Marine foam vs regular foam: what is the fundamental difference?

When creating seats for boats, the choice of filling plays a key role. The question often arises: which foam should you choose, regular furniture foam or specialized marine foam? Let’s compare marine foam and regular foam to understand the difference.

Regular furniture foam

This type of foam is used in the home — in sofas, armchairs, and mattresses. It is soft, inexpensive, and available in different densities. However, in conditions of high humidity, it quickly loses its properties:

it absorbs water;

it dries slowly;

it is susceptible to rot and mold.

For boats, it is only suitable for enclosed spaces (cabin), but not for open decks.
Marine foam

Marine foam is specially designed for use in conditions of high humidity and temperature fluctuations:

it does not absorb water or dries quickly (depending on the type);

resistant to mold and UV rays;

durable even with constant contact with moisture.

Often used is foam with an open cell structure (dry-fast foam), which allows water to pass through without retaining it inside.

That is why marine foam is always chosen for boat seats and cushions — it guarantees comfort and a long service life.