Medical Uses of Foam: X-ray Supports, Wheelchairs and Beds

Foam is an incredibly versatile material used widely in personal and commercial environments, and it has an important role in medical settings too – from hospital examination rooms to GP surgeries. As elsewhere, one type of foam doesn't fit all applications: various grades, types, thicknesses and densities are used to achieve the desired outcome.

Foam for X-ray support

Most of us have broken a bone at least once and undergone an X-ray to assess it. Placing an arm or leg on an X-ray table without support is uncomfortable and impractical, and a patient with a fracture will struggle to hold position for an accurate, high-quality image. For this reason, foams cut to size and shape are commonly used for comfort and support.

Closed-cell foam is the most popular type in X-ray settings. Non-porous and easily cleaned (it doesn't absorb fluids), it's excellent for constant use and its non-slip surface helps keep the body in position. Coated foam – a sealant-sprayed plain foam – is also used and wipes clean, but its coating is radiopaque, so it's unsuitable for some X-ray scenarios. Foam for X-ray comes in many forms, including baby immobiliser moulds, skull pads, head rings, lumbar spine supports and lateral knee pads. Padded cassette backrests are also common for chest examinations to maintain upright positioning.

Foam for wheelchairs and trolleys

In hospital or surgery, you may have been moved between facilities in a wheelchair, or on a trolley or mobile bed. These mobility aids endure heavy use, so seat padding must be high quality. The most common foam for wheelchairs of this type is high-density closed-cell polyethylene or reconstituted chip foam. Hospital trolleys see the same heavy use and must be frequently sanitised, making high-density foams the popular choice for repeated patient use, and durable enough for patients of greater weight.

Foam for examination beds

In A&E and GP surgeries, patients are constantly seen for assessment and asked to sit or lie on an examination bed. Like mobility aids, this equipment endures heavy use while coming into contact with many injuries and illnesses, so high-density foam is popular for its durability and antibacterial properties.

For more on how foam is used in hospital and other medical settings, or to enquire about replacement foam components, please contact us. You may also find our guides to foam in care settings and foam for disabilities useful.

Frequently asked questions

What foam is used in X-ray settings?

Closed-cell foam is the most popular, as it is non-porous and easily cleaned (it doesn't absorb fluids) and has a non-slip surface to hold the body in position. Coated foam is also used, but its spray coating is radiopaque, so it isn't suitable for some X-ray scenarios.

What foam is used for hospital wheelchairs and trolleys?

High-density closed-cell polyethylene or reconstituted chip foam is most common, as it is durable, can be frequently sanitised, and is suitable for patients of greater weight under heavy, repeated use.

Why is high-density foam used in medical settings?

High-density foam is durable enough for the heavy use of examination beds, trolleys and mobility aids, can withstand frequent sanitising, and has antibacterial properties suited to constant patient contact.