Foam: Foam Products Explained

Foam is a material formed by trapping pockets of gas in a liquid or solid. Its light weight, combined with its ability to absorb shock and insulate against heat, sound and vibration, makes it essential across many industries, from packaging and furniture to construction and sports equipment.

This guide explains what foam is, the main types of foam and the most common foam products.

Quick Reference: Common Foam Types and Products

Understanding Foam

Foam has a cellular structure made up of millions of tiny cells or bubbles filled with air or gas, which give foam its light weight and insulating properties. The cells can be open (interconnected) or closed (sealed), which has a significant impact on the foam’s properties and uses.

Foam is created by introducing gas into a liquid or solid material, a process known as foaming. This can be done by mechanical agitation, chemical reactions or the introduction of high-pressure gas. The result is a material with a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, which lends itself to many practical applications. See our foam manufacturing guide for more.

Foam Types

There are many types of foam, each with its own properties and uses:

• Polyurethane foam: A versatile foam used in furniture, bedding and packaging, known for its durability and comfort.
• Memory foam: A type of polyurethane foam that moulds to the shape of the body, making it ideal for mattresses and pillows.
• EVA foam (ethylene-vinyl acetate): A soft, flexible foam used in sports equipment and footwear.
• Polystyrene foam (sometimes referred to by the brand name Styrofoam): A lightweight, insulating foam used in disposable food containers and insulation panels.

Foam Products

From the mattress you sleep on to the packaging that protects your online purchases, foam is an essential material that improves comfort, safety and functionality. The most common foam products are described below. For more examples, see our foam applications guide.

Furniture and Bedding

Foam is a key component in mattresses, pillows and upholstered furniture, and the comfort and durability of these items depend largely on the type and quality of foam used.

Memory foam is popular for mattresses and pillows because it conforms to the body, providing excellent support and pressure relief. High-resilience foam is often used in furniture for its durability and supportive, springy feel, providing long-lasting comfort (see our guide to foam resilience).

Packaging

In foam packaging, foam protects fragile items in transit by absorbing and dispersing impact. It comes in various forms, including loose-fill foam peanuts, foam sheets and custom-moulded foam inserts.

Polystyrene foam is commonly used in packaging for its light weight and insulating properties, while polyethylene foam is popular for its excellent shock absorption and resistance to water and chemicals.

Foam in Construction

Foam plays a crucial role in construction, providing insulation, soundproofing and structural support in walls, roofs and floors to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are commonly used for their excellent insulating properties, while spray foam insulation is popular for its ability to fill gaps and crevices, sealing against air and moisture.

Insulation

Foam insulation is a cost-effective, efficient way to reduce energy consumption in buildings. It reduces heat transfer, keeping interiors warm in winter and cool in summer, and can be installed in walls, roofs and floors.

Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Spray foam is excellent for sealing gaps and crevices but can be more expensive, while rigid foam boards are durable and effective but can be difficult to fit in irregular spaces.

Foam in Sports Equipment

Foam is widely used in sports equipment because it is lightweight and shock-absorbing. It is found in helmets, pads, mats and other protective gear, providing safety and comfort.

EVA foam is popular for its softness and flexibility and is used in yoga mats, shoe insoles and helmet liners. Polyurethane foam is also common, valued for its durability and cushioning.

Protective Gear

Foam is integral to protective sports gear such as helmets, pads and guards, where it absorbs impact and helps protect the wearer from injury. High-density foam is often used in helmets for its excellent impact absorption, while softer, more flexible foam may be used in pads and guards for comfort and ease of movement.

Final Thoughts

Foam is an essential material in many industries, providing comfort, protection, insulation and structural support. Whether it is the mattress you sleep on, the packaging that protects your purchases or the helmet that keeps you safe during sport, understanding the different types of foam helps you choose the right one for the job.

Explore Related Foam Guides

Continue exploring foam types and applications across our technical glossary:

• Polyurethane Foam: The most widely used foam in furniture and bedding.
• Memory Foam: How viscoelastic foam contours to the body.
• Open-Cell Foam: How interconnected cells create soft, breathable foam.
• Closed-Cell Foam: Why sealed cells resist water and insulate well.
• Foam Properties Overview: How cell structure and chemistry shape foam performance.
• Foam Applications: Where different foams are used across industry and the home.

Need Foam Cut to Size?

Whether you need foam for cushions, mattresses, packaging inserts or a specialist project, the Foam & Covers team can help you choose the right foam and cut it precisely to your measurements.

Contact Our Foam Specialists or Order Custom Cut Foam Online .