It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is a critical part of a healthy lifestyle. Comfort and posture play big roles in ensuring that you get quality sleep and wake up feeling refreshed, energized, flexible and ready for the day. If you’re struggling to get consistent, quality rest night after night, you may consider using memory foam.
What is Memory Foam?
Created for NASA in the mid 1960’s, memory foam is made from a substance called viscoelastic. Viscoelastic is both extremely energy absorbent and soft to the touch. Energy absorbent, in this case, means that the material molds to your shape, takes in your body weight and then distributes it evenly, allowing for your back, neck and joints to rest comfortably without pressure.
Benefits of Memory Foam
Memory foam is sold in many different forms, including pillows, mattresses and mattress toppers. You can find various memory foam items in just about every major retail store or bedding shop. Some of these pieces can get quite pricey, so it is recommended to try out a pillow before making a bigger purchase like a mattress. It is also important to remember, when considering the price of a memory foam pillow, that you’re getting a durable product that will outlast a regular, feather pillow.
Memory Foam Pillows Flow with Your Spine
A memory foam pillow has a different shape than a regular pillow; instead of the typical puffy rectangle that we all grew up with, these pillows are contoured to cradle your neck and the top of your spine. The viscoelastic material molds around your neck, which customizes the pillow to you and your position. The unique way in which your neck and spine are evenly supported guarantees that you will not wake up feeling sore.
Health Benefits
Memory foam pillows are proven to reduce both sleep apnea and snoring in users. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes people to temporarily stop breathing or experience shallow breaths throughout the night. It is a fairly common condition that affects both women and men. Both sleep apnea and snoring occur when your head is tilted up, causing your air passages to close throughout the night. The pillow’s neck contours allow for your air passages to remain open, keeping you snore free. The reduction of snoring and sleep apnea will allow for a more complete night’s sleep.
An added benefit of memory foam is that the material is resistant to bed bugs, which is sure to ease your mind as you settle in for bed.
Melanie Marzillo
Research & Community Education