Training pits and landing mats are built to handle tough use, but inevitably wear down over time. The foam used in landing mats is similar to that used in furniture cushioning and other safety padding. By nature, it can lose its shape, resiliency, and protective performance. Regularly replacing your foam inserts can help restore performance without breaking the bank.
This article explains how different types of foam perform under impact, how they rebound, and which options will work best for your facility.
Why Foam Replacement Matters
The foam inside mats and landing pits absorbs impact energy, reduces joint stress, and helps prevent injuries. When foam degrades, it compresses too easily, fails to rebound, and can expose athletes to harder landings.
Replacing the foam before it reaches this stage extends equipment life and ensures consistent performance.
A quality foam replacement matches or improves upon the original material’s specifications. This means selecting the correct density, cell structure, and resilience to handle repeated impacts without prematurely breaking down.
What are the Best Materials for Foam Replacement?
When selecting materials for a foam replacement, a few proven options deliver the performance, durability, and safety needed for landing mats and training pits.
These include:
1. Polyester Polyurethane
Polyester polyurethane foam offers excellent tensile strength, tear resistance, and dimensional stability. It performs well in high-impact applications where durability is critical, such as competition-grade landing mats. Its open-cell design provides good shock absorption while maintaining structural integrity over time.
2. Polyether Polyurethane
Polyether polyurethane foam exhibits higher flexibility and better hydrolytic stability than polyester polyurethane, rendering it more resistant to moisture and humidity.
Often used in indoor training pits or mats, it provides steady cushioning and resists damage from sweat or humidity.
3. Viscoelastic Memory Foam
Memory foam conforms to the body, reducing peak impact forces. While slower to recover than other materials, it can be combined with faster-rebound foams in layered builds to balance comfort and responsiveness. This approach is sometimes used for mats in specialized training areas.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Foam Replacement
Selecting the right foam replacement starts with understanding the key properties that affect performance, durability, and fit. These include:
1. Density
Density, measured in pounds per cubic foot, affects both feel and durability. Higher-density foam resists compression and lasts longer but produces a firmer landing.
Lower-density foam offers a softer feel but can break down faster under heavy use. Match density to the activity level and user group.
2. Indentation Load Deflection (ILD)
ILD is simply a measure of foam firmness – how much force it takes to compress the foam. For high-impact sports, a medium to firm ILD usually works best, providing the right balance of comfort and support.
Softer ILD foams, on the other hand, offer a more forgiving surface that’s ideal for recreational use or youth activities.
3. Compression and Recovery
Foam must recover quickly to be ready for the next impact. Slow-recovery foams like memory foam are best used with faster-recovery materials in high-traffic areas.
Test samples before committing to a large order to confirm rebound speed meets your needs.
4. Cell Structure
Open-cell foams allow more airflow, which increases softness and energy absorption. Closed-cell foams are more rigid, resist moisture, and provide firmer support.
The choice depends on whether the priority is cushioning, durability, or moisture resistance.
Work with a Foam Fabrication Partner
At Envirolite, our foam replacement materials for landing mats and pits are engineered to meet the demands of coaches and athletes worldwide.
We offer mat replacement foam in a variety of densities and firmness combinations to restore covered gymnastics mats to peak performance.
Our products are precision-cut and built for durability. They extend equipment life and improve safety. By focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing processes, we deliver solutions that combine performance, cost efficiency, and long-term value.
Have questions? Contact us to learn more.