High Resilience Foam vs. Visco Elastic Foam

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.

Visco Elastic Foam

Visco elastic foam is another term for memory foam. It is a blend of polyurethane foam that was developed for airplane cushions by a NASA contract in the 1970s.

The difference between visco elastic foam and other types of polyurethane foam is its slow response and low resistance. Its soft surface allows for contouring and its slow response lowers bounce.

Visco elastic foam, like all polyurethane foam, is made from a blend of substances and has a tendency to off-gas. Those with lung sensitivities should do additional research about the quality of foam to ensure that it won't aggravate them.

Pros: Contouring comfort, competitive pricepoints, and widespread options.

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

Learn More About High Resilience Foam

Learn More About Visco Elastic Foam

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Material Scores

Overall Score:
High Resilience Foam: 8.9/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.3/10

Comfort:
High Resilience Foam: 8.8/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.4/10

Softness:
High Resilience Foam: 8.7/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.5/10

Cooling:
High Resilience Foam: 8/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8/10

Hypoallergenic:
High Resilience Foam: 8.1/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.1/10

No Odor:
High Resilience Foam: 8.4/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.4/10

General Support:
High Resilience Foam: 9.4/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.7/10

Eco-Conscious:
High Resilience Foam: 8.5/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.5/10

Price Value:
High Resilience Foam: 9.4/10
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.4/10