Recumbent - Open cell foam vs closed cell foam for seats

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Philatio
09-18-06, 04:34 AM
It seems that open cell foam is by far the dominant choice for seating foam. Why is this?

I think the main advantage of open cell is that it is cooler and your back is less sweaty. On the other hand, closed cell foam would be easier to clean, and wouldn't soak up water during rain. I can't really think of any other advantages/disadvantages off the top of my head, but was just wondering why open cell is so much more prevelant.

jeff-o
09-18-06, 07:19 AM
Open cell foam breathes. That's the main reason. It can also be softer to sit on.

It's pretty easy to cover the seat with a plastic bag if rain is expected.
Elad63
09-18-06, 07:31 AM
How do you apply or keep the foam on your seat. I have a wooden seat ( M5 ) style seat. I am going to you aN OLD EXERCISE PAD, BUT FIGURE OUT TO KEEP IT ON THE SEAT.

Philatio
09-18-06, 07:33 AM
velcro strips (glue backing on each side) seem to be the common method of choice.
jeff-o
09-18-06, 10:51 AM
velcro strips (glue backing on each side) seem to be the common method of choice.

Yep. Or, you can sew a cover for the foam pad (out of breathable material) first, then secure the whole thing with sticky-back velcro as before.
World Tour
09-22-06, 11:05 AM
The foam on my seat is covered by a towel held in place by those large binder clips that I clip to the wooden part. It works great.