A local fabric shop owner use to sew clothing for one designer for the runway shows. She had a large pressing surface covered in the foam. You use to be able to buy it by the yard. It was known as foam backed vinyl. I remember seeing it at Hancock's Fabric in the upholstery section. Of course no one but the professional tailors and seamstress knew about the pressing use of it. I have the big Steady Betty board and keep it on top of my ironing board. I forget it's there as I press everything on it. The board is hefty and reversible. I can tell a big difference when I press at workshops on a regular surface and not on the Steady Betty. I won't take it with me because the first time I did I was expected to bring it every time. I share and give away many sewing tools but not my I bought this and it was expensive and you can buy your own and not expect me to bring mine every time for you to use.