Industrial products like foam can come in various forms and composition. Foams are used for chairs, padding, mattresses, swim noodles, etc. An HDF or high density foam can be distinguished by its density rating. The higher the number, the better the quality of the foam, and the longer it will retain its shape. It is used in a lot of things- mainly for padded seats and mattresses and later on, gym equipment and therapeutic device. Given proper care, it could last you 10 years of service.

This kind of foam is usually found in mattresses, with a density rating of 1.8 lbs. This is good. Some mattress foams are only found to be 1.1 – 1.5 lbs- not enough to properly provide support for the body. A HDF mattress will support your body. There are also several other applications for such foam. As such, it has become not only a novelty piece, but a highly recommended one by doctors especially for persons with back problems.

Some products have been designed for athletic purposes. They are used as gym equipment and are often called high density foam rollers as support when doing gym exercises. A foam roller is basically a cylindrically-shaped device weighing a little more than those swimming foam noodles. They come in standard sizes of 1 feet and 3 feet and can be easily purchased in sports stores and online.   

It has also been designed for therapeutic purposes to relieve pressure points especially from injuries. It can be used as a self-massage device by applying your own weight to the roll to relieve pressure points. Lately, it has been applied to sports medicine and therapy for injured athletes.

HDF is also used to make yoga blocks. Yoga blocks are good exercise aids especially if you’re new in doing complicated asanas. If your core muscles aren’t as strong as you’d like, yoga blocks can help you lift yourself off the ground to get into the asana. If your hips are a little tight, the blocks can support your thighs and legs. This yoga aid helps you develop your strength, balance, and alignment. Its exercise cousin Pilates also makes use of HDF rollers to stabilize the person in doing exercises on uneven surfaces.

High density foam is an industrial product that has many uses not only as it once was as cushions and mattresses, but has evolved to be highly useful exercise equipment and a therapeutic device. If you have injuries which you feel that can be dealt with on your own, they can be easily procured and done at the very privacy of your own home. Don’t forget to have yourself checked out by a medical professional first though if the injury is a bit substantial. A therapist will be more than willing to assist you in creating massages and exercises that will not overtax the injury.