Visco Technology

Visco elastic foam was originally designed in the 1960s for the NASA space program in order to protect astronauts against the painful effects caused by G-forces. A temperature sensitive material, Visco's elastic cushioning provided excellent support for the astronaut bodies, thereby reducing injuries caused by force of impact. Visco elastic foam is an open cell material. This means that it offers little resistance to weight due to the passage of liquids and gases passing through it. Open cell foam is a highly absorbent material and has many cushioning characteristics.

During the 1970s, commercial manufacturers borrowed NASA Visco elastic design and began developing products for commercial use. These products (including Visco elastic foam mattresses, toppers, and pillows) first began to appear in hospitals and medical facilities where doctors would use them for patients confined to bed rest. The excellent lumbar support provided by these Visco elastic foam products provided a new level of comfort for patients restricted to their beds, and got the medical stamp of approval.