Invented in the 1960s in an effort to relieve astronauts from the immense G-forces experienced during take-off and landings, “Visco-elastic” foam was a breakthrough in pressure relief technology. NASA scientists worked for years to improve the material for consumer applications. This original formulation “lived” for a short time in medical surfaces and seating applications and was released to the public in the 1980s. Due to high production cost, and the need for further research and development the material met with little success.
Scientists at Tempur-Pedic took on the NASA formula and after nearly a decade and millions of research dollars perfected what we know today as TEMPUR material. This highly responsive, dense and durable material is now a proprietary formula (and process) known only by a few within Tempur-Pedic and remains a highly guarded secret. In 1998 Tempur-Pedic was recognized by NASA and the Space Foundation for the advances made in the formula and the unique product innovations for consumer and medical applications. Today Tempur-Pedic remains the only mattress and pillow manufacturer recognized by NASA and the Space foundation.
After receiving NASA's Plaque of Recognition, Tempur-Pedic presented
the Administration with our one-millionth pillow. This pillow and
other similar pillows are on display at NASA Headquarters, Johnson
Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Soon after the NASA Press Conference, Tempur-Pedic was licensed by the
United States Space Foundation to use the official "Certified
Technology" seal on our product packaging and marketing materials.
The Certified Space Technology initiative is committed to broadening
awareness, understanding, and support for the important role space
plays in the everyday lives of Americans.
The initiative is devoted to communicating how space technology
results in the betterment of life on Earth and only supports products
that are genuine results of space technology and research.
To protect the integrity of the certification seal, the U.S. Space
Foundation has assembled a panel of space experts to review the
qualifications of submitted products and services. Only those products
and services certified as having originated in U.S. space efforts or
used in space flight may employ the seal.
NASA Certified Space Technology
After a thorough verification process with NASA, Tempur-Pedic was
accepted as one of their "esteemed companies." The "Certified
Technology" Seal verifies that underlying product technology was
derived from America's efforts and experiments in Space.
Tempur-Pedic products are naturally treated to be resistant to mites and other household allergens.
Pressure Management
In short, pressure management is the process of absorbing and redistributing pressure evenly across the entire surface of your body. Equalizing pressure on your joints and spine reduces pain and helps you get a restful, deep sleep. Tempur-Pedic Mattresses provide you with the ultimate pressure management system, offering comfort, support and deep, restful sleep. Pressure management is an important part in the treatment of sleeplessness caused from back pain, lower back pain, Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and restless leg syndrome.
TEMPUR vs. Memory Foam
A small number of other companies produce what we know today as commodity memory foam; this material can be found in many consumer products under many different brand names with varied claims of densities, pressure relief and consumer benefits. Memory foam has become the generic name for polyurethane foam that exhibits low energy return. However, because of varied manufacturing processes, complicated distribution networks and unspecified quality control measures, commodity memory foam product quality remain unpredictable and unrefined.
Important things to consider when choosing products with TEMPUR material or memory foam are: the manufacturing process, durability, and substantiated claims. Only Tempur-Pedic manufactures TEMPUR material and it can be found only in Tempur-Pedic products produced using our strict manufacturing specifications under stringent quality control. TEMPUR material is tested for maximum durability and is backed by our comprehensive warranty. Also, all Tempur-Pedic claims for support, comfort and pressure relief are backed by our investment in research, and proven medical heritage.
Choose wisely. Sleep well.
