Differences & Similarities Between Foam Density, Weight & Firmness
When it comes to foam, the buying process is simple. However, there can be potential confusion when it comes to a foam’s density, weight, and firmness. From a basic perspective, these three terms are understood. However, when applied to the foam industry, the meanings of these terms can be altered to better fit the needs of the industry. As such, there can be some questions and misunderstandings as to what these terms mean along with their relationship and differences. This article is intended to alleviate any questions and misunderstandings that you may have.
Foam Density
Foam density is the mass of a foam’s material within a cubic foot. The denser the foam, the more compact the foam material is. This, in turn, makes the foam heavier. A foam’s density is characterized by pounds and is determined by taking its mass and dividing it by its unit volume.
Let’s use an example. In the foam industry, foam is measured in pounds per cubic foot. As such, we take a cubic foot of Memory foam and measure it out. It weighs 3 lbs. This 3 lbs. foam weight is then divided by its unit volume – in this case, 1 cubic foot. 3 divided by 1 equals 3. As such, the memory foams density is 3 lbs.
Another example. If the memory foam was 10 cubic feet and weighed 30 lbs., it would be divided by the unit volume, which is now 10 cubic feet, and the foam density would still be 3 lbs. This example also aids with confusion over foam density and foam weight. There is often interchangeability between foam density and foam weight that can lead to confusion. Per this example, the memory foams density or material weight is 3 lbs. and its overall weight is 30 lbs. That is why it can be important to distinguish between the density or material weight of foam and its overall weight.
Importance of Foam Density
Foam density is important because it is connected to the quality and durability of foam. For example, a Lux foam mattress with a foam density of 2.2 lbs. would not be as comfortable or long-lasting as a Latex foam mattress with a density of 5.6 lbs. This is because there is more compressed foam material in Latex foam than there is in Lux foam. As such, a Lux foam mattress will deteriorate more quickly, leading to sagging, indentations, and a general lessened state of comfort over time. That is not to say that Latex foam would be better used for all applications. While Latex foam would be better used as a foam mattress, Lux foam would find better usage in couch cushions, automobile seating, or in a multi-layered mattress.
Perhaps this comparison chart can give a better visual understanding of different foam types and their relationship to density:
Foam Type (Density)
|
Quality |
Durability |
Cost |
| Commercial Grade Polyurethane Foam (1.2 lbs.) | Low | Low | Very Low |
| Industrial Grade High Density Foam (1.9 lbs.) | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Lux Foam (2.2 lbs.) | Good | Good | Medium |
| High Resilience Foam (3.0 lbs.) | Very Good | Very Good | High |
| Memory Foam (5.0 lbs.) | Excellent | Excellent | Very High |
| Latex Foam (5.6 lbs.) | Excellent | Excellent | Very High |
Foam Weight
Foam weight is the physical weight of the foam. So, if you purchase a 10 cubic foot piece of foam at a density of 5 lbs., the weight of that foam would be 50 lbs. (50 = 10 cubic feet X 5 lbs. density). The foam density remains 5 lbs. Keep in mind that foam mattresses can become quite heavy as you increase the thickness and size, especially when the foam is dense. Plan accordingly if it is.
Foam Firmness
Foam firmness is how much a foam compresses when pressure is applied to it. Firmness is a simplified way of saying Indent Load Deflection (ILD). All foam types have an ILD rating. To get an ILD rating, a 15” x 15” x 4” foam block has pressure applied to it by a circular disk measuring 1’ in diameter and 4” thick. The ILD rating is achieved when the circular disk compresses the foam by 25% of its thickness, in this case 1”. The amount of weight applied to reach this target percentage is the ILD number that the foam receives as its firmness.
For example, if 50 lbs. of pressure is required to compress a block of foam 25%, the foam is given an ILD 50, which is firm. More force is applied to firmer foam types and less force is applied to softer foam types. The higher the ILD number, the more force is applied, and thus the firmer the foam. Most foams have an ILD between 15 and 70. However, foam can go even higher, with Charcoal and Closed Cell foam that we sell here at Foamonline.com having an ILD 90 and Rebond foam having an ILD 150.
Closed Cell foam – it might look dense but is a 2 lbs. density.
Foam Density vs. Firmness
There is also confusion surrounding foam density and foam firmness. Many people think that a higher foam density means a firmer foam. This is not the case. A low-density foam can be firm and a foam that is high in density foam can be soft.
If you view our ILD Chart, you can see that the foam we offer come in many different foam firmness’s. Foam firmness’s range from very soft to extra firm. For example, we offer High Resilience foam in both a 2.8 and 3.0 lbs. density that is also available in most all firmness’s. As such, foam density has no correlation with foam firmness. Foam firmness has nothing to do with the quality or longevity of foam. It is simply used to determine how much a foam compresses when pressure is applied.
When purchasing a foam mattress, some of the characteristics chosen such as density and thickness is budget-oriented while firmness is mostly a personal preference. However, an important aspect that should influence one’s decision is the weight of the user/s. For mattress density and thickness, the heavier the person, the denser and thicker the mattress should be to support their weight. If the mattress is low density, it will lack support and lead to excessive sagging. If the mattress is too thin, it can bottom out and cause excessive pressure points. This is most notable when sleeping on your side.
The lighter the person, the less dense and thinner the mattress can be to support their weight. Lighter people do not need the same conformity from higher density foam to provide pressure relief that heavier people need. A thicker mattress could be purchased but is not a cost-effective purchase.
The chart below can give you a better understanding of what mattress thickness is appropriate for you:
Mattress Thickness, Firmness |
Physical Weight (pounds) |
Description |
| Low Profile Mattress, Medium Soft 2 to 5 inches |
100 and under | Used for cribs, folding beds, and mattress toppers. |
| Slim Mattress, Medium 6 to 8 inches |
100 to 150 | Ideal for people that have difficulty getting in to and out of bed, as well as children. |
| Standard Mattress, Medium Firm 8 to 10 inches |
150 to 200 | The typical mattress size found on the market. It usually consists of a couple of different foam layers for comfort. |
| Standard Mattress, Firm 10 to 12 inches |
200 to 275 | A 12-inch mattress will typically have shock-absorbing foam as the bottom layer and transitional layers of various other foam types. |
| Thick Mattress, Etra Firm 12 + inches |
275 + | Mattresses in this thickness have various layered foams and other materials. However, as height increases, convenience decreases. |
With mattress firmness, the heavier the person is, the firmer their mattress should be. A firmer firmness will provide ample support to pressure points for side sleepers and general comfort. Conversely, if a mattress is double digits in thickness and is a soft firmness, a heavy user will sink into their mattress and will have difficulty getting out. A lighter person will want a softer firmness. We recommend medium to medium-soft. Lighter people exert less pressure, so a softer mattress will conform to their body shape better and provide more support to their pressure points.
Help
If you need more information about specific types of foam, visit our Foam Types page. If you have more questions or need more information, feel free to contact us.
Hi,
We are looking for foam for an application we have in the neonatal intensive care units and delivery rooms of hospitals. We are looking for a foam piece with the dimensions of 623mm x 467mm x 40.5mm.
ILD of 9lbs at 25% and density of ~3-5 lbs.
We are prototyping at low quantities to begin with to make sure the foam works then we will scale up making 22k of these beds. Please let me know if you have anything in this range please. Thanks!
Thank you!
Hi Thomas,
The most commonly used foam for infants is a medium quality 1.9 lb High Density in medium-firm ILD 36. A lower quality 1.2 lb Polyurethane foam will not be sufficient because the foam will take to the shape of the infant’s body and will not provide the proper support. It will soften and indent in the center area while remaining firmer around the edges. You have referenced an excellent quality 3 lb High Resilience type foam in an ILD 40 that can also be used in this type of application. There is a third good foam type called Lux at 2.2 lbs in an ILD 36 that is also within the range of your requirements.
Hi. I’m looking to make seat cushions for the bucket seats in my car. They would need to be no more than a half inch thick so head room is not compromised. I would need a very high firmness foam so that it wouldn’t bottom out. What would be the firmness I should aim for to make the seats just a bit softer? Currently I make due with just sitting in the bare shell, so any cushioning is going to be an improvement. But I understand there are some foams that are extremely dense and wouldn’t make much of an improvement. I am about 240 pounds. Thank you.
The issue is that thinner foam is less firm than thicker foam. Half-inch thick foam is very thin and will bottom out easily at 240 lbs. If you are going this route, then our recommendation would be to use half-inch thick Rebond foam at an ILD 150 (Extra Firm). That is the firmest foam we offer.
Hi I’m looking to make a reflex boxing bag that will need to withstand constant hard punches without deforming. I’d like to use a very firm foam core. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you.
Hi John. There are two foam types that will work. The first foam type is known as Rebond, and is very heavy at 5 lbs per cubic foot and very hard in an ILD 150. The second foam type is known as High Resilience, and is heavy at 3 lbs per cubic foot and hard in an ILD 70. The Rebond type foam comes in the firmness extra firm only and the High Resilience type foam comes in a variety of firmnesses, ranging from very soft to extra firm. Both of these foam types are of excellent quality.
You can price quote or order either of these foam types by following this link: https://foamonline.com/cube/
I need to repad 12 wooden prayer kneelers (prie Dieus) in a Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. They get a lot of use. Which foam do you recommend I buy. I have no experience.
Peace, Andy
Hi Andrew. The foam type used in wooden prayer kneelers for longevity and durability is High Resilience. Being used as a kneeler with a large amount of weight placed on the foam per square inch, we would recommend that the firmness be extra firm. We would recommend that the foam be wrapped in 3/4 inch thick Dacron to round the edges of the foam as the cover is pulled down tightly.
What is the thickness that you would recommend for the kneelers?
Hi Dave. We would recommend a thickness of 2 inches in the foam type High Resilience in a firmness of Extra Firm. The foam type Rebond would also work for kneelers and would be suitable in a 1-2 inch thickness. It is available in Extra Firm only and is of higher quality and firmness when compared to High Resilience foam. Samples are always available too.
I am completely re-doing a sectional, and I selected thick High Resilience Foam in a Medium Firm as a base since I have a much heavier partner who needs the extra support in the cushion. Unfortunately, my butt goes numb sitting on the Medium Firm since I am small. Since I haven’t made the cushion covers yet and the cushion height can be anything, I’d like to layer the cushions with a top layer of foam (also High Resilience) in either Very Soft or Medium Soft for a soft sit for me, and I was wondering if you could help me with a few questions: Which would you recommend, and in what thickness to go over top the Medium Firm foam for a much softer sit? Also, do I need to layer on both sides of the foam? Thank you in advance!
Hi Cynthia. First, we would recommend Medium Soft for your cushion. Very Soft will likely sink down too quickly. Second, the foam should ideally be a 2″ Medium Soft top layer. If the cushion is reversible, you could have 1″ Medium Soft on both the top and the bottom of the cushion. Keep in mind that the average height of a sectional from the floor to the top of the cushion after it is reupholstered should be 18″.
Fantastic! Thank you so much!
Looking for recommendations for foam to make cushions-turned-mattress for our weekend campervan. Constrained to 3″ thickness that will cover the plywood sleeping base when pulled out. We are in the 150 to 170 weight range and at home are used to sleeping on memory foam. Would the high resilience medium firm be a good pick? Also, is a Dacron wrap recommended? Thanks for a great, easy-to-use website!
Hi Sandy. Thank you for your kind words! Based on your description, we would agree that the foam type and firmness suggested – High Resilience in Medium-Firm, would make a great seat and mattress for your campervan. We would also recommend Dacron in a thickness of 3/4 inches to create a slight crown on the foam.
I am redoing cpr practice pad/chest made out of foam. The recommended (by AHA) push force for cpr is 100-125 pounds and indentation of 1.5-2 inches. so I would like a foam that indents 1.5-2inch when pressured with force of 100-125 pounds. What do you recommend as most suitable?
Thank you in advance, looking forward to your answer!
Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Resilience in a firmness of Extra Firm.
Hi,
I am looking to fill a Queen size bean bag. It is for my paitent who finds bean bag helps him to mould his contours to rest and sleep. This is for a body weight of 80 kg (180 lbs). I need to fill with shredded foam.
Criteria that I look for:
(A) a shredded foam that can hold the bean bag position on its own.
(B) but yet soft enough that it moulds the body contours.
(C) Not too hot as It is in the tropical climate.
Of course I shall play around with the volume of the shredded foam.
Please advise on the type of foam I should buy or even a mix of it (of which do advise the ratio). Appreciate.
Hi Daniel. We have sold shredded foam for bean bags in the past. Our shredded foam consists of various foam types and firmnesses combined in a 33-gallon leaf bag, weighing approximately 5 pounds and containing approximately 4-5 cubic feet. You can find our shredded foam on our Supplies page, under Filling and Stuffing, or by following this link: https://foamonline.com/product/shredded-foam/
We would recommend mixing this shredded foam with bean bag pellets in a ratio of 50/50 because shredded foam tends to stick to itself and will not shift to different positions as the beans will. Our bean bag pellets can also be found on our Supplies page, under Filling and Stuffing, or by following this link: https://foamonline.com/product/bean-bag-pellets/
Hello! I am looking to re-do my back sofa cushions, and my plan is to do a down envelope over foam. I was thinking of doing about 2″ of baffle box casing for the feathers on either side of a 2″ or 2.5″ piece of foam, using the High Resilience Foam. Do those ratios sound feasible or is there a different recommended ratio of feather width to foam width? What would be the best foam firmness to use for that? Thank you!
Hi Cynthia. The 2-inch baffle would be slightly thin, which is okay if the cushion foam is between 2-3 inches in thickness. The foam type High Resilience is what we normally use with down envelopes because of its high quality, longevity, and comfort. Feather envelopes tend to be on the softer side, so a Medium firmness would be most common. Some people do not like the softer feel and want a more supportive foam. In this case, the firmness would increase to a Medium Firm for an individual up to 175 pounds, and a Firm thereafter.
Fantastic! Thank you!
I am redoing a window seat
77 in long 14 in high
3 in on the top and 9 in bottom
I have 2 dogs that love to lay on it to look out the window and bark at everything that they see
They weigh approx 25 pounds each.
I have a cheep one I purchased through Amazon, it held up for about a year.
Don’t know what kind of foam is in it but obviously not good.
What do you recommend
Thank
Hi Kris. Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Density, which is a medium-quality, industrial-grade foam that is used in most average furniture and bedding. We would recommend that the top 3-inch piece be in a Medium firmness so that the dogs will be comfortable, and that the bottom base be in a Medium Firm firmness for support in case others would like to use it as well.
I’m looking to recover patio cushions. What’s the best foam for this and do I need to use a dacron for wrap. The sizes are 18x23x3, the longest cushion being 18x40x3. What is your recomendation?
Thank you!!
Hi Julie. The most ideal foam type for outdoor patio cushions would be Dry Fast. After Dry Fast, we would recommend, in order of quality, the foam types High Resilience, Lux, or High Density.
At 3 inches in thickness, we would recommend a firmness of Medium Firm or Firm, depending on the average weight of the user.
Outdoor patio cushions are sometimes wrapped in Dacron, it just depends on the desired look of the cushions. If you would like your cushions to have a puffy look, then Dacron would be used.
Thanks for a great knowledgeable blog post
Hi, would really appreciate some of your great advice please. I am making a 8ft high fluted headboard using 4″ wide fluted pieces what foam should I use?
Hi Niamh. Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Density, which is of medium, industrial grade quality, in a firmness of Medium Firm. If you’d like the foam to last more towards the 15 year mark, you may want to upgrade the foam type to High Resilience, which is of excellent quality, in a firmness of Medium Firm.
I’d like to put a wedge foam under my golf simulator to protect the wall from golf ball impact. Which firmness, inches of thickness and foam would work?
Hi Casey. Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Density in a firmness of Medium Soft and in a thickness of 2-4 inches.
I’m looking to have some rectangles cut from foam with similar firmness to McMaster P/N 8647K28. Their rating system says “25% compression at 4psi.” Am I correct that this would be an ILD of ~450? Do you have any foams which would match that firmness?
Hi Erica. We believe that an ILD of 450 will not compress 25% with a load of 4psi. It sounds more like an ILD of around 150, which we do offer under the foam type Rebond. We would recommend purchasing a sample for testing purposes by emailing us at info@foamonline.com.
I am going to be reupholstering a golf cart seat and backrest and need suggestion on which foam to use.
Thank you
Hi Debbie. Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Resilience in a firmness of Extra Firm for the seat cushions, and the foam type High Resilience in a firmness of Medium Firm for the backrest.
The dinette cushions in my RV are way to soft, making us sit too low to eat at the table. What foam would you recommend, we would like the cushions to be very firm.
Hi Doris. Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Resilience in a firmness of Firm. If the average weight of the user is over 250 pounds, we would recommend a firmness of Extra Firm.
Hi, I need to replace the foam in the cushions of a love seat at a nursing home for nuns. The nuns say they sink when they sit on the cushions and then have a hard time getting up. The current cushions are about 6” thick with a Dacron wrap. What foam density do you recommend that would be firmer and hold up longer?
Hi Teresa. Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Resilience in a firmness of Medium Firm, which is ideal for an individual in the weight range of 140-195 lbs. Any weight past 195 lbs, we would suggest High Resilience in a Firm and any weight below 140 lbs, we would suggest a Medium.
☀️Good morning, I have been researching for some time on foam to redo some very large antique living room furniture and honestly I have become overwhelmed!🤪 I want to say I appreciate the insight into foam your sight has given me as well as an advanced thank you for the hope and excitement in receiving a response in even twice as long as you’ve responded to all other comments. Hats off to your customer service!🎩👏🏻
The largest person who would be sitting on said upholstery is my tower of a son who weighs 270. Everyone else ranges between 140-170 with the exceptions of myself 230 (5 years ago I had a fall and broke my back, I have MS, osteoarthritis and in the last year while in a parked position I was hit from behind by someone going 70mph & almost to the day 6 months later someone swerved into my lane hit me head on both of us going aprox. 35mph. So I’m a little bit achy now and again) and my special needs daughter 95lbs whom sits a lot as she cannot walk.
I’ve said all of that because I need these new upholstery cushions to be very supportive but with plenty conformity to aid against pressure point pain. I would rather not over spend on what I don’t need but I would prefer to spend now versus be redoing these in a few years.
I was thinking of layering foams (seat cushions are 6”) maybe an ILD 90-150, a high density med.Firm followed with a latex or memory foam ILD 15-33, 2” of each OR some split inches of med.Firm and latex/memory as cushion with a ILD 90-150 foam as a support under cushion.
However it would be quite wonderful to be guided by expert advice even if that means my thoughts are completely off!
Thank you greatly for your time and consideration! Have a most wonderful day.☀️🌹😊
Hi Christine. Thank you for your kind words about our customer service! We sincerely appreciate it.
We’re sorry to hear about your back pain, but please rest assured we’re here to help!
Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Resilience, which is of excellent quality. For the bottom base, we would recommend a firmness of Extra Firm (ILD 70) in a thickness of 4 inches, and for the top base, we would recommend a firmness of Medium Firm (ILD 34) in a thickness of 2 inches.
We’ve done this same combination for people in similar weight ranges and the results have been quite desirable. We disregarded the Latex and Memory foams because both foam types would be too soft to provide any support. Closed Cell foam (ILD 90) and Rebond foam (ILD 150) are both extremely hard and are not manufactured for seating purposes.
Hello! I’m so impressed with all your thorough answers!
I am looking to replace a cushion of my sofa that my very infirm mother sits on. The cushion is quite wide (29.5”) and my mom is quite petite (-110 lbs). Because of her physical condition, she needs the support of the arm of the sofa, so she sits right next to the arm and only takes up half of the current cushion. Since it is a soft cushion, the half she sits on ends up compressing quite a bit and she is left sitting on a slanted / depressed cushion, which is uncomfortable and also makes it even harder for her to get up out of the seat. Can you suggest a type of foam and firmness for a replacement cushion that would still be comfortable to sit on for long periods of time (she is mostly immobile) but wouldn’t compress in that manner?
Thank you very much!
Kate
Hi Kate. Thank you for your kind words! Based on your description, we would recommend combining firmnesses with a top and bottom base in the foam type High Resilience. For the top, we would recommend a firmness of Medium Soft, and for the bottom base, we would recommend a firmness of Medium Firm. We would also recommend that the top be in a thickness of 2 inches. In this way, your mother will have a soft yet firm cushion for comfort and support.
I need to make a cushion for my driver side car seat, as I’m sitting too low. What would you recommend so I can be 3 inches higher after the cushion compresses? I’m 130 pounds, 5’2 height. Should I wrap it in Dacron batting?
Thank you!
Hi Ellie. Based on your description, we would recommend a wedge shape with a height of 3 or more inches, and the foam type High Resilience. You could utilize a firmness of Medium Firm or Firm, although Firm may feel a bit too hard for an individual of 130 lbs. Please note that wedges are sold in pairs only as they are produced from one solid block of foam. Dacron is not needed for this application.
Hi, I’ve set out to manufacture a collectable toy but the process of development has been halted by the uncertainty as to which type of foam “can” be used, and which foam/density would be best to use to produce a product of the highest potential quality.
The toys dimensions would be approximately 6 inches in (length) x 3 inches in (width) x 2 1/2 inches in (height) with which I believe would be a medium level firmness.
The idea is for the product to be soft at its touch, though dense enough to be squeezed without completely misshaping, and harmlessly lightweight while weighing enough to project a sense of high quality.
And for the surface to be smooth and unblemished, allowing the five-star design, color and detail on its skin to fascinate.
After reaching out to a few different companies who handle and specialize in various types of foams, I’ve been pointed in a multitude of directions which has been a bit confusing. Polyurethane foam was originally what I believed to be what I should be using but I was unsure as to which density exactly, but after speaking with the different sources I’ve been introduced to EVA foam as an option along with Zote foam.
Please, if possible, can you inform me as to which will be best for such a project and how would I go about settling on the most suitable level of density…
Thank You
Hi Mike. You were recommended Zote foam and EVA foam because you require foam that is smooth and unblemished. These two foam types contain these characteristics. However, they are also stiff, rigid, and lack return action/responsiveness to maintain their shape and size. We classify Zote foam as Polyethylene Foam and EVA foam as Cross-Linked Polyethylene (Closed Cell) foam.
Polyurethane foam such as High Density foam at 1.90 Density, will be able to be squeezed and maintain its shape and size. However, the surface of Polyurethane foams are not smooth as they are porous to varying degrees. They are also available in many firmnesses whereas Zote and EVA foams are usually available in extra firm only.
As such, it appears you want a combination of characteristics that not one foam type contains.
We do carry these foams and you can order samples of them here.
Looking to order a wedge for prenatal women to lean back on while getting a massage. I know the dimensions needs just unsure of the firmness. It needs to be comfortable, solid enough to not need support from a wall but not too hard on the client to lean on. I was looking at high resilience foam, what are your suggestions?
Hi Amber. You are correct in choosing excellent quality High Resilience foam for this application. With regards to firmness, if the person leaning on the wedge is having pressure applied to them, then Medium Firm would be the choice. If not much pressure is being applied during the massage, then a Medium would work well.
Hello,
This may seem strange, but I am looking for foam pads to use therapeutically for my horse to stand on. They must provide a cushioning effect. This horse is over 1300 pounds, so I think I will need something with a high ILD value. Would the Rebond foam be firm enough to support the horse’s weight while having enough ‘give’ for this purpose? I am sure there will be some trial and error involved, so I am considering buying samples of various foam types. Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Olivia. Rebond foam is the only foam that will work for your application. Its 5.0 density is excellent quality, meaning it will be able to withstand wear and tear. Additionally, at an ILD 150, it will support a lot of weight without flattening out but at 1,300 pounds will also provide support. You can order foam samples to test out, we offer them here.
Hello,
First off, I want to thank you for all of the helpful insight that you have provided on this site. The information about foam is so confusing, but after countless hours of researching online, your site has provided the most help. I really appreciate this!
I recently purchased a firm innerspring mattress (13 gauge coils), but it’s a bit too firm for me. I have been searching for a topper that will allow some give to relieve pressure points. I am 6’ 1”, 180 pounds and I’m a side sleeper.
Prior to purchasing the new mattress, I was actually sleeping on the BoConcept Indivi couch that I’ve owned for years. I’ve always found the foam in the cushions to be the perfect balance of firmness, but soft enough to relieve pressure points.
The couch cushions are approximately 4 inches thick. And the BoConcept website, states that the cushions are made up of 35 kg/m3 CA HR foam. That roughly translates to a density of 2.2 lb/ft3.
Even though they’re referring to it as HR foam, based on the chart on your site, it seems like the density is closest to Lux Foam.
If I’m trying to replicate the feel of those couch cushions should I go with a Lux Foam topper and, if so, how thick should the mattress topper be to provide a similar feel and support? Thanks so much for your help on this!
Hi Patrick. Thank you for the kind words about our website! We sincerely appreciate it. Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Resilience, simply because it’s of better quality than Lux foam. We would recommend a firmness of Medium Firm (ILD 34), which is slightly softer than Lux foam in a firmness of Medium Firm (ILD 36). You can always order samples to provide a more realistic feel. In terms of thickness, we would recommend 2-3 inches.
Thank you! I will order a few samples and try your recommendations. I appreciate your help!
No problem! Let us know if you have any other questions.
Hello, you have a great website. Very informative. I need some help to pick the right foam for a car seat cushion. I am 5’10”, 165 lbs. I need a 2” seat cushion that will give be good support without bottoming out. What type of foam or combination foams do you recommend? I can go up to 3” depth if needed. Appreciate your response.
Hi Somesh. Thank you very much for your kind words about our website! Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type High Resilience split in 1.5 inch thicknesses. For the bottom 1.5 inches, we would recommend a firmness of Firm and for the top 1.5 inches, we would recommend a firmness of Medium Firm.
Hi, I am replacing all the cushions of my sailboat’s sofa (inside). The base of the sofa is made of wood and not straps. The thickness of the foam will be 6 inches for the seat and I think 5 inches for the back foam. What would be your foam recommendation for the seat and for the back. I’m looking for something high quality, very comfortable and durable where we can sit for hours. My husband’s weight is about 180 pounds and I’m 135 pounds. I was thinking of a medium-firm high resilience foam (35ILD) for the seat and soft foam (21ILD) for the back and I’ll add 1.25 inches of dacron on the cushions. However, I wonder if it would be preferable to use two different types of firmness for seat foam. It will be a huge project and I want to do it right at the beginning. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
Carole Bélanger
Hi Carole. Based on your description, for the inside cushions, there are two seating options both utilizing the excellent quality foam type High Resilience. The first seating option would be to use a solid 6-inch piece in a firmness of Medium Firm. The second seating option would be to use a 4-inch thick Medium Firm bottom base with a 2-inch thick Medium top layer. In terms of the back cushions, we would recommend the foam type High Resilience in a firmness of Soft.
Regarding the back cushions for your outdoor set, there are also two options utilizing the foam type Dry Fast. The first back cushion option would be to use a solid 5-inch piece in a firmness of Medium. The second back cushion option would be to use a 3-inch Medium back base with a 2-inch Soft front face. In terms of the outside seat cushions, we would recommend the foam type Dry Fast in a firmness of Firm.
Lastly, in terms of Dacron, we do not offer 1.25 inches thick – only 1.5 inches and 1 inch. We would recommend going with 1 inch thick.
I need to create some platform shoes for a musical. Probably up to 4″. I need your advice in picking a foam that is firm and will not compress too much under the weight (big guy, probably over 250lbs). I can’t just buy any, because his shoe size is a men’s 16. Do you have a suggestion on what type? Thanks!
Hi there! Based on your description, we would recommend the foam type Rebond which is offered in a firmness of Extra Firm only.
Hello, many years ago I bought a folding mattress from a Japanese bed store but they went out of business. My old foam mattress is 4″ thick and I went with “Firm” instead of “Extra firm” and was very happy with the mattress. Is High Resilience foam “Firm” a good match for what I’m looking to replace?
Hi there. Most Japanese folding mattresses are produced in a firmness of Medium Firm, although they are also offered in a firmness of Firm and Extra Firm. We do have two foam types that would work: a medium-quality High Density and an excellent quality High Resilience. Both foam types are available in a firmness of Medium Firm to Extra Firm.
Hello! I also would like to thank you for having such a wonderful website and customer service to guide and inform customers!
I need help to replace the cushioned on my window seat. The measurements are:
32” length (depth) with 90” front length and 61.25 back width. The two sides are 35.25”. The thickness of foam needed is 3 inches.
What type of foam would you recommend and type of firmness? Thank you!
Hi Cindy. Thank you very much for your kind words, we really appreciate such feedback! Based on your description, we would recommend a 3 inch thick High Density type foam in a firmness of Medium Firm or Firm. If the foam will be used often, we would recommend upgrading to High Resilience foam in a firmness of Medium Firm or Firm.