As mentioned on the main page of http://memoryfoamcushion.org, memory foam is helpful and beneficial in reducing the pressure on many points of your body, such as hip, knees and back. Memory foam dog beds also hold the same benefits for older dogs who may suffer from joint problems, arthritis or hip displasia. Many vets recommend memory foam dog beds for older dogs but it is becoming more common for dog owners to purchase these beds for younger dogs. Why wait until your dog is older and sore before you get them a comfy bed?

As mentioned, memory foam dog beds are essential if your dog is suffering from muscle, bone or joint pain. Most dogs will at some point in their life suffer from such conditions so it is recommended to start using these types of beds sooner rather than later as they may help in the prevention of such problems.

So you’ve decided to buy a memory foam dog bed! What size, shape or style is best for your dog?

Memory foam dog beds tend to come in a rectangular shape but they are also available in various shapes and sizes. It is recommended that you have a look at your dogs sleeping position and make an informed decision on your findings. The rectangular style bed will be suitable for the majority of dogs.

The majority of memory foam dog beds are made from a foam density of 3 lb, 4 lb or 5 lb. If you are looking for a really high quality bed for your dog then it is recommended that you go for a 5 lb density, these beds however tend to be a bit more expensive but will last longer and offer more comfort to your dog.

It is very important that when looking to purchase memory foam dog beds you choose one that has been certified as non-toxic. Make sure this certification has come from a reputable, recognizable, governmental authority as some manufacturers use toxic chemicals in their memory foam.

If you set out to buy a dog bed made from memory foam then make sure it is memory foam that you actually buy! There are many companies claiming to sell memory foam dog beds when in fact the material they are using is not memory foam at all. These materials will not relieve the pressure points on your dog while he/she sleeps and may offer no real benefits at all.

Be warned that the following are not memory foam and should be avoided if it is memory foam you are looking for:

* Shredded memory foam

* High memory fiber fill

* Egg crate foam

* Convoluted foam

* Medical grade hospital foam

* ‘High density’ foam

* Foam chips

* Recycled fiber

* Batting

* Cedar

* Polyester fiber

Good luck in your search for a memory foam dog bed! Remember to do your research on the bed you are buying.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visco Elastic Memory Foam.

Does visco elastic memory foam really offer any benefits?

In short, Yes! visco elastic memory foam permits mattresses to adjust to your personal body shape to help alleviate pressure points.  Instead of sleeping on your side and experiencing pressure on your shoulders, hips and knees, envisage sleeping on a flawless mould that supports all your body parts.  The visco elastic memory foam allows the pressure to be distributed evenly along the side of your body instead of just on your shoulders, hips and knees.

What density of visco elastic memory foam is right for me?

To be honest, there isn’t a density of visco elastic memory foam which is perfect for everyone. You will need to take into account a couple of factors such as the size of your body and the way you like to sleep.  If you’re lighter in weight then you may feel that a 4lb visco elastic memory foam mattress feels right.  Having said that, you may prefer a firmer feel and decide that a 5lb visco elastic memory foam pad is better.  Heavier individuals will obviously need to choose toppers which are a bit denser.  Denser (heavier, thicker) visco elastic memory foam toppers tend to result in a better sleep.

What type of thickness should a mattress topper be?

The thickness of topper you decide to choose should be based ultimately on your size, sleeping preference and your desired density.  The denser the visco elastic memory foam topper will result in a thinner pad.  Another rule of thumb to consider is your sleeping position. People who sleep on their back or side should look at purchasing a 3″ pad.  If however you more often  than not sleep on your front then it is recommended that you choose a 2″ visco memory foam pad.

How is visco memory foam elastic?

You are probably aware that visco elastic memory foam is more resistant to changing formation than your normal traditional foam.  Basically this means that when you apply pressure to the foam it will start to feel firmer.  The visco foam will slowly squeeze together under your weight and due to the heat provided by your body.  When a good visco elastic memory foam is compressed it will keep its compressed shape temporarily before then slowly reverting to normal.  One tip to remember is the slower the visco memory foam takes to return to its original shape the better the quality of that foam.

Do visco elastic memory foam toppers make your body too hot at night?

If the visco elastic memory foam you purchase if of lower quality then you may experience discomfort due to heat while trying to sleep as the foam does not breath properly.  Many higher quality visco memory foams have sufficient air channels which allow the foam to breath. This does not take away from the support or durability provided by the foam.

Is the quality of visco memory foam the same?

No!  It is important that you take time to research the memory foam product you are buying as many cheap low cost manufacturers tend to use chemicals such as formaldehyde to produce their foams.  Would you want to sleep on formaldehyde every single night?  No, neither would we!  Many manufacturers use old techniques and systems to produce their products, this may have an effect on how slowly the foam takes to return to its original shape (remember the slower the better!).

Who created visco elastic memory foam?

Visco elastic memory foam was created by NASA in the early 1970s as an attempt to help the astronauts relieve some of the pressures that they felt during take off and re-entry. A Swedish manufacturer then helped NASA perfect the foam and it was then used in hospitals to help with comfort for patients that were hospitalized long term. It then hit the world wide market in the early 90′s when a company created a mattress from it and started producing it for the general public.

Car seat cushions come in a whole array of colours and sizes. In its most simple form, they are usually basic padded cushions placed on the car seat which helps provide support. There are also some very advanced cushions which have built in temperature control and massage! They are made from a wide range of materials, the reason you need one will determine the type of material you go for. Most of the materials used are easy to clean which is good as you don’t want your car smelling!

If you want a cushion that helps support your back while driving you will be able to find one easily. If you need it to help correct your posture while driving then these are also available or you may just need an extra boost to help you see over the steering wheel! Fear not, there are many different types of car seat cushions available on the market, ranging from the very cheap to the some what expensive!

No matter what one you decide to purchase it is important that the cushion you decide to go with does not slide around on the seat. Not only could you end up doing more damage to your back but it is also highly dangerous to use while driving. Look for a cushion that either has straps so you can secure it to the seat or has material on its bottom to stop it from sliding.

Some of the newer cushions available on the market are made from what is called memory foam. This foam moulds around your body to help give you a personalized car seat cushion. Higher density memory foam reacts to body heat, allowing it to mould to a warm human body in a few minutes. A lower density memory foam is pressure-sensitive and moulds quickly to the shape of the body.

Memory foam, due to its very nature offers a substantial number of benefits to the user. If used in combination, a memory foam cushion can help provide excellent stress and pressure relieving support to the user:

Memory foam is manufactured with a higher density and therefore is naturally more supportive and easily conforms to your body.

This type of material is very sensitive to temperature. It is firm at room temperature, but reacts to your body temperature when used, allowing the foam to mould to the shape of your body. Therefore, minimizing the stress on your pressure points, whilst distributing your weight more evenly.

At their plainest a memory foam cushion is merely a bit of foam in a case – very often similar to a simple pillow but not as large. Just like your standard pillow, there is a multitude of variations available. Memory foam cushions are manufactured to give you a greater choice and are available in a variety of colours and sizes.

Many people associate such cushions with the bedroom. However, they are no longer confined to just this room as they are now commonly manufactured to give the support and comfort you need in many, such as in the office on the uncomfortable office chair, whilst driving your car or while you watch television at home.

ObusForme: The Obusforme memory foam car seat cushion is designed with additional lumbar support which assists to ease the strain on the lower back. This cushion fits all standard car seats and the majority of bucket seats and is easy to clean.

Carex: Ergonomically designed to help the user sustain a correct posture for longer and to help provide support whist seated. The cover is machine washable.

Donut Pillow: This memory foam cushion is ideal for anybody who suffers with coccyx or tail bone problems. The cushion is firm but due to the quality of the foam it adjusts to the shape or your bottom whist distributing your weight evenly.

Massaging Back Cushion: The massaging memory foam cushion adjusts to help support the ‘S’ curve of your spine. Not only does this cushion help support your back but it also has a built in massager with adjustable speeds to help relieve aches and pains. Operates with AA batteries.