High Density Foam vs. High Resilience Foam

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.

High Resilience Foam

High resilience is a polyurethane foam that has a much higher responsiveness than memory foam, which has a slower response. Because of this, those that enjoy more of a bounce in their mattress will gravitate towards this type of foam.

High resilience foams are much less popular than memory foam, but they make up important layers of many popular mattresses. Oftentimes the transitional layer or base layer of memory foam mattresses will contain high resilience foam at high densities. This provides a more even feel across the mattress, and less of a sinking feeling that memory foam alone would have.

Like all polyurethane foam, high resilience 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: Quicker response than memory foam provides many mattresses with an even supportive feel.

Cons: Sagging and off-gassing problems with lower quality foams.

Learn More About High Density Foam

Learn More About High Resilience Foam

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Material Scores

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

Comfort:
High Density Foam: 8/10
High Resilience Foam: 8.8/10

Softness:
High Density Foam: 7.5/10
High Resilience Foam: 8.7/10

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

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

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

General Support:
High Density Foam: 9.3/10
High Resilience Foam: 9.4/10

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

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