This is a common question, and perhaps the answer is surprising. Hollow, sealed cavities will generate an unwanted resonance. Open or closed cell foam is a common consideration, but not appropriate for soundproofing. For damping the resonance in the air cavity, medium density fiberglass, cellulose, cotton, mineral fiber or polyester is prefered. All of these are open and “airy” enough to adequately interact with the sound waves in the sealed wall (or ceiling) cavity.
Foams are not adequately open. “Open cell” foam is certainly better than closed cell foam, but not as high performance as something like fiberglass or mineral fiber. Additionally, foam can “couple” the two sides of a wall or floor, allowing much better conduction of the vibration from surface to surface.
Foams are superior from a thermal perspective, but not a sound isolation perspective. When using insulation IN a wall or ceiling, it doesn’t get any better than standard thermal insulation in a low / medium density, especially to control low frequencies. This could be fiberglass or medium density mineral fiber.
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This is a common question, and perhaps the answer is surprising. Hollow, sealed cavities will generate an unwanted resonance. Open or closed cell foam is a common consideration, but not appropriate for soundproofing. For damping the resonance in the air cavity, medium density fiberglass, cellulose, cotton, mineral fiber or polyester is prefered. All of these are open and “airy” enough to adequately interact with the sound waves in the sealed wall (or ceiling) cavity.
Foams are not adequately open. “Open cell” foam is certainly better than closed cell foam, but not as high performance as something like fiberglass or mineral fiber. Additionally, foam can “couple” the two sides of a wall or floor, allowing much better conduction of the vibration from surface to surface.
Foams are superior from a thermal perspective, but not a sound isolation perspective. When using insulation IN a wall or ceiling, it doesn’t get any better than standard thermal insulation in a low / medium density, especially to control low frequencies. This could be fiberglass or medium density mineral fiber.