Polyurethane Foam vs. Reflex Foam

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is a blanket term that includes any foam that is synthesized using polyol and diisocyanate. These include but are not limited to: memory foam, high resilience foam, and high density foam. Since polyurethane foam can contain additives, a manufacturer that comes up with a new formula can name the new foam whatever they like.

Many memory foam mattresses are a combination of polyurethane foams, layered from dense on the bottom to less dense on the surface layers.

Polyurethane is a synthetic blend of organic compounds and has a tendency to off-gas. If you are susceptible to lung issues, please do additional research on the quality of foams before purchasing.

Pros: Many different types of foams exist under the polyurethane umbrella -- some are excellent for bedding and offer different firmness varieties!

Cons: Off-gassing and durability problems with lower quality foams.

Reflex Foam

Reflex foam is commonly found in the transitionary and base foam layer of foam mattresses. It is higher density than memory foam, but still has enough give to it where it isn't as hard as a solid surface.

Reflex foam, like memory foam, is a polyurethane foam blend, which has been adjusted for higher density during its manufacturing.

Although some very firm mattresses are made completely of reflex foams, most foam mattresses are a blend of memory foam on the top layer followed by reflex foams in the middle and bottom layers.

Pros: Firmer, supportive foam that enables enough contour for heavier sleepers and support to traditional memory foam mattresses.

Cons: Lower quality foams can offgas toxic chemicals and sag faster than alternatives.

Learn More About Polyurethane Foam

Learn More About Reflex Foam

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Material Scores

Overall Score:
Polyurethane Foam: 9.4/10
Reflex Foam: 8.6/10

Comfort:
Polyurethane Foam: 9.4/10
Reflex Foam: 8.7/10

Softness:
Polyurethane Foam: 9.5/10
Reflex Foam: 8/10

Cooling:
Polyurethane Foam: 8/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10

Hypoallergenic:
Polyurethane Foam: 8.1/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10

No Odor:
Polyurethane Foam: 8.4/10
Reflex Foam: 8.9/10

General Support:
Polyurethane Foam: 9.5/10
Reflex Foam: 9.5/10

Eco-Conscious:
Polyurethane Foam: 8.5/10
Reflex Foam: 8/10

Price Value:
Polyurethane Foam: 9.5/10
Reflex Foam: 9.2/10