Foams are two-phase material systems where a gas is dispersed in a second, non-gaseous material, specifically, in which gas cells are enclosed by a distinct liquid or solid material.: 6 : 4 The foam "may contain more or less liquid [or solid] according to circumstances",: 6 although in the case of gas-liquid foams, the gas occupies most of the volume.: 4 The word derives from the medieval German and otherwise obsolete veim, in reference to the "frothy head forming in the glass once the beer has been freshly poured" (cf. ausgefeimt).: 1
Theories regarding foam formation, structure, and properties—in physics and physical chemistry—differ somewhat between liquid and solid foams in that the former are dynamic (e.g., in their being "continuously deformed"), as a result of gas diffusing between cells, liquid draining from the foam into a bulk liquid, etc.: 1–2 Theories regarding liquid foams have as direct analogs theories regarding emulsions,: 3 two-phase material systems in which one liquid is enclosed by another.
In most foams, the volume of gas is large, with thin films of liquid or solid separating the regions of gas. A bath sponge and the head on a glass of beer are examples of foams; soap foams are also known as suds.
Solid foams can be closed-cell or open-cell. In closed-cell foam, the gas forms discrete pockets, each completely surrounded by the solid material. In open-cell foam, gas pockets connect to each other. A bath sponge is an example of an open-cell foam: water easily flows through the entire structure, displacing the air. A sleeping mat is an example of a product composed of closed-cell foam.
Foams are examples of dispersed media. In general, gas is present, so it divides into gas bubbles of different sizes (i.e., the material is polydisperse)—separated by liquid regions that may form films, thinner and thinner when the liquid phase drains out of the system films. When the principal scale is small, i.e., for a very fine foam, this dispersed medium can be considered a type of colloid.
Foam can also refer to something that is analogous to foam, such as quantum foam.
Luxury may refer to:
- Luxury goods, an economic good or service for which demand increases more than proportionally as income rises
- Luxury tax, a tax on products not considered essential, such as expensive cars
- Luxury tax (sports), a surcharge put on the aggregate payroll of a sports team to the extent to which it exceeds a predetermined guideline level set by the league
- Luxury car, an expensive automobiles
- Luxury train, an expensive tourist trains
- Luxury yacht, an expensive privately owned, professionally crewed yacht
- Luxury apartment, a type of property that is intended to provide its occupant with higher-than-average levels of comfort, quality and convenience
- Luxury hotel, a high-quality amenities, full-service accommodations and the highest level of personalized services
- Luxury resort, an exclusive vacation facilities
- Luxury box, term for a special seating section in arenas, stadiums and other sports venues
- Luxury magazine, magazines devoted to fine craft and luxury goods
A mattress is a large, usually rectangular pad for supporting a person lying down, especially for sleeping. It is designed to be used as a bed, or on a bed frame as part of a bed. Mattresses may consist of a quilted or similarly fastened case, usually of heavy cloth, containing materials such as hair, straw, cotton, foam rubber, or a framework of metal springs. Mattresses may also be filled with air or water.
Mattresses are usually placed on top of a bed base which may be solid, as in the case of a platform bed, or elastic, such as an upholstered wood and wire box spring or a slatted foundation. Popular in Europe, a divan incorporates both mattress and foundation in a single upholstered, footed unit. Divans have at least one innerspring layer as well as cushioning materials. They may be supplied with a secondary mattress or a removable "topper". Mattresses may also be filled with air or water, or a variety of natural fibers, such as in futons. Kapok is a common mattress material in Southeast Asia, and coir in South Asia.
Memory is the faculty of the mind by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action. If past events could not be remembered, it would be impossible for language, relationships, or personal identity to develop. Memory loss is usually described as forgetfulness or amnesia.
Memory is often understood as an informational processing system with explicit and implicit functioning that is made up of a sensory processor, short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory. This can be related to the neuron.
The sensory processor allows information from the outside world to be sensed in the form of chemical and physical stimuli and attended to various levels of focus and intent. Working memory serves as an encoding and retrieval processor. Information in the form of stimuli is encoded in accordance with explicit or implicit functions by the working memory processor. The working memory also retrieves information from previously stored material. Finally, the function of long-term memory is to store through various categorical models or systems.
Declarative, or explicit memory, is the conscious storage and recollection of data. Under declarative memory resides semantic and episodic memory. Semantic memory refers to memory that is encoded with specific meaning. Meanwhile, episodic memory refers to information that is encoded along a spatial and temporal plane. Declarative memory is usually the primary process thought of when referencing memory. Non-declarative, or implicit, memory is the unconscious storage and recollection of information. An example of a non-declarative process would be the unconscious learning or retrieval of information by way of procedural memory, or a priming phenomenon. Priming is the process of subliminally arousing specific responses from memory and shows that not all memory is consciously activated, whereas procedural memory is the slow and gradual learning of skills that often occurs without conscious attention to learning.
Memory is not a perfect processor and is affected by many factors. The ways by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved can all be corrupted. Pain, for example, has been identified as a physical condition that impairs memory, and has been noted in animal models as well as chronic pain patients. The amount of attention given new stimuli can diminish the amount of information that becomes encoded for storage. Also, the storage process can become corrupted by physical damage to areas of the brain that are associated with memory storage, such as the hippocampus. Finally, the retrieval of information from long-term memory can be disrupted because of decay within long-term memory. Normal functioning, decay over time, and brain damage all affect the accuracy and capacity of the memory.
by Christopher
I no longer wake up feeling like I just slept on the floor! No more hip or shoulder pain. There was an adjustment period as it is a different type of mattress than we have had in the past.
by Cheryl
My husband and I both suffer from back and body pains at night. So we searched the internet and found The DreamCloud mattress. It has been wonderful.
by Jeneen
I’ve had back pain for several years and had problems with getting and staying asleep for years as well. I’ve had better sleep and lessening back pain since I’ve been sleeping on this mattress. This was a great investment. Sleeps are awesome too. It took me a couple of nights to get used to the pillow, but now love it as well. I used to be a stomach only sleeper, but die to back pain, haven’t slept on my stomach since before have kids nearly 30 year ago. I actually fell asleep once on my stomach since getting this bed. Being a side sleeper ony old bed was causing lots of hip pain. Hips feel better now. Laying on my back on the old mattress caused pain. This one doesn’t. Very pleased with purchase.
by Nancy
Very happy with the mattress, good price, over all good purchase experience, have a lot less back pain in the morning.
by Michael
Has been a Very soft and comfy bed.
by Patricia
Easy to order, prompt delivery, quick setup, and comfortable sleep. A good option for a guest room where different people have different sleep preferences.
by Sherri
I have been able to sleep so much better on this mattress. My hip pain at night is about almost nonexistent! It has made a huge difference in my ability to finally be able to get a good night’s sleep.