Memory Foam vs. Visco Elastic Foam

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a blend of polyurethane (a polymer made as a byproduct of petroleum refining) and additional chemicals that give the memory foam its low-resilience. It was originally developed by NASA in the 1970s for airplane cushioning and has since become one of the widest materials used in mattresses and pillows.

In plain English, what makes memory foam is its ability to contour to pressure and return to its original shape slowly after pressure is released. This process allows for it to react to pressure differently across its surface and provide a contoured, but aligned feeling for sleepers.

In mattresses, older or lower quality memory foam may sag from the repetitive pressure of laying or sitting. For this reason, those that are heavier should do additional research about soft memory foam bedding as they will sink more than alternatives and could lead to discomfort for some body types.

Lastly, over the recent years, there has been reports of off-gassing and toxic odors released from memory foam. Some lower quality or treated memory foam may have this problem and cause respiratory inflamation. It is important to make sure that memory foam is high quality.

Pros: Contouring comfort, competitive pricepoints, and widespread options.

Cons: Sagging and off-gassing problems with lower quality foams.

Visco Elastic Foam

Visco elastic foam is another term for memory foam. It is a blend of polyurethane foam that was developed for airplane cushions by a NASA contract in the 1970s.

The difference between visco elastic foam and other types of polyurethane foam is its slow response and low resistance. Its soft surface allows for contouring and its slow response lowers bounce.

Visco elastic foam, like all polyurethane foam, is made from a blend of substances and has a tendency to off-gas. Those with lung sensitivities should do additional research about the quality of foam to ensure that it won't aggravate them.

Pros: Contouring comfort, competitive pricepoints, and widespread options.

Cons: Sagging and off-gassing problems with lower quality foams.

Learn More About Memory Foam

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Material Scores

Overall Score:
Memory Foam: 9.3/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.3/10

Comfort:
Memory Foam: 9.4/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.4/10

Softness:
Memory Foam: 9.5/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.5/10

Cooling:
Memory Foam: 8/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8/10

Hypoallergenic:
Memory Foam: 8.1/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.1/10

No Odor:
Memory Foam: 8.4/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.4/10

General Support:
Memory Foam: 8.7/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.7/10

Eco-Conscious:
Memory Foam: 8.5/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.5/10

Price Value:
Memory Foam: 9.4/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.4/10