What’s the Difference Between Foam Rubber vs. Sponge Rubber?

Did you know that there’s a difference between foam rubber and sponge rubber? Sure, the two terms are often used interchangeably. Unless you work in the rubber industry, the sponge next to your kitchen sink may seem similar to the foam mattress pad on your bed. After all, both are soft and compressible. Upon closer examination, however, saying that foams are identical to sponges is like saying that doing the dishes is the same as getting a good night’s sleep.

What’s different about foam rubber? And how does it compare to sponge rubber? The differences begin with ingredients and end with molecular structure. Foam rubber and sponge rubber also use different raw materials, chemical reactions, and production processes. Not all foam rubber is soft like your mattress pad either, and that enables applications for rigid foams in building and construction.

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