Memory Foam Safety

Memory foam was invented in 1966 by Nasa's Ames Research Center.

Memory foam was invented by the Ames Research Center at NASA in 1966 that helped improved a shuttle’s cushion safety. Memory foam mattresses contour to people’s bodies due to their temperature. This allows joints, bones and muscles to experience minimal pressure during the sleeping cycle, making your sleep deeper and more restful. When using memory foam mattresses, it is important to be aware of different safety precautions to help lower your risks of injury and death.

Memory Foam and Children

Young children should never sleep on memory foam mattresses, as they will experience a greater risk of being suffocated or smothered while they are sleeping. Because the heat of your body temperature will allow a memory foam mattress to contour to your body’s shape and form, children may find it hard to move positions during the night. If sleeping in a dangerous or uncomfortable position, a child may be too restricted to move during the sleeping process.

Medical Issues

Some memory foam mattresses have been known to give out an odor that irritates the lungs and inflames the respiratory system. The odor is commonly caused by a paint smell that provides the mattress with a mold and mildew resistor. It is recommended to thoroughly air your memory foam mattress before use if you suffer from allergies or any other respiratory illnesses.

Flame Retardant

All mattresses that are sold in the United States must meet certain safety standards. Flammability is one of these standards as state and federal law mandates that mattresses must be flame retardant or resistant to an open flame. To determine if your memory foam mattress is flame retardant, look to see if it is manufactured with the material polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Memory Foam Weight

Most memory foam mattresses are made from visco-elastic foam, making them extremely heavy. Memory foam mattress owners must use great care when lifting or moving the mattress. When moving a mattress, it is important that you do not move it by yourself and follow safe lifting procedures. Upper and lower back and arm injuries can be sustained as since the mattress is wide and heavy, you can be tempted to overextend your arms, causing serious injuries.

Memory Foam Conditions

Memory foam mattresses that have tears, cuts or other abrasions should be closely inspected before using. Tears and cuts in the memory foam can be dangerous to users as sharp objects and other items can get stuck in the mattress and can cause injury when laid upon. Check with the memory foam’s manufacturer and follow their instructions when it comes to repairing or replacing your mattress.

References

• Memory Foam Info: Memory Foam
• Memory Foam Mattress: Smells

Resources

• Risk Management: Lifting Procedures