The Unofficial Memory Foam/Visco Elastic/NASA Pillow Thread

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slaman

Senior member
Jun 9, 2000
405
0
0
Just let me get this straight - how many of these pillows are contoured as opposed to not. I think people should specify when talking about their pillows. I don't care what anyone says, this thread kicks butt! A lot of people hurt when they wake up every morning - so don't be ashamed people

From what I've seen, there are three main types of materials used to make pillows:

- Tempur-Pedic Material (only made by Tempur-Pedic)
- Visco-elastic (Isotonic, Sleep Innovations
- Polyurethane (Obus-Forme, Generics)

Ok, I personally have used the Obus-Forme memory pillow and it ran me a little over a $100.00 I'm thinking I can find a comparable one at Linen And Things...

Good luck on the pillow search!
 

Atrac

Golden Member
Mar 26, 2000
1,222
0
0
I have only come across three non-contoured memory foam pillows:

The Perfect Pillow at Linens N Things

Sealy Memory Foam Pillow at JCPenney

Tempur-Pedic Classic Shape Pillow at Brookstone

And I did come across this line of pillows on the JCPenney Website. I cannot confirm though that these are "memory foam." There's no
hand print in the ad. But it does say "polyurethane comfort foam, a new alternative to latex." Sounds interesting! If they are memory foam
pillows, they are a great deal since they come in Standard, Queen, and King Sizes.

Fieldcrest Comfort Foam Pillow(s) at JCPenney

Any of the other pillows mentioned in this thread have some type of contour to them.
 

UltraWide

Senior member
May 13, 2000
793
0
76
I ordered 2 from E*bay. They should come soon. They claimed to be the REAL thing, with tags and the blue print and all.
i got 2 queen size ones. I shall update when i get them. Hope my mom likes the other one. =)
 

AlvinKlein

Member
Jun 18, 2002
36
0
0
I also bought one off of Ebay (supposed to be authentic tempur-petic classic), plus I ordered the quilted isotonic mattress pad from QVC. Haven't received either yet though.
 

DQderrick

Member
Feb 2, 2000
149
0
0
Like Bobomatic, I too have the Costco NovaForm pillow. I also wonder about the Tempur-Pedic pillow. I've actually bid on the 5" Classic on E8ay a couple of times.

My Experience
At first I didn't really like it (the Costco NovaForm). After two nights, I let my fiance sleep on it. She gave it back after an hour. She didn't like it at all. She is in love with her down pillows.

Now, it has been over 2 months and I love it! Once I got used to the different feel, I actually feel like I get a slightly more comfortable sleep out of it. I went from 2 nice down pillows and find my self missing them sometimes. Although, I'm not ashamed, I'm a 3 to 4 pillow type of guy. So, my down pillows aren't far.

I still might buy one of the classic shaped Tempur-Pedic pillows off Ebay if it can be had for ~$50. I am aiming for the classic shape because I'm still not sold on this contoured pillow. I would think your head would 'sink' into a classic shape better. Who knows. I'll be sure to compare the two once I ever do get one.

The Smell
My Costco NovaForm had a funny chemical smell for about 2 days. It really didn't phase me as I was too excited to try it out.

Costco NovaForm Cover
The cover is quite nice. It's soft and doesn't feel too cheap. I wonder how it's heat transfer compares to a thiner cotton pillowcase...


etc....
I kept my Costco NovaForm box just in case I get a Tempur-Pedic and like it better. Costco's return policy is the best I've ever seen. Good Luck Everyone!

 

zervun

Member
Aug 8, 2001
118
0
0
Ditto on the contour discussion about the Costco one. I HATE contoured pillows, but after about a week with my Costco it doesn't bother me at all. I wish it was a tad bit bigger as I'm also a multiple pillow guy usually with either gf at my back, head on pillow, and 1 pillow between legs or without gf, 1 pillow on each side, and 1 pillow on head. But really after spending about a month now on the Costco pillow and still having a pillow between my legs, I sleep very soundly. Might not be the top of the line memory foam pillow, but I'd at least put it in the top few and for the price it's unbeatable.

Pros
Contoured shape doesn't really seem to feel at all like a contoured
After a few days no smell
Extremely cheap
Definately high density memory foam
The pillowcase on it is O SO SOFT!
Good snoozin

Cons
A tad bit small for large pillow users
Contoured (although I can't tell the difference because my head sinks nicely in and the contour isn't very extreme once you lay on it for 5 min and the heat sets in)
A little smelly for the first few days especially if you don't wash the pillow case
The tag is in an annoying spot (rippy rippy)

Overall, for 25 bones you can't go wrong with this pillow IMO. I still would like to try a non contoured one just because it's in my head that I have hated contoured pillows before and I need to prove it to myself. But honestly I don't think you can get much better foam than is on this. It seems stiff at first, but I swear it really respondes to the heat factor. I've slept stomach down, on my back, on my side, and each time I wake up in the morning I have this molded pillow nicely fitting to my head and I don't want to budge an inch to smack that alarm across the room. I think in the end, even after further testing, the only downsize of it will be the size. Although it's nice because my gf doesn't hog my pillow anymore =). I told her that she can't use it unless she's on her back =p.
 

Shinta

Senior member
Jun 12, 2001
362
0
0
Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
In my opinion, Contoured is better for side sleepers and traditional for back sleepers. but what do i know.

Really? For some reason I always figured contoured was for back sleepers. Feh, what the hell do I know, huh?
 

Atrac

Golden Member
Mar 26, 2000
1,222
0
0
Heh heh. It is generally thought that contoured pillows are for back sleepers while classic shaped pillows are for side sleepers. Basically, the big contour puts stress on your cheek & face muscles. But if you have a good pillow, it won't matter. I am a side-sleeper and the contour doesn't bother my face a bit.

In terms of the Smartbargains pad, the only thing that concerns me is the "1.75 in. peak over 0.75 in. base." Basically that means less than an inch of thickness for the whole pad, with under 2" of points and grooves. The 2" mattress pad I have is nice, but honestly another inch wouldn't hurt. Anything less than 2" in my opinon wouldn't make the cut. Sorry! (Simon imitation).

Oh, I was at JCPenney tonight and they still have the "Comfort Zone" Memory Foam pillow still on sale for $39.99 ($20.00 savings!). As I stated before, it is the exact same thing as the Isotonic Pillow (Carpenter Co.) sold at Bed Bath & Beyond for $59.99, just sold under the JCPenney brand name. In my opinion (other than eBay) it's still the best pillow for the price. I don't know when the sale is over so it's worth checking out soon!

 

unknown

Senior member
Dec 4, 1999
357
0
0
I was at JC Penney last night - no luck locating the "Comfort Zone" Memory Foam pillow.

Do you know this is the same pillow that is availble online?
 

Atrac

Golden Member
Mar 26, 2000
1,222
0
0
Two out of three JCPenney's that I have been to this past week have had the pillow. It definately is a new product that is just starting to arrive in stores. There is no sign of it on the Website (unless they plan on replacing the "Isotonic Pillow" that they currently list with this one).

This pillow is part of the new JCPenny Home Line of products. The stores that did have it had them stacked up (they come in a box) in the same area as the other pilllows. Hopefully the $39.99 sale price will last a little while longer since it is a $20.00 savings.

Sorry but that's all I can tell you. Good luck!
 

Atrac

Golden Member
Mar 26, 2000
1,222
0
0
Yeah, I saw those too. Those are actually part of their "old" Home Collection (the packaging has a light blue motif). These new pillows are in a light tan/brown box motif.

Wow I used "motif" twice. I need help.
 

AlvinKlein

Member
Jun 18, 2002
36
0
0
A little report on the Isotonic memory foam mattress pad from QVC (qvc.com - search for "isotonic"). It's 2 inches thick and came with a cover that has a quilted pad (about 1/4 inch thick). You guys aren't kidding about the smell, it's strong but not that unpleasant. The isotonic memory foam is from the Carpenter company and everything was packaged in a large heavy-duty vinyl duffle-bag (which should be very durable for years of storage of down comforters).

As far as comfort, I'm sold after one night. The stuff really does mold itelf to your body, there is no pressure point regardless how I move, those who are on firm mattresses should know about pressure points. Woke up in the morning without my usual work related back stiffness, I can't wait to receive the pillow I got on Ebay.

 

JEDI

Lifer
Sep 25, 2001
29,391
2,736
126
i got one of those memory pillows from brookstone 2 years ago as a gift. now the contour section doesnt bounce back as it used to. How long is the warrenty on this pillow? (i dont have receipt)

thx
 

slaman

Senior member
Jun 9, 2000
405
0
0
I bought the Isotonic pillow from Bed Bath N Beyond and I'm kind of disappointed with it. It's too soft. I like a bit firmer - that ObusForme one I had was great. Plus, I got the petite... I think I will return it (yep, they accept returns) and head to JC Penny to save some money and get a slightly larger one for $39.99

 

Atrac

Golden Member
Mar 26, 2000
1,222
0
0
zervun brought up a good point when he said the tag was in an annoying spot on his Costco Novaform pillow. If you think you're not sure about the pillow before you use it, leave the "Under Penalty of Law If Removed Except By Consumer" attached. It will make your return easier. In my pillow adventure over the past few weeks I've never had a salesperson even open the box or bag to examine it (I guess I look really honest?), but if you have the tag off and try to return it there could be a problem. If you love your pillow and know you're going to keep it, tear that baby off. It's annoying and gets in the way!

XFILE: Good question about the Tempur-Pedic warranty from Brookstone. I unfortunately have no idea. You should probably take the pillow into Brookstone and see if they can help you out. It's probably worth a shot, especially since it probably cost $99.00 +. Let's see if they put your money where there mouth is!

slaman: Yeah, the petite sized Isotonic at Bed Bath & Beyond is mainly for salad-eating women and children. For those with more size, it's gonna literally leave you feeling flat. Definately go to JCPenney and check out the Isotonic there. It's a lot thicker and firmer...and hopefully still on sale.

Speaking of Isotonic, anewbie2002 mentioned Select Comfort's line of Memory Foam Pillows earlier in this thread. I was in the mall and decided to check them out. What do you know...another company selling Isotonic/Carpenter Co. pillows under their own brand name! Yep, they had the now famous "Perfect Pillow" as well as Isotonic pillows with "Select Comfort" on them. I could tell from how they looked and felt that they are Isotonics....and the Carpenter Company tags on them were the final nail in the coffin. The problem with Select Comfort is there prices are considerably more! Check these out:

The Ultimate Pillow by Select Comfort (aka "The Perfect Pillow")

Thermo-Foam Supreme by Select Comfort (aka "Isotonic Pillow")

As you can see, these aren't a good deal, even at their "Sale Prices." The standard size "Ultimate Pillow" can be had for much less as "The Perfect Pillow" at Linens N Things ($59.49 at SC vs $49.99 -- or $39.99 if you have a coupon at LNT). And of course the Thermo-Foam Supreme ($84.99 at SC vs. $59.99 at BB&B or $59.99 at JCPenney -- $39.99 if it's still on sale there!).

OK, I do have to admit that I DROOLED at Select Comfort because they do have that KING SIZED "Ultimate Pillow." It's the same thickness, just a lot longer. OK I'll stop there because I'm starting to sound really bad. But you get the idea. Also, their displays of each of the Ultimate Pillows were in a blue terry cloth case. I like that color a lot better than white. I could do without the "SQUEESE ME" embroided into cover though...heh heh.

So hopefully I'm not going to get hate mail from Select Comfort. I've given away their secret. But we are a deals forum and a part of that is pointing out where the good deals are not.

Oh, and I do want to correct something. I've been saying all along that "The Perfect Pillow" (and now "The Ulitmate Pillow") are made out of Isotonic material. That's not really true. These pillows are definately more "doughy" than the Isotonic. The Isotonic is more of a temperature foam that is firmer and molds by heat activation. So they are all made by Carpenter Co, but TPP is less firm, more squishy. I get ahold of one and can't let go of it. It's definately a giant stress relief ball.

Anyway I think I should follow my own advice and pick up one of those "Isotonics" at JCPenney for $39.99 before the sale ends. Ugh, it's Friday...it's very possible that the sale is already over. If anyone can report on it that'd be great. I'm going to try to go today and see. I'm predicting it was a one week sale though.

Atrac (Whose posts are starting to get too long again...)
 

clarkmo

Platinum Member
Oct 27, 2000
2,615
2
81
Well, thanks for all the posts. Got me a Isotonic 5 incher from BB&B. My shoulder doesn't hurt. I had a better rest. Definintely woke up more refreshed. There wasn't an obvious..ahhh...when I laid my head down on it. There was one in the AM when I picked my head up. Firm, seemingly too firm, but I didn't want to move after putting my head down. Makes a fine support ( with another pillow) for head propping, movie watching. I will be looking for a mattress pad. Yep, they're gonna be happy at work. Less grouchy and on time!
 

slaman

Senior member
Jun 9, 2000
405
0
0
I'm going to call my local JC Penny right away and hopefully go pick up a pillow today...
 

Mungrag

Member
Jan 7, 2001
32
0
0
JCPenney Update: Went there today and they have them for $39.99 on sale (Merrit Island, Florida). BUT, they also have a sale that if you buy one pillow (any pillow) at regular price, you get a second for $1. This works for the Comfort Zone Pillows! You have to pay full price, $59.99, but for < $65 out the door you get TWO pillows. Now my wife and I won't have to fight over one!
 

slaman

Senior member
Jun 9, 2000
405
0
0
Blah, just called the two nearest JC Penny's and neither carry the "Comfort Zone" or any other memory foam pillows... I guess I'll just stick with my BB&B one... I think I'm done with this thread now - good stuff!
 

Jzero

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
18,834
1
0
I work across the street from a foam manufacturer. I didn't see anything in their catalog that sounds like "memory foam," but I e-mailed them to be sure.
 

Jedibus

Senior member
Apr 26, 2000
584
0
0
Ok, I went to a JCPenney in Garden City NY and all they had was the log looking 4-way Comfort Zone pillow. :| A saleswoman was nice enough to call pretty much all the JCPenney in Nassau and a couple in Queens and none of them have the regular pillow in stock. She even punched the sku numbers into her computer and none of the stores had any.

While looking through the latest catalog to show her what pillow I'm looking for, I realize that the the pictures for the regular pillow and the 4-way pillow are mismatched with their descriptions and prices. The 4-way shows as $59.99.

Anyway, I'm extremely jealous of most of you that have up to date JCPenneys'! I'm looking to buy 3 of these things.
 
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