Foam for cushions must be selected according to the complete construction. Thickness, hardness, substrate and cover affect the final experience. A material that feels good as a small sample in the hand is therefore not necessarily the right one in a large seat cushion.
For made-to-measure foam you should describe the cushion, the furniture and the problem with the current solution.
Start with the function
Is it a seat cushion, a back cushion, or a part that is also used as a lying surface? How long is it used at a time? Should the shape be flat, wedge-shaped or rounded?
These details help identify a suitable grade. A back cushion and a bench cushion cannot automatically use the same construction, even if their external dimensions match.
Look at the base
A rigid wooden panel, webbing and a sprung seat provide different conditions. Photograph the furniture without the cushion. If the base is loose or damaged, it needs a separate assessment.
Adding more foam is not necessarily the answer to a sagging seat. First, it must be clear whether the problem comes from the cushion, the base, or both.
Distinguish between the material’s properties
EUROPUR describes foam with several different physical properties, among others density and hardness. They are not synonyms. Read the guide to high-resilience foam, before comparing two quotes based on a single figure.
Also ask about the recommended use and what is included around the core. A soft intermediate layer can affect surface and fit without being the primary support.
Preserve or consciously alter the comfort
Describe whether you wish for the same feel as before, or what should be changed. 'I sink too far down' is a better observation than an arbitrary order for firmer foam.
Test, if possible, a relevant construction in the desired thickness. It is particularly important if the new cushion changes the seat height or needs to fit a table.
Clarify what is included
Agree on whether you order a foam core, a core with a middle layer, or a complete cushion. If an old cover is to be reused, its condition and dimensions must be included.
See new cover or new cushions for the different options. For fixed upholstery on furniture, the guide to upholstery foam may be more relevant than treating it as a loose cushion.
