Q&A Frequently Asked Questions

Do products that use soft urethane foam have an odor?

Flexible urethane foam itself has little odor, and is usually not noticeable. However, in the case of products that use flexible urethane foam, such as mattresses, other materials are combined with the urethane foam, such as cover materials, adhesives, and packaging materials, and there are rare cases where the odor of these materials can be noticeable. Flexible urethane foam has an interconnected microcellular structure (air bubbles), and because the resin has an extremely large surface area, it easily "adsorbs" any unpleasant odors present in other materials it comes into contact with or in the atmosphere it is directly exposed to, and has the property of "dissipating" these odors when it is released into the area where it is used. Therefore, it is necessary to select appropriate low-odor conditions for the storage area as well as the composite material.
If you notice any strange odor, leave the product in a well-ventilated, shady place for 2-3 days, and the odor will decrease significantly. If you still feel the odor is abnormal, please contact the product's distributor or manufacturer.

What should I do if soft urethane foam is put in my mouth or accidentally swallowed?

For foam manufactured as a general household product, even if a small amount of urethane foam is accidentally ingested or swallowed, it is unlikely to have any physiological effects. However, if it gets stuck in the airway, it may cause breathing difficulties, so spit it out. If swallowed, seek medical advice. For specially treated soft urethane foam for special purposes, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

I use soft urethane foam in food packaging and toys. Is it safe?

Flexible urethane foams are divided into "polyether foam" and "polyester foam" depending on the type of polyol used. In general, "polyether foam" can be blended with a wide range of raw materials, allowing it to be given a wide range of performance characteristics such as elastic modulus and cushioning to suit the application. For this reason, it is used in a wide variety of applications, including cushioning for mattresses and chairs. "Polyester foam" has excellent oil resistance, abrasion resistance, and mechanical strength, and the cell diameter can be easily changed, so it is used for special applications such as foam materials and filter materials.

If soft urethane foam comes into direct contact with the skin, will it have any adverse effects?

It is unlikely that soft polyurethane foam, which is manufactured as a general household product, will have any adverse effects on the skin.
Please note that soft urethane foam used for special purposes should be handled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

There is a chemical called "urethane," but is it related to "urethane foam"?

There is a harmful chemical substance commonly known as "urethane," and because the name is similar to "urethane foam," it is sometimes confused and mistakenly believed that "urethane foam" is also harmful; however, it is a completely different chemical substance from high molecular weight "urethane foam," and of course, this chemical is not included in "urethane foam."
The chemical "urethane" is a white crystal known by the chemical name "ethyl carbamate," and is used as an intermediate raw material in chemical synthesis, as an aid in dissolving insecticides and fumigants, and as an animal anesthetic.
On the other hand, under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, it is classified as a "harmful chemical" that is suspected of being carcinogenic, and is completely different from "urethane foam."