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Understanding Foam Density: What Every Shopper Should Know

If you have ever been furniture shopping, you have probably seen the words “foam density” posted somewhere in reference to the sofa or mattress you’re considering. You might also see corresponding decimals, which sometimes makes the furniture-buying experience more confusing.

If you’re shopping in a furniture store, it’s likely that a salesperson can explain the importance of foam density. But when you’re shopping online, you might be left in the dark. Today, we’ll break down what foam density means and how it applies to you.

Foam density is a unit of measurement that dictates how many pounds polyurethane foam can support per cubic foot. In short, foam density tells you the strength of the foam, and that decimal you’re seeing is the number of pounds each cubic foot can hold.

Let’s take a look at one of our own products (a sofa seating cushion) as an example.

For this particular seating cushion, the foam density is 1.8 pcf (pounds per cubic foot), meaning that every cubic foot of the seating cushion can support 1.8 pounds.

It’s important to realize that not all foams contain the same properties, and the type of foam present can vary for different products. Therefore, it can be difficult to compare products if they contain different types of foams. For example, many foams contain fillers that increase durability and overall density. Conversely, foams without fillers have a lower density.

Foam density is also relative and shouldn’t be used to compare different product types. A mattress with a 5.0 foam density doesn’t say much about the love seat you’re considering, for instance. Foam densities can range from as low as 0.8 pcf to as high as 6 pcf, with a sufficient range being between 0.9 to 2.5 pcf.

A higher pcf can make a product more expensive, but it can heighten the quality of the product as well. If foam performance is a nonnegotiable buying factor for you, it’s important you determine the contents of the product you’re interested in before purchasing.

So why should you care about foam density the next time you shop for furniture? Foam density and a product’s performance go hand-in-hand. The denser the foam, the more support available for your body while you lounge. As you shop in our stores and peruse our website, you will now be able to tell how much support you will receive from a product based on the listed foam density.

High foam density, however, does not equate to foam firmness. Mattresses, for instance, tend to have a higher foam density, but can be made to feel plush or soft. Likewise, you will find that foam density does not determine comfort, and it’s important to separate the two. In order for cushions and mattresses to feel comfortable, many factors come into play that include, but are not limited to foam density. Those additional factors could be the size of the cushion or mattress, its fabric, the ergonomic support, and your own personal preference.

Overall, while you shop for furniture, choose the pieces that meet your specific needs and allow foam density to contribute to your overall buying decision. Make sure you’re considering multiple factors before purchasing a furniture set for your home.

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