How to Differentiate Polyurethane Foam From One Another

Summary: Polyurethane comes in different resiliencies and models. Choosing the right one all comes down to personal preference.

Throughout the years, foam mattresses have been the standard in the households everywhere. They’re used in almost every part of the house as well – from outdoor furniture cushions to your sofa. With mattress manufacturers upping their technologies and creating new types of models, there seems to be much in store for new and improved products in the near future. Now, one of the most common types of mattresses include a type of foam called polyurethane. It’s one of the most, if the most, common foam types in households today. This article will break down everything that you need to know about this everyday item.

What Exactly is Polyurethane?

Flexible polyurethane foam is created through the process of reacting polyols with isocyanates, along with other materials like surfactants, catalysts, and additives. The high density types of polyurethane foam is created by methods such as utilizing blowing agents or frothing. In the 1950s, polyurethane was first developed as an idea for mattresses and furniture pieces. Fast forward to today, you’ll ding that polyurethane has become the go-to foam for household items. Take a look around you, most pieces that you can sit or lie on most likely has some form of polyurethane foam within it – such as the foam inserts in your chair or sofa.

How to Compare Polyurethane

The primary way to differentiate polyurethane from one another is through density – which is the percentage of polymers within the foam. Now, most polyurethane foams are going to be under 1.8 lbs per cubic foot, but high density foams on the other hand are 1.8 – 2.5 lbs, and high-resilience foams are over 2.5 lbs. The difference between these types of polyurethane foams are their resistance to compression, durability, and support. However, it should be noted that the most expensive and most resilient type of polyurethane foam won’t please everyone. It’s important that you try out which foam works best for you before committing to a specific material. The cost increases with density, but not everyone should automatically upgrade their mattress to the highest density that they can find. It isn’t a “one size fits all” industry. Take your time and figure out which type will work best with your sleeping pattern. Sure, you can purchase a mattress that will last years on end, but if you’re not sleeping well on it, what’s the point?

Bio: The Foam Factory is a premiere foam manufacturer that can help you find the right foam product for your home. Whether it’s for a patio cushion or a worn-down sofa, The Foam Factory is here to help.