aerobics class Pool noodles are similar to some types of industrial and residential foam insulation for pipes. Pipe insulation sleeves are made from a variety of materials, primarily
EPDM rubber foam (which typically has greater resistance to high temperatures than expanded polyethylene foam). Despite this, pool noodles have been used as an
improvised substitute for commercial pipe insulation. Modern martial artists occasionally use pool noodles as
tameshigiri (test cutting) targets, in lieu of more expensive targets like meat or
tatami omote mats.
FIRST Robotics Competition robots use the foam from pool noodles as a bumper to protect the robots from damage during collisions. Customers often use pool noodles for their own boots to prevent the boots flopping over in the closet. Cyclists have begun to use them as a safety tool. ==References==