Expert: Mark H. Miller - 4/5/2011

Question
Hi Mark, the rear foam headrest(not removable) in my car is deformed (flattened) by the belt from my daughters' child car seat, she is now in a booster but the pressure from the belt has deformed the headrest, is there a way to "fluff up" the foam?

Answer
Hello Bruce,

I am not familiar with automotive foam but think there is probably little difference other than automotive foam has a higher fire retardancy rating than does household furniture foam.  

A trick that is used with furniture foam.   Forcing steam into foam will "puff it up"  either with a steam iron or even better with a hand steamer used for garments.  Forcing steam into foam will cause the foam to regain it's original shape.  

So with a hand steamer you would hold the hand piece tightly against the foam so that the steam goes into the foam.  Let the steam go into the foam for about 10 to 15 seconds and the foam will go back to it's orginal shape.  I hope this helps.

Mark Miller.