Guide
HD foam vs memory foam
For a seat cushion you use every day, high-density polyurethane foam is usually the better choice; memory foam suits mattresses, toppers and pillows. The Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) describes high-density foam as the supportive core of an upholstered seat cushion, while memory (viscoelastic) foam recovers slowly and conforms to the body.
Foamera makes made-to-measure foam cushions and sells them online through TURKEX LLC. On Foamera product pages the fill choices are High Density Foam, Fiber Fill and Cover Only; memory foam is not offered.
How do high-density foam and memory foam compare?
| Criterion | High-density polyurethane foam | Memory (viscoelastic) foam |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery after compression | Springs back; other flexible polyurethane foams show 50–60% ball rebound | Slow recovery; ball rebound under 20% |
| Density | PFA cites 1.8 lb/ft³ (29 kg/m³) or higher as performing better in seating | 2–6 lb/ft³ (32–96 kg/m³) in household and healthcare products |
| Temperature | Not described as temperature-sensitive in the PFA sources used here | Softens with heat, including body heat, and becomes firmer in the cold |
| Support for seating | A support factor of 2.0 or above suits furniture seat cushions | May bottom out if its firmness is very low and its density or thickness is not enough |
| Main uses named by PFA | Core layer of upholstered seat cushions | Mattresses, pillows and medical products; also household and office furniture and vehicle seats |
| On Foamera product pages | Fill choice: High Density Foam | Not a fill choice |
When is memory foam a good choice?
Memory foam suits uses where slow, conforming support spreads pressure, such as mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows. PFA notes that memory foam can closely conform to the body and spread pressure over the whole surface.
When is high-density foam the better choice?
High-density foam suits load-bearing seats such as benches, window seats and dining chairs. PFA describes high-density foam as the supportive core of upholstered seat cushions, and notes that seating foams with low support factors are more likely to bottom out.
Can I get a softer top on a high-density cushion?
Yes. PFA notes that seat cushions are often wrapped with polyester or cotton batting to soften the surface, and that a foam with a low 25% IFD and a high support factor can feel soft without bottoming out. On Foamera product pages you can add a Fiber Wrap as an extra to a High Density Foam cushion.
How was this comparison made?
This comparison uses the Polyurethane Foam Association’s published bulletins and web pages, accessed on 26 September 2026, and the fill choices shown on Foamera product pages. Foamera makes and sells custom foam cushions, so it has an interest in the topic; it does not sell memory foam.
Where do I go next?
- Foam density guide
- Best foam for seat cushions
- What foam and fill Foamera uses
- What goes into a Foamera cushion
- Chair cushions
- Bench cushions
- Square seat cushions
Sources
- Polyurethane Foam Association, IN•TOUCH Vol. 11 No. 1, Viscoelastic (Memory) Foam (revised 2016). 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, Foam Performance, Glossary and Furniture Case Study. Accessed 26 September 2026.
- Fill choices and extras: Foamera product pages.