Highly Breathable and Quick Drying Protection

The AquaPro series from PORON is a line of open cell foams designed for outdoor gear that needs to quickly vent moisture while still providing protection and cushioning. This innovative foam technology is optimized to:

Enable Fast Water Drainage

• AquaPro’s open cell structure allows water to fully drain through the material for quicker dry times compared to closed cell foam
• The foam is hydrophobically treated to resist absorbing water and staying wet
• Airflow is improved to accelerate evaporation when wet

Retain Cushioning Properties

• Despite being open celled, AquaPro foams still provide excellent impact absorption and cushioning
• The foams retain 90% of their original cushioning properties when fully saturated
• This protects gear and users from hard hits when the foam gets wet

Resist Compression Set

• AquaPro foams are engineered to resist compression set even when repeatedly soaked and dried
• This allows the foam to continuously provide protection and rebound even after years of use
• Outdoor gear maintains its shape and performance over time

Enable Protection Across Temperatures

• The foams provide cushioning across a wide temperature range from -20°F to 120°F
• Consistent shock absorption is provided in cold, wet conditions
• AquaPro is not as prone to stiffness in freezing temps like some foams

Key Applications

• Paddling sports like kayaking, rafting, and canoeing
• Water shoes and sandals
• Wetsuits and swimwear
• Outdoor and tactical footwear
• Moisture-wicking athletic gear
• Technical and softshell jackets

Overview of AquaPro Foam Types

PORON offers several variations of the AquaPro foam to meet different needs:

Foam Type	Key Features
AquaPro Basic	Versatile open cell foam; balances drainage, rebound, and durability
AquaPro XP	Extremely breathable and quick draining; high air perm rating
AquaPro LB	Low bulk density option; lightweight and flexible
AquaPro Dual	Combination foam with closed cell layer for buoyancy

AquaPro Basic

• This is the original AquaPro foam that launched the technology
• Offers a versatile balance of drainage, cushioning rebound, and durability
• Ideal for a wide range of outdoor gear needing breathability

AquaPro XP

• Features an extremely open cell structure for maximum breathability and drainage
• Provides the highest degree of air permeability (air perm rating) among AquaPro foams
• Especially well-suited for high exertion activities where ventilation is critical

AquaPro LB

• A lightweight and flexible AquaPro option due to lower bulk foam density
• Made of tiny cells to enhance suppleness and conformability to complex shapes
• Works well for next-to-skin applications and detailed molding/shaping

AquaPro Dual

• Combines open and closed cell foams into a dual-layer laminate construction
• Closed cell layer provides buoyancy and insulation from water
• Open cell layer enables drainage and minimizes water retention

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes AquaPro better than standard open cell foam?

AquaPro uses a proprietary formulation and is engineered specifically for enhanced drainage and water management. It has a treatment to resist absorbing water, and the open cells are optimized to facilitate airflow and evaporation.

How durable and long-lasting is AquaPro foam?

AquaPro provides excellent resilience against compression set even after repeated wet/dry cycles. It maintains its cushioning properties and shape over years of use. The materials are tested across thousands of cycles.

Does AquaPro foam get stiff in freezing temperatures?

No, AquaPro maintains its flexibility and shock absorption even down to -20°F unlike some other open cell foams. The foam retains its soft and fluid feel to continue providing cushioning in cold conditions.

Can you customize AquaPro foams for specific applications?

Yes, PORON can tailor AquaPro foams to meet specialized needs. This includes modifying density, cell structure, dimensions, treatments, and combining it with other materials. PORON has extensive experience developing custom foams.

What is the best way to incorporate AquaPro foam into gear?

PORON recommends careful design of foam parts to allow one-directional water drainage. Strategic vent placement and air channeling assists drainage. Contact a PORON representative for design guidance.