High Density Foam and High Resilience – What is the Difference?
Saturday, April 2, 2022
One of the most common questions we get here is “What is HD, or High Density, Foam?” and what does the term “High Resilience” mean when describing foam? Is there a difference between the two?
Yes, there is. Here are some very important distinctions to understand when choosing the correct foam for your project.
High Resilience Foam
High Resilience foam is mid-range polyurethane foam. It is commonly described as more “soft” or “squishy” because it conforms well to the user. But high resiliency foam does not hold as much weight and may begin to flatten faster. You will see High Resilience foam in mattress toppers of 1” to 4” thickness, medical backs, or seating support, among other sorts of products. High resiliency foam is commonly bonded to a higher density foam base for added support and a firmer feel, especially in cushions and mattresses. This balances out the tendency of High Resilience foam to flatten easily when a mattress is all High Resilience foam.
High-Density Foam
High-Density foam has more structure and is not as squishy feeling in comparison to High Resilience foams. Because High Resilience foam is softer and has more air pores, it starts to sag more easily than High-Density Foam. High-Density Foam is used in sofa cushions, couch and seating cushions, bay window cushions, benches, chairs, and most mattresses. Dacron wrap can be added to a High-Density Foam to soften its edges and give it a less “boxed” look. High-Density Foam can also be used in sculpted seating or as floor cushioning under the carpet.
How do you know if it’s a High-Density foam or a High Resiliency foam? Both materials can be identified by density and ILD.
Foam density
Foam density is a specific measurement of how much weight in pounds the polyurethane foam can handle per cubic foot. This density rating tells you the strength of the foam. The higher the number, the longer the foam will last. It should not be used exclusively as a sign of durability or comfort, because the firmness and lifespan of foam products like mattresses and cushions depend on many factors, including density and ILD. Normally, High-Density foam is around 2.8lbs to 3.2lbs per cubic foot and High Resilience Foam can have a density of 3lbs to 6lbs per cubic foot. The higher the density is, the heavier the foam will be. Keep in mind that both types of foam are durable and should last for 8 to 12 years of everyday use.
ILD
ILD, or IFD, is a measurement firmness of how hard or soft a foam is. The higher the ILD, the firmer the foam is. Also represents how many pounds per cubic foot the foam will hold before it collapses. If you take a cube of foam that is 12″ x 12″ x 12″, the cube will collapse once it reaches its ILD of pressure. High-Density foam has higher ILD than High Resilience foam. Some of our High-Density foam offerings include Luxury Firm (50ILD) and Premium Foam (36ILD). High Resilience Foam has a lower ILD. One High Resilience foam that we offer is HD23 (23 ILD, 3.2lbs). However, High-Density foam and High Resilience foam can have the same density in some products.
Although it may seem like it, it’s not true that all High-Density foams are firm. They can be soft as well. While High Resilience foam is squishier due to its greater number of air pores, it has a higher chance of sagging underweight than High-Density foam does.
Some people advertise High-Density foam and High Resilience foam without fully understanding it, so be careful of false advertising whether they meant it to be incorrect or not. When you research for foam, it is smart to ask the density and ILD of the foam you are considering in order to ensure that you will get a comfortable foam that lasts a long time.
No matter your foam needs, we have the perfect type of foam for you. When shopping on our website, you can find the open cell foams specification sheet which will show you a breakdown of all our foams’ ILD, weight, and density so you get the full picture of what we have to offer.
To learn more about any of our foams or to put in an order, give us a call today at (248) 284-0002.
High-Density Foam & Its Uses
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
High-density foam is an optimal choice for a variety of residential purposes. This kind of foam provides some of the most support for legs and back issues as it is especially firm, yet very soft to the touch. What’s more, is that high-density foam is long-lasting with lifespans anywhere from 10-15 years — even with everyday use!
There are plenty of different options of high-density foam to choose from. Whether you need this durable foam extra-firm for seat pads, or maybe sheet foam for packaging, Foam N’ More carries a variety of products that use this long-lasting material.
Below you will find several products that we offer that have high-density, super strong, and resistant foam material.
Get to know the foam first before you make this big investment! Try our foam sample pack. The sample pack includes 10 samples of different types of foam measured at 5” x 5” x 2.
For superior comfort and support, use our four-pound gel memory foam. With innovative dual-wave gel technology, this product provides cradling comfort and enhanced pressure relief. This foam will increase circulation, contour, and mold perfectly to your body, reducing pressure points to give you the restful sleep you need. This is the perfect topper for guest beds, air mattresses, waterbeds, daybeds, or any other mattresses you can think of.
Our luxury firm foam is a high-density foam recommended for cars, seat pads, seat cushions, and massage tables 4″ thick or thinner. If you are looking for support and durability, then this foam is for you! This kind of foam has rubber-based characteristics. This means it will maintain its original shape and density for many years with a high degree of support.
This foam grade is very firm high-density foam. For people that like more extra support, and firmness this is the foam for you. This type of foam is recommended for sitting down for a long period of time, massage tables, car, and chair pads.
The premium medium high-density foam is recommended for sofa seat cushions 5″ thick or thicker. This foam provides comfort, durability, and will not break down like furniture store foam. This is our most popular foam for seat cushion replacements and is highly recommended.
Standard medium foam is a medium-density foam used for upholstering headboards, baby mattresses, dog or cat beds, temporary sleeping foam toppers packaging protection, shipping or moving, and any other occasional mattresses or cushions used.
These are some of our most popular kinds of high-density foam, but you can find our entire selection on our website for the exact foam to fit your needs.
What Kinds of Products Use High-Density Foam
High-density foam is applicable in many different ways. Since this foam is durable and long-lasting, the possibilities are endless — from occasionally used outdoor seating to bedroom mattresses used every night. From extra firm padding to plush soft foam, there are many ways that high-density foam can add some extra comfort to your home!
Take a look at this list of some of our common products in which we produce high-density foam!
- Car Seat or Desk Chair Pads
- Window Seating
- Outdoor Cushions
- Carpet Padding
- Ottomans
- Mattress Toppers
- Daybeds
- Massage Tables
- Medical Foam Wedges
- Foam Sheets for Packaging
- & So Much More!
Contact Foam N’ More If You Have Any Questions!
If you have any questions about what size or shape might be the best fit for you and your mattress, give us a call today! One of our friendly representatives will be happy to help you find the mattress that best fits your needs of you.
Have trouble finding what you need on our website? We can also do mix combinations and custom foam mattresses and foam toppers. We can cut and glue the foam into exact measurements should you have unique dimensions. This is perfect if you have a less standard mattress, like in a camper or RV, boats or yachts, customized round mattresses, and more.
Foam N’ More: Commercial Foam & Custom Foam Manufacturers in Michigan
Custom high-density foam is one of the most durable and comfortable materials to be inserted in your upholstery, bedroom mattress, outdoor cushions, and more. If you have specific dimensions or designs in mind, we would like to hear from you, so let us know how we can help you by filling out the contact form on our website.