foampad

Foam pad, sometimes written foampad, is a pad constructed from foam used to provide cushioning, insulation, impact protection, or acoustic damping. The exact definition varies by industry, and foampad may refer to a stand-alone pad or a component integrated into a larger product.

Materials commonly used include closed-cell polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam, or memory foam. Densities range from soft to rigid, and thicknesses from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Some pads incorporate fabric coverings or pressure-sensitive adhesives.

Common applications include protective packaging inserts that cradle items during shipping; seating and bedding accessories such as seat cushions, mattress toppers, and sleeping pads; sports protection in knee pads and wrist guards; vibration isolation and anti-slip pads for electronics and machinery; and acoustic or sound-damping pads in studios or loud environments.

Manufacture involves sheet extrusion, molding, or die-cutting of foam stock, followed by trimming, lamination, or adding fabrics and adhesives. Foam pads are valued for light weight and resilient cushioning but can degrade under heat or UV exposure and may be recyclable depending on material type and local facilities.

See also: foam, foam rubber, polyurethane foam, EVA foam, padding, cushioning.