Foam for Bathrooms
You may not think it, but foam plays an important, useful role in many bathrooms. Although most bathrooms now have tiled flooring, some still have carpet, and many people want a similar soft-touch feel even with a stone or hard floor. Foam is the more hygienic option here, being resistant to bacteria and, as a bath mat, easily washable.
Foam bath and shower mats
Beyond underfoot comfort, foam features in products that make bathrooms safer. Many prefer bath mats made of foam and rubber rather than a wholly fabric option such as cotton. Closed-cell polyethylene foams such as EFP30 and Plastazote are waterproof and non-slip thanks to their lightly rubberised feel, making them perfect for a bath or shower mat intended to improve safety. They're not limited to bath mats either – they're also used for shower mats, in bathroom hoists, and as floor mats for wet rooms. For better grip on wet-room floors, foam mats are a simple, non-invasive, wipe-clean solution, and they're all available cut to size from eFoam.
Memory foam bath pillows
Memory foam and other open-cell foams are used in various bathroom applications too, but not where they may become saturated, such as a bath or shower mat. As open-cell foams retain water and aren't waterproof, we don't recommend submerging them. Instead, they're an excellent choice for bath pillows and other indirect supports when covered with a waterproof fabric. If you have a favourite bath pillow, you can use our cut-to-size tool to replace its foam insert: enter your measurements, select the foam, and in the meantime source a waterproof yet comfortable fabric – a waterproof-lined polyester works well, stitched and fastened with plastic poppers or a sewn-in zip.
Foam for bath lifts and hoists
Foam also supports bathroom accessibility, commonly used in home bath lifts and hoists. Typically plastic with an added foam seating component for comfort, these seats deteriorate with daily use and need replacing in time, and those with specialist conditions or comfort needs may require additional foam supports regardless of the seat's age. For related uses, see our guides to medical uses of foam and foam for disabilities. An eFoam representative is always available for a friendly chat about your bathroom hoist system.
For knowledgeable advice on bathroom foam applications, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is used for bath and shower mats?
Closed-cell polyethylene foams such as EFP30 and Plastazote, which are waterproof and non-slip thanks to their lightly rubberised feel. They suit bath mats, shower mats, wet-room floor mats and hoist mats, and are easy to wipe clean.
Can memory foam be used in the bathroom?
Not where it would be saturated, as memory foam and other open-cell foams retain water and aren't waterproof, so they shouldn't be submerged or used as a bath or shower mat. They're excellent for bath pillows and indirect supports when wrapped in a waterproof cover.
What foam is used in bath lifts and hoists?
Bath lifts and hoists are usually plastic with a foam seating component for comfort. These deteriorate with daily use and need replacing in time, and additional foam supports can be added for those with specialist comfort needs.
