Memory foam—also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam—was developed by NASA scientists in the 1960s. Its original purpose was to provide astronauts with optimal posture and weight distribution in spacecraft seats under extreme conditions.

The so-called “memory foam” became widely available in the 1990s, when it started to be used in healthcare and household products.

Memory foam has a significantly higher density than traditional foams, which allows pillows made from it to return to their original shape after each use.

Its main advantage is that it supports the cervical spine during sleep, helping to keep the spine in a neutral position. It may help reduce neck muscle strain and support muscle recovery.