Abstract: A method for the preparation of shape memory polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate component and a polyol composition in the presence of a foaming agent comprising water wherein the polyisocyanate component contains at least 85% by weight of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate or a variant thereof and the polyol composition comprises at least one polyoxyalkylene polyol containing oxyethylene residues, said polyol composition having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 2.2 to 6, an average oxyethylene content of at least 86% by weight and an average hydroxyl equivalent weight from 250 to 1500.