Which sofa filler is better - polyurethane foam or spring block?

Spring block

This option has been used for many years and is still in demand and popular among consumers. Its main advantage is a high level of comfort, correct and uniform distribution of a person’s weight both in a sitting and lying position. There are two types of spring fillers: dependent, called “Bonnel” and independent , called “Pocket spring”.

• The dependent block is a system of continuously interconnected springs. Due to such a rigid connection of the elements, this type of filler is not able to locally respond to the load and correctly redistribute the weight, so it is considered less convenient than the option with independent springs. Because of this, its price is relatively low and it is often used to fill more budget models of upholstered furniture. Springs can have different diameters and densities per square meter, which affects the level of rigidity and orthopedic properties. The smaller the diameter of the elements and the greater their number, the better. The most common option is 100 springs per square meter with a diameter of 10 cm. This type of filler is well suited for a sofa in the living room. The springs have an additional coating in the form of polyurethane foam, horsehair or coconut coir. Depending on the type of material, the degree of rigidity also changes. Knowing this feature, you can choose the ideal coating to suit your taste. Some blocks are additionally reinforced with a metal frame. In this case, they retain their original shape much longer, which allows them to extend their service life.
• Independent block, this is a newer technology. The innovation is that each spring has a barrel shape and concluded V case made of thick fabric. Moreover, it is an independent element, that is, it is not connected to neighboring ones. Diameter springs are 5-6 cm, and density – approximately 250 pieces per square meter. This structure allows you to react most effectively to the load exactly in the place where it is necessary. This mattress does not sag, does not fluctuate when the body position changes and is silent. Thus, it will be as accurate as possible follow the contours of the body, ensure the correct position of the spine, regardless of the sitting position, and will make the rest more comfortable. Price such a filler is much higher than the previous version, but due to the additional protection of the springs and their independent placement, it wears out much longer. This option will be ideal if you choose a sofa that will serve as a sleeping place. After all, such a block is most often used for orthopedic mattresses.

The main advantages of spring blocks include:

• Long service life with proper quality of workmanship;
• Reliability;
• Ability to withstand significant loads;
• The surface of the sofa will be smooth, without dents;
• Elasticity and sufficient rigidity, which can be selected depending on the number of springs and their density;
• Possibility of free air circulation, which will prevent the appearance of various insects;
• Orthopedic properties that your spine will appreciate.

Of course, there are also disadvantages

• Over time, squeaking may occur;
• Independent blocks have a high cost;
• If one or more springs break, repairs can be quite expensive;

So, round 1: Convenience.

This quality plays one of the priority roles for any representative of upholstered furniture. Regardless of whether you need a sofa, bed or sofa, the main wish is that it should be comfortable to lie and sit on. It is important that holes do not form under the body, which is why sleep, instead of rest, turns into a constant search for a comfortable position. The load on the mattress should be distributed evenly so that in the morning the spine and muscles joyfully report: “Hurray, we had a great rest,” and not sadly state: “Everything hurts again, well, you gave us a bed!”

What is PPU? Polyurethane foam is a foam material made from synthetic polymers. It replaced short-lived foam rubber, significantly displacing the last of the rows of fillers for sofas and armchairs. PU foam retains its shape well and has good elasticity, which is why it is used in orthopedic mattresses. It provides the sleeping person with optimal comfort, as it anatomically adapts to the contours of the body. This material can withstand decent weight, easily restores its shape, is environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. It lasts quite a long time, especially if high-quality polyurethane foam was used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture.

An example of the use of polyurethane foam in an orthopedic mattress:

Spring blocks used as filling for furniture come in two types - dependent (“Bonnel”) and independent (“Pocket spring”). The first type is a continuous weaving of springs and is considered quite outdated. The reason is that mattresses in which this type of spring is introduced do not allow a person to truly rest comfortably. It is simply impossible to press one spring in such a block - all its neighbors are immediately involved in the process, which makes the mattress unable to accurately adjust to the position of the body. With independent springs the situation is better. In this block, each spring “lives” on its own, in a separate bag, which allows you to distribute the load very accurately, thus providing a person with the opportunity for a restful, full sleep. Therefore, a good orthopedic mattress is equipped with either an independent spring block or first-class fillers (latex is considered the highest quality). It is this mattress that allows a person to feel fresh, alert and full of energy in the morning.

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is a synthetic, highly porous foam material that is obtained by mixing several synthetic polymers.

In its density it can exceed materials such as rubber and caoutchouc.
This indicator affects the quality of polyurethane foam products. For furniture, polyurethane foam is usually used with an indicator of 30 to 40 kg per square meter. The higher this indicator, the more durable the product will be. Material with an index of less than 30 units is used only for the manufacture of decorative pillows. To find out what filler density your chosen model has, you need to ask for a passport for the product. For factory furniture this parameter will definitely be indicated. The technology for producing this material is quite simple, which has a positive effect on its cost.
There are two types of PPU:

• Molded polyurethane foam, which is initially in a liquid state. It is poured into special molds that follow the contours and dimensions of the future sofa part. Under the influence of high pressure and significant temperature, it hardens. The resulting element is ready for use and is different high dimensional accuracy. In this way, both the seat and the back or side cushions of the sofa can be made. Disadvantage The cast type is a crust that forms on the surface as a result of sintering. Air circulation May be difficult in this case, due to which the formation of a “greenhouse effect” is possible.

• Block PPU often called a "sandwich". This is due to the method of its production. The material comes in the form of large sheets of varying thickness and density. From these sheets, elements of the required sizes are cut and glued together. In this way, different levels of rigidity and height can be achieved. It is precisely because of the presence of several layers that the finished product resembles a sandwich.

For the manufacture of various elements of the sofa, sheets of different degrees of rigidity are used. Products made from polyurethane foam do not tolerate direct sunlight. Under their influence, they can crumble, so mattresses made of this material are additionally protected with covers made of light-proof fabric. An interesting feature of some PU foam compositions is that they have a shape memory effect. It is usually used to make pillows that remember the contours of the human body and adapt to them as much as possible. But as soon as you get up, the pillow will instantly return to its original state.

A product filled with high-quality polyurethane foam will be more affordable in cost than “Pocket spring” block and its properties and level of comfort will be approximately the same. This mattress can also be used for sleeping. "Bonnel" will be cheaper than both of these options and significantly worse in technical characteristics.

The advantages of PPU include:

• Long service life;
• Absolute safety and environmental friendliness of the material;
• Good balance of softness/hardness;
• Air and moisture permeability;
• The material does not provoke allergic reactions;
• Does not accumulate dust;
• Rapid restoration of shape after deformation due to high elasticity;
• Ability to withstand significant loads for long periods of time.

This material has significantly disadvantages :

• Cheap polyurethane foam quickly loses its elastic properties, which is why dents will soon appear in places of greatest load:
• Some types of polyurethane foam may seem quite rigid compared to a spring block.

We disassemble the sofa and assess the scale of work

Reupholstering a sofa begins with disassembling it. During the process, you will be able to assess the extent of the damage and decide what exactly you need to do. For this part of the job you will need:

• a large screwdriver to unscrew visible bolts (if any);
• a small flat-head screwdriver, pliers or staple remover - to remove the staples that secure the upholstery.

The main thing is to remove the old upholstery. Then everything will become clear

Actually, that's all. First, remove the individual pillows, if any, and remove the side panels. It’s difficult to suggest here - there are many designs. Look carefully, you are sure to find something. If you have retractable parts, you can try starting with them.

Separating the upholstery

The next step is to separate the fabric from the frame. It is attached with staples to the wooden bars of the frame. We pry the staples with a flat screwdriver and pull them out. Some may fit very tightly; it is easier to pull them out by grabbing them by the raised back with pliers or pliers.

We disassemble the sofa: remove the staples

We remove the fabric carefully, trying not to damage it too much. We will then use it as a sample for new sofa upholstery. There are several layers underneath the upholstery fabric. Maybe felt, padding polyester, some kind of fabric. If the sofa repair was started only to replace the upholstery, look at the condition of these materials. If there are signs of wear, it is better to replace. After all, it will be a shame if in a few months the sofa needs to be reupholstered again, but this time because the layers of the lining have been removed.

If the sofa is old, there may be a picture like this

Once the fabric is removed, it's time to evaluate which parts you'll need to replace. Everything is clear with the upholstery and lining underneath. It is advisable to keep the pie in the same composition. If old materials were used that are not currently on sale or are too expensive, replace them with modern analogues. The main thing for folding sofas is to reach the same height of the seat and back that were before, since folding mechanisms are designed for certain parameters of the “pillows”. In order not to be mistaken with the thickness of materials, find unworn (or least worn) areas and measure the thickness.

Assessing the damage

This stage is needed if the sofa seat is uneven, there are humps and depressions, protruding springs (and from below too). In seats that consist only of foam rubber, everything is simple: they are usually replaced. They can be made from high-density foam rubber by folding several layers; you can order ready-made foam rubber at a store that sells furniture spare parts. It is wise to order a latex mattress according to exact dimensions (measure after removing the fabric and all layers).

If the sofa has springs, remove all the covering layers to get to them. If there are no burst springs, the frame and its connections are strong, without play or cracks, the backing for the springs is in good condition, you can stop there. We change the covering layers, sew a new cover, stretch it and fasten it. This completes the reupholstery of the sofa.

One of the common defects in spring blocks is a broken spring.

There are also such sofas - with spring snakes that are attached to the frame and give elasticity to the foam mattress standing on top

This type of sofa breakdown is also common: the fiberboard on the frame is broken

Inspect the spring block for broken springs

If there is any damage listed above, the spring unit will have to be separated. It is attached to the frame frame using U-shaped brackets or nails. Now you have completely disassembled your sofa into its components. Next is the replacement and repair of damaged parts, and then reassembly.

3. Sintepon

A very common material that is used as filler in inexpensive models. It is a synthetic material in the form of a non-woven fabric.
It is made from polyester fibers. The best option would be to use it in combination with other types of filler. Usually it serves as an intermediate layer between full filler material, such as polyurethane foam, and upholstery. It gives the finished product additional softness and elasticity. The advantages of padding polyester include:

• Low cost;
• is environmentally friendly , thanks to which it is not prone to the appearance of fungus inside the fibers;
• Despite its synthetic origin, synthetic winterizer does not cause allergies and can be used as a filler even for furniture in a children's room;
• Its structure is elastic and resilient.

Despite all the positive qualities, it has a number of significant disadvantages:

• The most important one is the short operating period. With active use and frequent loads, this material loses its elastic properties, and dents and irregularities quickly form on the surface of the product. Therefore, despite the affordable cost, furniture filled with padding polyester will last a very short period.
• At the moment there is no unified production technology for this material. Therefore, you risk purchasing a low-quality product, in the manufacture of which harmful substances could be used. To avoid this, be sure to ask the seller for a certificate for the product, which can confirm its safety.
• As a full-fledged filler, it can be used only for pillows or armrests, in some cases for the backrest, in order to give it decorative bends or protrusions. For example, if the back of the sofa is made using the “carriage screed” technology;
• Over time it clumps into clumps.

Having assessed the advantages and disadvantages, we can come to the conclusion that such material is better suited for a sofa that will be used in the living room.

An example of sofa repair with step-by-step photos

The old sofa became completely uncomfortable, began to sag in places and creak. There is no way to buy a new one, it was decided to reupholster and change the upholstery. As usual, reupholstering a sofa begins with disassembly. The legs were removed first. The railings were fastened with two large bolts; they were unscrewed and removed without any problems. Further disassembly is also not difficult - we unscrew the bolts that appear one by one.

Dismantling the sofa

When all the components were separated, the old upholstery was removed. The staples were easy to remove - the frame was made of pine timber. The spring block itself turned out to be without defects, but there was a crack in the frame, one of the frame beams sagged, the fiberboard sagged, although there were no cracks.

Frame repair

Since the frame bears the main load, it is better to replace damaged elements. We carefully measure them, draw them schematically, and put down the dimensions in millimeters. With the drawing we go to the carpentry shop. Please pay special attention: the wood must be dry, preferably kiln dried. If you know how to work with wood yourself, you can do it yourself.

Defects close up

It was decided to connect the frame, as it was, with a tenon/groove, coated with wood glue. But to prevent it from coming loose, the connection was reinforced with metal dowels.

Reassembling the frames

First, the connections are glued and clamped in a vice. A small diameter hole is drilled under the dowel and the dowel is hammered in. The frame stands in a vice until the glue dries.

We will use 4 mm thick plywood as the base for the spring block. The sheets are standard, a little more than 1.5 meters, and the length of the sofa is almost two. It turns out two pieces. It is better to make the joint of the pieces on a jumper, it is more reliable. We cut out rectangles of the required size, coat the frame with wood glue, lay plywood, and nail it with small nails. The length of the nails is so that they do not stick out outside the frame. We additionally support the joint with a plank (50*20 mm).

Let's start re-upholstering the sofa

The updated sofa will serve in the country house, so we try to keep the budget to a minimum; we use an old blanket instead of a backing for the springs. We stretch it well and fasten it with staples using a manual construction stapler.

The base for the springs is an old fleece blanket

If possible, it is advisable to put thermal felt here. It is more reliable and not so expensive. It is cut to size, straightened and nailed around the perimeter. You can use staples or nails with large heads.

Repairing and fixing the spring block

To fasten the spring block, you can use powerful U-shaped brackets, and it is better if their legs are sharpened. But the stapler does not work with these, so we cut staples from steel wire with a diameter of 1.5 mm and hammer them in with a hammer.

Updating the sofa at home: attaching a spring block

In addition to being attached to the frame, the springs are also secured with nylon straps. Twine was taken, folded in two layers, secured with the same wire staples. We tighten the constriction so that it does not press down on the springs, but the tension should be sufficient so that the block “does not move.”

Some dense material should be placed on top of the springs, usually felt. In this case, old flooring was used. Something like felt. It is quite dense and durable. Fold in two layers, cut to size. This layer must be attached to the spring block. The coating is dense, you can’t pierce it with a needle, even a gypsy one. A large diameter awl would be suitable, but there isn't one. We pierce the coating with a nail, which we push through with the handle of a screwdriver. We thread a thick thread into the holes made. The stitch pitch is about 3.5 cm. To speed up the process, we use several nails at once.

Upholstery of a sofa from scrap materials (budget upholstery of a sofa)

Next “according to plan” there should be foam rubber, on top of which a padding polyester is placed. In this project, it was replaced with two layers of densely elastic material, which had been stored in the attic for a long time. Instead of padding polyester, another old blanket was used. To prevent the blanket from moving around, it was grabbed around the perimeter with threads (in conventional technology, synthetic winterizer is glued to polyurethane foam or latex using glue from a can).

4. Periotec

This is a modern non-woven material that consists of high quality polyester fibers. It is increasingly used for the manufacture of mattresses and various bedding, as well as for filling upholstered furniture. Thanks to special additives in the form of artificial components (for example, corn fibers, bamboo or viscose), or natural fibers (wool, coconut, linen or cotton), this material has high strength and elasticity. Along with these indicators, the service life of products with such filler also increases.

To strengthen the perioteca, knitted fabric can be additionally used - dublerin, non-woven single-stitched or needle-punched fabric or woven fabric, such as calico. To understand exactly what components are included in the composition and what level of hardness this filler can provide, it has a special marking. It also indicates the density and width.
To obtain this material, which is still unusual for us, a special technology is used. It consists of the formation of three different layers. The first layer is the main one, it must bear the entire load. Its fibers are laid in a vertical direction and fixed in this position under the influence of high temperature. The second and third layers serve as reinforcement. They strengthen and support the first layer. This unique structure explains the high technological performance of this type of filler.

The advantages of Periotec are obvious:

• The material is hypoallergenic;
• In its structure, of harmful and pathogenic microorganisms is impossible
• It is completely safe for human health. This is explained by the fact that its composition does not contain glue, resins and other components that can be toxic. The fibers are bonded under the influence of temperature.
• Periotec mattresses provide a very high level of comfort;
• Able to restore shape with a small indicator of residual deformation even under prolonged exposure to significant loads;
• Its elasticity indicator are similar to those of an independent spring unit;
• Durability, thanks to a three-layer reinforced structure;
• Air permeability;
• Fire safety.

The disadvantages include:

• The cost is equal to the cost of the “Pocket spring” block.
• This material is ideal for filling upholstered furniture, but may be too hard for some. In such cases, it is used as the main, elastic layer, and to achieve a lower degree of rigidity, softer materials are additionally used.

This sofa can be used for daily sleep. After all, the degree of its deformation is practically reduced to a minimum.

Struttofiber

One of the most elastic types of modern fillers, which is ideal for filling upholstered furniture. Its second name, “non-woven independent springs,” speaks for itself. It is made from synthetic and natural fibers such as cotton, linen, coconut, camel hair or combinations thereof. The manufacturing technology is reminiscent of the process for obtaining Periotec. The carrier layer fibers are also laid vertically and fixed using a stream of very hot air. This technology is called “strutto”. Thanks to this, the finished material has increased elasticity and wear resistance.

It is
able to accurately adapt to the contours of the body and prevent problems with the musculoskeletal system. Struttofiber has a number of significant advantages:

• It is not subject to rotting;
• Its service life is very long;
• Due to increased elasticity, it restores shape after prolonged loads;
• Withstands heavy weights;
• Does not absorb moisture;
• Does not support process ;
• Breathable;
• Dust mites and other microorganisms cannot appear in this material
• Hypoallergenic;
• Does not produce unnecessary noise or squeaks;
• Has a reasonable price.

It is necessary to select the correct stiffness for different weight categories, for example:

• Filler with a high hardness index is recommended for people weighing 90 kg or more;
• The average level of rigidity can withstand loads weighing from 60 kg to 90 kg;
• Soft filler is recommended for use by people whose weight does not exceed 60 kg.

These weight restrictions can make it difficult for older people who are uncomfortable sleeping or sitting on a hard surface but are overweight.

Felt and padded jacket

Felt is a non-woven material of natural origin, which is obtained from felted goat or sheep wool. The structure of these types of wool makes it possible to obtain a very dense material, the formation of which uses high-temperature pressing. It is rolled through hot cylinders, after which a fairly strong and hard crust is obtained on both sides of the sheet. Felt is produced in the form of panels that have different thicknesses.

The quilted jacket is a composition of cotton wool, the layer of which is 5 cm thick and dense fabric that covers it on both sides. It can be investment, bag, gauze fabric or technical calico. To connect all layers to each other, use machine stitching with dense threads at a certain interval.

These two materials are not usually used
as 100% filler due to their excessive density . However, felt serves as a protective layer for spring or polyurethane foam blocks, making their surface more wear-resistant and protecting them from crushing. This significantly increases the service life of the products. The quilted pad is used as an intermediate layer between fillers. It is used to increase the comfort and convenience of a sleeping place. These materials have many advantages:

• Protective properties that increase the service life of upholstered furniture;
• Natural components in the composition that allow this filler to be used even for small children's sofas;
• High density and wear resistance;
• Affordable price;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Possibility of uniform load distribution;
• well .
• Smooth surface even after many years of use.

Significant disadvantages include:

• Natural wool can harbor insects and other pests;
• This covering absorbs moisture and can quickly become moldy, which is why it needs to be constantly dried, which is extremely problematic to do when it comes to filling for a sofa.

Which is better to choose?

When choosing high-quality filling for a sofa, you should pay attention to the purpose of the furniture from the very beginning. If we are talking about a transformable base used as a bed, you can choose an independent spring block or latex PPU. Stationary models intended for seating only can be considered in a wider range. Here you can consider options for molded or latex filler based on polyurethane foam, any options for spring connections.

For use in the country house, kitchen, and non-residential premises, you can choose polyurethane foam blocks and their analogues with a metal elastic base - they will not require frequent updating of the seats and will retain their shape for a long time.

See below for a review of sofa fillings.

Holofiber

We can say that this is an improved padding polyester. It resembles small fluffy balls, which are formed from polyester spiral polyester fibers and have many internal pores.

Thanks to
its spiral structure , it has a main advantage that is very much appreciated when choosing filler for upholstered furniture - it is able to quickly restore its shape after prolonged loads. At the same time, it remains very soft and warm. It is actively used as a filler for sofa cushions and seats. furniture material is used to fill the seats It looks like a mat with the same spiral structure. It is very thick, elastic, and retains its shape well.

Today it is considered one of the highest quality fillers. This is explained by a large list of its positive qualities:

• Absolute safety and environmental friendliness, which makes it possible to use it to fill children's furniture;
• Does not cause allergic reactions;
• Has low weight;
• Does not absorb odors;
• Does not absorb or collect dust on its surface;
• Easily changes and restores shape;
• Harmful microorganisms cannot form in it ;
• Has high softness and elasticity;
• Does not absorb moisture;
• Breathable;
• Does not roll down;
• Does not support combustion;
• Has a long service life.

significant shortcomings in this material . Perhaps the cost is higher than that of padding polyester.

TOP natural springless fillers

In this segment, the best natural-based fillers from natural raw materials have been selected. Such products are in great demand in the market.

Periotec

Filler, which includes 2 thin reinforcing layers and 1 thick load-bearing layer. The outer parts are made of natural fiber, but it can also be man-made, and the middle part includes wool, cotton or polyesters.

pros:

• The material is elastic and voluminous, harmless to humans.
• Long operational period.
• High degree of comfort.
• Does not burn, allergies are excluded.
• Minimal deformation.
• The filler breathes, air circulates easily.

sea ​​grass

It is created by impregnating and gluing seaweed from the sea with latex. After this, it is woven into burlap, and under body temperature, iodine and a pleasant aroma are released. All this has a healing effect on the body.

Pros:

• Elasticity, strength and optimal degree of rigidity.
• Environmentally friendly, bactericidal.
• Therapeutic effect.
• Does not provoke allergies.
• Affordable price.
• Long operational period.
• Has an orthopedic effect.
• Improves sleep.

There are no known deficiencies in sea grass.

Latex

Very high quality raw materials, which are created from rubber juice. Due to vulcanization, numerous cells appear in the base of the filler.

Pros:

• Excellent elasticity.
• The material is non-toxic, hygroscopic and breathable, does not provoke allergies.
• The average service period is 20 years or more.
• Your situation quickly returns to normal.
• It has an orthopedic effect due to the correct distribution of loads and the repetition of human contours.

Among the disadvantages, only the cost of raw materials is highlighted.

Coconut tow

This is a strong fibrous material based on vascular bundles of coconut, which are woody. It is characterized by high environmental friendliness, therefore it is often used for children's furniture.

pros:

• Excellent rigidity.
• Breathability.
• Ecological cleanliness.
• Affordable price.

Many consumers consider poor elasticity to be a disadvantage.

Felt

It is created after felting wool, and you can buy filler in the form of sheets of different thicknesses.

pros:

• High degree of density and strength.
• Wear resistance.
• Hygroscopicity.
• Environmentally friendly material.
• Affordable price.
• Can independently distribute loads.

Often the raw material is used as a lining for furniture, which is its disadvantage. Many consumers highlight the fragility and friability of the material inside.

Padded quilted flooring

This filler is a cotton sandwich, and its thickness ranges from 5-10 cm. It has 2 outer layers, which are not always of good quality, judging by consumer opinions.

Pros:

• Low price.
• Soft filler that allows air to easily pass through.
• Safe for humans.

Minuses:

• Poor elasticity.
• Slow restoration of original shape.

Horsehair

The filler is created using hair from the mane or tail of horses, and latex can be added to improve properties and quality. Suitable for premium furniture.

Pros:

• Good degree of rigidity, elasticity and elasticity.
• Ecological cleanliness.
• Breathability.
• Easily absorbs and evaporates moisture, dust and microorganisms do not accumulate inside.
• Long service life.
• Has an orthopedic effect.

Among the shortcomings, only the price of the material stands out.

8. Foam rubber

The most affordable and lowest quality type of filler. Foam rubber is the same polyurethane foam, but of the lowest quality and lowest density. Therefore, it is a mistake to think that these are two different materials. Very often, sellers can deceive buyers by claiming that this is not so. In fact, they differ only in their characteristics. By the way, the thickness of the foam rubber does not in any way affect the degree of its rigidity. Even a tall sheet can easily wrinkle and be very porous, while a thin sheet can instantly restore its shape. Foam rubber is rarely used as a filler for soft sofas.

Perhaps, for their armrests or cowls.
It has found its application as a material for kitchen sofas.
Its positive aspects are:

• Low cost;
• Health safety
• Antistatic properties;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Permits air and moisture well
• No possibility of mold formation.

The disadvantages, unfortunately, are very significant:

• Fragility;
• Low quality foam rubber very quickly loses its elastic properties, causing dents to form on the surface;
• Over time, it dries out and crumbles;
• Not intended for filling furniture that is subject to intensive use.

As you can see, such a filler will very quickly become unusable, and your sofa will quickly lose its aesthetic appearance.

Types of springs

There are several types of elements installed in upholstered furniture. They differ in their formation features and properties, as well as cost and parameters. When choosing a specific option, you should take into account the characteristics of each model.

Spring-based blocks can be:

• dependent, also called bonnel, and they are usually found in older models of sofas, and also have an affordable price. Here all the springs are connected to each other using strong metal wire. Therefore, if a significant impact is exerted on one spring, then the neighboring elements are pressed through;
• independent, with a high orthopedic effect, therefore creating truly optimal and safe conditions for the spine of a person who constantly uses this sofa for sleeping. Each spring in such a block is located in a separate case, and all elements are connected into special tapes that are glued together. If you press on one spring, it will not affect the neighboring elements in any way. This ensures optimal support for problem areas of the human body, especially the lower back.

Dependent springs

Independent springs
Each type has its own subspecies that have certain characteristics. It’s quite difficult to say which is better to choose. Each buyer independently decides which type is most optimal and suitable for him. A sofa book with this type of mechanism is produced, and designs with other transformation mechanisms are also presented on the market.

Independent

An accordion sofa with independent spring elements is often found, and they are also built into other varieties of this piece of furniture. This is due to the fact that independent springs have certain advantages:

• all the springs are in a separate case, so a high-quality orthopedic effect is ensured, and using this sofa is actually very pleasant and simple, since there is no pushing effect;
• lying on such a sofa, the body does not spontaneously shift to the middle of the sleeping place;
• a book sofa with a spring block, which has independent springs, will never creak, even after a long period of use;
• Various fillers are placed on top, for example, foam rubber or felt, coconut coir or polyurethane foam, as well as other materials.

Internal structure of the mattress
If a spring system with independent elements is better for the buyer, then in the selection process it is advisable to focus on models with a large number of these elements, which will ensure the formation of a high-quality and comfortable sleeping place.

A sofa with an independent spring block can be used even by two people, and they will not roll towards each other. This option is considered optimal for purchase. Independent springs for sofas are used for various transformation mechanisms. The number of springs used may differ in different blocks, and inexpensive products are those in which this number is 250, and more expensive models are equipped with 1 thousand springs or more.

Bonnell

These blocks belong to the economy class, therefore they are considered the most popular and frequently encountered. Their main features include:

• they are durable, convenient and comfortable;
• are formed using special spring cups with two cones, and high-carbon steel is used to create them, which is durable, reliable and environmentally friendly;
• the springs are laid on a special base, and it is formed from various materials, for example, plywood or MFD;
• if the bonnel is used for corner models of sofas, then additionally along the edges it is lined with special boxes formed from polyurethane foam;
• On top of such a structure a foam layer or a layer of felt and batting is created.

Springs for a Bonnell spring block
These blocks can be built in for different transformation mechanisms, which is why they are found in accordions or Eurobooks. The service life predicted by manufacturers is 10 years, but if a truly high-quality design is chosen, then it can be in operation for many more years, delighting owners with high quality.

But such structures have poor orthopedic properties, and therefore are considered not very pleasant, useful and comfortable for constant use as a place to sleep. However, their price is considered acceptable for every buyer.

Bonnell spring block device

Multi-package

This spring system assumes that initially textile pockets are formed, separated from each other. They are then connected to each other in the middle. The result is a unit that has a long service life because the springs are not connected to each other. Even if, under certain circumstances, the integrity of one or more elements is compromised, this will not affect the quality of the entire sofa.

Which block is optimal? If this particular system is chosen, then the number of springs should not be less than 435 pieces, since otherwise it will not be able to cope with high loads, and also will not be able to serve for a long time.

Book sofas equipped with this block are comfortable. This is due to the supporting effect as the body weight is distributed across multiple supports. It is easy to relax and have a good rest on such a piece of furniture. However, the cost of this system is at a high level.

Spring block multipack

Snake

This block is considered the simplest and most traditional. Here, all the springs are fixed on a special frame, for which special reliable fastenings are used. As a result, the seat receives a special springing effect. Foam rubber or felt is laid on top.

This block can be used for a seat or a backrest. The disadvantages include the fact that the block is quite soft and unstable under various loads, so after a short period of operation it begins to sag. Therefore, it is recommended to use sofas with this design quite rarely, since they are considered unsuitable for constant use for sleeping.

Flat snake

Action of snake springs

9. Latex

This is a filler of natural origin, which is used in expensive models of upholstered furniture. It is made from the sap of rubber plants, which significantly increases its cost. When is vulcanized , it is possible to obtain a structure that has many cells that facilitate air penetration and are responsible for hygroscopicity. The technology for producing latex, which is used in the furniture industry, is quite simple. The latex mixture is poured into a container in which it is constantly mixed and foams after a certain period of time. After this, it is poured into special molds and the vulcanization process occurs at a temperature of 100°C. The resulting workpiece is removed from the mold, cleaned of unnecessary foam residues and dried at a temperature of 120°C. After this, the sheets are tested for rigidity, weighed, packaged and sent to the furniture factory.

Due to the fact that rubber in its natural form does not tolerate
exposure to fat or ultraviolet radiation and is destroyed by this, special stabilizing additives are used in the production of latex mixtures. Thus, the maximum proportion of natural rubber in latex foam is no more than 85%. This product is considered completely natural. If we talk about the requirements for filler for upholstered furniture, the permissible latex content is 45-60%. This indicator is quite sufficient to obtain the required level of strength, elasticity and wear resistance. If you are not limited in finances and prefer to use furniture made from natural materials in your home, we recommend that you pay attention to this type of filler.

It has a number of advantages:

• The service life is about 20 years;
• Does not cause allergic reactions;
• Breathable;
• Follows the contours as accurately ;
• Able to dampen vibration;
• Evenly distributes the load, due to which it has orthopedic properties;
• Non-toxic;
• very quickly.

The disadvantages include its high cost, which is due to the specifics of production and the components used. There is also artificial latex. This is the name of highly elastic polyurethane foam. In order not to be deceived, you need to know that the natural filler has a grayish tint and seems greasy to the touch. While synthetic has a yellowish tint and is dry to the touch.

Dependence of the cost of a sofa on its “filling”

When choosing fillings for a sofa, you must also pay attention to the cost of various samples: sofas based on polyurethane foam or polyurethane foam have a lower cost due to production technology.

So, when deciding which is better to choose, polyurethane foam or a spring block, you need to decide on the parameters of this choice.

The cost of polyurethane foam is much lower, and furniture based on it has more varied shapes. Moreover, both materials, subject to operating rules, are durable and easy to use.

The best decision will be one that is made based on those characteristics that are important for a particular buyer and depend on the characteristics of the further use of the sofa. The ability to test a sofa before purchasing by sitting on it and making sure that the density of the filler is optimal and the surface is not uneven will also help when choosing.

Snake spring

- one of the most common bases in the manufacture of upholstered furniture. It is a crimped wire, on top of which a layer of felt, batting, or foam rubber is laid. The number of springs in upholstered furniture seats depends on the size and purpose of the product. The furniture frame with a base made of “snake” springs is stable and does not sway. The snake creates good air movement in the product, the moisture that appears during use is evaporated and the furniture dries out very quickly.

The spring snake is made of special steel, has a diameter of 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.8 mm, number of turns 6-18, length 300-950 mm.

Application area.

Snake springs are used in the manufacture of mattresses, beds, sofa beds, couches, and armchairs. Spring snakes are also installed in the backs of upholstered furniture in the form of ready-made spring structures.

Peculiarities:

— Withstand heavy loads and do not deform — Furniture with a base made of a snake spring is recommended for use for people with heavy weight — Increase the life of furniture — High spring properties, do not stretch — High speed of assembly — Anti-corrosion coating — Do not creak — Affordable price

Methods for attaching a snake spring:

The spring is attached to the wooden frame of the sofa with frame brackets in the transverse direction using a hinge strip or clips. The number of springs in upholstered furniture seats depends on the size and purpose of the product. The frame bracket type allows you to securely attach materials of varying degrees of rigidity to a wooden frame; the recommended length of the bracket is 19 mm.

Clip

- the easiest way to attach a snake spring to the base of upholstered furniture. This is a structure made of cold-worked steel strip coated with a layer of LDPE material. As a result, the clip is able to carry large loads transmitted to the snake spring, and the PVD layer does not allow the snake spring to creak when interacting with the clip. When forming the clip, holes are made for easy attachment to the furniture frame.

Bar for fastening furniture springs.

The advantage of the hinged bar is that the grooves for attaching the snake spring are located at a certain distance and it is not necessary to “grow” vertically from the base like grass. Due to this, the material has good elasticity and shape retention.

Advantages

does not absorb moisture, has good fire resistance, and has antibacterial properties

It is a canvas with a large volume. It can be made from natural fibers - cotton or wool, or from synthetic polyester.

Visually, the material resembles a lush wool blanket. The material can have different densities, due to which sofas with Periotec can have different hardness

Development of Russian scientists. Appeared in 2004. Holofiber is registered as a trademark. Thanks to its unique properties and reasonable price, holofiber is gradually displacing other synthetic fillers from the market.

The material is produced by twisting and splicing synthetic fibers. As a result, a spiral-shaped filler is formed which has many internal air pores. At the same time, the material has a homogeneous structure, due to which it holds its shape well and retains heat.

In the furniture industry it is used to fill sofa cushions. and sofa seats.

Advantages

:Does not absorb moisture, Does not deteriorate in the sun, Does not absorb odors. Prevents fungus from spreading. Environmentally friendly It has self-healing properties - it takes on its original form after removing the load.

Struttofiber

Struttofiber is a relatively young product. It was born in 2012 thanks to the invention of engineers from the Podolsk Nonwoven Materials Factory. The birth of this filler was facilitated by the desire to replace obsolete foam rubber. Struttofiber entered the market as an inexpensive alternative and substitute for foam rubber.

The name of the filler is compound and comes from the words Strutto (Italian) - vertically located and Fiber (English) fiber. The name speaks for itself. The material consists of vertical fibers. Due to this arrangement, it has good elasticity and density.

Polyester is used in the production of fiber, which makes the material inexpensive. Struttofiber is used both in mattresses and for filling upholstered furniture.

Advantages:

• long service life
• moisture resistant
• non-flammable
• does not allow microorganisms and mites to breed in its environment
• resilient and comfortable when sitting and lying down

Flaws::

Despite the long service life, the material still shrinks and with prolonged loading in one place, deflections may form over time.

Foam rubber fillers

Foam rubber is one of the old and budget types of fillers. Foam rubber can be used in the form of small pieces that fill the frame of the sofa or in the form of sheets when the sheet of foam rubber is equal to the size of the sofa element.

The filling with pieces quickly rolls off and begins to sag. Therefore, it is better to take a sofa with sheet foam rubber.

Foam rubber is often used as an additional layer in the construction of sofas.

General disadvantage of foam rubber

short service life; during use, the foam rubber loses its shape and gets dented.

To dignity

can be attributed to the low price.

Let me summarize on synthetic soft fillers.

The materials are worthy of choice. They have good strength and performance characteristics and a relatively low price. When choosing this group, you should pay attention to density and thickness.

The second group of soft fillers are fillers made from synthetic materials.

.

Natural latex

Latex is obtained from the sap of the rubber tree. When vulcanized, latex forms a cellular structure with millions of cells, which are responsible for hygroscopicity and air exchange.

Latex is a very reliable and durable material that does not cause allergies.

The main disadvantage is the high price

. Therefore, latex is usually used in the production of expensive furniture.

Felt

Felt can be of both natural and artificial origin. Natural felt is made from wool through the curing procedure. Felt is used in sofa fillers as an additional layer. As a rule, felt is placed directly under the sofa upholstery. Thanks to its low thermal conductivity, felt creates a cozy and warm sofa seat. The thickness of the sofa felt is from 0.5 to 2 cm.

Dignity

felt naturalness and excellent thermal insulation characteristics

Coconut fiber filling

Filler made from coconut palm fibers is also called coconut tow. The raw materials for the production of this filler are fibers from the trunks and fruits of coconut palms. The fibers are like dense threads. Coconut fibers are compacted by pressing. The result is a dense, air-penetrating structure. Coconut floss is rarely used in sofas. It is mainly used in children's mattresses. The material breathes well and passes well and does not retain water. So, even if the baby has an embarrassment, he won’t have to sleep on a wet one..

Advantages

good water and air permeability, low price, good rigidity and durability

Seaweed filler

Seaweed filler is used in sofas as an additional material. Sea grass is mainly used to stuff pillows and blankets. It can also be used to fill sofa cushions. The material is very comfortable to sit on.

Disadvantage

is low density and because of this the pillows can fall off.

Advantages

comfort, natural material, when in contact with the warmth of the human body, algae can release the smell of the sea - essentially the smell of iodine.

Horsehair filler

Horsehair is practically not used as a filler for sofas. Only in exclusive models. The production process is very labor-intensive and therefore horsehair filler has a very high price. But the end result is a very durable and comfortable material. The hair allows air to pass through well and does not absorb moisture.

Advantages

durability, comfort, naturalness

Flaw

high price

10. Durafil

This material has a structure that is similar in performance to a spring block. This is a high-quality non-woven fabric, which is made from hollow polyester fibers by heat treatment and gluing the fibers to the base. Its fibers are arranged vertically and seem to grow from the base, resembling grass. This structure allows you to achieve high levels of elasticity combined with softness and fluffiness.

This material
is ideal for filling sofas, giving their backs and seats volume and an attractive appearance. Such furniture looks very cozy and comfortable, and in fact it is. Its advantages make this material more popular every day:

• Hypoallergenic material that does not contain substances that can cause even the slightest allergic reaction;
• Does not support process . This is due to the peculiarity of production, during which it is subjected to special heat treatment and loses its flammable properties. It may char, become deformed, or collapse completely, but it will not ignite.
• High elasticity, which was achieved thanks to vertically directed individual fibers. Such a structure actively resists the load, and when it disappears, the fibers immediately tend to take their original position.
• This material does not accumulate dust;
• Resistant to moisture and temperature changes;
• Has antimicrobial properties;
• It has a pleasant softness, which makes it popular in the furniture industry;
• Long service life.

No disadvantages of this material have yet been identified. And, based on the list of its positive qualities, we can conclude that a sofa with such filling can be used as a full-fledged sleeping place.

Round 3. Price.

In general, polyurethane foam is cheaper than a good spring block. Let's focus on the word “good”. “Bonnel” has long since become an obsolete technology and cannot compete with more modern units, so the price for such springs is very low. But polyurethane foam can be different. The durability and comfort of your upholstered furniture will directly depend on its quality. So, if you want to save money on your purchase, save wisely so that you don't end up with a chair with a dented hole in the middle, or a sofa that looks more like a bumpy terrain than a pleasant place to relax. Ask the seller about the quality of the filler used in this particular model. Try to see if you are comfortable sitting. Of course, price is always important, but in this case you shouldn’t let it dictate your terms. Buying a sofa or bed is a long-term purchase. And throughout this period, the furniture must retain its original properties, both comfort and attractive appearance.

3:2, PPU leads. The technology for its manufacture is much simpler and cheaper than the creation of springs, so today manufacturers prefer to deal with it.

Who won our battle? Judging by the numbers, polyurethane foam wins. But you understand that there can be no definite answer to such a question. Both polyurethane foam and springs have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the final choice in favor of one filler or another can only be made based on personal preferences.

Upholstered furniture made on the basis of both polyurethane foam and a spring block can be good and of very high quality. Look at different models, this can be done directly on our website, compare them. Our store consultants will be happy to tell you about the features of filling each of them. Whether it will be spring or springless depends only on you. For our part, we guarantee its quality. It is important to us that the selected upholstered furniture pleases you for as long as possible!

11. Slats

Do not forget that if you are looking for a sofa that can also act as a sleeping place, then in order to achieve orthopedic properties and extend its service life, you need to choose models that are additionally equipped with slats. Of course, this is not a type of filler , but only additional support for it, which is very useful. The slats are veneered wood strips that have a slightly curved shape. This design allows you to compensate for the load and ensure correct body position. When pressed, they bend, allowing the load to be evenly distributed.

The material used is birch, poplar or beech.
The thickness of the lamellas is 2-10 mm. It is clear that the thicker this element and the more often it is located on the frame, the stronger and more durable it will be. The disadvantage of the slats is that if they break, they cannot be repaired. However, almost anyone can buy a new one and replace it themselves. Especially considering their low cost and the possibility of purchasing even one piece.

Leader among fillers depending on various evaluation criteria

We've listed quite a few different filler options and you're probably already a little confused. To clarify, let’s summarize and highlight the most suitable types depending on various requirements.

Average indicators for duration of operation

• Latex – about 20 years;
• Periotek, Struttofiber and Durafil - about 10 years or more;
• Spring block – 7-10 years;
• PPU – 5-8 years;
• Holofiber – 5-10 years;
• Foam rubber – 3-5 years, and only if you treat it very carefully.

When using a sofa as a sleeping place

• Spring block;
• Periotec;
• Block polyurethane foam;
• Durafil;
• Latex.

  
  

For sitting with constant and intense load

• Spring block;
• PPU;
• Holofiber;
• Periotec;
• Struttofiber;
• Durafil.

  
  

combined fillings are often used which allow you to achieve optimal rigidity/comfort and price/quality ratio. Be sure to ask the seller in more detail about all types of fillers used. Ask for certificates that will confirm the safety of the materials. And most importantly , be sure to sit down or lie down on the chosen sofa. You should be comfortable and comfortable on it. It is in this case that you will be satisfied with the purchase.

Tags:Sofa

Comparison of characteristics

Sofas with polyurethane foam filling and a spring block are regularly compared based on their consumer properties. It will be easier to make the final choice if you study all the significant points in more detail.

Convenience

Among spring blocks, the most convenient option is the one with independent springs. It belongs to the orthopedic category, suitable for people with spinal diseases. Uniform distribution of the load makes it possible to prevent exacerbation of existing symptoms and create favorable conditions for sleep and rest. These sofas are quite hard, but quite comfortable.

Molded or latex polyurethane foam filling is one of the safest, most comfortable options to use. Different levels of density and thickness of the foam material help to select a filler with optimal characteristics.

All sofas with such blocks have orthopedic properties and take on a shape that is comfortable for the human body.

Durability

In terms of service life, sofas with a spring block inside can be considered record holders. They retain their consumer properties for 10 years or more. Polyurethane foam is not so durable, but its dense varieties easily overcome the mark of 5-7 years without deformation, even with the most intensive use.

It is worth noting that it is the PU foam-based filler that is recommended for use in families with small children. It is soft, but dense, injury-proof, can even withstand jumps, and softens falls well.

Purpose

If we talk about the benefits of the sofa base for daily sleep, it is worth considering the orthopedic properties of the material. With polyurethane foam they are invariably high: the higher the density of the filler, the more effective back support it provides. In the case of spring blocks, it makes sense to consider only an independent option as a component of the bed. It is he who guarantees correct load distribution.

“Snake” and conventional dependent springs do not have an orthopedic effect; they are noticeably inferior to polyurethane foam in the level of comfort during sleep.