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CushionFactoryUSA · Custom cushions for the way you live

Foam Facts

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Choosing the Right Foam for Your Cushions

The filling you choose decides how your cushion feels and how long it keeps looking good, indoors or out. We offer three options. Here's what each one does best.

Filling Feel Best for
Fiber Fill Soft, plump, molds to your body Throw pillows, back cushions, floor cushions
High-Density Foam Firm, supportive Seat cushions, indoor and outdoor; back cushions that need firm support
Dry Fast Foam Firm but a bit softer than HD foam, quick-drying Patios, boats, poolsides, damp areas

Fiber Fill

Hollow-fill polyester fiber used in CushionFactoryUSA back cushions and pillows

Fiber fill is the softest option we offer. Instead of the firm feel of foam, it hugs your body, making it great for sinking into after a long day.

Best for: throw pillows, back cushions and floor cushions.

Why fiber fill feels so cozy

We blow hollow-fill polyester fibers into each cushion or pillow. This creates small air pockets between the fibers, which gives the cushion a full, plump look. When you lean back, the fibers compress and the air is pushed out, so the cushion shapes itself around you.

High-Density Foam

High-density polyurethane foam for custom seat cushions

High-density (HD) foam, also called polyurethane foam, is thick and firm to the touch. It's our standard choice for seat cushions, indoors and out, and also works for back cushions when you want firm support.

For thicker cushions, HD foam can be layered. We wrap every HD foam insert in a soft lining or batting to add extra comfort.

Dry Fast Foam

Open-cell Dry Fast Foam for outdoor and marine cushions

Dry Fast Foam is made for cushions that get wet. It has an open-cell structure that lets air flow through it freely, so it dries faster than our other foam options.

It's also antimicrobial, so it holds up against trapped moisture and resists mold, rot and mildew. It's buoyant and resilient, too.

Best for: patios, boats, poolsides and anywhere that gets damp.

 

Foam FAQs

Which foam is best for outdoor cushions?

For outdoor seat cushions, we recommend Dry Fast Foam. It dries faster than regular HD foam, which makes it ideal for boats, poolsides and damp areas. HD foam also works outdoors if the cushions are in the shade, since it can handle occasional moisture but not long exposure to damp. For outdoor back cushions and throw pillows, fiber fill is the most comfortable choice.

How is high-density foam different from regular foam?

HD foam is denser, which makes it more resilient and longer-lasting. Regular foam feels softer, while HD foam gives firmer support and keeps its shape over time. That makes it the better choice for seats that get heavy use.

Where is high-density foam usually used?

Seat cushions, dining chair pads, bench cushions, ottomans and daybed cushions, both indoors and outdoors. We also make many HD foam cushions for RV and camper beds, dinettes and boats.

How long does your foam last?

Lifespan depends on how the cushions are used and cared for, so we can't guarantee it. With proper care, our foam typically lasts up to 10 years.

Can I buy just the foam?

Yes. We sell foam inserts on their own, without a cover. Shop foam inserts.

Is your HD foam too soft or too hard?

It's balanced to feel comfortable while still giving you stable support. See the technical specs below.

What are the technical specs for your foams?

Spec HD Foam Dry Fast Foam
IFD hardness at 50% (kgf/323 cm²) 34 ± 4 26 ± 4
Comfort factor (b/a) > 1 > 1
Support factor > 2 > 2
Resilience ≥ 40% ≥ 20%
Density (lb/ft³) 2.0 ± 0.075 1.75 ± 0.112

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of foam do you use? +

CushionFactoryUSA offers three fill types: high-density (HD) foam for firm, lasting seat support; Dry Fast foam, an open-cell foam with antimicrobial resistance to mold and mildew for outdoor and damp use; and fiber fill, a soft polyester fill for throw pillows and plush cushions. Foam can be layered for extra thickness.

Do you have thicker foam? +

Yes, CushionFactoryUSA offers foam thickness from 2 to 12 inches, and high-density foam can be layered to reach even greater cushion depth. Choose the thickness that matches your comfort preference and furniture use when placing a custom order.

How to clean couch cushion foam? +

Foam inserts are not machine washable; clean them by spot-treating stains with mild soap and water, blotting rather than soaking, and air-drying fully before reuse to prevent mildew. CushionFactoryUSA sells foam inserts separately, so a stained or worn foam core can be replaced rather than deep-cleaned if it's beyond spot cleaning.

Can I replace the foam in my couch cushions? +

Yes, CushionFactoryUSA sells foam inserts on their own, without the outer cover, specifically for replacing worn-out foam in existing cushions. Choose from high-density foam, Dry Fast foam, or fiber fill, cut to your cushion's exact size, at CushionFactoryUSA/products/couch-foam-cushions.

Is it worth restuffing sofa cushions? +

Restuffing CushionFactoryUSA' sofa cushions is usually worth it if the sofa frame is in good shape but the seating has gone flat or lumpy, cheaper than a new sofa and can revive comfort. CushionFactoryUSA sells foam and fiberfill inserts separately, so you can likely replace just the fill without buying a new cover; confirm current inserts availability with support.

What is the best filling for outdoor seat cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA recommends Dry Fast foam for outdoor seat cushions because its open-cell structure drains moisture and resists mold and mildew in damp conditions. High-density foam also works outdoors if kept shaded and dry, best for covered outdoors, while fiberfill is better suited to indoor or covered use.

Where can I buy replacement foam for outdoor cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA sells replacement foam inserts on their own, without the outer cover, at CushionFactoryUSA/pages/foam-faqs. For outdoor use, choose Dry Fast foam, an open-cell foam with antimicrobial resistance to mold and mildew, cut to your existing cushion's exact size.

What density foam is best for outdoor cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA' Dry Fast foam, its recommended outdoor option, has an IFD hardness of 26 ±4 kgf/323cm² and a density of 1.75 ±0.112 lb/ft³, softer than the high-density foam used for regular seating. Its open-cell structure is what makes it suited to damp, outdoor conditions rather than the density number alone.

What can I put under my couch cushions to make it firmer? +

A plywood or hardboard support board placed under the couch cushions, on top of the springs or webbing, is a common way to firm up sagging seating. CushionFactoryUSA also sells high-density foam inserts separately, so replacing a soft or worn insert with firmer, higher-density foam can solve sagging at the cushion level itself.

What is the firmest foam for sofa cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA' high-density (HD) foam is its firmest standard option for sofa cushions, with an IFD hardness of 34 ±4 kgf/323cm² and a density of 2.0 ±0.075 lb/ft³, described as “the right mix of soft and hard.” It's firmer than both Dry Fast foam and fiberfill.

What is the disadvantage of foam cushions? +

Foam cushions can lose their shape and firmness over years of use, are not machine washable and need spot cleaning, and standard high-density foam retains moisture in damp or outdoor conditions unless it's an open-cell type like Dry Fast foam. CushionFactoryUSA notes foam typically lasts around more than 3 years with proper care.

How to wash couch cushions foam? +

CushionFactoryUSA says foam inside a couch cushion should never be soaked or machine washed, since water breaks down its cell structure. Instead, spot-clean the foam with a damp cloth and mild soap, blot out moisture, and air dry fully in a ventilated spot before reinserting it into the cover.

Where to get couch cushions restuffed? +

CushionFactoryUSA primarily sells replacement foam inserts cut to your cushion's measurements rather than running a labor-based restuffing service, though its sales team has helped some customers restuff pillows on request. High-density foam suits firm seating, fiber fill suits softer cushions, contact support to ask about your specific item.

How to clean couch foam? +

CushionFactoryUSA recommends spot-cleaning couch foam only, never soak or machine-wash it, since water breaks down foam's cell structure. Blot moisture with a damp cloth and mild soap rather than rubbing, then air dry fully in a ventilated area. Air high-density foam in sunlight occasionally to prevent mold; see our deep-clean guide for stains instead.

Where to find foam for couch cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA cuts foam inserts to your couch cushion's exact measurements rather than selling a fixed size. High-density foam suits firm seat cushions, while fiber fill is better for back cushions and throw pillows.

How to clean polyester fiber couch cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA recommends never soaking or machine-washing polyester fiber fill — the loose hollow-fill stuffing inside some cushions — since moisture compacts and damages the fibers. Spot-clean the cover with mild soap and a damp cloth, keep the fill itself dry, and air dry fully in a ventilated area.

Where to buy thick foam for couch cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA sells high-density foam alone without the cushion cover in thicknesses from 2 to 12 inches, so you can order a thicker insert than a standard cushion typically comes with for extra support or a plusher seat.

What density foam is best for seat cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA' high-density (HD) foam for seat cushions is specified at 2.0 (+/- 0.075) lb/ft³ density with an IFD hardness of 34 (+/- 4) kgf — firm enough for daily seating on dining chairs, benches and ottomans.

How much does it cost to have couch cushions restuffed? +

CushionFactoryUSA does not offer a restuffing labor service or publish a restuffing price; it sells replacement foam inserts separately, with price depending on shape and size, so you can restuff the existing cover yourself.

How much does it cost to reupholster rv cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA doesn't publish a set labor price for RV and camper cushion reupholstery, though our team has handled this work by mail-in service, with past jobs taking around four weeks. We also sell custom-measured replacement covers and foam separately, with covers starting around $18 depending on size and fabric. The cost varies depending upon the sizes and customization options selected.

How to deep clean foam couch cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA recommends deep-cleaning foam couch cushions without soaking them: spray the surface with a mild soap-and-water solution, work it in with a soft brush, then blot out moisture with a dry towel rather than rinsing. Air dry fully in a ventilated spot before reassembling the cushion.

What is the best support for sagging couch cushions? +

High-density (HD) foam is CushionFactoryUSA' recommended fix for a sagging couch cushion — it's firmer than fiber fill and holds its shape under daily seating, specified at 2.0 (+/- 0.075) lb/ft³ density. Replacing just the foam insert, rather than the whole cushion, is usually enough if the cover is still in good shape.

How much does it cost to reupholster a seat cushion? +

CushionFactoryUSA doesn't publish a set price for reupholstering a seat cushion, though our team has handled reupholstery inquiries and quotes them case by case. As a lower-cost DIY alternative, we sell custom-measured replacement covers separately, starting around $18 depending on size and fabric.

Is cushion foam the same as upholstery foam? +

Cushion foam and upholstery foam are generally the same category of material — high-density polyurethane foam — though the specific density and firmness are chosen for the job. CushionFactoryUSA' high-density foam, for example, is specified at 2.0 (+/- 0.075) lb/ft³ with a firm IFD hardness rating, built for seat cushions rather than softer padding uses.

What is the firmest cushion filling? +

High-density (HD) foam is CushionFactoryUSA' firmest cushion filling — described as thick and firm to the touch, with an IFD hardness of 34 (+/- 4) kgf — firmer than its Dry Fast foam or loose fiber fill.

What are the advantages of an outdoor sectional with quick-dry foam cushions for areas with frequent rain? +

CushionFactoryUSA' Dry Fast Foam gives outdoor sectionals a real advantage in rainy climates — its open-cell structure lets water drain through instead of soaking in, so cushions dry faster and resist mold, rot and mildew. It's built specifically for patios, boats and poolside furniture exposed to regular moisture.

What are the key differences in comfort and feel between various outdoor sectional cushion fillings? +

CushionFactoryUSA' Dry Fast Foam and fiber fill feel different underneath an outdoor sectional cushion. Fiber fill is soft and molds around the body for a cozy, huggable sit, while Dry Fast Foam is firmer, open-cell, and built to drain and dry quickly outdoors, holding its shape under regular use.

Compare the comfort levels and durability of outdoor sofas with foam cushions versus those with fiberfill +

CushionFactoryUSA uses high-density foam for outdoor sofa seat cushions because it holds its shape and supports body weight better over time, while fiber fill feels softer and molds to the body but compresses faster under regular sitting — better suited to back and throw cushions than main seating. With proper care, CushionFactoryUSA foam typically lasts up to 10 years.

Where to buy foam pillow inserts near me? +

CushionFactoryUSA sells foam and fiber-fill pillow inserts online at CushionFactoryUSA rather than in a physical store, cut to any custom size and shipped nationwide, so "near me" availability comes from online ordering rather than a local retailer.

How much do airflow and moisture really matter in furniture cushions? +

CushionFactoryUSA' Dry Fast Foam uses an open-cell structure so air and water pass through instead of getting trapped — which matters most for cushions used outdoors or in humid spots, since trapped moisture causes foam to break down and mold or mildew to grow. That's why Dry Fast Foam is recommended for patios, boats and poolside furniture over standard high-density foam.

Is it worth it to replace couch cushion foam? +

CushionFactoryUSA sells replacement foam inserts cut to the couch cushion's exact size, and replacing foam is usually worth it once a cushion visibly sags or stops springing back — a new insert restores comfort and support without buying a whole new couch. CushionFactoryUSA foam typically lasts Up to 5 years with proper care.

What is the best thing to fill couch cushions with? +

CushionFactoryUSA recommends high-density foam as the best fill for a couch's main seat cushions, since it holds its shape and supports body weight, while fiber fill suits back and throw cushions better because it stays soft and molds to the body. Both are available, and high-density foam can be layered for extra thickness where more support is needed.

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