Memory Foam Pillow: What is memory foam?
In recent years, we’ve seen a surge of pillows and mattresses on the market called ‘memory foam’. It was led onto the scene by a company called Tempur-Pedic, the Swedish mattress. The product has actually been around much longer than that. But what is this ‘mysterious’ material, memory foam pillow, and what does it do that a normal pillow doesn’t?
Memory foam pillow: What makes up memory foam?
Memory foam is made up of polyurethane with some additional chemicals added in to increase its viscosity and density. It can be manufactured in different density levels, which change its behavior. For instance a lower-density memory foam pillow is pressure-sensitive and will mold quickly to a shape pressed against it. Once the pressure is removed, it returns to its natural shape. A higher-density product will become softer in reaction to body heat, where it can then mold to the body over a period of a few minutes. By altering the combination of these chemicals, manufacturers are able to come up with different versions of their products that have ‘faster recovery times’ and other claims. But essentially it’s the same type of product, just chemically adjusted to respond differently to the situation.
Memory foam pillow: knowing how to shop for one
Memory foam products come in a wide range of thicknesses and sizes. The industry does have a rating system called the IFD rating system. However, there are those who feel that the rating system doesn’t provide an accurate rating on how soft the material really is. What seems to be the best indicator is a foam product that is between 3 lbs – 5 lbs in density. One word of caution is to avoid buying the inexpensive options that are available. Often times the manufacturer will replace essential ingredients with less expensive filler, such as sand, to cut their costs. This really affects how well the product performs and feels. Stick with better known manufacturers for a long lasting product.
Memory foam pillow: Shopping
When you start looking for a memory foam pillow, you will pay more for a denser foam product. It does cost more to make the denser products. But this alone isn’t the best indicator of a good product, since mostly what it tells you is how much it’s going to weigh. The denser the material is, the more you will have of that ‘memory foam’ feel.
You will find many options available in the memory foam pillow world. Taking time to understand better what needs you have, how much you want to spend and which companies make the best products will help you to choose a pillow that you will love. Once you have an understanding of this, you will find just the perfect memory foam pillow to solve those issues.