In January 2021, Australian influencer Hannah Perera drew criticism after sharing a bedside table covered in construction foam. Some Instagram followers liked the result; others questioned the material. Perera later posted a warning about using expanding foam, but the specific product in her project was never identified in the contemporaneous coverage.
What happened with Hannah Perera’s DIY bedside table?
PerthNow reported on January 6, 2021, that Perera had shared a video of a bedside table she had covered in construction foam. Her caption said she had enjoyed working on the project and thought it looked good beside her bed, though she might still edit it. Reactions were mixed: some followers praised the look, while others raised safety concerns about the material. PerthNow’s report said the exact foam filler was not known.
What warning did Perera post?
On January 7, 7NEWS reported that Perera had posted a follow-up warning after followers raised concerns. She wrote, “please be careful when using expanding foam,” adding that it “can be very dangerous not only if inhaled.” The report said she described wearing protective eyewear and gloves and covering up, while also saying she had not understood the risks she was describing. It also reported her statement that she had lit candles for the video and blown them out afterward. These are accounts of Perera’s post, not independent findings about the foam’s composition or the project’s effects. 7NEWS reported the follow-up.
What is known—and not known—about the foam’s risks?
The available reports do not identify the product or its formulation, so they cannot establish which chemical hazards, precautions, or curing conditions applied to Perera’s project. “Expanding foam” can refer to products that are not interchangeable; the name alone is not enough to determine safe handling or re-entry conditions.
#1 Best Overall
- CLASS A SURFACE-BURNING PERFORMANCE + HIGH R-VALUE: BEEST FullStop was tested to ASTM E84 and achieved a Flame Spread Index of 0 and Smoke Developed Index of 120, meeting Class A surface-burning criteria. Delivers strong thermal insulation performance with an R-Value of 8.24 at 2" thickness.
- ALL-IN-ONE SPRAY FOAM INSULATION KIT — UP TO 240 BOARD FT: Get everything needed to start insulating in one box, including 12 spray foam cans, heavy-duty applicator gun, solvent-based cleaner, gloves, goggles and coverall for a complete DIY insulation setup.
- ADVANCED HYBRID FOAM WITH LOW WATER ABSORPTION: FullStop combines strength and controlled expansion for dependable gap filling, insulation and coverage. Its cured foam structure helps resist water absorption, with short-term water absorption tested under EN 1609.
- HELPS REDUCE AIR LEAKS & IMPROVE THERMAL COMFORT: FullStop expands consistently within the recommended 68–77°F application range to fill gaps, cracks and hard-to-reach spaces. Its insulating foam helps reduce unwanted air movement and heat transfer for improved year-round comfort.
- STRONG ADHESION TO COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS: The moisture-cured polyurethane formula bonds securely to wood, metal, drywall, concrete, brick and other common building surfaces. Once cured, the foam creates a durable insulating seal that helps reduce drafts while resisting water absorption.
For general context, the US Environmental Protection Agency says exposure to isocyanates and other spray polyurethane foam chemicals—in vapors, aerosols, dust, or on surfaces during and after installation—can cause asthma, sensitization, lung damage, other respiratory problems, and skin or eye irritation. The EPA advises users to consult the product label, product information, and safety data sheet for precautions and protective equipment. Curing and re-entry considerations vary by formulation and other factors. This general guidance concerns spray polyurethane foam and does not identify the material used in Perera’s project. Read the EPA’s spray foam safety guidance.
What should DIYers take from the story?
Do not assume that an online decor demonstration establishes a product’s safety. Before using any foam for a project, identify the exact product and follow its manufacturer’s label and safety data sheet, including its application, ventilation, curing, and protective-equipment instructions. A generic description such as “expanding foam,” or basic gloves and a face covering, cannot determine whether a particular use is safe.
Rank #2
- CLASS A SURFACE-BURNING PERFORMANCE + HIGH R-VALUE: BEEST FullStop was tested to ASTM E84 and achieved a Flame Spread Index of 0 and Smoke Developed Index of 120, meeting Class A surface-burning criteria. Delivers strong thermal insulation performance with an R-Value of 8.24 at 2" thickness.
- ALL-IN-ONE SPRAY FOAM INSULATION KIT — UP TO 480 BOARD FT: Get everything needed to start insulating in one box, including 24 spray foam cans, heavy-duty applicator gun, solvent-based cleaner, gloves, goggles and coverall for a complete DIY insulation setup.
- ADVANCED HYBRID FOAM WITH LOW WATER ABSORPTION: FullStop combines strength and controlled expansion for dependable gap filling, insulation and coverage. Its cured foam structure helps resist water absorption, with short-term water absorption tested under EN 1609.
- HELPS REDUCE AIR LEAKS & IMPROVE THERMAL COMFORT: FullStop expands consistently within the recommended 68–77°F application range to fill gaps, cracks and hard-to-reach spaces. Its insulating foam helps reduce unwanted air movement and heat transfer for improved year-round comfort.
- STRONG ADHESION TO COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS: The moisture-cured polyurethane formula bonds securely to wood, metal, drywall, concrete, brick and other common building surfaces. Once cured, the foam creates a durable insulating seal that helps reduce drafts while resisting water absorption.
Pedestrian’s January 11, 2021 coverage connected the project to a then-circulating DIY foam mirror trend and also reproduced parts of Perera’s warning. Its discussion is historical reporting, not product-specific guidance. Pedestrian’s coverage likewise does not identify the foam used on the bedside table.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMPLETE DIY SPRAY FOAM KIT: Includes 12 cans of high-density closed-cell spray foam, spray gun, adjustable nozzle, gun cleaner, disposable foam straws, protective gloves, safety goggles, and coverall suit. A convenient all-in-one solution for home repair, maintenance, renovation, and insulation projects.
- EXPANDS TO FILL GAPS & VOIDS: Expanding foam helps fill gaps, cracks, joints, and hard-to-reach spaces. Ideal for sealing around windows and doors, wall cavities, pipes, ceilings, and other common areas where air can pass through.
- THERMAL INSULATION & SOUND DAMPENING: The closed-cell foam forms a dense, stable structure after curing. It helps reduce air movement and heat transfer while providing sound-dampening benefits for residential, garage, workshop, and renovation applications.
- DENSE FOAM WITH STRONG ADHESION: Designed to adhere to many common building materials, including wood, concrete, brick, stone, metal, PVC, glass, and MDF. The cured foam creates a durable seal around openings and irregular surfaces to help reduce drafts and unwanted air infiltration.
- PROPER TEMPERATURE FOR BETTER APPLICATION: For best results, allow the can to reach approximately 68°F before use. Recommended working temperature: 41°F–86°F. Shake thoroughly before spraying and apply from approximately 10–12 inches away for more even coverage and controlled expansion.
Rank #4
- CLASS-A FIRE RATED & HIGH-EFFICIENCY INSULATION: Kraken Bond Spray Foam Insulation Kit is Class-A Fire Rated and meets fire safety standards, including ASTM E84, ensuring enhanced fire resistance for safer applications. It also delivers superior thermal performance (R-Value 5.66/inch) and acoustic insulation, making it ideal for attics, walls, and crawl spaces—perfect for both DIYers and professionals seeking reliable, safe results.
- COMPLETE SET FOR IMMEDIATE APPLICATION: Includes everything you need for a hassle-free insulation project—24 cans of closed-cell polyurethane spray foam, an ergonomic application gun, foam cleaner, safety goggles, worksuit, and gloves. Start improving your insulation without delay.
- VERSATILE & EASY TO USE: Designed for attics, walls, and even hard-to-reach areas, our dual-nozzle system ensures thorough coverage for both vertical and ceiling applications. Adheres to most building materials, creating a watertight, airtight seal that blocks pests and drafts.
- OPTIMAL TEMPERATURE GUIDANCE FOR BEST RESULTS: Achieve peak performance by ensuring the can is at an optimal temperature of 68°F before use. Application is effective in a range of 41°F to 86°F, allowing for flexibility in varying weather conditions. For cold climates, let the can acclimate to room temperature to maintain top-notch results without any compromise in product quality or performance.
- ECO-FRIENDLY & SAFE: Kraken Bond's polyurethane foam delivers a dense, monolithic application that prevents thermal bridges and dew point formation. Safe and eco-friendly, it enhances insulation while ensuring proper ventilation and following safety guidelines during use.
Rank #3
- Comprehensive Set – Y’allCanDIY Kit includes 18 expanding foam cans (33.8 fl.oz-1000ml each), 1 Teflon-coated PU foam gun, 1 PU foam gun cleaner, 6 pairs of nitrile gloves, 1 safety glass, 1 respiratory mask, and 1 safety suit coverall for professional and DIY use. Also includes 18 gun straws, 18 red spreaders, 2 long straws, and 2 nozzles for foam gun applications.
- Efficient Thermal Performance & Draft Blocking – Delivers up to R-8 insulation at the recommended 2-inch thickness while expanding to fill gaps and cracks, helping stop drafts, reduce moisture intrusion and prevent heat loss—ideal for attics, walls, garages and whole-home use.Actual coverage may vary depending on application depth, surface condition, humidity, temperature, and technique.
- Advanced Hybrid Insulation Formula-Designed to outperform standard spray foam insulation, this advanced insulation foam combines the strength and moisture resistance of closed cell spray foam with the adaptive expansion of open-cell technology. The result is a high-performance spray insulation foam that fills gaps, seals cracks and delivers superior coverage on uneven surfaces. Ideal as a spray foam insulation kit, our foam insulation solution ensures long-lasting durability, maximum efficiency and professional-grade results with every spray.
- Energy-Efficient Spray Foam Insulation: Designed to perform where others fall short, this spray foam expands to seal gaps and cracks, creating an airtight barrier against energy loss. Its high thermal resistance delivers reliable, year-round insulation—apply between 60–90°F (15–32°C) for optimal performance, improved comfort, and lower energy costs.
- Strong Adhesion on All Surfaces-Adheres strongly to wood, concrete, metal, glass, brick, drywall and more, expanding to fill gaps and uneven areas. Recommended 2-inch application depth helps reduce airflow, limit moisture intrusion and minimize condensation for more efficient insulation.Adheres to many clean and dry building materials such as wood, concrete, brick, drywall, masonry, stone, and cool metal. Surfaces should be free from dust, oil, moisture, and loose debris before application.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
