Flexible Polyurethane Foam Applications
Specialty Applications
Flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) is used in hundreds of household and consumer products. In other Application pages, we have looked in depth at its use in upholstered furniture, bedding, transportation and carpet cushion. Some of the same properties exhibited in those products—resilience, cushioning, moisture absorbing, sound deadening, and mold resistance—have driven FPF’s acceptance into a variety of other consumer and industrial uses.
Top: Flexible polyurethane is used in scores of consumer goods. A common use is the insoles of athletic shoes. Viscoelastic, or "memory" foam is frequently used to absorb impact. It also contours to the shape of the user's foot for a better, more comfortable fit. Left: Flexible polyurethane foam is often used for household sponges because of its absorption properties and because foam doesn't support the growth of mold or bacteria. Foam is also very cost effective.
Flexible polyurethane foam is used in thousands of common speciality consumer products, thanks to its versatility and value.
Because FPF is cost effective and can be shaped in various ways, it has applications based on properties including:
- Absorption
- Cushioning
- Style
- Sound Deadening
- Protection
- Filtration
- Resilency
Foam is used for clothing, footwear, cleaning supplies, ink cartridges, cosmetics, filtration, protective gear, first aid supplies, toys, novelty products, and more.
Benefits of FPF In Specialty Applications
Types Of FPF Used in Specialty Applications
Slabstock
Foam is manufactured in large buns then cut and fabricated into specific shapes.
Molded
Foam is made in a custom mold to a specific shape.
Viscoelastic
Often called "memory" foam, viscoelastic foam was developed for NASA. It relieves pressure and conforms to the body.
Reticulated
This foam has large openings between cells that can trap fluids and minimize spills. The foam can be formulated to be hydrophilic, which means it attracts moisture.
Related Resources
Related
Flexible Polyurethane Foam: A Primer
How FPF is made, specified and used in different applications.
Technical: Foam Density
Details on the most important foam property, and how it affects other properties, such as softness and durability.
Technical: Fabrication
Processes for cutting and shaping foam.
Technical: Viscoelastic Foam
Properties viscoelastic or "memory" foam.
Technical: Molded Foam
How molded flexible polyurethane foam is produced and its uses.
Technical: Foam Sustainability, Part 1
Information on foam recycling and other foam sustainability programs, Part 1.
Technical: Foam Sustainability, Part 2
Information on foam recycling and other foam sustainability programs, Part 2.
Video: Foam Applications
A video on foam uses from our "Introduction To The Flexible Polyurethane Foam Industry.