Let's look at which sofa is better: spring or polyurethane foam.
There are two types of sofa fillings that have the following properties.
Convenience
The first option is connected metal springs installed vertically. The second option is a synthetic porous substance.
Durability
The service life of the spring filler depends on the quality and type of material. Among polyurethane foam, the ST 3540 brand stands out, having proven itself from the best side.
Note! The upholstery of the sofa plays an important role. Several years ago it entered the market. Its main features: strength, wear resistance, environmental safety, dust repellence and affordable price. It is also considered a cheap and high-quality material for upholstery.
Advantages and disadvantages of fillers
Each type of sofa has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look.
Spring type
Sofas with spring filling are in demand. There are several types.
Bonnell type
This option has the following advantages:
- Practicality. The technology works as follows - the higher the load, the more powerful the resistance. Thanks to this, the sofa can withstand weight up to 110 kg.
- Budget price.
- Reliability. The structure is rigidly fixed, so the springs do not touch and do not creak when deformed.
- Durability. The sofa will last for many years, maintaining its initial characteristics.
Cons:
- Susceptibility to deformation. The filler often does not withstand point loads such as jumping or walking.
- No orthopedic effect. If one spring is pressed, the neighboring ones also contract.
- Repairs are expensive.
- Old technology. Furniture with this filler is inferior in technology and quality to new types.
Block "Pocket Spring"
Advantages:
- Elasticity. Thanks to the special design, any spring has high performance elasticity. Due to this, the furniture has an orthopedic effect.
- Comfortable. There is no ripple effect, resulting in the product having excellent conditions for rest or sleep.
Flaws:
- The cost is high. The price is due to the complex assembly technology.
- Loses its original characteristics from sharp mechanical influences directed force.
Polyurethane foam
PPU is an environmentally friendly filler that is safe for health. Has an excellent soft/hard balance. In addition, dirt does not accumulate in it. Not required during production huge costs, so the price of the product is very affordable. Polyurethane foam costs much less than “Pocket spring”, but the level of comfort is the same.
There are two types of PPU:
- Blocky. The product consists of huge sheets of varying densities. When creating furniture, parts are cut out of them required form and thickness. The result is sofa parts glued together from sheets of different densities.
- Cast. The type is produced using special molds. In this way they are cast necessary elements. Thanks to this method It is possible to produce furniture of unusual shapes.
Advice! When purchasing such furniture, it is not recommended to skimp on filling, as this can negatively affect sleep, etc. Before choosing, test the furniture, check its elasticity and the absence of holes or hidden defects. In another article you can read more about.
Which sofa to choose: spring block or polyurethane foam
Let us note that in terms of price and quality, polyurethane foam takes first place, so we recommend choosing this filler – it is inexpensive and of high quality.
“Pocket spring” is not far behind, but it is still in second place due to its high cost. An undesirable option is the already outdated Bonnell filler.
In the end, I would like to note that all fillers are good in their own way, they have their pros and cons. But when choosing this or that furniture, the main thing to understand is that the main indicator is the quality of the elements, because only a product made of high-quality material will last for many years.
Video
This video discusses the operational features of sofas with a spring block.
Interesting articles:
Sofas with a spring block: what are they and how to choose the right one?
Sofa mechanism for daily use: how to choose?
At the base upholstered furniture springs or PPU (polyurethane foam) are used. And to really choose nice sofa you need to know the features of both fillings.
Our blog has. You can read more about its properties there. Today, let's look at the advantages of spring bases. And at the end we will give some advice on what to consider when choosing. After reading these two articles and our recommendations, you can easily figure out which sofa is better: spring or polyurethane foam.
There are three main types, which are made from steel wire.
Bonnel
A system of dependent springs interconnected. Under pressure, the bodies compress all at once, one pulling the other along with it. The oldest and cheapest manufacturing technology. In the 21st century, manufacturers have significantly improved the consumer qualities of this block.
Independent springs (TFK, Pocket Spring)
Each spring is enclosed in a separate case and compresses independently of each other. This block has pronounced orthopedic properties and perfectly reduces the load on the spine.
Worth noting:
A similar sofa costs significantly more than its counterpart with Bonnell. But can high cost be considered a disadvantage? We think not when it comes to health. Everyone knows the obvious benefits of anatomical support for the body.
- Maximum permissible weight - 120 kg
- Advantages: high orthopedic index, comfort, durability.
Snake block
The springs have transverse bends and are made of galvanized steel. Outwardly they look like a crawling snake, hence the name. Ensures smooth seating and quiet operation. Long-lived among spring systems: service life is calculated in decades.
What should you pay attention to?
When choosing any spring sofa, pay attention to the permissible load. The higher this number, the thicker the wire and the more springs on square meter. This means the furniture will last longer.
If you choose a sofa with a Bonnell block, be sure to check the quality of the top soft layer. It is better to choose highly elastic polyurethane foam with a density of at least 30 kg/cub.m. If you are slim and weigh little, then you can easily sleep on such a sofa all the time.
For a child a sofa will do with independent spring block. Orthopedic doctors advise providing a child's bed with anatomically correct support to prevent spinal curvature.
Conscientious manufacturers provide full information about the components of your sofas. Buy products from trusted factories.
A good level of comfort for upholstered furniture is ensured not only by the materials used for the upholstery, but also by its shape and function. One of the most important elements affecting the comfort of furniture is its inner part– filler. Which filling for a sofa is better to choose and how they differ from each other - this article is devoted to these issues.
Filling for a sofa: what is better to choose?
When choosing furniture, we are faced with the question - which filling is best for the sofa? To answer this question correctly, you need to know a little about the most common types of such materials, as well as the properties they have.
A common element for the production of upholstered furniture, in addition to wood and its derivatives, as well as fabrics, is elastic furniture polyurethane foam or foam rubber.
Depending on the type of furniture, as well as its design, filler can account for up to 30% of the cost of all materials. Of course, foam rubber, which is the most popular among upholstered furniture manufacturers, is different quality, which has a significant impact not only on production costs, but also on the design, comfort and functionality of the sofa or chair.
Furniture foam rubber is divided into 2 types:
- standard type T;
- very flexible HR type with higher convenience factor.
The first group of foam rubber is much more common in sofas, armchairs and other types of furniture. This material is used quite often; it has many varieties and a wide range of basic physical and mechanical parameters, and also differs in cost and versatility.
Foam rubber type HR is a filler for more comfortable furniture in a high price group. HR is more flexible. This is a reliable filler intended mainly for the production of mattresses. It is a cellular material with a smooth texture and heterogeneous structure, which is characterized by high flexibility and dynamic behavior after unloading, which provides high level comfort. This type of foam has excellent breathability, tensile strength and quickly recovers its original shape after intense compression.
The best sofa fillers are of high quality and are not used everywhere, but in separate areas quality furniture. Selection criteria suitable type There is a lot of foam rubber for the production of various furniture elements:
- foam rubber with a lower weight of up to 18 kg/m³ is mainly found in the form of side elements, since it simply fills the mold and is not subject to heavy load;
- foam rubber with a weight of 20 to 28 kg/m³, as a rule, is used in elements of backrests, headrests and armrests;
- foam rubber weighing 30 kg/m³ is used for seats and sleeping places, which are subject to the greatest wear;
There are also varieties of foam rubber with extreme parameters. Very hard, for example Visco type - with unique properties thermoelasticity, it is used on seats exclusive furniture and for the production of mattresses. It is used to make mattress pads made of T-type foam rubber, as in the photo below.
Another group special materials- these are foam rubbers, re-foamed like Rebound, which are produced in various ranges of hardness and density, and are also characterized by high mechanical strength. These materials are widely used as sandwich layers, glued with other foam rubber for the seats of sofas and armchairs, and also as a material in mattresses.
Fillings for sofas made of coconut, sisal and palm fiber
Also a popular material for filling sofas is the use of coconut mat. This product is mainly used in combination with springs.
It extends the life of furniture and provides comfort to users. Coconut mat can have different thicknesses (usually from 5 to 30 mm), any size and a very variable hardness and flexibility. The natural coconut fibers from which it is made have excellent thermal properties. They provide proper circulation air inside the mattress. Thanks to the natural structure coconut fiber This material is light, airy, and has hypoallergenic properties. At the same time, it is quite hard, so it is recommended for people who prefer mattresses without the “immersion effect”.
We hope that this small rating best fillers for sofas, will help you make the right choice. Which filling is best for a sofa depends on how you will use it - for evenings in front of the TV with your family or in the reception area for visitors, for daily sleep or for occasional use as a sleeping place. Therefore, it is worth considering a thoughtful approach not only to the design of upholstered furniture and its compliance with the interior design of the room in which it will be located, but also to the upholstery, as well as to the filling of seats, backrests and armrests.
The right choice furniture filler will ultimately greatly affect the comfort of its use, the durability of the berth and seat, as well as the frequency of repairs.
When buying a sofa, it is important to consider not only its size, shape and upholstery, but also its filling. In this article, we will help you choose the padding that will suit your needs.
Types of sofa fillers by material
Upholstered furniture fillers come in four types - spring, polyurethane foam, synthetic and natural. Each of them has its pros and cons.
From spring blocks
Inside such sofas there are not only springs, but also soft filler. However important has exactly the structure of a block.
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 an additional load is placed on 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.
Advantages:
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;
The springs do not creak;
The mattress is made from natural materials;
Does not produce static electricity;
Made from hypoallergenic materials, therefore 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 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.
Advantages:
The mattress allows you to evenly distribute body weight;
The springs do not creak;
The mattress is ventilated due to the double-cone structure of the springs;
The air that appears when the springs are compressed and decompressed allows the cover to quickly dry out moisture. This is important if a person sweats a lot during sleep.
Spring block "snake"
The “snake” is attached inside the frame or on it. A gasket is installed between the spring and the flooring material, which prevents hard parts from coming into contact with the upholstery.
Advantages:
Withstands heavy weight;
Springs do not change shape;
Sofas with a “snake” last for about 20 years;
The springs do not creak;
Due to good air movement, moisture dries quickly from the sofa.
Made from polyurethane foam (PPU)
Polyurethane foam is better known as foam rubber. The softness of the furniture depends on how it is made.
Block PPU
This sofa filling is made from glued sheets of polyurethane foam. They cut into parts of the sofa, the insides are different in density.
Advantages:
Polyurethane foam is difficult to damage, so furniture with it is considered wear-resistant;
Does not accumulate dust and is suitable for people who are prone to allergies;
A sofa with block PPU lasts for more than ten years;
The filler allows air to pass through. Due to this, the furniture dries quickly;
Polyurethane foam is elastic: if you sit on it, there will be no marks left.
Molded polyurethane foam
Liquid polyurethane foam is poured into special form, under pressure and at certain temperature it hardens. The polyurethane foam is covered with a crust that almost does not allow air to pass through. This may result in a greenhouse effect.
Polyurethane foam padding will crumble if exposed to constant light. To protect it, the parts are covered in light-proof covers.
The advantages of cast polyurethane foam are generally the same as those of block foam.
Polystyrene balls
Externally, this stuffing looks like foam balls. Most often it is found in bean bags. Furniture with such filling must be periodically filled with filler, as the filler quickly compresses.
Advantages:
It is comfortable to sit on furniture with such padding;
Ease.
Soft synthetic fillers
They are good because they do not cause allergies and allow air to pass through, so they do not harbor germs. Such fillers differ in the way the fibers are laid.
Struttofiber
This sofa upholstery is made from synthetic and natural fibers. They are laid in a vertical position and fastened with hot air.
Advantages:
Struttofiber makes the sofa elastic;
Good air permeability;
The fibers act in the same way as springs in an independent unit - each cell works separately. Therefore, struttofiber padding is beneficial for the spine;
Does not burn and does not cause allergies;
This sofa will last a long time.
Holofiber
The material is made by twisting and splicing synthetic fibers. The result is a spiral filler that allows air to pass through well.
Advantages:
Keeps its shape and stays warm;
Does not crumble when exposed to the sun;
Does not retain odors and does not spread fungus;
Hypoallergenic.
Durafil
Durafil is non-woven fabric high quality. It is created from polyester - hollow fibers that are arranged vertically.
Advantages:
The material is elastic;
Does not cause allergies and does not burn;
Microbes and dust mites do not appear in Durafil.
Sintepooh
To obtain synthetic down, manufacturers comb and twist polyester. The result is a material that looks like natural fluff. After treatment with silicone, the fibers are joined.
Advantages:
Volumetric and soft padding;
Synthetic fluff is obtained in the form of spirals, so it retains heat and shape well;
Microbes and fungus do not form in a sofa with synthetic down.
Sintepon
This synthetic filling for upholstered furniture is made from polyester fibers. In furniture it is often used with other fillers and installed immediately before the upholstery.
It does not hold its shape well and can shrink under heavy loads. Not in production uniform standard, so buyers risk getting into padding polyester low quality, harmful to health.
Advantages:
Does not absorb moisture into the fibers;
Not oxidized by oxygen.
Comforel
In the production of this hollow fiber, no adhesives or polymer emulsions are used, so sofas with comforters are considered safe. Comfortable furniture and pillows are recommended for children and pregnant women.
Advantages:
Does not cause allergies and is environmentally friendly;
A sofa with such padding is hard and at the same time restores its shape well;
The comforter does not pill after several washes;
It lasts a long time.
Viscoelastic foam
This filler was created by NASA for space programs. It repeats and remembers the contours of the body.
When the load is removed, the foam slowly returns to its original shape. This occurs due to a reaction to body temperature.
Advantages:
Viscoelastic foam distributes weight evenly across the surface of the sofa. This is good for the spine;
Absorbs up to 90% of the energy that acts on it;
It absorbs well, but does not allow air to pass through well.
Springless natural fillers
This “filling” lasts a long time and does not cause allergies. Natural padding has a beneficial effect on health.
Latex
Latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. When processed, a structure of small cells is obtained.
Advantages:
Absorbs moisture and allows air to pass through well;
Quickly restores its shape. Latex is considered the most the best option for orthopedic furniture and mattresses;
The filler does not cause allergies, bacteria do not appear in it; - the latex in the sofa retains its original properties for about 20 years.
Periotec
This sofa filling is a voluminous fabric made of wool, cotton or polyester. Outwardly it resembles a large felt.
Advantages:
The buyer himself can choose the hardness of the sofa, because it depends on the composition of Periotec;
Hypoallergenic.
Padded quilted flooring
The flooring consists of two layers thick fabric. A five-centimeter layer of cotton wool is inserted between them.
A quilted pad is used to cover the springs to make the sofa even, or to place it between other fillings.
Advantages:
It is used only for softness; it does not impart elasticity to the quilted flooring.
Felt
To create felt, non-woven wool material is rolled twice through hot cylinders. A hard crust appears on the surface of the canvas.
Advantages:
Durable and dense;
Felt fabric is used as a gasket between springs and polyurethane foam. With its help, polyurethane foam is not pressed through;
A person sitting on a sofa does not feel the spring.
Horsehair
Hair from the mane and tail of horses is different great strength and elasticity. So that they do not lose their properties over time, they are impregnated with latex.
Advantages:
The filler does not delaminate and does not gather dust;
It allows air to pass through well and evaporates moisture;
Thanks to its rigidity, it simultaneously holds a person and follows the shape of his body.
sea grass
Sea grass fibers are rolled into bundles and stitched through burlap. This type of furniture is suitable for people with diseases of the spine and joints, because it contains iodine and has medium hardness. In addition, iodine helps you fall asleep faster.
Advantages:
The filler is durable and almost does not lose its properties during service;
The seagrass sofa is moisture resistant and breathable;
Does not cause allergies;
The padding is elastic and durable.
We choose filling for sofas according to different parameters
To choose the right padding, determine which properties of the sofa are important to you.
Most durable
Sofas with fillings will last the longest:
Snake spring
Block PPU,
Struttofiber,
Comfortel,
Horsehair.
Most Popular
Most often, buyers choose furniture with padding from:
Bonnell block
Block of independent springs,
Block PPU,
Holofiber,
Sintepon.
The most inexpensive
Among the budget fillers are:
Bonnel block,
- "snake"
Block PPU,
Holofiber,
Sintepon,
Quilted flooring.
For sofa cushions
For the comfort of pillows, soft and loose fillers are suitable:
Polystyrene balls,
Sintepooh,
Sea grass.
For sleep
The best sofa paddings for sleeping are:
Block of independent springs,
Struttofiber,
Comfortel,
Viscoelastic foam,
Horsehair,
Sea grass.
Types of sofa upholstery by purpose
The choice of filler depends on the purpose for which the sofa is needed.
If you are buying furniture for sleeping, it is better to choose a filler with independent springs: each of them acts on the load separately. This distributes body weight evenly and has a beneficial effect on the body.
Natural fillers are also suitable for sleeping: latex, horsehair, periotec. Sea grass not only relaxes the body, but also helps you sleep.
Among synthetic paddings, struttofiber and viscoelastic foam work well on the spine. Comfortable furniture and pillows are recommended for children and pregnant women.
The polyurethane foam filler lasts a long time and does not sag, dries quickly and does not accumulate dust. This type of furniture is best used in living rooms and kitchens. For the same purposes, padding made from holofiber, padding polyester and padding polyester are suitable. They do not burn and germs do not appear in them, which is important for kitchen furniture.
Conclusion
Choose furniture filler depending on how you will use it. In spring blocks, pay attention to the operation of the spirals, in polyurethane foam and synthetic fillers - on production and use, and in natural ones - on the origin and their effect on the body.
One of the main questions when choosing a sofa is: which sofa to choose - with a spring block or with polyurethane foam?
First, let’s briefly look at what types of spring blocks there are, how they differ, how their orthopedic properties manifest themselves, which are softer, which are more comfortable, and which are more reliable.
The very first spring block, which has been used in sofas for centuries, is a spring block with beautiful name"bonel". Spring block this type is called dependent, because the springs at the top and bottom are connected to adjacent springs using horizontal parallel spirals (these spirals are long, thin springs). The entire perimeter structure is attached to a fairly thick edging metal wire or to a flat metal frame. The whole thing is made from high carbon spring steel, often stainless steel. As a result, when any one spring is loaded, adjacent springs are immediately activated, thereby distributing the load and preventing the springs from bending to the end. This spring block is very reliable and almost eternal. The softness of a sofa based on this spring block depends directly on the diameter of the wire used to produce the springs. But this is not the most important thing about the sofa. The most important thing in a sofa is what covers this spring block. From how much quality materials used in the manufacture of a “sandwich” based on a spring block, the comfort and durability of the sofa depend. Most often, the springs are covered with a hard felt mat; this mat prevents the springs from protruding from the sofa, and a person does not feel them. But the mat is quite hard, and sitting on it would be uncomfortable, so then most often polyurethane foam (polyurethane foam - furniture foam rubber) is used, which gives the final softness. Sometimes this “sandwich” uses a layer based on coconut coir; when selling a sofa, they write: sofa with “coconut” - positive properties this does not improve, it only increases rigidity - but how publicity stunt everyone likes it. Well, that's all covered. furniture fabric, which takes on external load, and must be wear-resistant and not dirty. Conclusion: the quality of a sofa based on a spring block is determined not by the block (it is made of steel and is practically not subject to wear), but by the materials in which it is enclosed: fabric, polyurethane foam and felt mat.
Independent spring block: this is a block based on springs not rigidly connected to each other. In it, each spring is enclosed in a fabric bag, which is connected to others at several points. In this spring block, only the spring that bears the load is pressed, while neighboring springs are minimally involved. When making a sofa, a spring block based on independent springs is also covered with a layer of covering materials. The softness of this spring block also depends on the thickness of the spring wire. The quality of a block based on independent springs is determined by the number of springs per square meter - the more, the better. An “independent” spring block may be a little more comfortable than a “dependent” one, but it is less reliable, and the quality of its manufacture greatly affects its reliability. Therefore, when choosing a sofa with an “independent” spring block, it is advisable to know who its manufacturer is: if it is a large, reliable company, this is good, but if you don’t know who, this is bad, and in this case it is better to choose a regular “dependent” one - it will not let you down.
PPU – polyurethane foam – popularly known as foam rubber. This is a modern elastic material. During its production, it can be given the necessary properties. And this is widely used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture. Polyurethane foam can be made harder or softer, elastic or not very elastic; you can use additives to increase its service life many times over. At the same time, the convenience of such a polyurethane foam will be even higher than that of an independent spring unit, and the service life is much longer. Also, polyurethane foam allows you to make sofas of a shape in which the use of a spring block is impossible or undesirable. But PPU PPU is different, and if cheap “foam rubber” is used in the sofa, then this sofa will quickly “sag” and become uncomfortable. But if the sofa is made in a good factory, then it is almost guaranteed that the polyurethane foam there is real, furniture-grade. It easily withstands any load, quickly restores its shape, and is very durable.
What to choose: spring block or polyurethane foam? It's up to you to decide. Both materials are of equal quality if they are made well. Therefore, it is better to choose a manufacturer with a good reputation, then both the spring block and the polyurethane foam will be good choice, will last a long time and will be pleasant to use. It is also advisable to sit on the sofa before buying - by doing this you will determine for yourself whether it is suitable for you. Some people like it harder, some like it softer. Some people like the sofa to “sink” when you sit on it, while others want it to keep its shape. All tastes are different, and the choice of polyurethane foam or a spring block is not important, since these are just tools with which manufacturers achieve the desired effect in the production of upholstered furniture. The main thing is a reliable, time-tested manufacturer.
