Memory Foam, Latex, and Specialty Bedding

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The World of Foam and Bedding

I'm really thrilled to finally see some significant progress in reducing the petroleum content of certain memory foams. Not only is this likely to help reduce our usage of petroleum, but it helps to create a more sustainable and potentially healthier product to sleep on. For those who may not want memory foam, there is also 100% Natural Latex, as well as a variety of special bedding items -- adjustable beds, guest beds, egyptian cotton sheets, silk comforters, ergonomic office chairs, and much more. With the exception of Sensus Brand, all of our memory foam toppers at Absolute Comfort on Sale will soon be of the Aerus line of Foam produced by Foamex, Inc -- which involves use of less petroleum products and Variable Pressure Foaming to reduce other industrial chemical agents.

Memory Foam Bedding

In the 70s, NASA scientists originally developed visco-elastic foam (nicknamed 'memory foam') for the aerospace industry, in an effort to assist astronauts in dealing with the extreme g-forces of space flight. The product was later commercialized for use in hospitals and homes.

Memory foam has gained popularity over the years due to its unique ability to conform to the body, respond to body weight and temperature, and recover more gradually from body impressions. Therapeutically, this adds up to a lessening of painful pressure points by distributing bodyweight more evenly. Memory foam conforms to the body in a very personal way, supporting the sleeper in a very cozy, warm, and relaxed feeling.

Memory foam products are often recommended by chiropractors and osteopaths for certain patients; and indeed, many people have benefitted from its use. Some individuals, of course, may not like its feel; while others may be sensitive to the chemical odors -- which they may find unpleasant.

Latex Bedding

The commercial manufacturing of latex dates back over 100 years, when natural latex was originally harvested and produced in Brazil from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree. Rubber became very popular with bicycle and automobile tires, and has expanded to touch nearly every area of life.

As a bedding material, 100% natural latex has also transformed the sleep industry, as well as the quality of sleep. Over time, development of sponsored Asian plantations and improved processing lowered the cost of latex, which in turn increased affordability and popularity.

Nevertheless, due to the increasing frequency of latex allergy as well as the desire to improve upon the already stellar properties of latex rubber, synthetic or "domestic" latex was created. Some of the main reasons, applicable to the bedding industry, included engineering control over finer graduations of density and "improving" the material's homogeneity and feel.

Eventually, blends of synthetic and natural latexes were also developed; though they have sometimes been marketed deceptively in the bedding industry. "Natural Latex," "Talalay Latex", and "Latex" are a few of the labels which have been applied to these blends -- though perhaps only discriminating customers know enough to question salespeople for complete and accurate information about the composition.

Nevertheless, all forms of latex offer a resilient and springy sleep surface which is also orthopedic and reduces painful pressure points. Latex bedding has also been recommended by chiropractors and osteopaths, though perhaps less frequently than memory foam.

The Production of 100% Natural Latex

Specialty Bedding

There are many excellent ways to enhance your home or bedroom, from an Adjustable Orthomatic Bed to a Premium Silk Filled Comforter ... and from a Luxury Rollaway Guest Bed to Egyptian Cotton Sheets. And, truly, every enhancement does make a difference.

Leggett & Platt is the original manufacturer of quality adjustable bed platforms in the USA. Although there is now an Asian brand that is on the market as well as a slatted European model, L & P is the gold standard for comfort and performance. Any mattress that is not too high and is flexible enough can be used in conjunction with this platform.

The basic ProMotion Adjustable Platform offers head, foot, and head-and-foot elevation with a corded remote control, while the full-featured S-Cape Adjustable Platform adds to that an advanced NeuroSage massage and a cordless remote control.

And, if you're looking for a spare bed that doesn't take up an entire room, Rollaway Guest Beds or Folding Guest Beds can provide comfort and support for your guests -- but pick a good one unless you want to discourage them from staying with you again! Quality roll aways will have a slatted support system rather than springs; while folding guest beds with a thin memory foam layer are likely to be more comfortable.

Any time you want to add elegant comfort and a special feel to your bed, you'll find it worthwhile to look into Egyptian Cotton Sheets or Organic Egyptian Cotton Sheets, Silk Comforters or Blankets, or perhaps even an Egyptian Cotton Covered Goose Down Comforter.

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MisterBrian

Hello world. This is my little space on Squidoo to talk about business things and long hoped-for developments in bedding materials and products! By the... more »

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