Joint Industry Foam Standards and Guidelines

TESTING OF CUSHIONS CONSTRUCTED WITH CONVOLUTED FOAM STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

7.1 Scope

The intent of creating convoluted foam is to alter the immediate surface feel of the foam, almost invariably to soften the initial touch of the cushion. This softened touch is accomplished by decreasing the initial contact area of the foam surface by using a contoured surface. The initial load bearing of the foam is only on the uppermost crowns of the contoured surface, creating a soft, cushy feel. The usefulness of convoluted foam to the furniture industry manifests itself as a wrapping material used around foam block cores in seat, back, or pillow constructions.

7.2 Recommendations

It is the recommendation of this committee that testing of cushions that have been wrapped with convoluted foam not be done with the wrapping in place. In order to achieve reliable test data on thickness, density, or IFD measurements, the convoluted foam wrapping material should be removed and the tests performed only on the foam core. Knowledge of the performance data of the convoluted foam wrapping material is best obtained from the foam stock before it is convoluted.