Best Flooring Underlay — Memory Foam (2026)
1 flooring underlay matching material “Memory Foam”, hand-picked from UK Amazon listings.
Not sure which one to pick? Read our Best Flooring Underlay UK (2026) guide.
Memory foam flooring underlay provides a superior layer of comfort beneath your new carpet or rug installation. Unlike traditional felt or rubber underlays, memory foam reacts to pressure, moulding to the contours of your floor and offering exceptional sound dampening properties. This creates a quieter home environment and reduces impact noise when walking or moving furniture across your floor surface.
Specifically designed for use with carpets and rugs, this memory foam underlay significantly enhances comfort by absorbing foot traffic and reducing fatigue. The open-cell structure allows for excellent airflow beneath the flooring, helping to regulate temperature and preventing moisture build-up – a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment. It's ideal for hard floors like laminate or wood, contributing to a more luxurious feel.
This particular memory foam underlay is engineered for optimal performance and durability. It’s constructed from high-density memory foam that resists compression, ensuring long-lasting support and stability for your flooring. Please note that while it enhances comfort considerably, it's important to select a carpet or rug with appropriate pile height for the best overall feel.
#1 Pick
Cloud Nine Cumulus 11mm Carpet Underlay, Memory Foam, 43dB Sound Reduction, 11m x 1.37m Roll- Memory Foam
- 15.07m²
£118.84
Pros
- Memory foam construction feels noticeably soft underfoot
- 43dB sound reduction is useful for upstairs rooms and flats
- Well-known Cloud 9 underlay brand
Cons
- Premium price versus a basic PU foam roll
FAQ
What is memory foam underlay made of?+
This memory foam underlay is typically composed of polyurethane (PU) foam. PU foam is chosen for its excellent resilience, comfort properties, and ability to mould effectively under pressure – crucial features for a quality memory foam underlay.
How thick should I choose my memory foam underlay?+
The ideal thickness depends on your flooring type and desired level of cushioning. Generally, 12mm - 25mm is suitable for most carpet installations; however, thicker options (30mm+) are beneficial for hard floors like laminate to provide greater impact absorption.
Will memory foam underlay damage my floor?+
When installed correctly, this underlay won’t damage your flooring. Ensure you use a suitable underlay pad cutter and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully – particularly regarding trimming around edges and fixing points.
What is the best carpet to use with memory foam underlay?+
This underlay works well with a wide range of carpets, but plush or high-pile carpets will benefit most from the added cushioning. Shorter pile carpets might not experience as significant a comfort improvement.
How does memory foam underlay reduce noise?+
The open cell structure of the memory foam absorbs vibrations and reduces impact noises. This significantly reduces footsteps, furniture movement, and overall ambient noise within your home – creating a quieter space.
Does memory foam underlay need to be glued down?+
No, this memory foam underlay is designed to be laid directly onto the floor without gluing. It’s held in place by the weight of the carpet or rug during installation; however, securing it with tape may be beneficial for larger rooms.
What is the lifespan of memory foam underlay?+
With proper care and use, this memory foam underlay can last 10-15 years. Regular foot traffic will eventually cause compression, but the high density foam retains its properties for a considerable period.
Can I cut memory foam underlay to size?+
Yes, you can easily cut this memory foam underlay using a sharp utility knife or an underlay pad cutter. Always use caution and work on a stable surface to prevent accidents – it's recommended to start with a small test piece.
How does memory foam underlay compare to felt underlay?+
Memory foam significantly outperforms felt underlay in terms of comfort and noise reduction. Felt offers minimal cushioning and provides little sound dampening, whereas memory foam actively moulds to the floor and absorbs impact effectively.
What is the density of this memory foam underlay?+
This underlay features a high-density memory foam formulation (typically around 35kg/m³), which ensures excellent resilience, long-term support, and superior noise reduction capabilities – providing a premium comfort layer beneath your flooring.