TEMPUR® vs. Memory Foam
Invented in the 1960s in an effort to relieve astronauts from the immense G-forces experienced during take-off and landings, “Visco-elastic” foam was a breakthrough in pressure relief technology. NASA scientists worked for years to improve the material for consumer applications. This original formulation “lived” for a short time in medical surfaces and seating applications and was released to the public in the 1980s. Due to high production cost, and the need for further research and development the material met with little success.
Scientists at Tempur-Pedic® took on the NASA formula and after nearly a decade and millions of research dollars perfected what we know today as TEMPUR® material. This highly responsive, dense and durable material is now a proprietary formula (and process) known only by a few within Tempur-Pedic and remains a highly guarded secret. In 1998 Tempur-Pedic was recognized by NASA and the Space Foundation for the advances made in the formula and the unique product innovations for consumer and medical applications. Today Tempur-Pedic remains the only mattress and pillow manufacturer recognized by NASA and the Space foundation.
A small number of other companies created their own formulation to produce what we know today as commodity memory foam; this material can be found in many consumer products under many different brand names with varied claims of densities, pressure relief and consumer benefits. Memory foam has become the generic name for polyurethane foam that exhibits low energy return. However, because of varied manufacturing processes, complicated distribution networks and unspecified quality control measures, commodity memory foam product quality remain unpredictable and unrefined.
Important things to consider when choosing products with TEMPUR material or memory foam are: the manufacturing process, durability, and substantiated claims. Only Tempur-Pedic manufactures TEMPUR material and it can be found only in Tempur-Pedic products produced using our strict manufacturing specifications under stringent quality control. TEMPUR material is tested for maximum durability and is backed by our comprehensive warranty. Also, all Tempur-Pedic claims for support, comfort and pressure relief are backed by our investment in research, and proven medical heritage.
Choose wisely. Sleep well.