam has picked up amongst sleepers. People with chronic back, hip, and shoulder pain have started picking it up for its unparalleled comfort and pressure relief. Also, owing to the “bed-in-box” phenomenon, mattresses are now available to everyone quite easily. However, many people are still reluctant to pick it up. They are all hesitant because of one concern - Is memory foam toxic? And we completely understand the concern! It is essential to have a mattress that balances out comfort with health and safety. Let us dig more into this mattress and know whether it is the perfect match for you!
What Is Memory Foam?
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane that sinks under pressure and contours nicely around the body. But what makes it different from polyurethane foam is the added chemicals. They add to its viscosity and elasticity, hence gaining the name viscoelastic foam.The foam can be stretched and bumped into different shapes with added pressure. However, the foam returns to its original form when the pressure is released. So owing to these attributes, memory foam is excellent at absorbing pressure and providing relief. The memory foam came into existence in the 1960s, thanks to NASA! They initially developed it to cushion rockets against potential crashes and vibrations. But after a while, patients started using the foam to prevent bedsores. It was a relief when they were bed-ridden or suggested bedrest for a long time. However, it was only in the 1990s that TempurPedic developed the first-ever memory foam mattress.Since it is affected and molded by heat, it easily takes your body shape. Once laid, it provides instant relief against back or hip pain. Since it can fit against any weight, all body shapes can find comfort in it. It is also perfect for couples sharing the same bed as it has little motion transfer. The more recent memory foam mattresses reduce heat retention with effortless movement on the bed.What Is Memory Foam Made of?
The specific ingredients used for each memory foam differ according to the companies. But some common memory foam material remains the same. They are:- Polyols are the most basic building material of any mattress. They contain molecules from the hydroxyl group, culminating in the alcohol chemical group. They’re organic compounds that you can easily find.
- Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) are commonly spotted in memory foam mattresses. Diisocyanates, a type of chemical compound, are known to react with polymers chemically. This process eventually produces polyurethane foam.
- Blowing Agents create a chemical reaction that ultimately makes the foam. Most companies have started using water rather than traditional chemical-based blowing agents to avoid toxicity.
