Choosing the best foam to use for sofa cushions is not an easy task. This article will lay out the numerous options and explain the pros and cons for each.
Table of Contents
The sofa is the most personal furniture one can have. You simply cannot have a tacky and exorbitant showpiece for a sofa in your home if it’s uncomfortable.
Yes, some may say that a sofa needs to be elegant because it is generally the highlight piece in any setting. But who said that we need to compromise on comfort for the sake of elegance and sophistication?
Even the most ostentatious sofa can be comfortable if it has the right cushions. But what is the best foam to use for sofa cushions? We will demystify this topic today and hopefully help you choose the right option for your couch.
To summarize, I will try to cover the below questions:
- What is foam, and how is it graded?
- What are the types of foam, and what are the pros and cons of each.
- Eco-friendly alternatives to foam
- Answers to some other important questions about foam
You might also like to read : Cheap Sectional Sofas Under $500: My Top 5 Picks
So, What Exactly Is Foam?
According to Oxford Dictionary, Foam is created by trapping air bubbles within a solid or liquid matter.
Foam is a lightweight, bouncy material used in sofas and mattresses to provide extra comfort. The two primary traits of foam are its density and compressibility. Based on these two properties, foams are graded.
- Foam Density is the weight in pounds per cubic foot—the higher the density, the better the longevity of the foam.
- Foam Compressibility is the firmness measured as the amount of weight required to compress the 1-inch thickness of the foam. The Lower the firmness, the better is the comfortability index of the foam.
All foams are graded solely based on these two factors. Now that you know the basic concept of foam and how it is differentiated, let us look at the various choices of foams available.
The Best Foam To Use For Sofa Cushions
#1 High-Density Foam
They are steadfast and meant to last a very long time; they retain their structure without distorting despite heavy usage for an extended period. Good buoyancy and resilience are the primary characteristics of High-density foam.
The foam is measured based on the density gradient. The Foam density is measured in the volume of material used in foam for every cubic foot. Anything above 2.5 pounds is regarded as high-density foam.
Advantages
- Readily available
- Wide range of choices
Disadvantages
- Non-biodegradable
#2 High Compression Foam
These Foams are also quite firm and have a high IDL rating. This means that the foam takes longer to compress or sink. The indentation is not easy to occur on these cushion foams. The essential measurement is done by checking how much load the foam can bear before sinking 1 inch of its height.
A lower IDL gradient means softer foam. A softer cushion is more suitable for the body and conforms better to the body shape.
Advantages
- Comfortable and firm
- Better adaptability to the body
Disadvantages
- Can deform faster than normal
You might also like to read : 25 Types Of Sofas And Couches For Every Living Room
#3 Polyurethane Foam
The most commonly sold and affordable choice as foam padding for couches and sofas is PU Foam. PU Foam is available in multiple ranges of density and compression, making them an ideal choice for most furniture makers.
Some even call PU foam IKEA Foam because of its widespread use by the company. They offer excellent support and comfort to the body. PU foam is generally used in the majority of couches and sofas under 500$.
Alcohol and Di-isocyanates are combined to make PU foam. Due to its chemical structure, which includes crude oil components, it is not an environment-friendly option.
Advantages
- Soft and plush texture
- Resistant to dust
- Cheap
- Lightweight
Disadvantages
- Shorter shelf life
- Damages when exposed to sunlight
#4 Poly Fill Foam
Also known as Polyester foam, these cushion fillers are similar to cotton. Fluffy, bouncy, and very lightweight, Poly Fill foam can be easily molded into the desired shape and form without worrying about distortion.
One of the cheapest couch cushion replacements, Poly Fill foam, is often combined with PU foam for extra bounce and comfort. However, one drawback of the Poly Fill foam is that it heats up quickly and is uncomfortable during hot summer months.
Advantages
- Very bouncy
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages
- Heat builds up quickly.
#5 Memory Foam
This is probably one of the most popular recommendations, thanks to the extreme popularity and rave reviews on social media.
Expensive but very comfortable, the special properties of memory foam make it undeniably one of the most coveted cushion paddings for sofas and couches.
Memory foam is made out of a viscoelastic compound that exhibits liquid-like characteristics. Memory foam is sensitive to body heat. The foam comfortably molds according to the body’s shape and its various pressure points, thus providing better comfort and support.
Doctors recommend memory foam cushions for back and spine-related problems such as sciatica, lumbar stenosis, degenerative disc disease, cervical stenosis, and others.
Advantages
- Conforms to the body shape
- Sensitive to body heat
- Suitable for lower back pain
- Hypoallergenic
Disadvantages
- Dense and heavy
- Expensive
- Lacks waterproofing
You might also like to read : 7 Firm Sofas For Bad Backs
#6 Open Cell Foam
Highly compressible and comfortable, these foams have large air vacuoles to allow easy airflow between the foam material. As soon as you sit on these foam cushions, they conform to your shape by exhaling an equal volume of air out.
They quickly rebound back to the original form when the weight is gone. Ideal for use during hot summer months as they prevent heat build-up within the foam.
Advantages
- Good re-bounce
- An excellent cooling pad for summer
Disadvantages
- Lack of resistance to moisture and humidity
#7 Lux Foam
Often confused with High-Density Foam, Lux Foam is firmer and heavier. They return to their original form very quickly and offer better support to the body.
Primarily used in camping pads and sleeping mats, they are also used as upholstery foam by many furniture makers today.
With an average shelf life of 6 to 8 yrs, Lux Foam is a better and pricier option than the average High-Density Foam.
Advantages
- Firmer than normal foam
- Better support
Disadvantages
- Heavier
- Expensive
#8 Dacron Wrapped Foam
High-density foam is wrapped in Dacron to provide better esthetic appeal. Dacron-wrapped Foam has more bounce than average foam and is smoother and softer to touch.
Dacron acts as a protective sheathing for the foam and prevents it from wrinkling and external damage.
Advantages
- Puffier and softer
- It has a smoother and cleaner look
Disadvantages
- Uses chemical adhesive to glue the Dacron and Foam.
You might also like to read : The 6 Best Power Reclining Sofas For Your Living Room
Eco-friendly alternative to foams for Sofa Cushions
#1 Down and Feather cushion filler
100 percent natural and environment-friendly, Down and feather filler comprises duck and goose feathers. Generally, these natural filler components have 80 percent feathers and 20 Percent Down.
While feathers provide the bulk, down, fillers give the structural support that prevents feathers from losing their volume and bounce. They retain their structure and form for a long time, so repeated fluffing is not required.
Unfortunately, down and feather is not used in sofas for under 500 dollars due to their expensive nature. Softer and lighter than the conventional PU foam, they are a costly alternative.
Down and feather fillers have had a bad rap recently because of inhumane practices used to extract these from live birds, so buy carefully and make sure of your sources if you are an animal lover.
#2 Soy Foam
Though it is an eco-friendly vegan alternative, it is not 100 percent natural. Soy husk is mixed with Polyurethane to create it. Comfort and resilience aside, Soy Foam is very sturdy and can withstand the prolonged burden of heavyweight and strain.
#3 Cotton
Cotton is entirely natural and the oldest filler material used in cushions for couches and sofas. Highly affordable and readily available, Cotton cushion foam is comfortable to use and does not heat up quickly.
However, the main downside of using cotton is that it becomes matted after a certain period. Cotton can also easily catch mold if left in hot and humid conditions for long.
#4 Latex
The second most popular sofa and couch cushion replacement foam is Latex. Made from Natural Rubber, Latex is biodegradable and 100 percent natural. Though it is not as cheap as PU foam, it has a few additional advantages that none of the above have.
Meant to outlast most of the types of cushion foams, Latex does not lose its structure and form quickly. They are highly elastic and tend to bounce back to their original state as soon as the load is lifted.
While natural Latex is an environment-friendly option, synthetic Latex is also being used for foam making as an alternative. However, despite its longer shelf life, Latex is expensive compared to most.
#5 Wool
Natural and readily available, Wool is a good choice for replacement sofa cushion inserts. Hypoallergenic, unlike cotton, Wool is naturally resistant to mold, fire, and humidity. The primary positive attribute of Wool as cushion foam is its firm and lightweight structure.
It is very comfortable to use with sufficient compression gradient without the added bulk or fluff.
You might also like to read : Best Leather Couch for Dog Owners and Kids in 2021
Frequently asked Questions
What is the best foam density for couch cushions?
The cheap couch and sofa manufacturers commonly use High-density Foam with a 2.8 to 3 gradient score. But, the ideal foam gradient for a comfortable sofa cushion is 1.7 to 1.8.
What is the best quality foam for sofa cushions?
Polyurethane Foam is most commonly used in making sofa cushions. Cheap and readily available, it has a wide gradient range suitable for everyone’s needs. PU foam also has a long shelf life of 6 to 8 years and is very comfortable to use. The high-density PU foam is also the most favored choice for making cushions for sectional sofas under 500$.
What is a good foam density for a couch?
We all prefer sofa cushions that are bouncy and comfortable to use. Another aspect we look for is the heat build-up within the cushions. High resilience sofa cushions are bouncy and super comfortable to use. Additionally, this type of foam is swift to reform into its original shape and size. The most preferred foam gradient index for sofa cushions ranges between 2.8 to 3.
What foam is used in sofa cushions?
Ideally, the most common type of foam used in sofa cushions is high-density Polyurethane Foam. In addition to providing comfort and sturdy support to the body, PU foam has a comparatively longer than average shelf life.
Is it possible to replace only the foam of the sofa cushions?
Sofa cushion foam is a separate section of the ensemble. It is not attached to the main framework of the sofa. Hence, cushion foam can be easily replaced.
However, care must be taken to ensure the correct measurement of the foam to be used as a replacement. Proper measurement helps to match the size and overall structure of the sofa or sectional.
Is Memory Foam Good for Sofa Cushions?
Though memory foam is widely acclaimed as the best mattress foam, its role as foam for cushions and sofas is still debatable.
It is far more expensive and takes time to return to its original shape. If it is used for cushion padding, many prefer adding a topper for extra protection and comfort.
Go ahead and choose the perfect foam for your sofa cushions!
Now that you know well about the different Sofa cushions available, the final decision is more straightforward. However, remember that any sofa cushion has a break-in period, regardless of its density and firmness.
It means that it takes a few days for the cushion material to adjust with the body. You cannot expect it to conform with you immediately. Have a bit of patience and use it for a few days before deciding if it’s a fit or a miss.
Happy furniture!
