TYPES OF FOAM, COMMON USES, FEATURES, INFO, A GUIDE

There are numerous types of foam. So when selecting the right components in your mattress, or deciding the best foam for an application or project, it can be confusing to know what to choose for the best.

Partly because manufacturers name foams differently. Often, because manufacturers create different “blends” of foam, they give their own blend a name. So it means that there are a plethora of different foam “blends” and specifications on the market.

Because of these manufacturing variables, it also makes it difficult to measure exact data on different types of foam.

But, without getting into all the numbers, and for the purpose of this article, I’ve named as many foam types here as you’re likely to encounter and set out some “general rules” when it comes to the varying types of foam. So it’s a resource for your general foam info.

The guidelines below are sufficient enough to give you an indication of the characteristics of each type of foam, and their general uses …and without the more specific and obscure technical details that – for most of us – we simply don’t need to know when it comes to our own small project – or where the foam is for general purposes.

Some of these types are also more of an “umbrella” term accounting for a number of types of foam – based on the ingredients they’re made of. High-Density foam, for example, could also be a closed-cell foam.

Types of foam

Once you have the right foam in mind, you will also find links to separate articles that go into greater detail. You will also find quick links to where I’ve narrowed down the ideal foam for your needs.

Closed cell foam

Closed-cell foam is made with high-pressure nitrogen gas used on a rubber compound Closed cell foam offers a wide scope of sizes and density options that suit many domestic and commercial uses. It is fairly durable, and non-porous as it’s enclosed by its outer cells that form a vapor barrier.

Latex Foam

Latex foam is a firm, high-impact, durable rubber compound derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree plant which is heavily processed. It offers endurance and a long life span with a heavy but flexible feel. Typically used as a middle or lower-level mattress component.

Natural Latex foam

Natural latex foam is a material made from a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients. Not to be confused with organic latex foam that contains no synthetic material at all, and meets the best organic practices. Natural latex offers less firmness and comfort than standard latex foam.

High Resilience foam

High resilience (HR) foam is a high-grade open-cell polyurethane foam offering high support and elasticity. It has excellent bounce-back properties, durable, with low motion transfer and excellent weight distribution. Common uses include high-end mattresses, seating, and often heavy-use furniture.

Lux Foam

Also known as Evlon foam, Lux foam is high-quality, high-density polyurethane foam that is durable and supportive. It offers above-average firmness and is able to withstand daily usage where firm support is required. Uses include mattresses, sofas, benches, kneeling pads, and seat cushions.

Polyurethane foam

The term polyurethane covers a range of foams that are synthesized using polyol and isocyanate – ingredients derived from crude oil. It is generally open cell and also called urethane or reflex foam. PU foam is considered medium to low quality, with a shorter lifespan and a variety of uses.

Soft Polyurethane foam

Soft foam is a broad category of polyether-based Polyurethane foam, designed to provide the softest use in applications requiring more comfort. With a very low-density ratio and is not designed for durable use. They are often used in soft furnishings such as headboards and quilting.

Medium Polyurethane foam

Medium-density polyurethane foam, also called urethane is found in many domestic applications such as 5” or greater thickness of seating cushions. Not considered waterproof, but with an age range of 10-15 years. A medium foam mattress supports adult weights up to 300lb.

High Density Polyurethane foam

High Density (HD) Foam is closed-cell polyurethane foam. Compact in structure with a high weight of 1.9+ cubic feet. It’s firm, supportive, durable, and has longevity, with minimal give and low motion transfer. HD foam is commonly used in sofas, seating, and mid to lower layers of mattresses.

Another variation or a “blend” of High-density polyurethane foam is reflex foam which is great for orthopedic purposes. You can read more about reflex foam here.

Dry Fast Foam

Dry Fast Foam is also called quick dry. ever dry, or easy dry, is an open-cell anti-fungal foam and the most porous among foam types so that water dissipates quickly. Designed for outdoor use in areas such as marine environments like boat seating, and residential applications like garden furniture.

Now we’ll move on to perhaps less common, and more specific types of foam and their uses. You can download all these types in summary form in my free, easy, quick foam reference guide.

Acoustic Foam

Acoustic foam, also called Pyrosorb foam, is usually Charcoal in color. Used for noise reduction and soundproofing along internal walls. In general, it has an outer angular or curved form designed to absorb and reduce sound frequencies from music, reverberation, and echoes.

EVA Foam

EVA foam is Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate. Also known as expanded rubber or foam rubber. It is a closed-cell, waterproof, shock-absorbent, and flexible foam. Used in production applications as a substitute for polyurethane, natural rubber, PVC foam, and others. It’s also used for padding around equipment.

EVA Foam Rollers

EVA yoga foam rollers are high-density, high-quality rollers made from EVA foam with a robust internal PVC pipe. A versatile, popular small handheld product that is ideal for applications such as massage therapy, Yoga, Pilates, Physical Therapy, and sports-related training and injury applications.

Zotefoam Plastazote Foam

Zotefoam plastazote is a brand of closed-cell foam that is high-impact absorbent, lightweight, tough, and flexible cross-linked polyurethane foam. It is waterproof and chemical resistant and comes in numerous colors. Ideal for Case inserts, flight cases, Sandals, Pool toys, and packaging. 

Polyethylene Foam

Also called Ethafoam, Polyethylene Foam is closed-cell, medium-density foam in white semi-rigid packaging form. Used in industrial and commercial applications, it comes in a variety of thicknesses and shapes, is factory molded, waterproof, and used in many packaging solutions for heavier objects.

Packaging Foam

Packaging foam is a high-impact absorbent, lightweight packing grade foam. Usually in charcoal gray and suits applications requiring protective packaging. Often used for instrument flight cases, product packaging, and briefcases.

Packing Foam Wrap – Rolls

Packing Foam rolls are lightweight, flexible, durable, non-abrasive, continuous thin sheets of Polyurethane Closed-cell Foam. Low priced and ideal for packaging products for transit, filling packing voids, and vapor barrier use. Made of a polymer containing small cushioning air cells.

To finish…

Well, that’s it. I hope this has given you a good overview of different types of foam and good luck with your foam project!