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

types-of-foam

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.

Typical uses

  • Home Furniture
  • Carpet underlay
  • Bedding
  • Vehicle and pipe insulation
  • Industrial vapor barriers (spray)

Specifications


Closed Cell Foam
QualityGood
Weight (per cubic ft)2.2 lb
StructureClosed Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)1.7 – 2.4 (17-24)
Firmness (ILD)80 – 90 (supreme firm)
Lifespan12-15 years
ColorsBlack
ApplicationsHome furniture, Carpet underlay, Bedding,
Vehicle insulation, Industrial vapor barriers (spray)

Closed Cell Foam specifications

Memory foam

Memory foam, also known as “viscoelastic”, is a polyurethane mixed with other chemicals that increase its density and viscosity. Memory foam is a very energy-absorbent material and is commonly used as a top-level internal component in sofas, mattresses, and seats.

memory foam

Typical uses

  • Mattresses
  • Sofas/couches
  • Car seats
  • Chairs

Specifications

Memory Foam
QualityExcellent
Weight (per cubic ft)3.2 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)2.8 – 3.5 (28-35)
Firmness (ILD)15 – 20 (soft)
Lifespan8-10 years
ColorsWhite or Yellow
ApplicationsHome furniture, Carpet underlay, Bedding,
Vehicle insulation, Industrial vapor barriers (spray)

Memory Foam specifications

Rebond foam

Rebonded foam, rebond, chip, or recon foam, is an open-cell polyurethane foam made from reclaimed foam fragments. It is flexible and firm, with very high durability and longevity. Ideal for commercial and industrial use such as bar seating, seating for tractors, gyms, and on public transport.

rebond foam - labelled
Rebond Foam – labelled

Typical uses

  • Hospitality seating, bars, restaurants, etc.
  • Gymnasium equipment
  • ATVs, motorcycles, Snowmobiles
  • Industrial vehicle and machine seating
  • Carpet padding
  • Public transport
  • Wheelchair seats
  • Church kneelers

Specifications

Rebond Foam
QualityExcellent
Firmness (lb per cubic ft)7.0 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)5.0 – 6.0 (50 – 60)
Firmness (ILD)120 – 150 (supreme)
Lifespan12 years
ColorsMulticolored
ApplicationsHospitality seating, bars, restaurants, etc, Gymnasium equipment,
ATVs, motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Industrial vehicles and
machine seating, Carpet padding, Public transport,
Wheelchair seats, Church kneelers

Rebond Foam specifications

Charcoal foam

Charcoal foam suits numerous applications. It is lightweight, impact absorbent, and can be cut to accurate, small, and narrow sizes. It is commonly used as packaging for shipped goods items. it is also sound absorbent, so is often used for sound dampening and soundproofing and around engines.

charcoal foam
Charcoal Foam

Typical uses

  • Engine compartments
  • Packaging and shipping
  • Acoustic dampening

Specifications

Charcoal Foam
QualityGood
Weight (per cubic ft)1.8 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)1.2 – 1.6 (12-16)
Firmness (ILD)15 – 25 (soft)
Lifespan6 – 8 years
ColorsCharcoal
ApplicationsAuto compartments, Packaging, and shipping,
Acoustic dampening

Charcoal Foam specifications

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.

latex foam
Latex Foam

Typical uses

  • Mattresses – mid to lower layers
  • Sofas
  • Padded seating
  • Reupholstery

Specifications

Latex Foam
QualityExcellent
Weight (per cubic ft)5.5 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)5.0 – 5.6 (50-56)
Firmness (ILD 10-70+)25 – 35 (medium firm)
Lifespan15 years
ColorsWhite or Yellow
ApplicationsMattresses – mid to lower layers, Sofas,
Padded seating, Reupholstery

Latex Foam specifications

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.

natural latex foam
Natural Latex Foam

Typical uses

  • Mattresses – mid to lower layers
  • Sofas
  • Padded seating
  • Reupholstery

Specifications

Natural Latex Foam
QualityExcellent
Weight (per cubic ft)5.0 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)4.0 – 5.0 (40-50)
Firmness (ILD 10-70+)20 – 30 (medium firm)
Lifespan15 years
ColorsWhite or Yellow
ApplicationsMattresses – mid to lower layers, Sofas,
Padded seating, Reupholstery

Natural Latex specifications

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.

high resilience foam
High Resilience Foam

Typical uses

  • Sofas
  • Mattresses
  • Hospitality furniture

Specifications

High Resilience Foam
QualityGood
Weight (lb per cubic ft)3.0 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.5 – 6.0)2.8 – 3.2 (28 – 32)
Firmness (ILD 10-70+)15 – 70 (from soft to super firm)
Lifespan10 years
ColorsYellow
ApplicationsSofas, Mattresses, Hospitality furniture

High Resilience Foam specifications

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.

lux foam
Lux Foam

Typical uses

  • Mattresses
  • Sofas
  • Camping mats
  • RV seating
  • Kneeling pads
  • Gym mats
  • Benches
  • Seating, and seat cushions

Specifications

Lux Foam
QualityVery Good
Weight (lb per cubic ft)2.2 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.5 – 6.0)2.0 – 2.4 (22-24)
Firmness (ILD 10-70+)30 – 50 (firm to extra firm)
Lifespan6 years
ColorsBlue or Yellow
ApplicationsMattresses, Sofas, Camping mats, RV seating, Kneeling pads,
Gym mats, Benches, Seating, and seat cushions

Lux Foam specifications

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.

polyurethane foam
Polyurethane Foam

Typical use

  • Lower-quality mattress toppers
  • Dog beds
  • Packaging, shipping, and general filling
  • Costumes and padding
  • Furniture

Specifications

Polyurethane Foam
QualityLow
Weight (lb per cubic ft)1.2 – 2.0 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)1.2 – 1.9 (12 – 19)
Firmness (ILD)15 – 60 (from plush to super firm)
Lifespan2-5 years
ColorsWhite or Beige
ApplicationsLower-quality mattress toppers, Dog beds, Packaging,
Shipping, and general filling, Costumes and padding, Furniture

Polyurethane Foam specifications

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.

soft polyurethane foam
Soft Polyurethane Foam

Typical uses

  • Headboards
  • Quilting projects, and products
  • Mattress overlay
  • Top layers in sofas
  • Some pillows

Specifications

Soft Polyurethane Foam
QualityMedium
Weight (per cubic ft)1.2 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)1.2 – 1.6 (12 – 16)
Firmness (ILD)15 – 20 (soft)
Lifespan2 years
ColorsWhite or Yellow
ApplicationsHeadboards, Quilting projects, and products,
Mattress overlay, Top layers in sofas, Sofa cushions

Soft Foam specifications

See Polyurethane Foam above, and read more about Polyurethane Foam here.

Amazon options for Polyurethane Foam

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.

medium density polyurethane foam
Medium Density Polyurethane Foam

Typical uses

  • Mattresses
  • Mattress toppers
  • Camping mattresses
  • Sofa cushions
  • Benches and window seats
  • Seat pads

Specifications

Medium Polyurethane Foam
QualityMedium
Weight (per cubic ft)1.5 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)1.7 – 1.9 (17 – 19)
Firmness (ILD)20 – 35 (medium)
Lifespan4 years
ColorsWhite or Yellow
ApplicationsMattresses, Mattress toppers, Camping mattresses,
Sofa cushions, Benches and window seats, Seat pads

Medium Polyurethane Foam specifications

See Polyurethane foam above, and read more about Polyurethane (or Urethane) foam here.

Amazon options for Polyurethane foam

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.

high density polyurethane foam
High Density Polyurethane Foam

Typical uses

  • Mattresses – lower layers
  • Domestic seating
  • Camp beds
  • Kneeling pads

Specifications

High Density Polyurethane Foam
QualityGood
Weight (per cubic ft)2.0+ lb
StructureClosed Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)1.9 – 2.4 (19 – 24)
Firmness (ILD)35 – 50 (extra firm)
Lifespan6 years
ColorsCream
ApplicationsMattresses – lower layers, Domestic seating,
Camp beds, Kneeling pads

High Density Polyurethane Foam specifications

Anti Static Pink Foam

Pink foam, also known as ESD (electro-static dissipation) foam, is open-cell polyurethane foam. It performs largely the same applications as standard blue foam but has anti-static properties which suit the packing of electrical or electronic products.

pink foam
Pink Foam

Typical uses

  • Electronics packaging
  • Seating
  • Bedding
  • Seat padding
  • Crafting

See specifications for Soft Foam.

Read more about Pink Foam here.

Amazon options for Antistatic Pink Foam

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.

dry fast foam
Dry Fast Foam

Typical uses

  • Boat seating and bedding
  • Garden chairs
  • Garden lounge furniture

Specifications

Dry Fast Foam
QualityGood, (Specific Use)
Weight (per cubic ft)2.15 lb
StructureOpen Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)1.0 – 2.4 (10 – 24)
Firmness (ILD)20 – 50 (medium to extra firm)
Lifespan8-10 years
ColorsBeige
ApplicationsBoat seating and bedding, Garden chairs,
Garden lounge furniture

Dry Fast Foam specifications

Read more about Dry Fast Foam here.

Amazon options for Dry Fast Foam

Crib (cot) Safe Foam

Crib (or Cot) Foam is a chemically reduced soft, medium-density foam that offers comfort and support for younger children and babies. It is not suitable for seating but is designed for mainly cot mattresses. It does not contain arsenic, metals, phosphorus, PBDEs, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

crib mattress
Crib Mattress

Typical uses

  • Babies crib/cot mattresses
  • Young Children’s mattresses

Amazon options for Crib Safe foam

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.

acoustic foam
Acoustic Foam

Typical uses

  • Soundproofing and sound deadening

Read more about Acoustic Foam here.

Amazon options for Acoustic Foam

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.

Types and forms of EVA foam types
EVA Foam types

Typical uses

  • Equipment padding
  • Craft and costume
  • Gym mats, and Children’s mats
  • Children’s toys, and Pool toys

Read more about EVA Foam here.

Amazon options for EVA foam

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.

eva foam roller
EVA Foam Roller

Typical uses

  • Therapeutic massage
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Sports training and injury

Read more about EVA Foam here.

Amazon options for EVA Foam Rollers

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. 

Zotefoam Plastazote  Foam
Zotefoam Plastazote Foam

Typical uses

  • Case inserts and flight cases
  • Pool toys
  • Shoes/Sandals, Flip Flops
  • Packaging

Read more about Zotefoam Plastazote here.

Amazon options for Zotefoam Plastazote Foam

Aquatic Filter Foam

Aquatic filter foam is a waterproof and antimicrobial reticulated polyether PPI foam. It undergoes a process that enables it to trap debris. Available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and colors, being antimicrobial makes it ideal for filtration purposes such as ponds and aquariums, and air filters.

filter foam
Filter Foam

Typical uses

  • Ponds and aquariums
  • Air filters
  • Industrial and commercial filtration

Read more about Aquatic Filter Foam here.

Amazon options for Aquatic Filter Foam

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.

polyethelene foam
Polyethylene Foam

Typical uses

  • Packaging for medium to heavy objects
  • Insulation
  • Pool Toys
  • Acoustic sound deadening

Specifications

Polyethylene Foam
QualityVery Good
Weight (per cubic ft)1.0
StructureClosed Cell
Density (range 1.0 – 6.0)4.0 – 5.0 (40 – 50)
Firmness (ILD 10-70+)24 – 80 (medium to supreme firm)
Lifespan10 years
ColorsWhite, Black, Gray
ApplicationsPackaging for medium to heavy objects, Insulation,
Pool Toys, Acoustic sound deadening

Polyethylene specifications

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.

grey packing foam
Gray Packing Foam

Typical uses

  • Instrument flight cases
  • To thicken walls of cardboard boxes
  • 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.

packing foam wrap - roll
Packing Foam Wrap – Roll

Typical uses

  • Packaging delicate objects
  • Filling voids in packing boxes
  • Project use for vapor barriers

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!

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