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What's Inside Counts: A Real-Talk Guide to Cushion Fills

You wouldn't buy a mattress without knowing what's inside, right? Same goes for cushions. At Cushion Source, your fill options aren't just "fluffy" or "firm" - they're tailored for how and where you sit. Whether it's your porch swing, window seat, or favorite spot to collapse after a long day, what's inside your cushion really does matter.

Seat vs. Back: Why It Matters

cushion fill for seat and back

Seat cushions need to be firmer than back cushions. Your back needs light support, but your backside needs real structure. The heavier load demands a firmer fill.

Thicker cushions feel firmer, and thinner cushions feel softer or squishier - even with the same foam. More fill means more resistance to compression, so always consider thickness when choosing fill firmness.

firmness of different thickness

Foam Fills

  • Soft Foam
    Super cozy and low-resistance. Great for back cushions or light-use seats. Too soft for most full-time seating.
  • Medium Foam
    Balanced support and comfort. Ideal for moderate seat use and structured backs. Feels like Reticulated Foam.
  • Firm Foam
    Higher support with less sink. Great for daily-use seat cushions. Feels just right at 4" or thicker.
  • Extra Firm Foam
    Strong support and minimal sag. Excellent for high-use seating like benches or bay windows. Too stiff for back cushions.

Outdoor Fills

  • CumuPlush™
    Stiff, layered polyester fiber. Comfortable and weatherproof. Ideal for occasional outdoor lounging. Tends to compress over time.
  • Reticulated Foam
    Quick-drying, mildew-resistant, and designed for full exposure. Feels like Medium Foam but drains water instantly.

Optional Batting

Batting is a thin polyester wrap added to foam to:

  • Soften corners
  • Round out the shape
  • Give a fuller, more polished look

Note: Not recommended for outdoor cushions (especially with Reticulated Foam or CumuPlush) as it can retain water.

Specialty Fill Options

  • Direct Fill
    All-fiber fill packed into a liner. Budget-friendly, best for back cushions, tufted seat cushions, and throw pillows.
  • Plush Fill
    Loose polyfiber (no foam) wrapped in batting. Best for back cushions. Not enough support for seats.
  • Optimal Comfort™
    Foam core + memory foam gel + batting inside a liner. Supportive and plush. Great for indoor or protected outdoor use.

Fill Comparison Table

Fill Type Use Case Seat Cushions Back Cushions Outdoor Safe
Soft Foam Light use, cozy back support Too soft Great for backs Covered use only
Medium Foam Balanced comfort & support Ideal for moderate use Structured support Covered use only
Firm Foam Everyday seating Excellent support Often too stiff Covered use only
Extra Firm Foam Heavy use, durability High-traffic seats Not recommended Covered use only
CumuPlush™ Economic outdoor Plush & weatherproof Soft support Quick dry
Reticulated Foam Exposed outdoor use Quick-drying support Outdoor approved Quick Dry
Direct Fill Budget-friendly fiber fill Tends to compress OK for backs Liner included
Plush Fill Soft pillows & backs Not enough support Fluffy and cozy Liner included
Optimal Comfort™ Premium indoor fill Plush & supportive Soft for wider backs Liner included

Summary - Quick Picks

  • Daily indoor seats: Medium, Firm, or Extra Firm Foam
  • Back cushions: Soft Foam, Medium Foam, or Plush Fill
  • Outdoor seating: Reticulated Foam or CumuPlush™
  • Porch lounging: Optimal Comfort™
  • Full, plush look: Add batting (indoor only)

Real Talk About Foam Outdoors

using foam outdoors

Foam is a popular choice for seat cushions because of its structure and long-term comfort - but when it comes to outdoor use, there's something you need to know.

Foam loves to hold onto water. If your cushions get caught in a heavy downpour, that foam can soak it up like a sponge - and unless it's able to fully drain and dry, that moisture can lead to mold or mildew over time.

So what's the fix?

If you're using foam outdoors, especially in uncovered areas or rainy climates, we strongly recommend adding a protective liner. It's a breathable fabric layer that helps block moisture from soaking into the foam. It won't make your cushions waterproof, but it will give the foam a better shot at drying quickly and lasting longer.

Of course, if your space is covered, you live in a drier area, or you bring your cushions in when storms roll through, foam without a liner can still be a solid choice. It's all about how you use your space - and how much effort you want to put into babying your cushions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Still unsure? Cushion Source makes it easy to build your perfect cushion - and real people are ready to help if you need guidance.