There are several things you need to consider when choosing the best foam for seat cushions. Some of these factors include the intended use of the cushions, their density, and their resiliency.
Cushions intended for outdoor use, for instance, may need to be waterproof and fast drying unlike those intended for indoor use.
In regards to density, foam labeled as high density tends to be more durable than medium or low-density foam. Thus, the high-density foam may be suitable for seat cushions that are frequently used.
We shall talk more about these factors but first, let us review the top-rated foam for seat cushions.
Here are the top 3 options in case you don’t have time to read this complete review.
At A Glance – Best Foam for Seat Cushions
- Best Foam for Seat Cushions: Mybecca High-density firm upholstery foam
- Available in Multiple Size: Foamtouch Upholstery Foam High-density cushion
- Best for High Density: Milliard Upholstery Foam
- Best Crafted: Linenspa High-Density Cushion
Best High Density Foam for Sofa Cushions Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mybecca High-density foam |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | Foamtouch Upholstery Foam |
| Check Price at Amazon |
| GoTo Foam 44ILD foam |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | Linenspa High-Density Cushion |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | Milliard Upholstery Foam |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | FoamRush Upholstery foam |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | FOAMMA Gel Memory Foam |
| Check Price at Amazon |
7 Best Foams for Seat Cushions
1. Mybecca High-density firm upholstery foam
Mybecca high-density foam is quite common probably due to the fact that it can be used for furniture cushions, car cushions, mattresses, round poker tables, and bedding support.
In short, it is ideal for all commercial and home upholstery.
This foam has a density of 1.8, which is recommended for residential furniture seat cushions. In addition, it has a compression rate (firmness) of 33LBS, which means that it is quite firm.
Foam usually has a compression rate that ranges between 8 and 70. The higher the rate, the firmer the foam, and the lower the rate, the softer the foam.
Given its high density, firmness, and resiliency, Mybecca foam cushion is great for heavy and frequent use.
Seat cushions made from this foam can therefore serve you for three to seven years depending on how often the cushions are used.
Pros
- You can customize this foam.
- It is multipurpose; can be used on dining room chairs and mattresses
- Comes in different densities and sizes
- High quality
- Long-lasting
- 100% recovery rate and does not sag when sat on
Cons
- The high-density foam works great for seat cushions but not the back cushions since it’s too firm. So go for medium density for your back cushions.
2. Foamtouch Upholstery Foam High-density cushion
If you want excellent seat cushion that you will not sink into, go for this Foamtouch upholstery foam.
It has a density of 1.8, which is considered high enough for indoor seat cushions, and a compression rate of 44lb, which is the ideal firmness. This means that it is very durable and can last up to 7 to 10 years.
Moreover, this upholstery foam can be used for both home and commercial upholstery to make mattresses, seat pads, pillows, chairs and seat cushions patio cushions among other uses.
Pros
- Easy to cut and work with for DIY projects
- Does not produce any odor
- Provides good support
- Durable and Long-lasting
- It is very firm
- You can get custom cuts upon request
- Comes in different sizes
Cons
- Users absolutely love this foam so no complaints so far
3. GoTo Foam 44ILD Upholstery cushion
This foam has a density of 1.79 and a compression rate of 44 LBS; hence, it provides incredible cushioning and firmness.
It is great for replacing couch cushions due to the firmness and support it offers a person to sit on without compressing all the way down.
GoTo foam is not only used for seat cushions, but also for beds, auto furniture, other household furniture, and office furniture.
Like we have seen with other types of foam, you can also cut this foam as per the preferred measurement or request for a customized one.
Most importantly, seat cushions made from this foam can serve you for seven to ten years due to its high density and stiffness.
Pros
- It can be customized as per customer requirement
- Comfortable and firm to sit on
- It is multipurpose; great for seat cushions and mattress replacement
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- None so far
See also: Best cushions for rocking chairs
4. Linenspa High-Density Cushion Craft Foam
If you need foam that has quality assurance certification, go for Linenspa high-density cushion craft foam. It’s certified because it’s of the highest quality.
Its density is 1.6, and the compression rate is 32ILD and 40ILD.
This foam is multipurpose and can be used not only for sofa and couch cushions but also to repair worn-out workout benches, window seats, golf carts, and stools among others.
Wherever you opt to use this foam, you can rest assured that it will withstand daily use in high traffic areas due to its high quality.
Pros
- It has multiple profile options
- Easy to customize and cut
- It has quality assurance certification.
- It’s customizable
- Available in multiple profiles and sizes
- The foam can be tufted
Cons
- You need to be careful when making your order. If you need your seat cushions to be extra firm go for the 40ILD Extra firm foam as the 32ILD may feel like regular foam and not high density.
5. Milliard Upholstery Foam
If you are looking for therapeutic comfort and support when sitting go for this Milliard upholstery foam cushion.
It is designed to help with proper posture by providing stability to your back while seated. This is attributed to the fact that it conforms to the contours of your body perfectly so that you don’t experience aches, discomfort, and fatigue even when you sit for extended periods of time.
Most importantly, it is recognized as the gold standard in the foam industry due to its high quality.
Besides using it in seat cushions, you can also use it in stools, headboards, and accent pillows among others.
Pros
- Easy to customize
- High-quality foam
- It is multipurpose
- Can serve you for long
- Comes in different sizes and densities
- A great solution for sagging cushions
Cons
- None so far
See also: Best support for sagging cushions
6. FoamRush Upholstery foam cushion
If you want to spend your hard-earned cash without regret, invest in Foamrush upholstery foam. It has excellent cushioning and stiffness, and it will serve you for as many as ten years.
The foam provides all comfort and support, especially to older people due to its softness and firmness.
The foam is much affordable since you can get it as per sheet and not per yard. Buying the foam per sheet also helps you avoid excess pieces, which may end up as waste.
Note that even when harsh weight is applied, it will still last for a more extended period due to its heavy-duty compression.
Pros
- Great cushioning
- Perfect stiffness
- Long-lasting
- You can buy per sheet
- Provides support and comfort
- Easy to customize
- Comes in different sizes
Cons
- None so far
7. FOAMMA Gel Memory Foam
This is high-quality and durable foam that will last for years. You can use it on any type of seat cushion and it won’t lose its shape or flatten out over time.
The foam has a density of 1.8 and a compression rate of 44 lbs so it can serve you for up to 10 years or more.
The unique feature of FOAMMA foam is its waterproof. This not only ensures your sofa does not soak from spills but also keeps it from stains, which makes cleaning easier.
You can request for customization of the foam from the manufacturer to use it on mattresses, car cushions, boat cushions, and poker tables, among others.
Pros
- Very comfortable since it has good airflow which prevents overheating
- It’s waterproof.
- The manufacturer can cut as per your desired shape and size.
- It’s durable
- Has 100% recovery rate
- Several uses.
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- In case you are not satisfied with the product, you only get 50% of your money back due to the restocking fee
Types of Foam Cushions
Various types of foam and fillings can be used for different seats. From boat seats to indoor couches, everything uses some foam. Here is a small list of different types of foams that may help you understand what best fits your needs.
1. Fabric Backed Sew Foam
This type of foam is frequently used in upholstery. But, it is not for filling cushions. Instead, fabric-backed foam adds a layer to the cushion to increase softness. You can also use it to soften hard edges, like wooden chairs.
The base material for this foam is also polyurethane, like many other foam cushions. The cloth or fabric backing makes the foam easier to work with. You can easily glue, staple, or sew it to other surfaces with it.
This type of foam is seen in motorcycles or golf cart seats. Padded surfaces of bags or diaries may also use a thinner variety of this foam. This foam is usually found in thicknesses of ½ or ¼ inches. This makes it easier to bend and fold. Thus, they are used to add textures or patterns on top of items. An easy example of this is a handbag with a quilted texture.
2. Dryfast Foam
Dryfast foam does what the name would suggest. They are made of open-ended cells, which have larger spaces between them. This allows for an easy outflow of air and water.
They are best for use in outdoor cushions or seats. This is because they do not retain water content and require nearly no maintenance. In addition, such cushions can be used in all weather, including rain and snow, without any worries.
Dryfast foam is also made to be anti-microbial. Since they are intended to be used in wet conditions, it is essential to prevent fungus and mildew. This type of foam is also in great demand for use in boats for the same reason.
It is easy to be fooled by fake versions of this foam. However, since it is so highly in demand, you will quickly see imitations of it too. One easy method to test for authenticity is pouring water. Water poured over this foam should flow straight down without anything being retained in the foam. If it spreads out from other sides, it is not a true Dryfast foam cushion.
3. Polyurethane Foam
This is the most traditional form of foam used, especially for couches and chair seats. This foam type, too, undergoes an anti-microbial treatment. However, since it is used in household items, the cushion will likely get wet. In such situations, it is best to remain protected from fungal growth or mildew.
Polyurethane Foam can be of more than one type. However, the most commonly used ones are medium- and high-density ones.
Medium Density
Medium-density polyurethane foam is also quick in drying. The anti-microbial properties make it more attractive as well. In a lot of cases, people pick this over a Dryfast cushion. That’s because medium-density foam provides more cushioning while drying off quickly at the same time. Boat cushions (cabin) or garden seatings will often see this type of foam. It is seldom used for indoor furniture.
High Density
High-density foam works the same way as a medium-density one. The only difference is that it has less give when weight is put on it. They are used in everyday, indoor objects that are likely to see a higher amount of usage. Sofa cushions, ottomans, settees, etc., use high-density polyurethane foam cushions the most.
Some high-density foam can also be anti-microbial. But, it is not recommended for use in outdoor settings, as it won’t dry off as quickly. On the other hand, this foam can last a very long time. Higher-density foam comes in medium, firm, or extra-firm levels. The higher the density, the firmer the cushion.
4. Fiberfill (Polyester)
Poly fiberfill is not a foam by itself but another type of cushion filling. These are most commonly used as fillings for throw pillows or a specific back cushion on couches.
For pillow fillings, they usually already come stuffed and sewn with this inserted in them. You may choose to add a different cover or layer on top.
This type of insert is resistant to fungal growth by itself and does not cause allergies. It is also machine washable, making it a hit amongst most households. The fiber does tend to ball up in the wash, but this can be easily fixed by hand.
How to Choose the Best Foam for Seat Cushions
1. Use of the Cushions
It is important to know the intended use of the cushions so as to choose the best quality.
Outdoor cushions for instance need to be waterproof and should withstand extreme weather conditions.
Also, you need to determine whether the foam cushions will be used on the sofa, couch, or dining chairs so as to choose the right firmness and thickness.
Dining chair cushions may need 1 or 2 inch thick cushions with a firmness of about 30 to 45ILD while sofa cushions may need to be about 4 to 5 inches thick with a firmness of 30 to 35ILD.
2. Compression Rate (Firmness)
The compression rate of the foam cushions also plays a very significant role in regard to usability.
It determines the firmness of the cushions in regards to how they hold up when weight is applied.
The compression rate is indicated as Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) or Indentation Force Deflection (IFD). It ranges between 8 to 70 and the higher the rate, the firmer the feel of the cushions.
Thus, you should use the values indicated on the foam to determine the firmness or softness of the foam you want to purchase.
3. Foam Density
The density of the foam indicates its quality. The higher the foam density, the thicker and more resilient the cushions will be.
The density usually ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per cubic foot. The higher densities range from 2.0 to 2.5.
Select foam that will suit your needs in regards to cushioning and stability.
4. Durability
The sofa cushions foam should be made from quality materials that are durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Ensure the foam you pick is durable so that it will last long without flattening after being in use for a short time.
5. Type of Foam
When buying foam, make sure you know what type of foam you’re getting. Polyurethane foam is better than latex for example because it’s more resilient.
In addition, it’s resistant to stains, can be cleaned easily, and has an excellent bounce back if you sit on it hard. It also lasts longer and gives you better support for your back when used for back sofa cushions.
6. Thickness
The thickness of the sofa foam is an important consideration when deciding on a furniture purchase.
A thin cushion may not provide adequate support for your back and arm, leading to discomfort or even injury.
On the other hand, too much padding can make sitting in one spot uncomfortable after extended periods of time.
Therefore, consider the thickness of the foam depending on what you want in regards to your comfort.
FAQs – Best Foam for Sofa Cushions
The best foam to use for sofa cushions is a high-density, open-cell polyurethane foam.
This type of foam offers the most comfort and durability. Also, it provides firm support that will keep your body aligned while sitting on your couch.
From the list of foams reviewed above, high-density open-cell polyurethane foams include Mybecca foam and FoamTouch upholstery foam.
If you are looking for something cheaper, but still comfortable, then you can opt for an egg crate or low-density polyurethane foam
These foams provide less cushioning than the high-density variety but they also cost less money
The right thickness of sofa foam depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have back problems or are simply looking for more cushioning, then thicker foams will be best for you.
But if that extra padding isn’t necessary and you still want some support and comfort while sitting down, thinner foams might work better for you.
You can determine whether or not foam is high density by;
– Press the foam with your finger. The high-density foam tends to recover slowly when pressed since it’s more resilient than low-density foam.
– Comparing the weight to other types of foam. High-density foams are much heavier than low-density ones
– Looking for a “high-density” label on the packaging or in descriptions online
– Comparing the price. Of course, high-density foam is of higher quality than low density; hence, it’s priced relatively high.
– You can also tell if it’s high-density by looking at how tightly packed together its cells are
– Finally, the high-density foam will be more durable and last longer than a lower-density type
Yes, high-density foam is good for the sofa. This is because it is very durable and will last a long time.
Also, it provides good support for your back, neck, and head. In addition, the high-density foam doesn’t retain heat as some other materials do. This means that the temperature of the room won’t affect how comfortable you are sitting on it all day long.
Most importantly, this foam is customizable. You can easily cut it into any desired shape with a utility knife or electric saw.
As the aforementioned, high-density foam is very durable and can last for years and years because it is very resilient.
See also: Can you reupholster a sofa or couch?
Conclusion
The best foam for seat cushions helps to revive and restore worn-out sofas, chairs, and couches.
You need to choose one that has a high density if the cushions are in a high-traffic area so as to provide maximum support and comfort for longer.
Also, you need to consider the compression rate or firmness and the resiliency of the foam to ensure the seat cushions can withstand any amount of weight.
