Guide
The best foam for couch cushions
For couch seat cushions, choose a supportive polyurethane foam core with a polymer density of at least 1.8 lb/ft³ (29 kg/m³); for back cushions, a softer fill such as polyester fiber. The Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) describes a typical upholstered seat cushion as a high-density foam core with softer foam layers, wrapped with polyester fiber.
Foamera makes made-to-measure foam cushions and sells them online through TURKEX LLC.
How is a sofa seat cushion usually built?
PFA describes an upholstered seat cushion with a core layer of high-density foam for support, softer foam layers on the top and bottom, and a wrap of polyester fiber. Foam seat cushions and armrests are frequently wrapped with polyester or cotton batting to make the surface softer.
What density should couch seat foam be?
PFA cites industry research that polyurethane foams with a polymer density of 1.8 lb/ft³ (29 kg/m³) or higher perform better in seating than lower-density foams. The same PFA case study reports that many furniture makers and retailers now encourage buyers to choose seat foam of 1.8 lb/ft³ (29 kg/m³) or higher. Ask for the polymer density, because additives can raise the overall density above the polymer density.
Which fill goes in seat and back cushions?
| Cushion | What it needs | Fill to choose on a Foamera product page |
|---|---|---|
| Seat cushion | Support: PFA says a support factor of 2.0 or above suits seat cushions | High Density Foam, with a Fiber Wrap for a softer top |
| Back cushion | A soft, pillow-like feel | Fiber Fill, which the product page recommends for back rests |
| A cover for an insert you already have | A cover sewn to your size | Cover Only |
Is memory foam good for couch cushions?
Memory foam recovers slowly and conforms to the body, and PFA notes that it may bottom out if its firmness is very low and its density or thickness is not enough. Memory foam is not a fill choice on Foamera product pages; HD foam vs memory foam compares the two.
How thick should couch cushion foam be?
Match the thickness to the cover you are filling and to the seat; the cushion thickness guide covers thickness by use.
How do I order couch cushions cut to size?
Custom sizes, foam and fabric are chosen on each product page, and sizes can be entered in inches or centimetres. Start with sofa and couch cushions, the cushions for sectional sofas or the bolster back cushions.
Which guide should I read next?
- How to fix sagging couch cushions
- Foam density guide
- Best foam for seat cushions
- What foam and fill Foamera uses
Sources
- Polyurethane Foam Association, Foam Performance, Glossary and Furniture Case Study. Accessed 26 September 2026.
- Polyurethane Foam Association, IN•TOUCH Vol. 1 No. 2, The Importance of Density (revised 2016). Accessed 26 September 2026.
- Polyurethane Foam Association, IN•TOUCH Vol. 11 No. 1, Viscoelastic (Memory) Foam (revised 2016). Accessed 26 September 2026.
- Fill choices and extras: Foamera product pages.