Let's face it: no two chairs, sofas, couches, or mattresses feel the same. Whether you're sitting down to watch a movie, gathering at a friend's house for great conversation, or settling in at night for a restful sleep, every piece of furniture seems different. This results from many factors, but most importantly, the foam density of each seating or bed component determines the final feel. Having foam density explained before you begin the shopping process can be helpful so you can narrow your options down in advance and enter the store as an educated shopper.
Many people have yet to think about foam density before regarding their furniture. But, look around your house, and it's a part of so many different pieces. Whether you have cushioned dining tables, an upholstered ottoman, or a super large sectional, the seat compositions of each have different foam density ratings. These ratings signal different things about the piece, with high foam density being better for some and lower densities better for others.
You likely have three primary things in mind when shopping for new furniture. The first is getting the most comfortable items for your home. The second is selecting the most stylish furniture sets; the third is always affordability and practicality. At Mor Furniture for Less, we bring you the latest trends in a wide variety of selections at the best prices in town. Our double-the-difference guarantee* ensures it.
We're also here as leaders in the home furnishing and decor industry. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and providing customers with all the information they need to make the best choices for their homes and families. That means educating you on even the tinier, lesser-known facts about the furniture world, like foam density. We're here to bring you Foam Density Explained.
Keep reading to learn more about why foam density matters, what different densities feel like and their purpose, the different foam density ratings, and the answer to "What is the density of high-density foam?"
What Is Furniture Foam Density?
Many pieces of furniture feature foam as their seat or bed composition. Foam density refers to the weight and mass of that foam. Manufacturers measure the density in pounds per cubic foot. A high foam density means a product has a thick, heavy foam, making it firmer and stiffer. It's less likely to warp or lose shape over time and bounces back with resilience after each use.
When shopping, you'll notice that product tags and descriptions note the foam density of a product. This is an indicator of how firm or soft an item is. The highest-density foams will be the firmest. Some people prefer more forgiving cushions that allow them to sink into their couches, for instance. In that case, you should look for descriptions with lower foam densities.
What Types of Furniture Use Foam Density?
It's important to keep in mind that not all pieces have foam, and not all manufacturers list the foam density of their products.
Furniture that uses foam include:
- Sofas, Couches, and Loveseats
- Chaise Lounge Chairs
- Sectionals
- Recliners
- Side Chairs and Accent Chairs
- Ottomans and Decorative Poufs
- Seat Cushions
- Dining Chairs
- Pillows
- Bench Seats
- Upholstered Headboards
- Outdoor Patio Furniture
- Mattresses
- And More
You'll find the highest density foam in mattresses and things like sofas and couches, as they support the entire weight of your body and sometimes multiple people at once. On the other hand, products, like throw pillows and headboards, use much lower foam density as they're more decorative in nature and don't receive such heavy wear and tear.
Types of furniture foam include:
- Memory Foam
- Polyurethane Foam
- Latex Foam
- Lux Foam
- High Resilience Foam
- And More
While memory foam is extremely popular for mattresses, polyurethane foam is more commonly used in couch, chair, and sofa seating. Latex foam is highly versatile, and you'll find it in mattresses, couches, outdoor furniture, topper pads, and more. Latex foam is excellent for those with allergies as it resists dust mites and pet dander and is exceptionally durable.
Foam Density Ratings
Since manufacturers designate a foam density rating per cubic foot, this is noted on products by "pcf." With furniture, most foam density ratings fall between 0.9 and 6 pcf. 0.9 pcf is the least dense, meaning this foam will be the "softest" and most "cushiony." A product with a low foam density rating will give a lot when you use it–think about how you can fold and manipulate pillows into the position and shape you like.
The highest foam density pieces aren't easily manipulated. They hold their shape and form no matter what. This is ideal for products like mattresses and couches. You want them to return to their original appearance as soon as you're done using them, without dents, sagging, or deformities.
What is the highest-density foam? Latex foams tend to have the highest density ratings. It's considered a structural foam, providing your couch cushions with a square or rectangular shape that doesn't morph. It provides a solid foundation, giving your furniture stability and the ability to stand up to repeated use. You won't find this type of foam in mattresses, as it's generally too firm to create a comfortable resting space.
So, what is the density of high-density foam? High-density foam is any rating above 1.5 pounds per cubic foot.
Memory Foam Density Rating
Memory foam tends to have a higher foam density rating. It can range from 3 pcf to 5 pcf, making it excellent quality and highly durable, but also most costly due to the concentration of material. It offers superb support while sleeping, conforming to the shape of your body to avoid pain on any pressure points. Some people like their beds super firm. If this is you, look for a pcf closer to 5. If you want a mattress that's a little more forgiving, look closer to 3 pcf.
Latex Foam Density Rating
Latex foam is the highest-density foam, with an average rating of 5.6 pcf. This generally makes it a little too tough for a mattress, but it is an excellent option for a couch, bench, or outdoor patio furniture that you want to stand the test of time. Latex foam typically isn't a comfort foam, meaning it won't hug every nook and cranny of your body. Instead, it offers support as you sit. You'll find this foam in bar stool cushions, dining chairs, and other pieces of furniture where function is key.
Again, due to the fantastic quality and high durability, latex foam is usually a more expensive option, but it pays off in the end as the pieces tend to last for many years.
Polyurethane Foam Density Rating
Polyurethane foam has a much lower foam density rating than the rest. The average rating is just 1.2 pcf. This makes it lower quality and means it's unable to withstand heavy wear and tear. However, it's also much less expensive than higher-density options.
Look for polyurethane foam for pieces like throw pillows and expect to see it used in things like headboards or decorative features with a foam composite filling.
Lux Foam and High Resilience Foam Ratings
Lux and Resilience foams are two options that are more middle-of-the-road regarding both foam density and product performance. They tend to have ratings of 1.9 to 3 pcf. They're standard quality, with "good" to "very good" durability rankings and low-to-medium cost. These are great all-purpose foam types for furniture that don't get heavy wear and tear yet are still functional and visually appealing.
How to Choose the Foam Density That's Right for You
When buying furniture, it's all about style and comfort. But you want to get products that last, too. Buying low-quality mattresses or sofas can save you money upfront, but over time, the replacement cost adds up significantly. That's why getting the product you love that meets your needs and is the quality you deserve is essential. At Mor Furniture for Less, we help individuals find the furniture that fits their home, budget, and vision.
Most people examining foam density in products shop for one of two things: mattresses or living room seating. We'll focus on these primary items as we guide you to finding the foam density that's right for you.
Mattress Foam Density
Our SleepMor experts are here to help you get the best night's rest. Here, you'll find a wide assortment of mattresses, bed frames, foundations, and bases to create a true sleep oasis. While selecting the proper foundation and bed frame is important, when it comes down to it, it's your mattress that makes all the difference.
Whether you like to feel like you're sleeping on a cloud or like a harder mattress, we have options for everyone. Different people have different needs when it comes to mattress firmness, and we offer a variety of foam types and densities to choose from.
Consider these foam density types based on your sleep position:
- Back Sleepers: Medium-density foams are best for back sleepers, so the spine and neck remain supported, but your body can sink in just a little for comfort. Medium-density foams give you a balance of softness and support ideal for this position.
- Side Sleepers: Side sleepers tend to do best with the highest foam densities. These foams react more slowly to pressure and contour your body better than others. High-density foam takes the pressure off pain points like the hips and shoulders, common aches that come with side sleeping. High-density foam is highly durable, and since side sleepers tend to shift often in their sleep, it will hold up best over time.
- Stomach Sleepers: If you sleep on your stomach, stick to a lower foam density rating for your mattress. You'll need the breathability and quick reaction of the lower-density material, and it won't strain your neck or place as much pressure on your belly as you sleep.
Some people also find that their body weight determines which foam density rating feels best for them. Lighter individuals under 130 lbs can usually get adequate support from low-density foams. Those who weigh above 230 lbs often require the highest-density foam option for the most comfort.
Additionally, consider how cool you like your bed to feel at night. High-density foams trap more heat and have less breathability than their low-density counterparts. If you live in a hot or humid area, don't have air conditioning, or run hot when you sleep, you may want to consider a mattress with a low foam density rating.
Ultimately, the best way to choose which foam density is right for your mattress is to give it a try. Visit our showrooms to view the mattresses on display, and lay on each for about ten minutes to fully settle in and get a feel for how your body reacts to the firmness level.
Seat Foam Density
If you're shopping for sofas, couches, loveseats, chairs, benches, and more, you'll want to consider the seat foam density. Here, it's usually better to go for the higher-density option. This helps ensure that your seats will hold up to the kids running and jumping, pets hopping up and repeated daily use. Since you don't require full body support and don't spend as much consecutive time on a seat as you do your mattress, the lower densities usually don't pose much benefit unless you really like to sink into your sofa.
But remember, with lower foam density comes less resiliency, and your cushions will be more prone to sagging over time. Pick a high-density rating seat composition to ensure it retains its form and looks brand new for years.
Shop Mor Furniture for Less Today
There you have it! Foam density explained! It can seem tricky, but learning about the different types of foam, their pros and cons, and what the different density ratings mean can help you pick the perfect new piece of furniture. Visit a Mor Furniture for Less store near you today and shop our variety of mattresses and seating with your preferred foam density in mind.
Of course, our friendly associates are here to help you each step of the way. We're happy to show you products with various foam density ratings and help explain which may be right for you. Find the most comfortable fit today at Mor Furniture for Less.