Advantages & Disadvantages of Memory Foam on Seats

Created in 1966 by NASA, memory foam was used in aircraft to increase safety. It has endured for decades and been introduced to numerous products. First commercialised as padding on X-ray tables and as liners in football helmets, NASA released the patent for memory foam in the 1980s, and it was first used in a mattress in 1991. Since then it has continuously been added to products to increase comfort, including seats.

Memory foam seat cushions support the spine and vertebrate and decrease pressure on the back when sitting. The added support of memory foam cushions leads to decreased pain for people with back problems, and also it is known to last for several years. The polyurethane foam, with its dense and viscous additives, while comfortable, may become unpleasantly balmy in the summer months due to the way it hugs the body. Also on the negative side, some users have complained about a strong odour from the foam that tends to last.

Memory foam pads added to car seats can make a big difference in back and bottom comfort during long trips, especially for people who drive as an occupation, such as 18-wheeler truck drivers. For short drivers who can barely see over the steering wheel, sitting on a thick memory foam pad may also increase field of view and safety while driving. However, the boost in height may push taller drivers awkwardly close to the ceiling of their car, especially in smaller vehicles such as sports cars.

The cost of memory foam has come down since it was first commercialised, which is good news to office workers and PC gamers who spend many hours sitting in front of a computer screen. Memory foam seat pads and pillows come in sizes for virtually any body shape and help alleviate stress on the back during long periods of sitting. The main pitfall of such pads is that the height they add may disrupt the positioning of lumbar support in the chair, potentially causing as much discomfort as it alleviates.

Rather than using a pad or pillow for support, chairs made fully of memory foam offer a different kind of solution. Some, called "lounge sacks," resemble large bean bags and allow relaxation in both fully upright and fully reclined positions. Memory foam lounge sacks work well in dorms, living rooms and home theatres. They offer better support than bean bags but are also more expensive. These chairs can be made from an eco-friendly plant-based formula and come in several different colours to match your decor