Memory Foam Mattresses Were Invented By Nasa
We've all heard that Memory Foam mattresses were invented by Nasa, but have you heard the whole story?
The research money NASA spends has led to the invention of many things we take for granted. While not every person uses memory foam mattresses, most have heard of them.
NASA physicians were concerned about the long hours that space shuttle astronauts were spending sitting while in space. After all, astronauts have soft behinds like the rest of us, and the limited room to move around inside of space capsules posed a real hazard to their comfort levels. They realized that the important work of various space missions would be at stake if the astronauts were in discomfort from extended sitting.
Also NASA realized that the the G-Forces they would experience during take-off and landing could cause internal injuries based on the sudden and extended pressures from the rocket boosters. The seats that they were using were hard plastic throwbacks to the Apollo days and time was ripe for a better solution. NASA research centers began working on various poured foam seats. These super comfortable seats that shaped to the body contours of the astronauts, did not cause the pressure points that cause discomfort. They were eventually were used for the seats in the space shuttle.
NASA holds the patent to memory foam but has made it commercially available, mattress companies realized the possibilities of using memory foam for sleeping and early tests were very positive. Within 3 years memory foam was being used by every major brand of mattress manufacturer.