Types of Foam: A Complete Guide to the Different Types of Foam and Their Uses

Whether you're replacing furniture cushions, protecting valuable equipment, improving insulation, or creating custom packaging, choosing the right foam makes a significant difference. With so many types of foams available, selecting the best material can seem overwhelming.

Each foam has unique properties that determine its durability, comfort, flexibility, insulation performance and suitability for specific applications. Understanding these differences helps you invest in a solution that performs better and lasts longer.

At ACT Foam & Rubber, we supply high quality foam products for residential, commercial and industrial applications across Australia. This guide explains the different types of foam, their characteristics, common uses and how to choose the right option for your needs.

What Is Foam? 

Foam is a lightweight material containing millions of tiny air pockets trapped within its structure. These air cells give foam excellent cushioning, insulation and shock absorption while keeping it lightweight.

Foams generally fall into two broad categories:

• Open cell foam – Soft, breathable and highly compressible.

• Closed cell foam – Dense, water resistant and highly durable.

The type of foam you choose depends on factors such as support, moisture resistance, flexibility, durability and intended application. Flexible polyurethane foams are commonly used for furniture and bedding, while closed-cell foams such as EVA and polyethylene are widely used for industrial, packaging and sealing applications.

Open-Cell vs Closed-Cell Foam 

Before looking at specific products, it helps to understand the two broad families that almost every foam falls into.

Open-cell foam has interconnected pockets that allow air to move through the material. This makes it soft, breathable, and comfortable — ideal for seating and bedding. Upholstery foam and memory foam are common examples.

Closed-cell foam has sealed, separate pockets, making it denser, firmer, and water-resistant. It resists moisture and offers strong shock absorption, which is why it's favoured for packaging, insulation, and outdoor use.

Understanding this distinction is the single most useful step when comparing the different types of foam.

Different Types of Foam

1. Polyurethane (PU) Foam

Polyurethane is the most common and versatile foam available. It's an open-cell foam that comes in a wide range of densities and firmness levels, making it suitable for everything from soft scatter cushions to supportive seat bases. Its adaptability is why it's the go-to choice for upholstery foam and general furniture work.

Best for: Lounges, dining chairs, cushions, and general upholstery projects.

2. Memory Foam (Viscoelastic Foam)

Memory foam is a specialised PU foam that responds to body heat and pressure, moulding to your shape before slowly returning to form. This contouring quality relieves pressure points, which is why it's so popular in mattresses and toppers. If you're chasing better sleep, then memory foam products are a good option..

Best for: Mattresses, mattress toppers, pillows, and medical cushioning.

3. Closed-Cell Foam (PE, EVA & EPE)

Closed-cell foam is prized for being tough, waterproof, and shock-absorbent. Within this family sit a few key performers:

• Polyethylene (PE) — firm and durable, excellent for protective packaging and case inserts.

• Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) — flexible, waterproof, and cushioning, widely used in padding, mats, and sporting goods.

• Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) — lightweight with reliable shock absorption for delicate items.

Best for: Packaging, marine and outdoor use, matting, and equipment padding.

4. Acoustic Foam

Acoustic foam is designed to absorb sound waves and reduce echo and reverberation. It's usually moulded into wedge or pyramid profiles that trap and dissipate sound energy. Recording studios, home theatres, and noisy workspaces all benefit from it. 

Best for: Home studios, media rooms, offices, and soundproofing internal walls.

5. Filter Foam

Filter foam is an open-cell foam with the cell walls removed, leaving an open network that air and liquid can pass through while trapping dust and debris. It's used in air conditioners, aquariums, and industrial filtration.

Best for: Air and water filtration, ventilation, and dust control.

6. Polystyrene Foam (EPS & XPS)

Polystyrene is a rigid closed-cell foam. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the familiar white beaded foam used in packaging, while extruded polystyrene (XPS) is denser and used for thermal insulation in construction. See our polystyrene and insulation options for both.

Best for: Insulation, protective packaging, and craft or display work.

How to Choose the Right Type of Foam H3

With so many different types of foam available, the right choice comes down to matching the material to the job. Keep these factors in mind:

• Density — higher density lasts longer and supports more weight, ideal for seating you use daily.

• Firmness — soft foams suit backs and pillows; firm foams suit seat bases.

• Moisture exposure — choose closed-cell foam for anything outdoors, marine, or damp.

• Purpose — comfort, protection, insulation, or sound absorption each point to a different foam.

Choosing between the different types of foams comes down to understanding how each material performs in different applications. Whether you're replacing cushions, protecting equipment or working on a custom project, selecting the right foam will help achieve better, longer-lasting results. If you need guidance, the team at ACT Foam & Rubber can help you identify the most suitable option for your requirements.