How to Use Foam Crumbs for Stuffing or Refills

What is foam crumb?

Foam crumb, quite simply, is small chips of foam. It is typically a by-product of foam offcuts that are then shredded into foam flakes and chips and repurposed into many uses. As a result, it wears far better than other synthetic materials used to stuff toys, cushions and more, and in items like beanbags it's far more comfortable than conventional polystyrene beads. It is mostly available in a mixed range of densities and thicknesses.

Foam crumb is also available in a compacted foam slab known as reconstituted foam, which is typically used in high-use applications such as public transport seating, gym mats and pub seating.

What can you do with crumbed foam?

The possibilities are endless with crumbed foam. It is low-cost, easily available and can be used in scatter cushions, floor cushions, pet beds, bean bags and toys.

There are different types of foam crumb. Shredded foam crumb is a great option for living-room cushions and pillows; these thin shredded pieces ensure cushions don't feel as lumpy as whole crumbed foam, as the pieces can move flexibly within a pillowcase. Memory foam crumb is the by-product of memory foam mattress production and is also great for cushions and bolsters, with many of the same properties as a memory foam mattress – it's water, odour, flea and UV resistant.

Stuffing beanbags and similar items with crumbed foam is also more environmentally friendly. Polystyrene beads have been found in waterways, and refilling a beanbag with them is a task in itself, whereas crumbed foam is far easier to place in the end product and is very cost-efficient.

Memory foam crumb filling can be used in orthopaedic pet beds as it is very supportive. Many pets love to dig and fluff up their beds, and crumb filling lets them do this better than a single foam sheet or block, so if your pet likes to sink into their bed, memory foam crumb is a good choice.

How do you shred foam?

Most suppliers provide foam pre-shredded or crumbed. If you have old foam blocks or sheets, shredding foam into smaller chips and pieces is easy. One of the simplest ways is using a bread knife to achieve a crumbed look, or scissors for strips.

Are foam flakes toxic?

Foam crumbs and flakes, when purchased from a responsible UK manufacturer, are non-toxic. Due to the nature of memory foam, however, it may be unsuitable for those with allergies or sensitivity to chemical smells; the chemical smell of memory foam is entirely normal and reduces over time.

Why are foam chips considered the best filler?

Foam chips are incredibly versatile and there aren't many limitations to their use. They're also available in large quantities for a low price, given that many are made from foam manufacturing offcuts. For related projects, see our guides to foam floor cushions and making your own pet bed.

For help with any of your crumbed foam enquiries, contact our friendly team.