The Body Hugging Qualities Of Memory Foam Make It The Best Choice For Side Sleepers
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The body hugging qualities of memory foam make it the best choice for side sleepers – bar none. No other mattress type – especially traditional innerspring mattresses – can even come close to claiming a more comfortable sleep for those who favor, consciously or subconsciously, one of many side facing positions.
While many people are side sleepers, it can take a toll on the body. By laying perpendicular to the mattress instead of lying flat, more of the body’s weight is centered on a smaller plane, with most of the pressure falling squarely on the shoulder, hip and arm. This is especially true with mattresses comprised of hard coils that push against the body. The result typically runs the gambit from simple soreness to outright pain that can be debilitating in some cases.
But that doesn’t have to be the case. There are definite benefits to side sleepers who choose a memory foam mattress for its ability to those painful side effects.
Memory foam was first developed by NASA during the 1970s to help protect astronauts from the intense pressures on the body that are experienced at take-off and re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. While that particular foam was never used by NASA, it did make its way to the private sector where it was further developed into a commercial product that hit the retail market in the 1990s. Ever since, memory foam has been lauded by owners worldwide for its unique health benefits.
Memory foam’s open cell structure collapses under the weight and warmth of a body. As the material warms, the memory foam softens and slightly absorbs the body. Cupping the body in this manner allows the resulting pressure to be diverted away from the body. This unique support structure eliminates the painful pressure points that can cause so much discomfort.
It is always important to remember that not all memory foam is created equal. Reputable dealers tend to use higher quality materials. Every consumer considering a memory foam mattress purchase should fully understand how thickness, density and firmness can help or hinder their search for ultimate comfort.
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