High Density Foam vs. Polyurethane 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.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is a blanket term that includes any foam that is synthesized using polyol and diisocyanate. These include but are not limited to: memory foam, high resilience foam, and high density foam. Since polyurethane foam can contain additives, a manufacturer that comes up with a new formula can name the new foam whatever they like.

Many memory foam mattresses are a combination of polyurethane foams, layered from dense on the bottom to less dense on the surface layers.

Polyurethane is a synthetic blend of organic compounds 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: Many different types of foams exist under the polyurethane umbrella -- some are excellent for bedding and offer different firmness varieties!

Cons: Off-gassing and durability problems with lower quality foams.

Learn More About High Density Foam

Learn More About Polyurethane Foam

See Our Top Mattress Choices

Material Scores

Overall Score:
High Density Foam: 8.9/10
Polyurethane Foam: 9.4/10

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

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

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

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

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

General Support:
High Density Foam: 9.3/10
Polyurethane Foam: 9.5/10

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

Price Value:
High Density Foam: 9.4/10
Polyurethane Foam: 9.5/10