Evolution of Memory Foam, the technology that comes from space

From Memory Foam Pillow to AirCell Orthopedic Pillow

Did you know that Memory Foam was a "space" invention?

In 1966, NASA tasked two American scientists with developing an innovative material later named "Temper Foam." Initially, it was to be used on a technology project aimed at improving Safety and Comfort for pilots of air vehicles. Later, it was used for aircraft seats and space suit padding to absorb the effects of accelerations to which astronauts were subjected; especially to improve the stress conditions to which the crew was subjected during takeoff and landing due to the effects of gravity.
Thus an open-cell polyurethane foam was born, capable of compensating for the pressure exerted by distributing the weight of the pressed body and taking its shape, and then regaining its original conformation. In fact, its very first definition was that of " slow spring back foam" ("slow spring back foam" in English).

This material was patented by NASA, which had exclusive use of it for about 20 years. In the 1980s it was then decided to make it public, and so it was used in a wide variety of fields: in transportation for padding seats and vehicle interiors, and in sports for football helmets, riding saddles, and for wheelchairs and artificial prosthesis padding for Paralympic athletes. Much success was also enjoyed in the medical field as padding for particular medical couches, such as dental couches.

Since memory foam began to be marketed on a large scale, significant improvements have been made in both production and structure; its spread has been global, and its use has been expanded to offer the same comfort in everyday life as happened with memory pillows.

What is Memory Foam?

Technically speaking, Memory Foam is made of water-based polyurethane foam, an elastic material that can deform and react to weights, always returning to its initial shape. A Memory Foam pillow is therefore adaptable, dynamic, and temperature sensitive. In contact with the body's heat and weight it molds its stiffness, adapting and accommodating the weight and shape of those resting on it in a dynamic and differentiated manner.Because of these characteristics, memory foam immediately lent itself to numerous other uses, such as saddles, medical supports and, indeed, memory pillows.

How does Memory Foam work ?

The best Memory Foam pillows have the following characteristics:

They distribute the weight of the head properly, relieving pressure points.
They particularly accommodate the spine in a natural and comfortable way.
They optimally support muscles and joints, promoting their relaxation.
They promote blood circulation.

To relieve symptoms during the hours Memoy Foam is consequently a long-recommended product for those who find it difficult to find the ideal position, but especially for those who wish to release muscle tension or suffer musculoskeletal pain dictated by poor posture.

Astronaut sad because of memory foam defects

What are the shortcomings of Memory Foam?

Despite the properties seen above, which have made it an extremely popular product, however, classic memory foam also has flaws, which are mostly known to those who have tried it before.

In nighttime use, the biggest flaw is that, once deformed, a memory foam pillow takes a few seconds to lose the shape stored by the foam, and this may be unpleasant for those who frequently change position during sleep.In addition, being a synthetic material, memory foam is not breathable, and thus tends to accumulate body heat from the body in contact with it, and to "trap" warm air between the niches of the spine and the pillow itself. Its use is therefore less welcome during the warmer months, and by warm people in general.
Finally, cheaper memory pillows tend to warp soon, and should therefore be changed once a year.

Pharmaflex's AirCell is the evolution of Memory Foam

AirCell is an evolved and innovative foam material, designed to be an evolution of Memory Foam and provide concrete and decisive support to those suffering from cervical problems.The characteristics that make a Pharmaflex cervical pillow made of AirCell compared to a memory foam mattress are as follows:

A complex structure composed of 5 layers of different materials.
A composition with higher density than the average Memory Foam pillow (45kg/mc versus 35-40 kg/mc for memory pillows).
Very high breathability, thanks to the "open cell" configuration that ensures constant air exchange, preventing the formation of annoying moisture zones.
A high degree of resilience (the resistance to compression and deformation).
Maximum comfort due to its ability to adapt to the pressures exerted by body weight, returning to its original shape within fractions of a second.
"Asymmetrical double wave" design : two sides with different sizes, designed for face-up and side-facing sleeping positions (11 and 13cm respectively).
Totally hypoallergenic, elastic and crushproof.
Class-1 Medical Device.

Pharmaflex Cervical, night cervical pillow

Unlike common cervical memory foam pillows, Pharmaflex Cervical offers 5 layers of different densities against cervicalgia.

The Composition on 5 layers:

Pharmaflex's New 5-Layer Cervical Pillow Technology surpasses the effectiveness of Memory Foam cervical pillows, going on to eliminate the symptoms of cervicalgia through vertebral decompression. This effect is made possible by its evolved structure, which alternates layers of polyurethane of different densities, each designed to provide a precise benefit.

Layer1: AirCell. Designed for maximum comfort, AirCell is a special open-cell, fully air permeable formula of density 45 (kg/m3). A standard that needed 5 years of study, analysis and field testing before it was put on the market.
Layer 2: Muscle Decontraction. The second layer aims to reduce pressure points and relax the spinal and semi-spinal musculature of both the head and neck, easing cervical tension.
Layer 3: Vertebral decompression. The third layer promotes spacing between cervical vertebra C1 and C7, reducing compression and crushing of the intervertebral discs. Bringing the cervical vertebrae too close together, in fact, is the cause of dizziness, loss of balance and widespread acute pain.
Layer 4: Ventilation function. The fourth layer has a breathable function, to create greater air passage between the component cells of the polyurethane foam and preserve freshness in summer and warmth in winter. At the same time, breathability also prevents the formation of mold, mites and bacteria within the pillow itself.
Layer 5: AirCell for Unparalleled Comfort. A final layer of Aircell was added to further enhance the overall comfort of the pillow.

In addition to its orthopedic role, Pharmaflex Cervical is extremely comfortable and pleasant: "It feels like floating with your head," one of our clients told us, as if in space.

Have you already tried a memory foam neck pillow without result?

The combination of different materials on multiple layers has resulted in a state-of-the-art orthopedic cervical pillow that outperforms and benefits even the best memory pillow, so much so that it is classified as a Class-1 Medical Device and guaranteed for 2 years.

Pharmaflex Cervical in fact has specific functional features to prevent and solve cervical problems . In fact, compression of the vertebrae and crushing of the intervertebral discs and nerves are the primary cause of the most common and disabling symptoms of cervicalgia, such as:

Head spins
Dizziness
Sense of lurching
Nausea
Widespread headaches
Neurological impairment of the upper limbs

The Carbon Fiber Cover

Our pillowcase is also better than any cover you'll find on the market paired with memory pillows. Its special carbon fiber fabric allows the body to discharge the accumulated electrostatic charge, allowing you to sleep more deeply and thus ensuring greater rest, which translates into greater sprint for the next day.

Carbon fiber forms a real wall to curb electromagnetic pollution, allowing the non-risky dispersion of electrostatic charges.In addition, from a hygienic point of view, carbon ensures high yields because it is:

Antiviral
Antibacterial
Hypoallergenic
Durable and elastic
Thermo-insulating (keeps warm in winter and cool in summer)
Designed to last 5 times longer than a regular under-bedding

Pharmaflex Cervical, like all the other pillows in our line, is a device of the highest quality and represents the evolution of Memory Foam pillows: a space product!

If you are looking for a cervical pillow that will help relieve and prevent the discomfort of cervicalgia while you sleep, visit the product page of Pharmaflex Cervical to find out more technical details and how it works. You'll be guaranteed a 100% Made in Italy, effective and functional product, with theopportunity to try it free of charge for 30 days and guaranteed for 2 years.