ViscoSchaum

ViscoSchaum is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam, commonly marketed in German-speaking markets as memory foam. It deforms under prolonged pressure and body heat to conform to the body, then slowly returns to its original shape when pressure is released. The material’s name reflects its viscoelastic behavior: stiffness decreases with warmth and time under load.

Manufacture and structure: ViscoSchaum is produced by reacting polyols with diisocyanates to form polyurethane foam with a microcellular structure. Its viscoelastic properties arise from the polymer network and air-filled pores, which provide energy absorption and damping. Foams are made in varying densities to suit different applications, with higher-density grades common in bedding and support surfaces.

Applications: It is widely used in bedding products such as mattresses, toppers and pillows, as well as in seating, medical cushions, and some automotive applications, where contouring and pressure relief are valued.

Advantages and limitations: Benefits include conforming support, good pressure relief, and reduced motion transfer. Limitations can include heat retention, slower recovery in cool conditions, and initial off-gassing. Care involves following manufacturer cleaning guidelines, avoiding excessive heat, and ensuring ventilation. Recycling options exist but depend on local facilities.

History and naming: ViscoSchaum mirrors the memory-foam trajectory, with NASA research in the 1960s and consumer use since the 1990s. The term is descriptive in German-speaking markets rather than a specific patented product.