When Was Memory Foam Invented? The Origins of a Space-Age Product

Have you ever wondered how memory foam came to be? You probably sleep on it, sit on it, or know someone who does. Memory foam is everywhere today—but its story is more fascinating than most people realize. Believe it or not, this everyday comfort material has an out-of-this-world origin.

Memory foam was first developed in 1966 under a NASA contract at the Ames Research Center. Scientists there were searching for a material that could absorb impact, conform to shapes, and improve the safety of aircraft seats. What they created was a temperature-sensitive polymer that softened with heat and pressure, then slowly returned to its original shape once cooled. Pretty space-age, right?

NASA's Search for Aircraft Cushioning Leads to Memory Foam

In 1966, NASA set out to find a material that could better protect astronauts during the intense G-forces of takeoff and re-entry. The result was a temperature-sensitive, viscoelastic polymer that could absorb shock and evenly distribute weight—an innovation that laid the foundation for memory foam.

Memory Foam Was First Created in 1966 by NASA Scientists

The original “temper foam” was designed by NASA researchers studying airplane safety. Their goal was to create a material that would cushion high-impact collisions and mold perfectly to a person’s body. The resulting foam adjusted to body heat and pressure, absorbing energy and reducing stress—qualities that made it ideal for both safety and comfort.

Early Development Focused on Medical and Aviation Uses

In its early years, memory foam remained a specialized material used by NASA and the medical industry. Made from heat-sensitive polyurethane, it was prized for its ability to mold to the body and then slowly spring back into shape. Hospitals began using it in seat cushions and mattresses to prevent pressure sores and improve patient comfort.

Memory Foam Technology Was Kept Secret Until the 1980s

Although memory foam was invented in 1966, the formula and manufacturing process were classified for many years. NASA initially used it only for aerospace applications, improving the safety and comfort of aircraft seats. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the technology finally reached the public.

Memory Foam Goes Public

The first commercial breakthrough came in the 1980s, when the Swedish company Fagerdala World Foams developed a consumer-friendly version of the material. By 1991, they launched the first memory foam mattress—a revolution in comfort that quickly spread worldwide.

NASA Allowed Memory Foam Patents to Expire in the 1990s

When NASA allowed the original memory foam patents to expire in the 1990s, it opened the door for innovation. Companies around the world began creating their own versions, leading to an explosion of new products and applications.

Memory Foam Transitioned to Consumer Products Like Mattresses

What began as a NASA project for cushioning astronauts eventually transformed the way we sleep. By the 1990s, memory foam had made its way into homes as mattresses and pillows. Consumers loved its unique ability to conform to the body, relieve pressure points, and provide personalized comfort—a true example of space technology improving everyday life.

Tempur-Pedic Popularized Memory Foam Mattresses in the 90s

During the 1990s, Tempur-Pedic brought memory foam into homes around the world. By transforming NASA’s technology into a luxurious sleep surface, the company popularized memory foam mattresses and made them a household name.

Other Brands Entered the Memory Foam Market in the 2000s

As memory foam gained popularity, other companies began creating their own versions in the early 2000s. Consumers loved the pressure-relieving comfort, and soon a wide variety of memory foam mattresses and pillows became available across brands and price ranges.

The Future of Memory Foam Looks Bright With New Innovations

The future of memory foam continues to evolve as new innovations enhance comfort, cooling, and durability. Hybrid designs and gel-infused layers now help regulate temperature for hot sleepers. Meanwhile, combinations of memory foam with latex or advanced polymers add bounce and reduce the “stuck” feeling some users experience.

These modern hybrid mattresses offer the signature pressure relief of memory foam with improved responsiveness and breathability—bringing the best of both worlds to your sleep experience.

Who First Invented Memory Foam?

Memory foam was invented in 1966 by NASA scientists to improve cushioning and crash protection for pilots and passengers in high-speed aircraft. It was part of NASA’s ongoing effort to enhance both safety and comfort during flight.

How Was Memory Foam Discovered?

NASA’s Ames Research Center developed memory foam in the 1970s through a project aimed at reducing pressure on astronauts during lift-off. Scientists created a temperature-sensitive polymer called viscoelastic polyurethane foam—an open-cell material that softened with body heat and conformed to shape. When the pressure was released, it slowly returned to its original form, earning the nickname “memory foam.”

When Did Memory Foam Beds Come Out?

The first true memory foam mattresses reached consumers in the early 1990s. Originally known as “temper foam,” the material was designed decades earlier to improve crash protection and cushioning for aircraft. Its viscoelastic structure responded to heat and pressure, molding perfectly to the body for personalized comfort.

What Was the Original Name of Memory Foam?

Before it became known as memory foam, the material was called “temper foam.”

Temper Foam

Developed by NASA in 1966, temper foam was made from polyurethane and designed to absorb shock while molding to the body’s shape. It was a breakthrough in comfort and safety technology, paving the way for the modern memory foam products we use today.

Final Thoughts

Memory foam has come an incredible distance since its creation by NASA scientists. What began as a material designed to protect astronauts has evolved into a staple of comfort in homes across the globe. The next time you sink into your mattress or pillow, remember the space-age roots behind that luxurious support. From rocket ships to bedrooms, memory foam stands as proof that even innovations made for the stars can change the way we live—and sleep—here on Earth.