7 Facts About Custom Stress Balls

Below are 10 interesting facts about foam stress balls and reputable sources or references for further reading. While many organizations and experts discuss stress-management techniques broadly, stress balls often fall under the umbrella of “fidget devices” or “hand therapy devices,” so you may see them mentioned in a broader context rather than in dedicated stress-ball-specific studies.

Fact #1

They’re Most Commonly Made of Polyurethane Foam

• Most classic “foam” stress balls are produced by injecting liquid polyurethane into a mold. As the material cures, it forms the soft, squeezable foam that stress balls are known for.
• Polyurethane foam is commonly found in bedding, furniture, shoes and shoe inserts, carpet padding, car seats, and many other items used daily.
• Custom shapes are available, but there is an initial mold fee of around $800-$1200, plus a minimum order of at least 1500 stress balls. The average price per unit will be more than the stock shapes available, depending on the size and complexity. Delivery time will be about 20 weeks.
• Reference: What is Polyurethane Foam – Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA).

Fact #2

They Can Aid in Stress Relief by Providing a Physical Outlet

• Squeezing a stress ball gives the body a simple, repetitive physical action that can help relieve muscle tension and redirect mental focus, which may ease mild anxiety or stress.
• Reference: ​Effects of using a stress ball on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A prospective, balanced, single-blind, crossover study. National Library of Medicine.

Fact #3

They Help With Hand and Finger Rehabilitation

• Occupational therapists sometimes use stress balls or similar hand grippers to help patients rebuild grip strength and dexterity after injury or surgery.
• Reference: An evaluation of the contact forces on the fingers when squeezing a spherical rehabilitation ball. National Library of Medicine.

Fact #4

They Can Be Part of a Fidget Toolkit for ADHD and Autism

• Teachers and parents sometimes include stress balls among “fidget tools” to help children focus by giving them a quiet, repetitive physical task.
• Reference: Tips for Beating Test Anxiety. Mind Institute.

Fact #5

They’re Recyclable in Some Regions

• While polyurethane foam can be challenging to recycle, some specialty facilities accept foam stress balls. Gel-filled designs may be more challenging to recycle.

Reference: Foam Recycling Centers. Dart/Solo.

Fact #6

Stress Ball Exercises Can Reduce Stress in Students

• A large majority of students squeezing stress balls show a satisfactory recovery from their stress.

Reference: An Evaluation on Use of Stress Ball Exercise on Stress Management among Student Population – A Cross Section Study. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International.

Fact #7

Stress Balls Can Help Reduce Fear, Pain, and Anxiety For Blood Draws in Children

• Stress balls can be a great distraction for kids (and adults) for phlebotomists. The focus on squeezing the stress ball distracts the patient for faster recovery from the anxiety of having blood drawn.

Reference: The effects of virtual reality and stress ball distraction on procedure-related emotional appearance, pain, fear, and anxiety during phlebotomy in children: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing.