Orthopaedic Posture Supports and Memory Foam

A feature article by Peter Robinson, Aug 05, 2006         

There are a wide variety of orthopaedic posture support aids on the market designed to help us maintain the correct posture. Whether seated or prone the maintenance of good posture is the key to momentary comfort and long term wellbeing. The lumbar and cervical regions of the body are the areas under the greatest strain. Here the spinal curves and the muscles that support them are under persistent pressure aggravated by inadequate seating or the incorrect mattress. Remembering we are all shaped differently it is important to use the correct orthopaedic support best suited to you. The standard high-density foam mattresses and supports provide an acceptable degree of comfort but they aren't able to give you tailored support. The limitation is in the construction of the foam, standard high-density foam reacts only to pressure. This is ideal for heavier and larger parts of your body but quite ineffectual for the smaller more sensitive areas. The advantage of orthopaedic posture supports made from memory foam is the increased support this material provides. It has a characteristic not found in conventional high-density foam, the ability to react to temperature. This additional component allows memory foam to mould to every aspect of the surface pressing against it. The denser areas of the body ''sink' into the foam but this has no effect on the foam around these areas that can remain firm allowing for the support of the gentle and severe curves found throughout the body. That is the point at which the muscles can now relax and the therapeutic properties of this remarkable product is fully realised. There is however another aspect of memory foam that is often overlooked but of great importance. To be fully effective the total support so quickly achieved must be sustained over time to maximise the benefits. You find when using memory foam that you tend not to move about looking for more comfortable positions. To maintain this high level of support without building up pressure and restricting blood flow requires a substance that retains a residual 'softness'. A good quality memory foam product whether they are mattress toppers, full mattresses or orthopaedic supports like lumbar rolls or neck supports are all made with memory foam constructed to a density of 55-60kg/m³. This means that all shapes and sizes of individuals are able to achieve highly effective tailored posture support for long periods of time without experiencing discomfort, and when the orthopaedic support is in the form of a memory foam mattress the experience of a deep recuperative sleep.

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About the Author:
Peter Robinson is a director of Restore Foam, a market leading producer of innovative memory foam orthopaedic aids. Peter, a Canadian by birth, now resident in Manchester UK has many years experience in product development and now focuses on addressing orthopaedic issues through development of the Restore Memory Foam range. Peter can be contacted via email on info@restorefoam.com or via www.restorefoam.com