Memory foam was developed originally by NASA as a way to improve comfort and quality of airplane travel.   Stencel Engineering Corporation was the first to successfully develop the project as they lent several engineers to the NASA efforts.  Originally it was named temper foam.

Later on a commercial entity was formed to market and sell the material as both medically related beds like x-ray machines and sports equipment like football helmet liners.  Later on the company was sold to a firm called Becton and the product line was expanded.

Originally the foam was introduced to the public in the late eighties and Fagerdala World Foams was one of a very small handful of companies willing to put the material through the rigorous production process.  In 1991 they produced the “Tempu-Pedic Swedish Mattress” and this eventually gave rise to the company Tempur World that currently has a significant market share.

The first life changing application of the foam was in the medical industry as previous patients who were bed ridden suffered from pressure points developed by their spring mattress.  These pressure points cut off blood flow and lead to both gangrene and bed sores, the new foam reduced these instances by 80% in most studies.

At first as with most new technology the material was too expensive for commercial in home use, but in recent years the popularity coupled with increased technology in the manufacturing has dropped the price significantly.  Its most common domestic use is in pillows, beds and mattress toppers, but is still used as wheelchair cushioning and in many hospitals around the world.  Because the foam retains heat they are often used for people with muscle pain as a way to increase blood flow and reduce tension.

There are some hazards to watch out for when considering the purchase of these products.  The chemicals used to create the foam are very potent and often cause headaches if not aired out properly.  The smell is similar to paint and the long term affects are unknown.  Careful precaution should be taken with people who suffer from chemical sensitivity or asthma related issues as these may be increased with the pad.

Manufactures also caution the use of the foam around babies because with the density of the foam the infant may find it hard to turn over which can lead to injury, suffocation and or death.