Guide

What Is Dry-Fast Foam?

By Foamera Updated

On this page (7)
  1. How is dry-fast foam made?
  2. Is polyether or polyester reticulated foam better outdoors?
  3. Does dry-fast foam stop mold and mildew?
  4. Do I still need outdoor fabric with dry-fast foam?
  5. Is dry-fast foam good for indoor cushions?
  6. Where can I order outdoor cushions?
  7. Which guide should I read next?

Dry-fast foam is reticulated polyurethane foam: foam whose cell membranes have been removed, leaving a three-dimensional network of open cells that lets air and water pass through. Because it dries fast, reticulated foam is used in outdoor furniture cushions, according to the foam maker Joyce Foam Products.

Foamera makes made-to-measure foam cushions and sells them online through TURKEX LLC. Foamera’s guides and outdoor product pages use the names dry-fast and quick-dry foam for this material.

How is dry-fast foam made?

Joyce Foam Products describes thermal reticulation: a foam block is placed in a vacuum chamber, filled with a mix of hydrogen and oxygen, and the gas is ignited so that the flame melts the cell membranes. Before reticulation the cell membranes fill the cells; afterwards only the cell walls remain, which gives the foam a filter-like look.

Is polyether or polyester reticulated foam better outdoors?

Joyce Foam Products names polyether reticulated foam for wet places such as outdoor furniture.
TypeFeel and structureUses named by the source
Polyether reticulated foamUsually more flexible, with more open cellsWet environments such as outdoor furniture, and filtration
Polyester reticulated foamTypically more rigid and more durable than polyetherShock absorbency, such as secure packaging

Does dry-fast foam stop mold and mildew?

Joyce Foam Products notes that air and moisture pass through reticulated foam, which prevents moisture from building up and protects against mould and mildew. The EPA states that no mold grows without moisture and advises drying wet items within one to two days, so dry any cushion that gets soaked.

Do I still need outdoor fabric with dry-fast foam?

Yes: the foam deals with water inside the cushion, and the fabric faces sun and rain on the outside. A solution-dyed fabric resists fading in sunlight; see the best outdoor cushion fabric.

Is dry-fast foam good for indoor cushions?

Drainage matters where a cushion gets wet; for a dry indoor seat, choose foam for support instead. The best foam for seat cushions guide explains density and support factor.

Where can I order outdoor cushions?

Foamera’s outdoor product pages, such as the square patio cushions, describe quick-dry reticulated foam that lets water pass straight through, but the fill choices on the product page are High Density Foam, Fiber Fill and Cover Only. To confirm the foam core before you order, email hello@foamera.com. Browse outdoor cushions, the outdoor round cushions or the L-shaped boat cushions.

Which guide should I read next?

Sources