Foam Types

Many different types of foam are available in the market and it can be difficult to know what to choose for a certain application. This page is a resource for learning about the various applications of different types of foam offered on the market and offered here at FoamOnline. We also provide the datasheet specifications for foam, containing the technical information about the characteristics of foam sold here at FoamOnline. We make it easy for our consumers to order the correct foam type for their projects. Below is a list of the various foams offered.


Conventional Foam

Conventional Foam Description:

Conventional foam is an inexpensive medium-quality foam that strikes a balance between price and comfort. It will provide adequate support for occasional furniture and mattress usage. We would recommend it for couch backing cushions and mattress toppers. Additional applications include packaging and shipping protection, camping pads, and pet beds. Quality-wise, Conventional foam is a step above commercial-grade Polyurethane foam and a step below industrial-grade High Density foam. Its typical lifespan is around 5 years.

Conventional Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 1.50 ASTM D 3574
25% ILD (LB) 15.7 ± 3 - 56.9 ± 3 ASTM D 3574
Sag Factor (%) Min. 1.50 ASTM D 3574
Flammability Rating CA TB 117-2013 BT CAL-117
CertiPUR-US® Certification Pass CertiPUR-US® Standard

Dry Fast Foam

Dry Fast Foam Description:

Dry Fast foam is a great-quality resilient and buoyant foam. With a very porous open cell construction, it is non-water absorbent and won’t mold, rot, or mildew. Even under complete saturation the foam will dry quickly. This makes it ideal for outdoor uses such as patio or outdoor cushions and mattresses. Other uses include filters or padding that is subject to high amounts of liquid such as marine cushioning or personal watercrafts. Its typical lifespan is between 5 to 8 years.

Dry Fast Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 1.80 ASTM D 3574-91
25% ILD (LB) 60 ASTM D 3574-91
60% ILD (LB) 105 ASTM D 3574-91
Cell Count (Pores PSI) 25 ASTM D 3574-91
Air Flow (CFM) Min. 20 ASTM D 3574-91
Tensile (PSI) Min. 20 ASTM D 3574-91
Elongation (%) Min. 150 ASTM D 3574-91
Anti-Microbial Yes ASTM D 3574-91
Tear (PPI) Min. 5.0 ASTM D 3574-91
Sag Factor (Nominal) 1.80 ASTM D 3574-91
Compression Set (@ 50% Deflection) % Max. 20 ASTM D 3574-91
25% CLD Autoclave Loss (% Max.) 25 ASTM D 3574-91
Compression Set (@ 50% Deflection Autoclave Loss) % Max. 10 ASTM D 3574-91
Tensile Strength Dry Heat Loss (% Max.) 15 ASTM D 3574-91
Max Temperature (°F) 200 -
Flammability Rating Class 2, Non Fire Retardant UL900
Contains Fire Retardant Additives No -

Closed Cell Foam

Closed Cell Foam Description:

Closed Cell foam, also known as Polyethylene foam, is an excellent quality type of foam in which the individual foam cells are sealed off from one another, preventing the passage of air and water through the material and making it impermeable. The closed-cell structure results in a foam that is rigid and buoyant. Non-water absorbant, it is ideal for applications where flotation and water resistance are essential. It is commonly used in water sports equipment, marine flotation devices, and buoyancy aids. It also provides excellent thermal insulation and is often used for hot tub covers.

Closed Cell foam is often used in applications where insulation against heat or cold is necessary, such as in building insulation, refrigeration, or HVAC systems. Closed Cell foam tends to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear than open-cell foam. The closed structure enhances the foam’s strength and ability to withstand compression and impact. The impermeability of Closed Cell foam makes it effective for sealing applications. It is often used as gaskets and seals in industries where preventing the passage of air or water is critical. Closed Cell foam can be used for acoustic insulation in applications where sound absorption and dampening are required. It is often found in automotive interiors, industrial settings, and soundproofing applications. Its typical lifespan is around 15 years.

Closed Cell Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 2.0 ASTM D 3575
Compression Strength (PSI): 25% / 50%) 5 / 14 ASTM D 3575
Tensile (PSI) 60 ASTM D 3575
Elongation (%) 124 ASTM D 3575
Tear (LB/Inch) 11 ASTM D 3575
Compresion Set (%) 28 ASTM D 3575
Shore Hardness: A Scale / OO Scale 7 / 51 ASTM D 3575
Thermal Stability (%) Max.3 Hours @ 180°F -1.0 ASTM D 3575
Thermal Conductivity @ 50°F 0.33 ASTM D 3575
Water Absorption (LB/Sq. Ft.) 0.04 MIL-P-40619
Bouyancy (LB/Cubic Ft.) 55 MIL-P-40619
Contains Fire Retardant Additives No -

Rebond Foam

Rebond Foam Description:

Rebond foam, also known as Rebonded foam, is a very resilient foam designed for daily high usage and heavy impacts. Rebond foam is constructed from compressed and bonded recycled foam material.

Its dense and firm construction makes it ideal for demanding applications such as carpet underlay or padding, commercial seating like bar and restaurant booths, and gym and exercise equipment like mats and weightlifting area padding. Other uses include seats for recreational vehicles like automobiles, snowmobiles, tractors, and motorcycles that are under heavy use and motor vibrations. Its typical lifespan is around 12 years.

Rebond Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 8.0 ASTM D 3574
25% ILD (LB) 140 ± 10 -
Sag Factor (%) Min. Variable -
Flammability Rating CA TB 117-2013 BT CAL-117

Charcoal Foam

Charcoal Foam Description:

Charcoal Foam is a great-quality foam with a firm feel. Its dense and firm construction makes it durable for heavier-duty applications. Its darker color maintains a clean appearance if it becomes dirty. Additionally, it will hide the natural yellowing that occurs and can be seen on white and light-colored foam due to aging and sunlight. This makes it ideal for professional applications where maintaining a clean look is important such as protective padding for equipment cases like instruments, technical equipment, guns, and computers. Other applications include packaging and shipping protection and entry-level soundproofing. Its typical lifespan is around 8 to 10 years. Charcoal foam is also available in an Egg Crate design to cradle and further protect delicate items.

Charcoal Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 1.80 - 1.85 ASTM D 3574
25% ILD (LB) 85.9 ± 3 ASTM D 3574
Sag Factor (%) Min. 1.8 ASTM D 3574
Flammability Rating CA TB 117-2013 BT CAL-117
CertiPUR-US® Certification Pass CertiPUR-US® Standard

Dunlop Latex Foam

Dunlop Latex Foam Description:

Dunlop Latex foam is of excellent quality with a medium feel. It is often used in top-of-the-line products like mattresses, cushions, and pillows. This is because of the following reasons:

  • Comfort: Its contouring properties provide exceptional support and comfort. It conforms to the shape of your body to ease pressure points and relieve discomfort and pain.
  • Breathability: Latex foam pinhole construction allows air to circulate freely through the foam, regulating body temperature and preventing heat buildup.
  • Durability: Its rubber construction allows Latex foam to maintain its shape and firmness over many years before it starts to degrade.
  • Hypoallergenic: Latex foam does not contain the common allergens found in fully synthetic materials. It is also naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, mildew, rot, and other forms of bacteria that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Dunlop Latex foam is more durable than conventional foam. Its typical lifespan is around 15 to 25 years. You can read more about Latex foam here.

Dunlop Latex Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 5.9 ASTM D 3574
Hysteresis (%) 32 ISO 2439 Method B
Resilience (%) 40 ISO 8307
Sag Factor (Nominal) 5.4 ISO 2439 Method B
Tensile (PSI) Min. 20 ISO 1798
Elongation (%) Min. 80 ISO 1798
Compression Set (@ 50% Deflection) % Max. 5% ISO 1856
Dynamic Fatigue (%) 1%, 14% ISO 3385
Dynamic Fatigue (%) Durability Test 1%, 14% EN 1957
Contains Fire Retardant Additives N.A. ISO 1021-1, ISO 1021-2

High Resilience Foam

High Resilience Foam Description:

High Resilience foam, often abbreviated as HR foam, is an excellent-quality foam that is specifically engineered to offer a higher level of resilience and bounce-back compared to other types of foam. This means it will return to its original shape after being compressed or deformed, giving it a buoyant feel. It is also durable, maintaining its supportive qualities over extended periods of use. These qualities make it ideal for mattresses, furniture cushions, and other applications where long-lasting support and comfort are essential. High Resilience foam is valued for its combination of durability, comfort, and responsiveness. It is often used in premium mattresses and high-quality furniture where long-term performance is a priority. Its typical lifespan is around 12 years.

High Resilience Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 2.50 - 3.0 ASTM D 3574
25% ILD (LB) 10 ± 3 - 100.0 ± 3 ASTM D 3574
Sag Factor (%) Min. 2.7 ASTM D 3574
Flammability Rating CA TB 117-2013 BT CAL-117
CertiPUR-US® Certification Pass CertiPUR-US® Standard

Lux Foam

Lux Foam Description:

Lux Foam, also known as Evlon foam, is a very good quality foam. Lux foam has a very good level of resilience and bounce-back. This means it will return to its original shape after being compressed or deformed, giving it a buoyant feel. This, along with its durability, makes Lux foam ideal for upper-scale furniture seating and mattresses. Lux foam is a step above industrial-grade High Density foam and a step below High Resilience foam. Its typical lifespan is around 6 to 8 years.

Lux Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 1.95 - 2.20 ASTM D 3574
25% ILD (LB) 19.0 ± 3 - 45.5 ± 3 ASTM D 3574
Sag Factor (%) Min. 2.0 ASTM D 3574
Flammability Rating CA TB 117-2013 BT CAL-117
CertiPUR-US® Certification Pass CertiPUR-US® Standard

High Density Foam

High Density Foam Description:

High Density foam is an industrial-grade good quality foam with an excellent balance between price and comfort. As such, High Density Foam is the most commonly used foam type in the furniture manufacturing industry. It will provide suitable support, resilience, and comfort for its given application. It is sold primarily for mattresses, average-quality sofas, chair cushions, bay windows, boats, and camping pads. Its typical lifespan is around 6 years.

High Density Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 1.80 - 1.85 ASTM D 3574
25% ILD (LB) 18.9 ± 3 - 85.9 ± 3 ASTM D 3574
Sag Factor (%) Min. 1.80 ASTM D 3574
Flammability Rating CA TB 117-2013 BT CAL-117
CertiPUR-US® Certification Pass CertiPUR-US® Standard

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane Foam Description:

Commercial Grade Polyurethane Foam, also known as Polyfoam, is a fair-quality foam primarily reserved for packaging and shipping applications but can be used for occasional-use mattresses and cushions. Other applications include dog beds, costumes, arts and crafts, and other recreational applications. Due to its fair quality, thick pieces will develop “sink” areas after a short time and will often not return to their original form over time. Its typical lifespan is around 1 to 2 years.

Polyurethane Foam Technical Data

Property Values Test Method
Density (LB/Cubic Ft.) 1.20 - 1.25 ASTM D 3574
25% ILD (LB) 17.3 ± 3 - 50.5 ± 3 ASTM D 3574
Sag Factor (%) Min. 1.20 ASTM D 3574
Flammability Rating CA TB 117-2013 BT CAL-117
CertiPUR-US® Certification Pass CertiPUR-US® Standard