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Comparing Types of Upholstery Foam

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Foam is the core of every cushion — it’s what gives your seating comfort, structure and support. Choosing the right type of foam is essential for the durability and performance of your cushion, furniture frame or mattress. Whether you're building outdoor seating, indoor furniture, marine cushions or upholstery for a vehicle, different foam types offer specific advantages like water drainage, mold resistance and long-term support.
Comparing Types of Upholstery Foam

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular foam types available at Sailrite®, as well as two important padding materials: Polyester Fiberfill and Polyester Batting. You’ll learn the properties of each foam, how they perform in various conditions and where they’re best used.

Tip: For a quick comparison, download our Cushion Foam Buying Guide PDF to reference foam features, densities and uses at a glance.

Types of Cushion & Upholstery Foam

Polyester Fiberfill

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Although not technically a foam, Polyester Fiberfill is a budget-friendly stuffing for pillows and cushions made from blown polyester fibers. It’s commonly used to fill deep seating back cushions and pillows, providing softness and shape. Fiberfill is typically stuffed inside a pre-sewn cover made from Spun Bonded Pillow Protector Fabric, then inserted into the cushion cover.

  • Nonallergenic and resistant to mildew.
  • Machine washable (but may clump — smooth it out by hand).
  • Not suitable for seating bases or load-bearing use.

Recommended Uses:

  • Throw pillows
  • Back cushions for sofas and deep seating
  • Decorative bedding pillows

Shop Polyester Fiberfill

Polyester Batting

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Polyester Batting is a thin, nonwoven layer of polyester fiber used to add softness and smoothness to cushion foam. It’s often wrapped around foam cushions to eliminate sharp corners and give the finished cushion a more polished, rounded look. Batting is also used between the foam and the fabric to prevent wear and extend cushion life.

  • Lightweight and resilient.
  • Can be glued or sewn.
  • Adds comfort and a professional appearance to finished cushions.

Recommended Uses:

  • Wrapping around cushion foam before upholstering
  • Padded furniture arms and backs
  • Quilted sewing projects

Shop Polyester Batting

CushionRite® Antimicrobial Cushion Foam

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This high-density (1.8 lbs./cu. ft.) polyurethane foam is treated with antimicrobial agents to resist mold and mildew. Though it will absorb water, this foam is safe for outdoor and marine use when wrapped in a waterproof barrier like Cushion Wrap Silk Film. It is the ideal foam for moisture-prone environments like boats and RVs.

  • High-density (1.8 PCF) foam for good support.
  • Antimicrobial protection helps inhibit mold growth and "pinking."
  • Should be kept dry or wrapped in waterproof material.

Recommended Uses:

  • Boat cushions (interior and exterior)
  • RV cushions
  • Patio furniture

Shop CushionRite Antimicrobial Cushion Foam

CushionRite® Upholstery Foam

This is our reliable workhorse high-density (1.8 lbs./cu. ft.) polyurethane foam. It's the perfect foundation for everyday indoor upholstery projects. It delivers a fantastic balance of comfort, support, and durability, making it an excellent and reliable choice for revitalizing your furniture.

  • High-density (1.8 PCF) for reliable, long-lasting support.
  • Excellent performance and value for indoor projects.

Recommended Uses:

  • Home decor cushions
  • Sofas, chairs, and benches
  • Indoor mattresses

Shop CushionRite Upholstery Foam

CushionRite® Premium Upholstery Foam

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A step up from our all-purpose foam, CushionRite® Premium Upholstery Foam offers a higher density (2.8 lbs./cu. ft.) for longer-lasting performance and superior support. It’s available in firmness levels from Soft to Firmest, making it ideal for high-use furniture where longevity is key.

  • Long-lasting — typically up to 10-12 years
  • High-density (2.8 PCF) means superior support and durability
  • Ideal for high-use indoor seating

Recommended Uses:

  • Sofa and chair cushions
  • Settees and berths on dry boats
  • RV seating and mattresses
  • Window seats and benches

Shop CushionRite Premium Foam

CushionRite® High Resilience (HR) Upholstery Foam

Our top-tier offering, High Resilience (HR) foam, is engineered with a different formula that gives it a distinctively responsive, "spring-back" feel. It offers the luxurious comfort of latex with exceptional, commercial-grade durability.

  • Highest resilience (spring-back feel) for luxury seating.
  • Commercial-grade durability (12-20 year lifespan).
  • High-density (2.3 PCF).

Recommended Uses:

  • Premium residential & commercial upholstery
  • High-traffic family sofas
  • Automotive seating

Shop CushionRite High Resilience Upholstery Foam

CushionRite® Dry Fast Antimicrobial Foam

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CushionRite Dry Fast is a high-quality, open-cell foam that allows water and air to pass through freely. It’s your go-to for outdoor and marine seating thanks to its fast-drying design and antimicrobial treatment.

  • Open cell structure drains water quickly.
  • Antimicrobial to resist mold and mildew.
  • Perfect for outdoor environments.

How to Spot the Real Deal: Pour water on your Dry Fast Foam — it should run straight through. If water rolls off the sides, it’s not authentic Dry Fast.

Recommended Uses:

  • Boat cockpit cushions
  • Poolside and patio furniture
  • Outdoor bench and lounge cushions
  • Wet environments like outdoor showers or beach cabanas

Shop CushionRite Dry Fast Antimicrobial Foam

CushionRite® Flotation Antimicrobial Foam

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Made from PVN, CushionRite® Flotation Antimicrobial Foam is a closed-cell foam with zero water absorption. It’s ultra-buoyant and three times firmer than polyurethane foam, making it ideal for applications where flotation is critical or durability is key.

  • Closed cell foam — completely waterproof.
  • Very firm support (61+ IFD).
  • Can be used with any cover fabric without water concerns.

Pro Tip: Use thin Flotation Foam under Dry Fast Foam for added support. Drill drainage holes in the Flotation Foam to allow water to pass through.

Recommended Uses:

  • Flotation cushions and life vests
  • Commercial boat seating
  • Bosun's chairs
  • Marine step cushions

Shop CushionRite Flotation Antimicrobial Foam

Fabric Backed Sew Foam

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Also called scrim foam, Fabric Backed Sew Foam is a thin layer of foam with a spun-bonded polyester backing. It’s not used for cushion support but rather for padding and decorative effects in upholstery.

  • Easy to glue and sew.
  • Creates pleats, channels, and quilted textures.
  • Adds padding and polish to hard surfaces.

Fabric Backed Sew Foam is available in 1/2" and 1/4" thicknesses for different upholstery and craft needs. The 1/4" version is perfect for bags and soft-sided projects.

Recommended Uses:

  • Upholstered seating (e.g., pontoon, motorcycle, golf cart)
  • Marine coaming pads
  • Quilted bags and purses
  • Vehicle and RV headliners

Shop Fabric Backed Sew Foam

Need Help Choosing Foam?

Still not sure which foam is best for your cushion project? Our blog post, “Choosing the Best Foam for Cushions — 5 Key Terms to Know,” breaks down the key terminology so you can shop with confidence.

Ready to start your next upholstery DIY? Shop our wide selection of upholstery foam here.

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