Foam Grades
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Understanding Foam Grades
- The higher the density the longer the foam will last before softening up or sagging.
- If the foam is the same density it will be the same cost – regardless of its firmness.
- The Life Expectancy is only an estimate derived from laboratory tests such as ISO-Pounding and the Roller Shear test (see info below table). Actual results may vary depending on size of people and use.
- The firmness, indicated in the table below, is used to describe a piece 4″ thick. Keep in mind that a 6″ piece of the same grade will feel firmer; a 2″ piece will feel softer.
- The type of covering material will also play a role in determining the right compression to be used. For example, a firmer covering material like leather will make a medium firm feel like a firm.
| CATEGORY | GRADE | FIRMNESS | LIFE EXPECTANCY SEAT* | LIFE EXPECTANCY MATTRESS* | RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightest Weight, Lowest Cost | 1030 | Medium | 6 months | 1 year | Packing foam, cheaper pillows, outside backs & arms, used for toppers in conventional spring mattress. |
| 1112 | Super Soft | 2 years | 4 years | Thicker furniture backs greater than 4″ thick or softer pillows. The firmness should be higher when thickness is lower. For 2″ & 3″ backs use 1118 or even better 1517. | |
| 1118 | Soft | 2 years | 4 years | ||
| 1324 | Medium Soft | 2 years | 4 years | Good furniture backs & arms. Basic occasional bedding for Camp mattresses and inexpensive bunk beds. The 1321 is a better back than the 1118. The 1338 is often used for thinner backs with buttons or tufting | |
| 1338 | Medium Firm | 2 years | 4 years | ||
| Basic Seat & Mattress Grades | 1517 | Soft | 2 years | 3 years | For better quality backs or mattress toppers (use 1517). Basic seating used for office furniture, dinnette seats or furniture that is sold at flea markets or discount stores. Has a low cost but also has a lower performance level. Can be used for Sofa Bed mattresses or better Camp mattresses for heavier use. |
| 1530 | Medium | 2 years | 3 years | ||
| 1535 | Medium Firm | 2 years | 3 years | ||
| 1543 | Firm | 2 years | 3 years | ||
| 1570 | XX-Firm | 3 years | 4 years | ||
Ecocell - High Density Foam (White) |
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| Good Value Used by Manufacturers | EC26 | Medium | 5 years | 8 years | Most furniture manufacturers use foam in the 1.5 lb to 1.8 lb density range for seating. Ecocell, at 1.9 lbs per cubic foot, exceeds conventional standards, offering enhanced durability and support. This white foam provides excellent value for money, delivering superior performance at a competitive price. Ideal for quality furniture and bedding applications, Ecocell is the perfect choice for those who seek a balance of performance, longevity, and affordability. |
| EC36 | Medium Firm | ||||
| EC46 | Firm | ||||
| EC55 | Extra Firm | ||||
Neocell - High Density Foam (Blue) |
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| Great Value Used by Manufacturers | NC30 | Medium | 8 years | 10 years | NeoCell is the best High-Density foam made in Canada. This means it will outperform conventional grades in both height loss and firmness retention. This grade is a light blue colour. The NC65 is heavier than the rest of the line and used in better quality seating and mattresses that call for a medium compression. |
| NC36 | Medium Firm | ||||
| NC45 | Firm | ||||
| NC65 | XX-Firm | ||||
Premium Preserve High Resiliency (Peach) |
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| Excellent for Commercial or High-End Residential Available in 7 different compressions | PR18 | Soft | 6 years | 8 years | Preserve High Resiliency (HR) is premium commercial-grade foam line, like Koosh Natural, that is certiPUR-US certified. It is not made with any harmful chemicals or substances. HR foam is heavier and does not soften with use like conventional polyurethane grades. It is also made with larger and more open cells, this allows for better air flow and cooler sleep surfaces. It is available in 7 different compressions for high-end furniture and sleeping applications. For people that prefer the very best. Preserve is a peachy gold colour. |
| PR23 | Medium Soft | 12 years | 15 years | ||
| PR28 | Medium | ||||
| PR35 | Medium Firm | ||||
| PR40 | Firm | ||||
| PR50 | Extra Firm | ||||
| PR60 | XX-Firm | ||||
Koosh Natural High Resiliency (Green) |
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| Excellent for Commercial or High-End Residential; Bio-Foam and The Most Natural Choice | KN31 | Medium Firm | 12 years | 15 years | Koosh Natural sets a new standard with its unique cell structure and natural soy content. This 2.6 lb. High Resiliency Foam offers a softer surface, superior comfort and support, and outstanding fatigue resistance compared to conventional polyurethane foam. Combining high-level performance with a more eco-friendly composition, Koosh Natural is the ideal choice for those seeking durability, comfort, and sustainability in one premium product. |
| KN41 | Firm | ||||
| KN51 | Extra Firm | ||||
Specialty Foams |
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| Very Hard Grades | 1570C | XX-Firm | 3 years | 4 years | Charcoal colour. Used in packaging applications and curling bumpers or where foam discolouring is an issue. Used often for golf simulator padding, the pristine charcoal colour prevents the need to encase the foam in fabric, saving on golf simulator construction costs. |
| X550 | Super Firm | 8 years | 10 years | For 2″ gym mats & really firm applications where thickness is limited. Used in cube ottomans, commercial or boat seating. Better quality gym mats, exercise equipment, firm edges for firmer mats. | |
| RB8 | Super Firm | 10 years | 12 years | Rebond foam, also known as chip foam. Super Firm - Dense, firm and durable. Rebond is used in commercial seating or for applications such as gym mats, sound proofing, and vibration dampening. | |
| Qik-Dri | QD30 | Medium | 6 years | 8 years | Qik-Dri Outdoor Foam is ideal for outdoor cushions exposed to the elements. Its reticulated foam structure allows water to drain quickly, preventing moisture buildup and promoting faster drying. However, if you are using outdoor fabric, you could also consider Koosh or Preserve, which are mould and mildew resistant. |
| QD50 | Firm | ||||
| Qualux Ultra | Q26 | Medium | 12 years | 15 years | High-resiliency, highly durable foam that is soft to the touch but quickly firms up, providing excellent comfort. Qualux foam has a long history in furniture applications. |
| Q31 | Medium Firm | ||||
| Q41 | Firm | ||||
| Memory Foam | MF12 | Soft | 6 years | 8 years | MF12 is a 2.5 lbs Memory Foam with improved airflow and priced at an excellent value. Memory foam relieves pressure points and improves comfort. However, it is too soft to be used all by itself. Usually, it is the comfort layer on top of another foam grade that provides the support. |
| KN11 | Super Soft | 8 years | 10 years | KN11 is luxuriously soft, like memory foam, but it’s not your conventional memory foam. It is High Resiliency, open cell (does not get hot), and the firmness does not change depending on your room’s temperature. It is comfortable, more supportive and less expensive than memory foam. | |
| VG10 | Medium Soft | 10 years | 15 years | Koosh is made with the most renewable resources but our Koosh ViscoGel (VG) is also made with some soy bean oil content. Koosh ViscoGel is a very high-quality memory foam that has cooling gel to support a cooler sleep than other memory foams. | |
| Latex Hybrid and Natural Options | LH28 | Medium | 8 years | 12 years | A mix of natural latex and polyurethane foam. Excellent durability and used in both seating and mattress applications. |
| LX24 | Medium | 15 years | 20 years | 100% Organic Latex derived from the rubber tree. GOLS Certified. Remarkably durable with a great "bouncy" feel. Organic Latex is a sustainable material and its 5 lbs density means it is a very long lasting and premium choice. | |
*Disclaimer*
Life expectancy is an estimate that is determined by laboratory tests such as ISO-Pounding and the Roller Shear test. Actual results may vary depending on weight & use.
What is Comfortable?
Anything you want it to be!
If you want to do the job right and pay as little as possible, the best thing to do is to come to our factory direct showroom and sit on our big comfy sample couch. That way you can determine what is right for you, according to your personal preference, cushion size and budget.
You should also know that the type of material and the thickness of the foam will play a role in determining the right compression to be used. A 4″ medium will feel like a firm if the cushion is covered in leather. Similarly a thinner piece will feel softer because there is not as much foam there.
We have to adjust the firmness, the last two numbers of the foam grade, in order to give you the right feel in both cases. Why not try a combination of grades? That is the only way you can get the initial feeling of softness, on the top layer, and the deep down support offered by a firmer base.