A polyurethane foam is prepared from a reaction mixture that includes an aromatic isocyanate compound, and blowing agent, and a polyol that itself includes a poly(phenylene ether) having a number average molecular weight of 600 to 2000 atomic mass units and an average of 1.5 to 3 hydroxyl groups per molecule. Use of the poly(phenylene ether) is associated with faster formation of polyurethane, and increased compression force deflection. The polyurethane is useful for forming articles including bedding, furniture, automotive interiors, mass transportation interiors (seating, padding, instrument panels, door panels, steering wheels, armrests, and headrests), flooring underlay (foam, rebond binder), packaging, textiles, lining and gasketing applications, acoustic dampening materials, and weather stripping.