Barb asks:
I am reapholstering an old chair. In the back cushion there was some shredded orange foam along with a long fibered cotton batting. Do you know what type of foam this would be and where would I get the long fiber cotton? It was not regular cotton batting that pulls apart easily.
Jen's response:
I received your sample in the mail and what you have there is called Kapok. It is a vegetable based stuffing that was popular in the past but not so much anymore. Regular cotton or loose dacron battings are mixed with the shredded foams now for stuffings. Used alot in backs of recliners and other pillow back applications.

Regular cotton is just fine to use. It must be pulled apart and aerated (mixed) with the foam. Its a messy job. Use a large plastic bag to mix your stuffings so it will be easier to evenly distribute and mix.

I do not have a source for the Kapok because I do not use it. I can sell you the cotton or the loose dacron if you wish.

Thanks for your inquiry