Cheap vs Quality Foam: What's the Difference?

Quality always matters, yet people often choose a lower-cost product over a quality one. For many things that's fine, but for foam it isn't always the case. The quality and craftsmanship of eFoam's products show that top-standard foam is available at an accessible price. So what are the differences between cheap and quality foam?

How to spot cheap foam

First and foremost, cheap foam reveals itself through a short life – but by the time you realise, you bought it long ago and are unlikely to get your money back. It's frustrating and time-consuming, as you'll now need extra time and resources to replace it. Good quality foam should have a solid, even structure and spring back into shape almost immediately.

The false economy

Buying cheap foam rather than a quality product sets you up for a false economy. Made to a lower standard, cheaper foams often aren't made with the quality components of a higher-grade product, so they degrade and wear far faster, leading to repeat purchases to maintain the same standard. High-quality foam is dense with an even structure, giving a longer lifespan – a cheap memory foam mattress may last around five years, whereas a quality one, cared for and used properly, can last much longer.

Harmful chemicals and safety

It's important to realise that cheap foam is often made using harmful chemicals and isn't manufactured to the same stringent safety standards. These can include petrochemicals and formaldehyde, which are toxic to humans. Much of the cheap foam on the market is made abroad, where suppliers aren't held to the UK's strict ISO 9001 quality control and fire safety standards. Quality control is a leading principle for UK manufacturers including eFoam, whereas in manufacturing-intensive countries profit and quantity often come before quality. Our guide to foam density, weight and firmness can help you judge quality for yourself.

Quality and the environment

Buying better-quality foam helps the environment too. UK manufacturers are well aware of the need for sustainability, and alongside avoiding harmful chemicals, quality UK-made foam is produced using less water and energy under environmental guidelines. The same can't be said everywhere, as irresponsible production – and the dumping of harmful chemicals – remains common in some parts of the world.

eFoam has been recognised for its quality and safety standards for over two decades, achieving ISO 9001 status in 1999 and becoming the UK's foam supplier of choice. To discuss how our high-quality cut to size foam can meet your needs, please contact us.

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell cheap foam from quality foam?

Cheap foam reveals itself through a short life, but by then it's usually too late for a refund. Good quality foam has a solid, even structure and springs back into shape almost immediately, and being dense and even, it lasts far longer.

Is cheap foam a false economy?

Often, yes. Made to a lower standard without quality components, cheaper foam degrades and wears far faster, leading to repeat purchases. A cheap memory foam mattress may last around five years, while a quality one, cared for properly, can last much longer.

Why choose UK-made foam?

UK manufacturers like eFoam work to strict ISO 9001 quality control and fire safety standards, avoid harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, and produce foam more sustainably using less water and energy. Foam made abroad isn't always held to these standards.