Memory Foam ™: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Memoryfoam?
Why is Tempur Memory foam so much more expensive?
Why Memory foam ™ versus conventional foam?
So what’s different about it to Traditional foam?
Where does Traditional foam fit into the scenario?
What's different about it compared to conventional or traditional foam?
Where does your Memory foam come from?
Can I get the same pressure-dispersion results from conventional foam?
How many Memory foam densities and grades are there?
What is the difference between the Memory foam grades that you use on CompleteSleeprrr ORIGINAL and CompleteSleeprrr PLUS?
Should I be influenced by the weight and cost of a Memory foam pillow?
Will Memoryfoam discolour?
Will Memory Foam ™ last under constant use?
Can I expect my Memoryfoam product to have a slight odour?
Does the foam give off a smell?
Can I wash my Memory Foam?
Do you use heavy memory foam densities?
Will my Memory Foam pillow or Mattress Topper feel firm?
Will I feel warm on my pillow or mattress topper?
Can I sleep in any position on my Memory foam pillow?

Does the Memory Foam Mattress Topper come in a cover?
Do you make a waterproof cover for your overlays?
Can I avoid buying a new mattress if I get a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
Can I get a custom size Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

What about allergies from foam?
Need to know more?

Q. What is Memoryfoam?

A. It is a viscous elastic foam that is known for its pliable properties. That means it has wonderful pressure-diffusion qualities. "Spreads the load". "Feeling is believing!"

Q. Why is Tempur Memory foam so much more expensive?

A. Tempur is a Danish company. They have spent millions on national advertising in this country and worldwide to promote their name and products and to establish themselves in the market. This has had an impact on the prices of their products.

Q. Why Memory Foam ™ versus conventional foam?

A. It is an individual thing. Some people love the feel of Memoryfoam, while others prefer the availability of a wider choice of conventional foams in respect to density and softness/hardness. Viscous foam is more expensive to produce. It really is a personal thing.

So what's different about it to traditional foam?

Luxurious to feel, sumptuous to sleep on …. that’s the best way to sum up this new space-age viscous elastic foam!

It’s a second generation viscous elastic material that was first developed by NASA (North American Space Agency) to protect astronauts from G forces. It has a more viscous network of cells to that of Traditional foam, and this gives it its unique “pliable” characteristics.

It moulds to the body and supports, cushions, and comforts like nothing else … and quite simply you have to ‘feel it to believe it’ because only then can you quite literally grasp its wonderful pressure-diffusing properties.

It has gone from NASA to broad commercial applications, particularly in the medical field where it is renowned as a wonderful pressure-relief material for patients needing to be free of pressure to sensitive body parts that require medical care.

Memory Foam has now entered the bedding and general comfort market, and is available throughout the world in hundreds of different densities. There is nothing quite like it.

Memory Foam … “feeling is believing”

Where does Traditional foam fit into the scenario?

The difference between MemoryFoam and Traditional foam is simply in the viscous structure of the two and the composition of the network of cells. Memory foam is also a lot more expensive to produce!

It has to be said that Memory Foam is somewhat of a catchcry at the moment. ‘In fashion’ you could say. But don’t let it be said that there aren’t Traditional foam varieties that don’t do as good a job (and for less price) than Memory!

Traditional foam tends not to ‘mould’ to the body’s contours quite like Memory does, but nevertheless supports and comforts and is perfectly adequate for most …. so long as the correct density and softness is married to the right product.

We at Therapeutic Pillow International ensure that this is ALWAYS the case, and we have over 40 densities and softness versions of Traditional foams to choose from so we can hone in on the perfect marriage between foam density, comfort needs, and product application….every time!

Q. What's different about it compared to conventional or traditional foam?

A. Memory foam is simply more expensive to produce. It's all in the 'feel'. Conventional foam, in all its available densities and softness styles, is equally up to the task. It's simply a matter of personal preference. It's a matter of 'feel'!
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Q. Where does your Memory foam come from?

A. True-blue Australian, all our Memory Foam is made in Australia and we are proud of that!

Q. Can I get the same pressure-dispersion results from conventional foam?

A. Difficult to answer that. This company says yes, but the market place is trending to a preference for Memory foam ™ pillows which offer good loft. Many Memory foam ™ pillows around these days simply continue to sink under your body weight. Ours don't. We marry density to need to foam longevity. Conventional foams, so long as they are of premium quality, will look after you just as well as Memory foam. It's just a matter of 'feel' again!

Q. How many Memory foam densities and grades are there?

A. This company uses four grades: Two for its CompleteSleeprrr pillows and the softer grade of these two for its Satin Beauty Memory foam pillow; a lighter grade for the laminated Memory foam surface for its Dual Zone pillow, and a firmer grade for our Memory Mattress Topper.

There are other grades around both here and overseas, but we have narrowed it down to the aforementioned grades as being the perfect 'marriage' for the application.

Q. What is the difference between the Memory foam grades that you use on CompleteSleeprrr ORIGINAL and CompleteSleeprrr PLUS?

A. They are exactly the same density. The Memory PLUS version is simply not as soft as the Memory ORIGINAL. We have made the PLUS firmer to cater to those who prefer more substantial support, namely broader framed males who sleep on their side.

Q. Should I be influenced by the weight and cost of a Memory ™ foam pillow?

A. If the Memory foam is overly heavy like some imported versions, it is this company's opinion (and experience with samples) that you will continue to sink and sink into the pillow, and eventually incur little or no support under the head and neck, and you will also incur ear crush. It is our opinion. You be the judge. It is also our opinion that the more you're paying for imported Memory foam pillows, the less you get. Once again it is to your judgement to evaluate that. We consider that our Memory foam pillows provide the perfect marriage between comfort, support, and product longevity ... at the right price as well!

Q. Will Memory Foam ™ last under constant use?

A. It should, but of course it depends on the quality of the viscous foam to start with. This company uses premium grade viscous elastic which is carefully chosen for the respective applications. We try to ensure that the mix of comfort with longevity is married together. You can expect some years out of your Memory foam purchase, but we do not offer guarantees re longevity due to the individual’s use of the product. Some people are harder on products than others, heavier, and body sweat/moisture can shorten the life of viscous elastic foam, but generally you will be well satisfied with your purchase.

Q. Will Memoryfoam discolour?

A. Yes. But it will not affect the foam’s comfort and longevity properties. If your foam turns to yellow, do not be concerned. It is a naturally occurring thing. Of course if you expose foam of any type to light, particularly direct sunlight, it will discolour quickly and will break down. So keep it in its cover, please!

Q. Can I expect my Memoryfoam product to have a slight odour?

A. Possibly in its newness stage. If so please air it for a day or two, and the odour will dissipate. High humidity zones can contribute to odour in foams. Air it in a breezy environment, but not in direct sunlight. The odour will not return once it has gone.

Does the foam give off a smell?

The slight scent of newness that all foam products have will dissipate gradually.

Q. Can I wash my Memoryfoam product?

A. We do not recommend it because it takes some days to dry. Please see care instructions that come with the product to ensure that you are aware of cleaning issues.

Can I wash my Memory Foam?

You can, but we don’t recommend it because it will take days to dry due to the thousands of cells within the structure.

If you do wash it, then do it by hand, gently, in a bath of warm water with mild detergent. Rinse out, gently, with pure water, and then dry on a flat top. Do not expose it to direct light.

Never use a washing machine, or tumble, or spin dry because it may break up the cell structure and as well foam can heat up and catch fire if in a spin dryer!

Do you use heavy memory foam densities?

No heavy densities!

We at Therapeutic Pillow International do not subscribe to the heavier densities because it is felt that such styles incur additional pressure, not less, when the body continues to sink in. In fact some pillows out there offer poor (insufficient) neck support after a few minutes, and as well the dreaded ‘ear crush’ comes into play!

We use lighter ‘breathable’ densities that due to their cell structure DO NOT keep sinking, but you still receive the benefit of the unique moulding properties of viscous foam.

Will my Memory Foam pillow or Mattress Topper feel firm?

Temperature Sensitive

Viscous elastic foam is temperature sensitive (some densities more than others), and you will often find with a pillow or mattress topper for example that it will feel somewhat ‘firm’ when your body first comes into contact.

Within 30 or so seconds it will react to the warmth of your body, and will mould and form around your body accordingly and accommodate its pressure points to give you a near pressure-free feeling.

(If your room is warm to start with, then you won’t be aware of this temperature sensitive component of viscous elastic foam).

Will I feel warm on my pillow or mattress topper?

No warmer than a feather or wool or polyfibre or latex pillow or mattress. In fact where mattresses are concerned, they all have a foam or latex component to them, so you’re probably on part foam anyway on your inner spring mattress.

In summer of course it is a smart thing to reduce some of your bedding over your body, but the mattress topper below your body won’t really make any difference. It is still warm in summer, whatever you’re sleeping on …unless you have airconditioning of course!

What about allergies from foam?

All our foam products, including viscous elastic Memory Foam, are treated to inhibit allergenic reaction by creating an inhospitable environment for dust mites and other foreign matter (that may be attracted to the skin that we all shed from our bodies while in bed) to thrive on.

Can I sleep in any position on my Memory foam pillow?

Yes. The unique properties of Memory foam allow your body to adjust no matter whether you are sleeping in the side, back, or front position.

(The CompleteSleeprrr adjustable pillow in particular takes this even further and caters as well to all physiques).

Memory foam will encourage your spine’s natural alignment in a relatively pressure free environment. Of course it is impossible to be totally pressure free, but Memory probably gets you closer to such a situation than any other material on the planet!

Does the Memory Foam Mattress Topper come in a cover?

No, it doesn’t need it. You just place it under your bottom sheet, and it stays in place.

We do have waterproof fitted sheets for incontinence.
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Do you make a waterproof cover for your overlays?

Yes - we have waterproof/moisture proof protectors for all our mattress overlays, mattress toppers and pillows.

Can I get a custom size Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

No. They come in the four sizes single, double, queen and king, and are a few centimetres shorter on both sides to allow for your fitted sheet.

Can I avoid buying a new mattress if I get a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

That’s right, our belief is that you won’t need to now replace your sagging (or too hard) mattress.

And on that issue, if you were thinking about a new Memory Foam mattress at great expense, then don’t …. purchase three of four of our mattress toppers, put one on top of the other, and you’ve got yourself a new Memory mattress for a third of the price of the full Memory mattress you’ll buy at the retail stores. How about that!

Slow release or 'Memory Foam' as it is often called was originally developed by N.A.S.A to protect astronauts from the tremendous pressures exerted on their bodies by G forces as they departed and returned through the Earth's Atmosphere. The new foam proved to be so successful that its potential was soon recognised by medical science. It is now the most effective substance for relieving pressure points caused by the weight of the human body in its relaxed state. Subsequently it is now used by hospitals throughout the world to prevent pressure ulcers, which can easily occur when the body lies still for many hours. i.e. during an operation.

Memory foam has several unique properties that in combination provide the most comfortable sleeping experience on the market today.

Imagine for a moment that you are laying on your bed at home. Now instead of laying on your existing bed you have a three inch layer of memory foam sandwiched between your body and your mattress. As you relax you start to feel your body gently sinking into the memory foam. The Memory Mattress Topper immediately starts to respond to your unique shape and body temperature, you'll begin to experience a feeling of gentle support cradling the natural hollows in your neck, shoulders, back and knees, your joints and muscles will become totally relaxed, giving you a wonderful sense of weightlessness as you gently drift off to sleep.

Simply because of its ability to absorb pressure, memory foam can significantly reduce your need to turn in bed by a massive 80%. If you suffer from back trouble or impaired movement, this will really make a huge difference to your quality of sleep.

Now compare that feeling with the sensation of an ordinary mattress whether it is pocket sprung, coil sprung or ordinary foam. All these mattresses insist that you mould your body to them, they exert upward forces which in turn cause pressure to build as your body struggles to adapt itself to the shape of the mattress surface. Pressure starts to build up around your hips, shoulders and knees causing reduced blood supply and inevitable discomfort. The small of your back is left stranded in mid air, unsupported and if you're a back sufferer very uncomfortable indeed. You are now forced to alter your sleeping position. Maybe even waking up in the process, another broken nights sleep.

The foam's temperature sensitivity makes it slightly warmer than a conventional mattress to sleep on, therefore it is recommended that particularly in summer you adjust your bedding accordingly.