• Polyurethane and foam rubber are both well known for their uses in cushioning applications. Although polyurethane and foam rubber are similar products, they are distinct in their composition, as well as their manufacturing technology. There are several advantages of utilizing polyurethane over foam rubber.
  
  

Price

• Foam rubber is generally used in premium furnishing products and is costlier than polyurethane. As of 2010, due to the lower price of polyurethane, it has become more widespread than foam rubber---especially in the United States.
  
  

Environment

• The manufacturing process of foam rubber can be more harmful than that of polyurethane, producing waste water with harmful constituents, including a small amount of soaps and zinc. These particles are released from the vulcanization process, and as a result, the manufacturing plant must carefully monitor the production process.
  
  

Health

• Exposure to latex foam rubber is known to cause allergic reactions in some people. The majority of these reactions are dermatitis-related. These allergic reactions are attributed to natural proteins present in the rubber. Polyurethane does not present this problem.
  
  

Long Life

• Polyurethane has better abrasion resistance; as a result, polyurethane tires are known to last four times longer than rubber tires. Polyurethane products have a better chemical resistance compared to the same products made from rubber, the main contributor to the long life of polyurethane products. In addition, rubber tires---due to the presence of carbon black---cause skid marks more severe than tires made from polyurethane.
  
  

Properties

• Polyurethane is a better conductor of heat than latex foam rubber and is less sensitive to temperature and ultraviolet rays. As a result, it has less stringent requirements regarding storage conditions, also giving it a longer shelf life. Polyurethane also can be used with oil-based lubricants and does not have an odor, which is common with rubber.