Memory foam, apart from giving the healthy individual a comfortable night's sleep, has a number of very important medical uses. It is the response of the foam to body weight and temperature that gives the foam the characteristics of a combination of a hard and soft mattress; response and firmness. It is these characteristics that allow pressure to be taken off the body, whilst still allowing for a firm support. Whilst desirable in the healthy, such characteristics can mean the difference between life and death for many. One of the problems faced by those who are bed-bound is that of bed-sores. This might not sound like too much of a problem to those unfamiliar with them, but for those who are, it is well known that a bed-sore can progress to gangrene. The reason for this is that people who are too ill to move remain in the same position. They also require support, such as that given by a firm mattress, since they will be affected by muscle wastage. The effect of this is to restrict blood flow to those areas in contact with the mattress. Oxygen is no longer delivered to those areas since the blood cannot flow to them, and infection, often gangrene sets in. This will inevitably result in amputation or death. A memory foam mattress, by spreading the bodies load, reduces the pressure on any points that would normally be in contact with a mattress and thus helps to prevent infection. The same applies to seating, such as that of wheel-chairs, where a similar lack of movement has the potential to produce pressure sores (the same thing as bed-sores). Memory foam mattresses and seating can be supplied by the Health Service, although there is a limit on how much can be supplied. This means that it may be necessary to purchase, for example, a memory foam cushion for an armchair. If doing so it will be necessary to consider the weight of the person who will be using it, and at what height it will be most comfortable for them to sit. This will mean either trying before buying, or if that is not possible, getting medical advice, possibly from a disability centre, or even from the pharmacist or retailer. Either way, such a small change can lead to the saving of a life.
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