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.
That is, unless you know the density and firmness rating of each foam, you can find out more about density and firmness here.
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.
With that in mind, here’s the list, so let’s get into the details. You can also download the free, easy, and quick foam reference guide of this page for later use.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Good |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 2.2 lb |
| Structure | Closed Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 1.7 – 2.4 (17-24) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 80 – 90 (supreme firm) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Colors | Black |
| Applications | Home furniture, Carpet underlay, Bedding, Vehicle insulation, Industrial vapor barriers (spray) |
Read more about Closed cell foam here.
Amazon options for Closed Cell foam
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.
Typical uses
- Mattresses
- Sofas/couches
- Car seats
- Chairs
Specifications
| Memory Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Excellent |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 3.2 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 2.8 – 3.5 (28-35) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 15 – 20 (soft) |
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
| Colors | White or Yellow |
| Applications | Home furniture, Carpet underlay, Bedding, Vehicle insulation, Industrial vapor barriers (spray) |
Read more about Memory foam here.
Amazon options for Memory foam
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.
Typical uses
- Hospitality seating, bars, restaurants, etc
- Gymnasium equipment
- ATV’s, motorcycles, Snowmobiles
- Industrial vehicle and machine seating
- Carpet padding
- Public transport
- Wheelchair seats
- Church kneelers
Specifications
| Rebond Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Excellent |
| Firmness (lb per cubic ft) | 7.0 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 5.0 – 6.0 (50 – 60) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 120 – 150 (supreme) |
| Lifespan | 12 years |
| Colors | Multicolored |
| Applications | Hospitality seating, bars, restaurants, etc, Gymnasium equipment, ATV’s, motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Industrial vehicle and machine seating, Carpet padding, Public transport, Wheelchair seats, Church kneelers |
Read more about Rebond foam here
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 absorbant, so is often used for sound dampening and soundproofing and around engines.
Typical uses
- Engine compartments
- Packaging and shipping
- Acoustic dampening
Specifications
| Charcoal Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Good |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 1.8 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 1.2 – 1.6 (12-16) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 15 – 25 (soft) |
| Lifespan | 6 – 8 years |
| Colors | Charcoal |
| Applications | Auto compartments, Packaging, and shipping, Acoustic dampening |
Read more about Charcoal foam here.
eBay options for Charcoal foam
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.
Typical uses
- Mattresses – mid to lower layers
- Sofas
- Padded seating
- Reupholstery
Specifications
| Latex Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Excellent |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 5.5 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 5.0 – 5.6 (50-56) |
| Firmness (ILD 10-70+) | 25 – 35 (medium firm) |
| Lifespan | 15 years |
| Colors | White or Yellow |
| Applications | Mattresses – mid to lower layers, Sofas, Padded seating, Reupholstery |
Read more about Latex foam here.
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.
Typical uses
- Mattresses – mid to lower layers
- Sofas
- Padded seating
- Reupholstery
Specifications
| Natural Latex Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Excellent |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 5.0 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 4.0 – 5.0 (40-50) |
| Firmness (ILD 10-70+) | 20 – 30 (medium firm) |
| Lifespan | 15 years |
| Colors | White or Yellow |
| Applications | Mattresses – mid to lower layers, Sofas, Padded seating, Reupholstery |
Read more about Natural Latex here.
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.
Typical uses
- Sofas
- Mattresses
- Hospitality furniture
Specifications
| High Resilience Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Good |
| Weight (lb per cubic ft) | 3.0 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.5 – 6.0) | 2.8 – 3.2 (28 – 32) |
| Firmness (ILD 10-70+) | 15 – 70 (from soft to super firm) |
| Lifespan | 10 years |
| Colors | Yellow |
| Applications | Sofas, Mattresses, Hospitality furniture |
Read more about High Resilience foam here.
eBay options for High Resilience foam
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.
Typical uses
- Mattresses
- Sofas
- Camping mats
- RV seating
- Kneeling pads
- Gym mats
- Benches
- Seating, and seat cushions
Specifications
| Lux Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Very Good |
| Weight (lb per cubic ft) | 2.2 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.5 – 6.0) | 2.0 – 2.4 (22-24) |
| Firmness (ILD 10-70+) | 30 – 50 (firm to extra firm) |
| Lifespan | 6 years |
| Colors | Blue or Yellow |
| Applications | Mattresses, Sofas, Camping mats, RV seating, Kneeling pads, Gym mats, Benches, Seating, and seat cushions |
Read more about Lux foam here.
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.
Typical use
- Lower quality mattress toppers
- Dog beds
- Packaging, shipping, and general filling
- Costumes and padding
- Furniture
Specifications
| Polyurethane Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Low |
| Weight (lb per cubic ft) | 1.2 – 2.0 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 1.2 – 1.9 (12 – 19) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 15 – 60 (from plush to super firm) |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years |
| Colors | White or Beige |
| Applications | Lower quality mattress toppers, Dog beds, Packaging, Shipping, and general filling, Costumes and padding, Furniture |
Read more about Polyurethane foam here. Or explore more specific Polyurethane foams below.
Amazon options for Polyurethane foam
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 not designed for durable use. They are often used in soft furnishings such as headboards and quilting.
Typical uses
- Headboards
- Quilting projects, and products
- Mattress overlay
- Top layers in sofas
- Some pillows
Specifications
| Soft Polyurethane Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Medium |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 1.2 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 1.2 – 1.6 (12 – 16) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 15 – 20 (soft) |
| Lifespan | 2 years |
| Colors | White or Yellow |
| Applications | Headboards, Quilting projects, and products, Mattress overlay, Top layers in sofas, Sofa cushions |
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 weight up to 300lb.
Typical uses
- Mattresses
- Mattress toppers
- Camping mattresses
- Sofa cushions
- Benches and window seats
- Seat pads
Specifications
| Medium Polyurethane Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Medium |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 1.5 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 1.7 – 1.9 (17 – 19) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 20 – 35 (medium) |
| Lifespan | 4 years |
| Colors | White or Yellow |
| Applications | Mattresses, Mattress toppers, Camping mattresses, Sofa cushions, Benches and window seats, Seat pads |
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, 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.
Typical uses
- Mattresses – lower layers
- Domestic seating
- Camp beds
- Kneeling pads
Specifications
| High Density Polyurethane Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Good |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 2.0+ lb |
| Structure | Closed Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 1.9 – 2.4 (19 – 24) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 35 – 50 (extra firm) |
| Lifespan | 6 years |
| Colors | Cream |
| Applications | Mattresses – lower layers, Domestic seating, Camp beds, Kneeling pads |
Read more about High Density, or find out more about Polyurethane foam here.
Amazon options for High Density foam
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.
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 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.
Typical uses
- Boat seating and bedding
- Garden chairs
- Garden lounge furniture
Specifications
| Dry Fast Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Good, (Specific Use) |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 2.15 lb |
| Structure | Open Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 1.0 – 2.4 (10 – 24) |
| Firmness (ILD) | 20 – 50 (medium to extra firm) |
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
| Colors | Beige |
| Applications | Boat seating and bedding, Garden chairs, Garden lounge furniture |
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 designed for mainly cot mattresses. It does not contain arsenic, metals, phosphorus, PBDEs, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
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.
Typical uses
- Sound proofing 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, factory molded, waterproof, and used in many packaging solutions for heavier objects.
Typical uses
- Packaging for medium to heavy objects
- Insulation
- Pool Toys
- Acoustic sound deadening
Specifications
| Polyethylene Foam | |
|---|---|
| Quality | Very Good |
| Weight (per cubic ft) | 1.0 |
| Structure | Closed Cell |
| Density (range 1.0 – 6.0) | 4.0 – 5.0 (40 – 50) |
| Firmness (ILD 10-70+) | 24 – 80 (medium to supreme firm) |
| Lifespan | 10 years |
| Colors | White, Black, Gray |
| Applications | Packaging for medium to heavy objects, Insulation, Pool Toys, Acoustic sound deadening |
Read more about Polyethylene foam here.
Amazon options for Polyethylene foam
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.
Typical uses
- Instrument flight cases
- To thicken walls of cardboard boxes
- Briefcases
Read more about Packaging foam here.
Amazon options for Packaging foam
Packing foam wrap – rolls
Packing foam rolls are a lightweight, flexible, durable, non-abrasive, continuous thin sheet 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.
Typical uses
- Packaging delicate objects
- Filling voids in packing boxes
- Project use for vapor barriers
Read more about Packing foam rolls here.
Amazon options for Packaging Foam Wrap rolls
To finish…
Well, that’s it. I hope this has given you a good overview of different types of foam. Download my free Foam quick reference guide here (.pdf) where I compile all the data sheets into one handy table for easy reference when deciding your foam needs …and good luck with your foam project!