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When choosing a sofa, it is unreasonable to pay attention to its appearance, bypassing the filling, especially when you plan to use the furniture every day for sleeping. If a few decades ago the only way to fill the inside was springs, today the range has expanded significantly - holofiber, latex, padding polyurethane, polyurethane foam. It is precisely the latter option that has become the main competitor to the usual dependent and independent spring blocks. Despite their popularity, each of these materials is imperfect, so the user should understand which sofa is better, spring or polyurethane foam, in terms of basic performance characteristics. This question is really important, because the choice of filler directly affects the comfort of use and the possibility of long-term use of the furniture.
How does it work
Filler – polyurethane foam for orthopedic mattresses and upholstered furniture
Before choosing a sofa, let’s find out what polyurethane foam is. This is a synthetic porous substance consisting of cells filled with air. During its manufacture, the liquid composition foams and then hardens. Polyurethane foam consists of 90% air and has thermal insulation properties. PPU is the same foam rubber, it is used almost everywhere - as a filler for furniture, toys for children, sponges for dishes, washcloths and much more are made from it.
Foam rubber sheet to give softness to products
It is widely used as a filler due to its compactness; this property gives softness and elasticity to the product. It is produced in the form of small sheets - this is foam rubber, and also in the form of quite strong and massive slabs - this is polyurethane foam. If the material is of poor quality, it will quickly become unusable and begin to crumble. Then it needs to be replaced.
What are the differences between foam rubber and polyurethane foam
There is no difference between these names. Foam rubber is now commonly called modern PPU material - polyurethane foam.
Block PPU is polyurethane foam rubber, consisting of 90% air. The higher its elasticity, the higher strength it will have. The thickness of one such layer should be at least 15 centimeters.
Molded polyurethane foam represents individual parts of the sofa, prepared according to its shape. As soon as the load is removed from such foam rubber, it quickly restores its original parameters. This type of polyurethane foam is better than block foam. It repeats the anatomical features of the body structure of each person and evenly distributes the load during sleep.
Important! If under the upholstery of the sofa there is ordinary wrapping Soviet foam rubber less than 10 centimeters thick, refuse the purchase! Models with such low-quality filling usually cost several times less and quickly turn into a “hammock.”
Advantages and disadvantages
Elastic polyurethane foam is used in the furniture and automotive industries
Polyurethane foam has pros and cons. Let's look at the positive properties.
- The main quality is that dust does not accumulate in it, it is completely hypoallergenic. This ability is important for those who are prone to allergies.
- During production, it is treated with an antibacterial and antifungal agent, so it does not cause harm to health.
- Can last a long time and is wear-resistant.
- Has good breathability.
- Thanks to its elasticity, it instantly restores its original shape.
Imprint of hand shape after pressing on viscoelastic polyurethane foam
There are also negative properties
- Often you come across poor quality polyurethane foam - it will quickly lose its original shape, and the furniture will quickly sag.
- The material does not tolerate direct sunlight and begins to deform. During production, upholstery made of light-protecting materials is used.
- Polyurethane foam is a flammable substance and releases toxic substances when burned.
- For many, the high density of PU foam may seem hard.
- Excessive softness of the material can cause back problems, and in children - curvature of the spine, so it is better for them to sleep on a hard surface.
Polyurethane foam or spring block? Which sofa filling is “best”?
Upholstered furniture based on an independent spring block
Enough time has passed since spring blocks were replaced by materials that are used as filler for upholstered furniture - latex, holofiber, polyurethane foam, padding polyester. But what is better - a spring block or polyurethane foam?
Filling the accordion sofa on a metal frame
| Comfort | This property is important for any furniture, no matter what function it performs. It is important when you lie down that pits do not appear, then there is definitely no time for rest, but instead of a restful sleep you will look for a comfortable position. The load must be distributed equally over the entire base. What can you say about PPU? It holds its shape well, has excellent elasticity, and adapts to the contour of the human body. Withstands a lot of weight and instantly takes on its original appearance. If the material is of sufficient quality, it will serve for a long time. |
| Spring blocks | There are dependent and independent. In the first version, the springs are intertwined and have long gone out of use. It is simply unbearable to lie on such a foundation; if you press on one spring, it will pull all the others. The second option allows you to have a great rest; in such blocks, each individual spring is packed in a bag, the load in this case is distributed evenly. |
| Thoroughness. | Undoubtedly, polyurethane foam is a durable material. It does not accumulate dust, has excellent breathability, and is harmless. Furniture with such filling will last for many years if used for its intended purpose. But if you often jump on such a sofa, which children especially love to do, then it will quickly lose its elasticity. The same applies to spring blocks; not all can withstand such loads, especially the inexpensive option. Economy class furniture will creak and springs will come out through the upholstery. In high quality sofas, a sufficient number of intermediate layers are placed between the spring block and the upholstery material, so the springs always remain in place. |
| Price. | Furniture with spring blocks is more expensive than with polyurethane foam. But it all depends on the quality of the material. Therefore, think carefully before you buy a cheaper sofa, otherwise the joy of the purchase will turn into big problems. Be sure to ask the seller what kind of filler is inside and what quality it is. After all, it depends on how long the furniture can serve you, whether it will be comfortable, comfortable to sit on or sleep on, so that the original appearance remains the same for as long as possible. |
No one will answer the question “What is better?” Each filler has advantages and disadvantages. It's up to you to decide what you prefer.
Comparison of characteristics
To assess which is better and more profitable - polyurethane foam or a spring block, it is necessary to consider several characteristics at once. It is advisable to carry out an objective comparison of the properties of sofa fillings for both high-quality and budget options. It should also be remembered that some of the shortcomings are compensated by the high quality of the gasket between the filler and the upholstery. For example, spring systems can be covered with padding polyester, batting, burlap or felt not only on top, but also on the bottom.
Categories and types of upholstery fabrics for sofas, tips for choosing
Convenience
Sofas with an independent spring system Pocket Spring and polyurethane foam models are almost the same in terms of comfort. They are comparable to the comfort of an orthopedic mattress and its benefits for the spine, allowing you to feel well rested the next morning. As for luxury models, there is not much difference which filler is used, since they all provide the highest level of comfort.
Polyurethane foam of lower quality at first outperforms dependent spring systems “Bonnel” or “snake” in terms of convenience, but quickly loses this advantage, sagging and forming dents.
An independent spring block is suitable for night sleep; its comfort is comparable to an orthopedic mattress
High-quality polyurethane foam is also quite comfortable
Durability
The average service life of spring blocks is 7-10 years, polyurethane foam - 5-8 years. However, with intensive use - jumping, walking on seats - the spirals are more at risk of stretching, sagging or breaking. In addition, sagging elements produce squeaking noise with every movement.
The parts of the Bonnell system can be lubricated, unlike the independent Pocket Springs hidden in cases.
The average service life of a spring block is 7-10 years
PPU can last 5-8 years
Price
The technology for producing polyurethane foam, even of the highest quality, is much cheaper than producing metal springs. Therefore, today the creators of upholstered furniture prefer to use it as a filler. But you need to take into account that a huge role will be played by the fact how “promoted” a particular brand is, and in what country the products themselves are produced.
Based on the characteristics given, a good polyurethane foam has approximately equal orthopedic properties to an independent spring block, is slightly inferior to it in durability, but greatly benefits from it in price.
Deciding which sofa is better - spring or polyurethane foam - is worth really assessing the degree of intensity of its use. If this upholstered furniture will only be a place for sleeping or evening “get-togethers” after work, spring blocks are sufficient. If for several years the sofa will be occupied by small children jumping on it, then only high-quality polyurethane foam will withstand such a load.
Sofas with a spring block are more expensive, but last longer
Models made from polyurethane foam are cheaper and are not inferior in terms of comfort
The best springless synthetic fillers
- Many furniture manufacturers prefer to use polyurethane foam because it is an affordable material and easy to work with. There are two types - cast and block. In the first case, special forms are filled with the necessary composition, similar in thickness to sour cream. After it hardens, you get the desired shape. In the second case, the sheets are cut into layers of the required thickness and size and glued together.
Furniture polyurethane foam - an affordable and convenient material for frameless furniture
- Synthetic down. The spiral-shaped fiber, made of silicone, restores its previous shape after compression in a matter of minutes. It has such properties as good quality and reliability. It is mainly used for stuffing furniture pillows, as a filler for backrests and armrests.
Synthetic down - the artificial material of the future
- Sintepon. Non-woven, very lightweight material made from polyester fibers. The substance is hypoallergenic, so furniture with synthetic padding as a filler is used in children's rooms and is suitable for people prone to allergies. They also stuff pillows and use them in making clothes. Eco-friendly material, does not wear out for a long time, is resistant to various fungi, has a water-repellent property, and is safe.
Synthetic winterizer is a material suitable for people suffering from allergies.
- Periotec. Looks like weightless, plump felt, is safe for allergy sufferers, and may contain wool or cotton fibers. The density of such furniture can be normal or high.
PerioTek filler is an elastic, voluminous and durable material
- Quilted jacket. This is, in fact, a layer of cotton wool 5-10 cm thick, located between layers consisting of dense fabric. Furniture with such filling is soft, but there is no elasticity.
Padded padding for the manufacture of upholstered furniture
The best springless natural fillers
Any filler that is used in the production of upholstered furniture or mattresses has its own properties.
- Natural latex. It is made from the sap of the rubber tree using individual technology. It is foamed, resulting in the formation of cells, so it “breathes”. Excellent heat and moisture conductivity, solid material, very high quality. Shelf life is approximately 10 years. Instantly returns to its original shape after heavy loads. There is only one drawback - the very high price.
Latex mattress - high quality, comfortable and safe
- Horsehair. Excellent filler. The horse's mane is treated with latex. This is done to ensure that the material is elastic and long-lasting, moisture-resistant, and breathable. High quality filler, but expensive. Not suitable for people prone to allergies.
Horsehair for the production of upholstered furniture and mattresses
- Coconut coir. Fibers are produced from the coconut intercarp; just like horsehair, they are treated with latex to make them elastic and strong. In addition, they also have antibacterial properties, are hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, do not rot, and are breathable. Furniture with such filling is perfect even for small children.
Coconut filling for children's mattress
- Sea grass. The most environmentally friendly filler. During manufacturing, the raw material is combined with jute. The furniture has sufficient rigidity, which is beneficial for the back and maintaining the health of the spine. In addition, this filler strengthens the immune system and normalizes sleep, as it contains iodine and various minerals.
Useful and healing filler for upholstered furniture - sea grass
- Bamboo fiber. Produced from young bamboo shoots. The material is able to absorb water vapor, allow air to pass through, and has anti-allergic and antibacterial properties. It is not subject to rotting and does not deform for a long time.
Bamboo fiber is ideal for mattress covers, blankets and pillows
- Camel's wool. Excellent breathable material, can absorb static electricity. Not suitable for people prone to allergies.
Camel wool is an excellent warm filling material for blankets, pillows, blankets, mattress covers and winter mattress options.
- Felt. Made from sheep's wool. Has good thermal conductivity. One of the disadvantages is that it can accumulate moisture, which can cause mold to appear.
Natural felt for furniture and other industries
From spring blocks
Inside such sofas there are not only springs, but also soft filling
However, it is the structure of the block that is important
Independent spring block
The springs are located in separate cells and operate separately from each other. A small spring lies inside a large one and is activated when additional load is applied to the sofa - for example, not two people lie down, but six. It is thanks to these small springs that the sofa can withstand any weight.
For reliability, the block is connected around the perimeter with a metal frame. The space around the springs is filled with latex, coconut coir, memory foam, horsehair or felt.
— on such a sofa, the spine retains its natural curve, which is why your back will not hurt;
— the block lasts about 15 years. During this time, “pits” and protruding spirals will appear in the sofa with fastened springs;
— springs do not creak;
— the mattress is made from natural materials;
- does not produce static electricity;
— made from hypoallergenic materials, so suitable for allergy sufferers.
Block of dependent springs "Bonnel"
In such a block, the springs consist of five turns and are interconnected. In this case, the upper and lower turns are larger than the middle ones. As in an independent block, for reliability they are connected by a metal frame.
Sofas with Bonnel block are rigid and elastic, but they cannot completely follow the curves of the body. This can be bad for your spine.
How to choose the right PU foam filler. What is that in the sofa
High-quality and durable polyurethane foam fillers
Not every polyurethane foam is of good quality. Only excellent polyurethane foam has the necessary properties. There is no need to make a difference between foam rubber and polyurethane foam - these are identical materials to each other. The difference lies in function, cost, properties, category. Before choosing furniture, be sure to ask about its density - it should be from 30 kg/m3. Accordingly, the higher the compaction, the higher the quality and cost.
Sofa with PPU filling on frame
The thickness of the material should not be overlooked. The normal figure is four centimeters. It happens that, in order to save money, a filler with a thickness of 3 or 2 cm is used. It is better to ignore furniture with a filler of this thickness. How resilient and hard a sofa is depends on your personal preference. The choice is always yours.
Beautiful and comfortable corner sofa filled with polyurethane foam
