How does NASA use that "memory contour foam"?

[willpittenger]

I see several matress brands claiming to use a memory foam that adjusts to the contours of your body. Supposedly, it was developed by NASA. Does NASA use it only on the ground in mattresses? I don't see mattress technology all that helpful in microgravity environments. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Will Pittenger<hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Add this user box to your Wikipedia User Page to show your support for the SDC forums: <div style="margin-left:1em">{{User:Will Pittenger/User Boxes/Space.com Account}}</div> </div>

 

[docm]

NASA article....<br /><br /><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p><b>Famous Foam Has a Future</b><br /><br />NASA foam material is saving lives, reducing health care costs and providing cushioning aboard the Space Shuttle and in air flight tests. Temper Foam, a material first developed by NASA in the 1970s to improve seat cushioning and crash protection for airplane pilots and passengers, was recently inducted into the U.S. Space Foundation's Space Technology Hall of Fame.<br /><br />Developed at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California, the material eventually found its way into commercial products, such as orthopedic support cushions, operating table pads, ear plugs, football helmets and furniture cushions. The foam is also used in Space Shuttle seats. The nonflammable, nontoxic and inexpensive Temper Foam takes the shape of impressed objects, but it returns to its original form even after 90-percent compression. <br /> /><p><hr /></p></p></blockquote> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[vulture2]

I've never understood how Tempur-Pedic got to use "The only matress recognized by NASA" in their ads. I would guess this was an early agreement made before current policies against endorsements were adopted.

 

[rocketman5000]

I thought the ad stated "developed by NASA"<br /><br />at any rate they make for a very comfortable seat foam. I sat in a Cessna 152 that was rehopolstered with temperfoam. I loved it.

 

[docm]

We sleep on the stuff, King size, including the pillows. <br /><br />Nice <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[rocketman5000]

A little off topic, but would your recommend it and what is the life of a mattress

 

[CalliArcale]

I love it, especially the pillows. (I like firm pillows.) It does take some getting used to, though, and you can expect some bad nights of sleep at first because you need to learn how to roll over on a foam mattress without actually waking up. At least, I did. Sort of like Birkenstocks in that regard; I had to get used to those, but now I swear by them.<br /><br />The biggest disadvantage is that they are very good insulators, like most foam, and so the bed gets warm as you sleep; you end up almost not needing covers at all. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em>  -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[josh_simonson]

They do get heavier, but it's with dust, dirt and body grime, which dust mites may then eat some of. One can always put a plastic cover on the bed. We do because my 3yo sometimes has accidents...which might make an unprotected bed get heavier too... <br /><br />With regards to the original post, the first thing that popped into my head was 'Nappies!'. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />