Originally Posted by
urbanknight
I might be overcautious, but since it is a safety item, I wouldn't accept anything but what the manufacturer designed for it. As mentioned above, enjoy the free replacements. I have to pay for mine (Specialized) and my acidic sweat makes me buy a new one every 12-15 months!
You probably are a a little overcautious. The foam pads on your helmet are only there for fit and comfort. As long as your helmet fits you well, it will do its job. Upon impact, the dense styrofoam in your helmet will be doing all of the work in protecting your head. Since your helmet very hard, it will absorb all of the impact and the little foam pads inside your helmet will virtually do nothing. If you can squish them with your fingers, they're not going to do anything even in a low speed crash.
In short, you'll be fine using a makeshift foam pad.