Foam vs. High Density Foam

Foam

Mattress foam comes in multiple different types: memory foam, polyurethane, and latex. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that has lower resistance so it reacts and slowly reforms when pressure is released. It generally makes up the surface layers of a mattress.

Polyurethane comes in multiple different forms - making it useful in the middle and base layers of many foam and memory foam mattresses.

Latex is the natural alternative to memory foam and polyurethane foams. It is created from sap from a rubber tree and is treated to create different densities to cover both soft and firm requirements. Like rubber, it is highly responsive and has a bounce that some sleepers love and some others hate.

Pros: Depending on the foam type, it can be quite comfortable, safe, and responsive.

Cons: Lower quality foams can break down quickly, causing sagging issues within only a few months or years.

High Density Foam

High density foam is a very firm foam that generally makes up the bottom layer of popular memory foam mattresses. Other types of mattresses such as innerspring or hybrid may also use high density foam to support the spring systems.

High density foams generally are not used to create the entire mattress because they are just too firm. So, generally they are used as a foundation for the bed or to provide edge support.

High density foam is made of a blend of polyurethane and has a tendency to off-gas. If you are susceptible to lung issues, please do additional research on the quality of foams before purchasing.

Pros: Structural firm foam used by many mattresses to provide foundation and shape.

Cons: Off-gassing problems with lower quality foams and it is too firm to make a mattress in its entirety.

Learn More About Foam

Learn More About High Density Foam

See Our Top Mattress Choices

Material Scores

Overall Score:
Foam: 9.3/10
High Density Foam: 8.9/10

Comfort:
Foam: 9.4/10
High Density Foam: 8/10

Softness:
Foam: 9.5/10
High Density Foam: 7.5/10

Cooling:
Foam: 8/10
High Density Foam: 8/10

Hypoallergenic:
Foam: 8.1/10
High Density Foam: 8.1/10

No Odor:
Foam: 8.4/10
High Density Foam: 8.4/10

General Support:
Foam: 8.7/10
High Density Foam: 9.3/10

Eco-Conscious:
Foam: 8.5/10
High Density Foam: 8.5/10

Price Value:
Foam: 9.4/10
High Density Foam: 9.4/10