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Memory foam
open-in-new
<p>Memory foam consists mainly of <a href="/facts/Polyurethane/qNo2KSXA">polyurethane</a> with additional chemicals that increase its <a href="/facts/Viscosity/QLVfrdCz">viscosity</a> and <a href="/facts/Density/92p6hh9I">density</a>. It is often referred to as "<a href="/facts/Viscoelasticity/pDhHgx2T">viscoelastic</a>" polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam (<a href="/facts/LRPu/2VpNRlS3">LRPu</a>). The foam bubbles or 'cells' are open, effectively creating a matrix through which air can move. Higher-density memory foam softens in reaction to body heat, allowing it to mold to a warm body in a few minutes. Newer foams may recover their original shape more quickly. </p>