Seat cushion materials, in plain words

Makers use many names for what's inside a cushion. Here is what each kind is, in plain words, and which cushions on our list use it. Next to each cushion is the material as its maker or store describes it.

We say what a material is, not what it does for your body. How a cushion feels depends on more than its material.

Polymer grid

A stretchy polymer grid. All of these are made by Purple, which calls it GelFlex Grid.

Memory foam

A dense foam that slowly takes the shape of what sits on it, then slowly springs back. Shredded memory foam is the same kind of foam, cut into small pieces inside a cover.

Gel honeycomb

A thin honeycomb made of TPE gel, a soft, rubbery plastic.

Air

An inflatable seat is an air chamber you blow up. A self-inflating seat has foam inside an airtight shell: open the valve and the foam draws in air. Both kinds can puncture.

Folding foam pad

A light pad of closed-cell foam. The one on our list folds like an accordion and has no cover.

Polyester fibre and plain foam

Fabric chair pads made with polyester fibre or a plain polyurethane foam.

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A cushion changes how you sit. It isn't medical advice or a treatment. If sitting hurts a lot, or keeps hurting, talk to a doctor or physical therapist.

Last updated October 2026.