By Heather Colman

Memory Foam is made with a polyurethane material. In order to increase its density, other chemicals are added which increases its viscosity level. The combination of the chemicals used determines the visco-elastic nature of the polyurethane foam and depending on such combination, the foam has the characteristic of being firmer in cooler temperature and softer in warmer environments. Higher density Memory Foam reacts with body heat. It reacts so that within a few minutes the product forms around the shape of the body. The property of the polyurethane foam could be demonstrated by pressing one’s hand on the foam and then on removing it. The foam retains a clear impression of the hand.

In 1970s, NASA developed Memory Foam for use in their space program. With the hope that with the ability of uniform distribution of pressure of such foam, the extreme G-force phenomenon would be taken care of. Ironically, the material was never used in any space program. In the 1990s, the product came onto the commercial market in the form of topper pads and then as foam mattresses.

A medical company, Tempur-Pedic, first realized the potential commercial application of the foam. They researched the various versions of the foam and came out with a product that they called “Tempur”. This Tempur was durable and had the property of pressure reduction.

When Memory foam first came out in the market, it was known as T-foam. It released chemical gasses making it unhealthy to be used in a closed environment. Over the years, this odor was reduced but could not be gotten rid of. The initial T-foam promised a great product as a bed topper or wheel chair cushion material. But it was noticed that it had issues with wear over a relatively short time. This early version of the foam was not found to be durable and would often crack and remain compressed after a while.

Memory Foam has shown excellent characteristics in responding to changes in temperature and its ability to reduce pressure by spreading the weight evenly over a larger surface area. Consequently, the foam also found an application in medical treatments of patients by preventing so called “bed sores” that a patient can develop when bed-ridden. In other medical applications, the foam is used in wheelchair seat cushions, pillows or padding for people suffering long- term pain from postural problems. For the heat retaining properties of the foam, it makes pain more bearable for a patient suffering from back injuries.

Memory foam is generally denser, making it heavier than other foams. Because it is heavier, the foam remains more supportive and comfortable. A new Memory Foam mattress has a chemical odor that is unpleasant to some people. Although airing does take most of this odor away, certain people remain sensitive to the smell.

Presently Memory Foam is used in many commercial products such as mattress toppers, mattresses and pillows, positional sleep aids, office furniture, automobile seat padding, footwear, infant cribs, car seats, wheel chair cushions, computer carrying cases, tennis racquet handles and more.

About the Author: Copyright 2006, Heather Colman. Find more

foam mattress

resources at

foam-mattress-central.info

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By Christopher Smith

Occasionally there is a short-term need for a wheel chair and they can be costly to purchase, even one that is used. This is when the option of wheelchair rental can come in handy. Being able to rent a wheel chair for a short time, many times the cost of which is covered by insurance, can help when recovering from an accident or illness.

Another advantage of a wheelchair rental is that if something goes wrong with the wheel chair you’re renting, it will be replaced at no extra cost with one that works. The medical supply company you’re working with should be very understanding if you need your unit replaced for whatever reason. There are several models to choose from, which is a great benefit for those who may be confined to a wheelchair for an extended period of time.

It would be a rare occasion when a chair rental would not be received in clean, working order and usually a simple phone call will get it replaced immediately, but most reputable equipment companies will not let that happen.

Keep Track Of Rates And Accessories

If you’re renting a wheelchair, you should also be able to rent other things you need temporarily, such as carrying totes or arms totes. Some companies will supply them free of additional charge as a perk to customers. Other companies may charge extra for their use, and you should check this out before you read from a particular company, depending on what your insurance will cover.

Another benefit of wheel chair rental is there is usually no charge for pick up or delivery. You call and arrange for its delivery and at the end of the rental period, they will return and pick it up. You would also have the option to extend the rental period if needed.

There are many types of wheel chair rental units available with manual types as well as the powered wheel chairs, and some companies are willing to rent you a power wheel chair for you to try in hopes that you will decide to buy one. Being able to use a power chair, even on a temporary basis, can help the user see the benefits of not depending on the manual type for mobility.

Of course, “try before you buy,” or in this case, rent. You’ll need to see if the chair you chose fits through all spaces in your house and allows you to maneuver well. The rental company will likely have ideas for you if the one you chose does not fit, and they can bring you back one that does better.

About the Author: Learn more about making your wheelchair more accessible at wheelchariot.com

Source: isnare.com

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