What Is A Polyurethane Foam Filler In A Sofa (37 Photos): Which Is Considered Better Spring Or Polyurethane Foam, Types For Sleeping, Latex And Flexoform

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 04:10

Choosing a comfortable sofa, you need to take into account not only external indicators, reliability and transformation mechanism. The filler is of no less importance, because the level of comfort and convenience depends on what it will be. To understand which sofa filler is better to choose, you need to have an idea of their varieties, properties, features and degree of durability.

Types of furniture filler, their pros and cons

Choosing furniture for sleeping and resting requires a thorough approach. Usually it depends on the purpose of the product (a guest folding option or a sofa bed that replaces a full bed).

The filler is of different types, degrees of softness, made from natural, artificial fibers and their mixtures . When choosing a sofa in case of the arrival of guests, you can purchase a product with a soft filling. If you plan to operate at full strength, then you cannot do without rigid filling, which, in addition to evenly distributing the load, has an orthopedic effect.

Artificial

Synthetic fillers are made from different fibers and are of spring and non-spring type.

Springless

In most models of the springless type, manufacturers use fillers from inexpensive raw materials that are not burdensome to work with. The most striking representative of the series is polyurethane foam (abbreviated as polyurethane foam). To understand what it is and how it is better than a spring block, you need to know the characteristics of the filler.

In fact, polyurethane foam is an elastic furniture foam of different quality, which is made from a mix of synthetic polymers and looks like a sponge in a sheet format. PPU is divided into two types:

• standard (normal type T);
• HR foam rubber (integral PP).

Block polyurethane has different densities . It is a sheet filler of medium and hardness, which is cut taking into account the given dimensions and connected until the required thickness is obtained. It is glued together in the form of a sandwich, connecting the sheets from hard to soft. In order not to get confused in the thickness of the sheet, they are painted in different colors.

It is inexpensive but not very practical material either.

Injection molded polyurethane foam is produced by injection molding into a specific mold that constitutes a part of the model (for example, backrests, seats or cushions) . When solidified, the composition takes on the desired configuration, therefore this method excludes additional trimming of parts. It turns out a ready-made element, which is complemented by upholstery.

Such material is more expensive than a block analogue.

Cast filler is considered elastic - it cannot be rolled up, although it is quite resistant to bending. This material withstands daily stress, does not delaminate, however, after several years of use, it may slightly change in color. Its advantages include excellent breathability, tear resistance, shape recovery after compression.

Spring block

The filler in the form of steel springs in the case is considered the most durable and practical.

It is divided into three types:

Bonnel . Dependent type, implying the connection of springs by means of a spiral steel wire;

Snake … A kind of coil springs located horizontally at the same distance from each other;

Independent type . Each spring is dressed in a fabric cover and works independently of the others, the assembly of the unit is performed by connecting the covers.

The first two types of springs are stretched horizontally. The block of an independent type is designed in such a way that each spring is directed perpendicular to the floor. The spring block is attached to the frame and, ideally, must have sheathing on both sides.

In some cases, it is supplemented with polyurethane foam, felt and dense textiles.

The advantages of the spring block include durability, resistance to maximum loads, free air exchange. It also provides comfort during sleep, a flat surface and elasticity of the sleeping bed.

The disadvantages of the filler are a small choice of shape, the possibility of squeaking during operation, high cost and expensive repairs (in case of block replacement).

You can learn more about the features and nuances of the spring block from the following video:

The backs and armrests are filled with synthetic fluff and synthetic winterizer, as well as periotek (a modification of felt of natural or synthetic origin).

Natural

Natural sofa fillers include latex, coir (coconut fiber), sisal (Mexican agave vegetable fiber). The rarest addition to filler is horsehair. It is a component for a coconut-filled mat.

Natural fillers come in different thicknesses and are often used for orthopedic furniture.

They eliminate the "sinking" effect and therefore do not bend.

Coir is considered one of the most practical and useful materials . It is a natural, hypoallergenic filler that maintains normal air exchange, and also excludes the formation of mildew and mildew. It is ideal for the skin and is a good prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Quilted jacket is used among fillers of natural origin .… It is a canvas from 5 to 10 cm in thickness, which covers dense textiles on both sides.

This filling is used in conjunction with the spring block and makes the resilient mattress softer.

Combined

Today on the furniture market you can find interesting solutions with a combination of fillers. Outwardly, such a mat is a layer of two or three layers of materials of different compositions. One filler of different density or different materials can be used.

For example, a polyurethane foam filler can be supplemented with a padded jacket, a spring block with foam rubber or coir, and so on.

In addition, the model can be made with details of varying degrees of softness: the seat is usually hard, the back and armrests can be made of medium-hard filling, and the cushions are made of very soft material.

What filler is considered good for daily use and sleep?

The choice of filler depends on the purpose of the sofa and the preferences of the buyer. If the purpose of the purchase implies an alternative to a bed, it is better to purchase a model with a box spring and HR flexible polyurethane foam.

Regular foam won't last long if you sleep on the couch every day.

If you need a sofa with an orthopedic effect, then you should pay attention to the model with coconut filling and the same rigid back . When unfolded, it forms a flat, non-bending sleeping bed and will contribute to the correct position of the body during sleep and rest. Usually, resting on such a sofa excludes the appearance of pain in the back and neck.

For those who are accustomed to upholstered furniture, it is better to look at the options with a quilted jacket.

What are pillows filled with?

A sofa cushion is an integral part of a comfortable stay. To make it as convenient as possible, manufacturers offer different types of filler. It is important that it is not allergenic, has excellent air exchange, regulates heat exchange, is lightweight, keeps its shape and is practical to care for.

Today, the following are used as fillers for pillows in production:

• bamboo fibers (products of natural origin);
• natural latex (a derivative of the sap of a rubber tree or hevea);
• synthetic fluff (artificial substitute for poultry fluff);
• synthetic winterizer (non-woven material made of polyester fibers);
• holofiber (derivative of padding polyester with twisted fibers, ecofiber, komfortl).

Typically, these fillers are softer than those used for the sleeping bed. They are lighter and add convenience to any design.

How to choose the right one?

In order for the purchase of furniture to be successful and meet the declared requirements of reliability and quality, you need to decide on the purpose of the sofa (for relaxation, sleep or guests) and choose the optimal rigidity of the mattress. The choice cannot rely solely on design, upholstery, transforming mechanism or filling: all characteristics matter.

Often a combined filler can be used in the model. The combination of materials provides maximum comfort not only during sleep: this technique allows you to conveniently watch TV, read your favorite books or newspapers, and much more.

Experts recommend a thorough examination of the model and taking into account the following nuances:

• an average indicator of stiffness is desirable (an excessively hard or soft filler with a rhyme will cause pain in the spine);
• when choosing a model with springs, you should give preference to the option with a steel block;
• it is desirable that the thickness of the mattress is at least 8 cm;
• the advantage of the model will be the presence of a cover: firstly, it will allow you to see the filler when buying, secondly, it will allow the cover to be washed, thirdly, if necessary, make repairs;
• if possible, it is worth purchasing a product made of natural fiber (the risk of allergies is eliminated and the level of comfort increases);
• if the model is bought for sleeping, the seat and back must be made of the same filler;
• when purchasing furniture for children, it is better that the armrests are made of soft material: this eliminates the possibility of injury to the child.

In addition to the filler, you need to take into account the dimensions of the room, the transformation mechanism, the color of the model and the design . The sofa should successfully fit into the interior of the room, be not just beautiful and comfortable. It is important that against the general background it does not clutter up the room, but is a harmonious component of the interior.

Rating of the best fillers according to reviews

The rating of fillers is determined on the basis of the summation of quality and practical characteristics. A good filler should:

• withstand heavy weight loads;
• be quiet and easy to use;
• have a high degree of reliability and resistance to deformation;
• have antimicrobial properties;
• have the ability to repair;
• be ventilated;
• cost in accordance with the declared characteristics;
• have a long service life;
• provide the most comfortable stay.

In accordance with the reviews of real buyers, the best fillers demanded by buyers included:

• coira (sofa beds for children and adolescents and furniture for people whose work is associated with great physical exertion);
• non-spring elastic HR polyurethane foam (double and triple sofas for those who prefer upholstered furniture);
• spring block of medium hardness (models with a sleeping bed 2 x 2 m).

Among the firms engaged in the production and sale of upholstered furniture, the most prominent are Ascona, March 8, Atlanta, Natalie, Flexoform, Anderssen.