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Foam Types for Seats and Cushions

When it comes to finding the right solution for your home, you need options. With our selection of cushion foam types, get the perfect solution for the needs of your home as well as your budget. We offer a selection of conventional cushion foams that stretch from the softest to the sturdiest materials. Additionally, each of the six conventional cushion foams listed below are CertiPUR-US® certified materials. That means that these products are free of Ozone depleters, heavy metals, and CFCs, as well as durability and emissions-tested, so customers can feel comfortable and confident bringing these products into their homes. For more information on the certification program, visit our CertiPUR-US® page.

Indoor Foam Types for Seats and Cushions

We offer several different options when browsing our cushion foam types. Our super soft variety offers the softest experience in terms of cushioning and support. When looking for a medium foam, choose from our poly foam and HD36 variety which offer more support than our super soft type. When looking for a firm to extra firm for added support and stability, check out the lux variety to meet your needs. When looking for the right solution to meet your preferences and budget, our selection of indoor cushion foam types has a range of choices to help you get the best fit.

Poly Foam

A medium firmness foam suggested for occasional use. Poly foam can be used for cushion replacement and mattresses, as well as packaging and crafts. It has a typical life of 1 to 2 years.
(Poly foam has a 1.5 lb/ft3 density with a 36lb ILD)

Poly Foam
Poly Foam Datasheet

Super Soft Foam

A soft foam suggested for regular use. Super soft foam is suggested for couch backing cushions and as mattresses and mattress toppers for individuals with bed sores. It has a typical life of 5 years.
(Super Soft foam has a 1.2 lb/ft3 density with a 12lb ILD)

Super Soft Foam
Super Soft Foam Datasheet

HD36 Foam - Regular

Medium feel foam for regular use applications. HD36 Foam - R is suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches, and mattresses. It is not suggested for dining rooms seats 1” to 2”. We would instead suggest using our firm Lux Foam. HD36 Regular Foam has a typical lifespan of 7 years.
(HD36-R foam has a 1.8 lb/ft3 density with a 35lb ILD)

HD36 Regular Foam
HD36-R Datasheet

HD36 Foam - High Quality

Medium feel foam for regular or heavy use applications. HD36 Foam - HQ is a high quality foam suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches, and mattresses. It is not suggested for dining rooms seats 1” to 2”. We would instead suggest using our firm Lux Foam. HD36 High Quality foam has a typical lifespan of 16 years.
(HD36-HQ foam has a 2.8 lb/ft3 density with a 35lb ILD)

HD36 High Quality Foam
HD36-HQ Datasheet

Hand Testing Firmness of Lux Regular Foam

Lux Foam - Regular

Firm to extremely firm foam depending on thickness. Thicknesses from 1" to 6" are considered firm, and thicknesses from 7" to 8" are considered extremely firm. However, 7” to 8” thickness is considered only firm for body weights over 200 pounds in seating applications. This foam can be used for regular use applications. Lux Foam - R is suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches, and mattresses. It is also suggested for dining room seats from 1” to 3” in thickness. This foam has a typical lifespan of 7 years.
(Lux-R foam has a 1.8 lb/ft3 density with a 50lb ILD)

Lux Regular Foam
Lux-R Datasheet

Hand Testing Firmness of Lux High Quality Foam

Lux Foam - High Quality

Firm to extremely firm foam depending on thickness. Thicknesses from 1" to 6" are considered firm, and thicknesses from 7" to 8" are considered extremely firm. However, 7” to 8” thickness is considered only firm for body weights over 200 pounds in seating applications. This foam can be used for regular or heavy use applications. Lux Foam - HQ is a high quality foam suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches, and mattresses. It is also suggested for dining room seats from 1” to 3” in thickness. This foam has a typical lifespan of 16 years.
(Lux-HQ foam has 2.8 lb/ft3 density with a 50lb ILD)

Lux High Quality Foam
Lux-HQ Datasheet

Dryfast Foam

A medium-firm foam suggested for outdoor use, and very durable. Dryfast's unique ability to drain water quickly makes it excellent for outdoor use. Possible applications include patio cushions, garden furniture, boat cushions and boat mattresses. It has a typical life of 5 to 8 years.
(1.8 lb/ft3 density with a 60lb ILD)

Dryfast Foam
Dryfast Datasheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best foam for sofas?

The best foam for sofas is polyurethane foam, which offers different degrees of support and cushioning depending on its firmness and density. Choosing a foam depends primarily on personal preference, but firmness plays a huge factor in that. HD36 foam is often used where more comfort is desired, but for a firmer, more stable support, Lux is preferred. For back cushions, the recommendation is typically a softer foam, such as Super Soft. Since we do not tend to put weight on our backs when we sit, anything firmer may be uncomfortable.

What is the best foam for upholstering dining room chairs?

When upholstering dining room chairs, a higher density, firmer foam is recommended. Typically, dining room chairs range from 2-3" thick, but with something too soft, you run the risk of bottoming out on the wood. Lux foam is the most common for this application. At 2-3" thick, Lux foam is soft enough to be comfortable, but firm enough to prevent it from bottoming out.

What is a high-density foam?

When a foam is high-density, it is considered to be a longer lasting, higher quality solution. When it comes to cushions, the higher the density, the more durable the foam will be. Density is not to be confused with firmness. Often times, these measurements go hand-in-hand, but in foam, they do not always correlate. The most important thing to remember when choosing the density of a foam piece is that higher densities will last longer in cushions that receive heavy or daily use.

What is firm foam?

When discussing firmness, it is important to know that choosing the right foam comes down to personal taste. In foam, firmness is measured using ILD (Indentation Load Deflection). Upholstery foam is tested under a set of circumstances and is assigned a number based on the results. The most important thing to know about ILD is that the higher the number is, the firmer or harder it will feel. Typical couch cushions range from 35-50 ILD. If the preference is something softer, you would want a lower number, but if something much firmer is preferred, the higher end of the spectrum tends to be better.