Difference Between Open-Cell and Closed-Cell Foam
If you are new to the wide world of foam, you may have a few questions regarding the difference between open cell and closed cell foam. While both types are available for a range of applications, it a good idea to have a better understanding of the differences between the two to ensure you get the option that is best suited to your particular needs. Let's take a closer look at the major difference between open cell and closed cell foam.
The main difference between these two types of foam is pretty obvious. One option has cells that are closed and one has cells that are open. However, most people are left wondering what that actually means.
Open cell foam has tiny cells which are not completely closed. The open cells are filled with air and this affects the way the foam feels and performs. Closed cell foam has cells which are sealed off so air doesn't get inside the structure at all.
The major difference between the two foam options is that closed cell foam tends to be harder or firmer while open cell foam is softer or less firm. Another difference is that closed cell tends to be less springy with soft cell foam offering more spring to it. It should be noted that for foam to receive an open cell distinction not all cells must be open. A foam material can have an equal ratio of closed and open cell and it will automatically be classified as open cell. However, this type of half and half ratio usually means the foam is still softer than fully closed cell foam, but harder than a foam with all the cells entirely open.
There are several applications for foam with one or other type of cell structures being more ideal. For example, since closed cell is incapable of holding water to make a cushion heavier and harder to dry out, it is often used in outdoor cushions. Closed cell is also used for various purposes where a sturdier structure is needed such as packaging and shipping needs, protection barriers, and more. Since closed cell is harder and has less give to it, it is ideal for purposes requiring added stability such as transporting breakable items from one location to another. This type of foam can be used in construction as building insulation since it creates a nice barrier to trap heat and air conditioning inside a building to reduce utility costs. It can also be used for certain electrical and automotive applications as long as it stays clear of heat.
Open cell foam certainly has its uses, too. Softer and springier, this foam type offers superior comfort and support for a range of applications. While obvious solutions include cushions for residential seating such as sofas and chairs, foam fill sacks, commercial uses ranging from car seat manufacturing to mattresses, and much more, this type of foam can be used for a range of solutions. With the superior comfort it offers, it is no wonder open cell is used in all manner of sofas, chairs, loveseats, and mattresses. Available in varying levels of firmness and density, open cell foam can be super soft or firmer for more support. It can be used in support aids, pillows, pet beds, and much more.
When looking at the durability factor, there are very few differences between the two. While closed cell foam is generally stronger and longer lasting than open cell foam, both options offer lasting durability. Closed cell is tougher since it provides improved rigidity. It is also tougher in terms of rips or tears whereas open cell foam is more vulnerable to surface damage.
Many people think that the cell structure of the foam is related to thickness variations. However, both open and closed cell foam are available in varying degrees of thickness. The thickness needed will depend on the application. While both types of foam structures can be used in varying thicknesses, open cell foam can lose the springy nature of the material when used in options too thick, and closed cell can be less sturdy in thinner cuts as opposed to thicker ones.
When choosing between the two, the types of applications, as well as the desired results, will be the main determining factor in which type is more suitable. Both options are known to offer the lasting endurance and high levels of performance expected of this versatile material.
Open cell foam has tiny cells which are not completely closed. The open cells are filled with air and this affects the way the foam feels and performs. Closed cell foam has cells which are sealed off so air doesn't get inside the structure at all.
The major difference between the two foam options is that closed cell foam tends to be harder or firmer while open cell foam is softer or less firm. Another difference is that closed cell tends to be less springy with soft cell foam offering more spring to it. It should be noted that for foam to receive an open cell distinction not all cells must be open. A foam material can have an equal ratio of closed and open cell and it will automatically be classified as open cell. However, this type of half and half ratio usually means the foam is still softer than fully closed cell foam, but harder than a foam with all the cells entirely open.
There are several applications for foam with one or other type of cell structures being more ideal. For example, since closed cell is incapable of holding water to make a cushion heavier and harder to dry out, it is often used in outdoor cushions. Closed cell is also used for various purposes where a sturdier structure is needed such as packaging and shipping needs, protection barriers, and more. Since closed cell is harder and has less give to it, it is ideal for purposes requiring added stability such as transporting breakable items from one location to another. This type of foam can be used in construction as building insulation since it creates a nice barrier to trap heat and air conditioning inside a building to reduce utility costs. It can also be used for certain electrical and automotive applications as long as it stays clear of heat.
Open cell foam certainly has its uses, too. Softer and springier, this foam type offers superior comfort and support for a range of applications. While obvious solutions include cushions for residential seating such as sofas and chairs, foam fill sacks, commercial uses ranging from car seat manufacturing to mattresses, and much more, this type of foam can be used for a range of solutions. With the superior comfort it offers, it is no wonder open cell is used in all manner of sofas, chairs, loveseats, and mattresses. Available in varying levels of firmness and density, open cell foam can be super soft or firmer for more support. It can be used in support aids, pillows, pet beds, and much more.
When looking at the durability factor, there are very few differences between the two. While closed cell foam is generally stronger and longer lasting than open cell foam, both options offer lasting durability. Closed cell is tougher since it provides improved rigidity. It is also tougher in terms of rips or tears whereas open cell foam is more vulnerable to surface damage.
Many people think that the cell structure of the foam is related to thickness variations. However, both open and closed cell foam are available in varying degrees of thickness. The thickness needed will depend on the application. While both types of foam structures can be used in varying thicknesses, open cell foam can lose the springy nature of the material when used in options too thick, and closed cell can be less sturdy in thinner cuts as opposed to thicker ones.
When choosing between the two, the types of applications, as well as the desired results, will be the main determining factor in which type is more suitable. Both options are known to offer the lasting endurance and high levels of performance expected of this versatile material.
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