Comparison of springs and polyurethane foam - a sofa with which filling is better

When choosing a sofa, it is unreasonable to pay attention to its appearance, bypassing the filling, especially when you plan to use the furniture every day for sleeping. If a few decades ago the only way to fill the inside was springs, today the range has expanded significantly - holofiber, latex, padding polyurethane, polyurethane foam. It is precisely the latter option that has become the main competitor to the usual dependent and independent spring blocks. Despite their popularity, each of these materials is imperfect, so the user should understand which sofa is better, spring or polyurethane foam, in terms of basic performance characteristics. This question is really important, because the choice of filler directly affects the comfort of use and the possibility of long-term use of the furniture.

Characteristics of polyurethane foam

Sofas with this “filling” are distinguished by the absence of wire blocks. The internal space is occupied by polyurethane foam. The material is a type of foam rubber. In addition, in the production of some types of filler, special equipment is used, thanks to which contour cutting occurs. This fact ensures the aesthetic appeal of the sofa.

Convenience

A comfortable sofa is a priority for most people. For a comfortable rest, it is necessary that a dent does not form under the person, otherwise the time of relaxation will turn into a search for a comfortable position. The body load should be distributed evenly across the mattress.

Worth knowing! Inexpensive models use Chinese filler, the service life of which is much shorter than its European counterparts.

In mid- and high-class sofas, manufacturers use polyurethane foam produced using special technology. Therefore, it has a number of advantages, for example, elasticity, long service life, the ability to restore its original shape, etc.

Quality

Sofas with PU foam filling are not inferior to, and often superior to, models with spring blocks. This is felt in quality, convenience and performance. The furniture set with polyurethane foam is suitable for use in any room.

Durability

Sofas with such filling are practical, comfortable and have a long service life. In addition, dust and other small debris do not accumulate in the material, it allows air to pass freely and is completely safe for health.

A sofa with polyurethane foam is inexpensive due to its fairly simple production technology. The price of such furniture is much less than a furniture set with spring filling. The cost starts from 10,000 rubles.

Video

Sources

• https://poztelio.com/divany/253-akkordeon.html
• https://infomebli.ru/gostinaya/divan/akkordeon-kak-sobrat.html
• https://PostelMix.ru/divany/shema-sborki-divana-s-mehanizmom-akkordeon.html
• https://mblx.ru/mjagkaja/kak-izgotovit/1134-sobrat-divan-akkordeon.html
• https://mebel-sovet.ru/divany/kak-izgotovit/1180-kak-sobrat-akkordeon
• https://logist4u.ru/stati/sovety-po-razborke-i-upakovyvaniyu-div/
• https://www.ivd.ru/dizajn-i-dekor/mebel/kak-ustroen-i-kak-raskladyvaetsya-divan-akkordeon-35381
• https://vplate.ru/mebel/divany/sobrat-akkordeon/

Filler: types

Let's look at what types of polyurethane foam there are. There are two of them:

1. Block is a large block. This material is purchased by the manufacturer from suppliers and cut into layers of the required shape and thickness. The result is a part of the sofa, glued together from sheets of different densities.

2. Molded polyurethane foam. It is produced in a factory: a prepared mold is filled with hot liquid. Next, a chemical reaction occurs and the filler takes the desired shape under pressure. The result is a block that corresponds to the given dimensions. The advantage of this method is that there is no waste left. However, there is also a minus: a characteristic “crust” is formed on top of the polyurethane foam, which does not allow air to pass through well. But there is no other way to make sofas of various non-standard shapes, so you can put up with this little detail.

It is worth noting! The cast type is more expensive than the block type due to the creation process.

Both options are good, so the choice is up to the buyer.

Work order

How to replace the spring block in a sofa yourself?

Repairing upholstered furniture with your own hands is not difficult and even pleasant. Moreover, this can be done at home, without even removing the sofa from the living room or kitchen. Among the advantages of this method, significant savings also stand out, because professionals charge quite a lot for replacing spring systems. In addition, when choosing a filler yourself, you can choose the best.

Of course, before you repair the sofa yourself, you will have to do some preparatory work. First you need to purchase suitable springs.

In this case, you can choose similar ones to those that were or install a better option. It is also better to write down the sequence of actions in advance so that everything goes correctly.

To take measurements you will need a special tape measure. The frame of upholstered furniture is disassembled using a wrench. Staples on the upholstery can be easily removed using a flathead screwdriver.

Metal products cannot be changed without pliers. The easiest way to cut off the underlying layer is with a utility knife or scissors. At the last stage, when the upholstery needs to be fixed to the frame, you will need a construction stapler and staples.

When everything you need is ready, you should disassemble the sofa. At the same time, experts recommend photographing all stages of disassembly, so that later it will be easier to return the furniture to its original condition. Dismantling should begin with the side parts and armrests. In some models they are attached to the legs. If there are such fastenings, you need to place a block of wood under the frame of the object. This is necessary to avoid the furniture sagging on one side. After this, the seat is raised and the bolts are unscrewed

It is important not to miss any of them

The next step is to remove the backrest and then the transformation mechanism. You will see a block with springs. It is advisable to take it out completely in order to immediately check the condition of the frame. After all, if there are faults in it, they must be eliminated. All necessary elements are sold in special stores. Repairing modern fillers is not difficult. They most often take the form of spiral-shaped blocks. Typically, the thickness of the blocks is 2.2 millimeters. To repair a broken element, unscrew it from one side and then unscrew it from the other.

If the springs are old, up to five millimeters thick, then they can be strengthened. This is done using strong wire or twine. They are needed for tying the block. If there are parts that are completely out of order, they should be removed. Of course, if possible, it is better to completely replace the filler with a new one.

It also happens that the problem lies in twisted elements that are simply disconnected. You can restore the fastening of such springs to each other or to the frame using thin (preferably hardened) wire and pliers. In this case, the sharp parts should be bitten off and then bent down. A broken spring must be replaced with a new one. They do the same if it has simply become less elastic.

Sometimes the entire spring system fails. In this case, it is necessary to choose a different design. It would be better if it was of higher quality.

Unpleasant sounds that occur when the sofa is impacted should alert you. To determine their source, you should carefully examine the entire surface of the sofa using squeezing. Most often, this problem is resolved by installing a gasket between the metal elements that rub. However, after a while you will still have to resort to replacing the springs.

When repairing box springs, it is important to vacuum the mechanisms and everything around them. This is necessary to remove debris that has accumulated in the sofa over the entire period of its use.

When the spring is repaired or the entire block is replaced, the underlying layer in the form of foam rubber or other material must be returned to its place.

After this, the upholstery fabric is secured using a stapler and staples. The final touch is to return the armrests to their place and attach them to the frame.

However, in some cases it is still better to entrust the sofa repair to professionals. This is necessary if the furniture is antique - such models have complex design issues. Problems can also arise with leather sofas, or rather, with their top layer. You can replace such upholstery yourself with a simpler fabric one, or you can trust a specialist.

In the next video you will learn how to quickly repair broken springs in a sofa using a wire tie.

Advantages and disadvantages

Polyurethane foam has many advantages:

• long service life - the product will last for decades without changes in initial characteristics;
• reliability - furniture with this filler is wear-resistant and very difficult to damage;
• an abundance of options - a sofa with polyurethane foam can have fancy shapes, so the buyer can easily choose the right model;
• safe for health - polyurethane foam does not cause allergic reactions;
• easy to maintain - the filler does not accumulate debris and allows air and moisture to pass through;
• elasticity - polyurethane foam always returns to its original shape, for example, there are practically no seats left. They only appear if the furniture has been used regularly for decades.

These are just the main advantages of the material. But there are also disadvantages:

• rigidity - depending on the model, polyurethane foam has different rigidity, so owners of sofas with spring filling may find the furniture hard;
• Polyurethane foam in inexpensive models quickly loses its initial characteristics, and accordingly, dents form at places of stress, so it is recommended to take furniture from a European manufacturer.

Be that as it may, polyurethane foam has many more advantages than disadvantages; the main thing is to choose a high-quality product.

Highlights

Furniture springs are assembled using different assembly methods.

Therefore it turns out different:

1. Orthopedic property . In independent designs this effect is more pronounced.
2. Bonnels connected by wire can be pressed through under load in one area and in the rest; mattresses have insufficient ability to take the shape of the body.
3. Spirals are laid on materials of different quality and composition; the principle of fastening is different in all models.
4. A sofa with a “snake” cannot be folded out ; they begin to sag from long-term use.
5. Seats with independent springs are raised too high , which is inconvenient for sofas, more suitable for beds.

It must be taken into account that furniture with the highest orthopedic properties is not a therapeutic instrument by its intended purpose; it only relieves muscle tension and gives rest to the organs.

Reviews

Anastasia, 37 years old

“We purchased a sofa from Avangard with polyurethane foam filling 4 years ago. Until now, all mechanisms are working properly, there are no dents. I recommend purchasing."

Alexander, 42 years old

“When buying a sofa in a store, they advised me to purchase furniture with PU foam filling. At first I wanted to refuse, but then I tried the sofa on myself and liked it. It's been in the living room for 2 years now. There are no problems, the only thing is that it’s a bit harsh. I recommend it. Matching filling and sofa.”

PPU filler: what is this soft stuff in the sofa?

New leather soft sofa for a beautiful living room

Many, having completed renovations in their apartment, purchase new upholstered furniture, if funds, of course, allow. But the choice must be right. In addition to the durability, cozy appearance, and transformation mechanism, you should pay attention to the filling and ask the seller what the “filling” of the sofa is. How comfortable you will be depends on this. Nowadays there are a lot of fillers, you need to have an idea about some of them, their quality, quality factor, how long furniture with such a filler can last.

Types of fillers for upholstered furniture

Furniture manufacturers often use polyurethane foam (PUF) as filling. Lots of box spring sofas. Buyers are sometimes confused as to which is better, a spring or polyurethane foam, and cannot make a choice.

Blue orthopedic sofa with spring block in section

Sectional view of a sofa with polyurethane foam with a list of materials and components

Colors

The sofa is one of the main interior items; its color scheme should not be in dissonance with the surrounding space. The color harmony of the “sofa-wall” pair is the main key to stylish interior design. Experienced designers have developed several basic principles for choosing the color scheme of furniture to match the already formed style of the room.

To begin with, we can generally divide all sofa models into two groups according to color schemes:

• plain;
• with print.

The first group is easier to fit into the interior and choose a color that matches the design of the room. Sofas with a print require more attention and serious work; in this case, it is necessary to select not only the shades, but also the shape of the print, its rhythm to the overall picture of the interior.

The color of the sofa also depends on the texture of the upholstery material. For example, a delicate vanilla color on natural leather and velor will look completely different.

The next step is to choose a design design for the type of room:

• In the living room, for example, calm and gentle tones will look more advantageous, while in the playroom you need a rich color that stimulates activity.
• Neutral shades of beige, blue or, for example, pink are suitable for the bedroom. It is better to choose a smooth and discreet pattern.

How does it work

Filler – polyurethane foam for orthopedic mattresses and upholstered furniture

Before choosing a sofa, let’s find out what polyurethane foam is. This is a synthetic porous substance consisting of cells filled with air. During its manufacture, the liquid composition foams and then hardens. Polyurethane foam consists of 90% air and has thermal insulation properties. PPU is the same foam rubber, it is used almost everywhere - as a filler for furniture, toys for children, sponges for dishes, washcloths and much more are made from it.

Foam rubber sheet to give softness to products

It is widely used as a filler due to its compactness; this property gives softness and elasticity to the product. It is produced in the form of small sheets - this is foam rubber, and also in the form of quite strong and massive slabs - this is polyurethane foam. If the material is of poor quality, it will quickly become unusable and begin to crumble. Then it needs to be replaced.

Description:

Snake springs are one of the most popular bases for making mattresses and upholstered furniture such as beds, sofas, couches, and armchairs. It is a crimped wire, on top of which furniture filler (batting, foam rubber, felt, etc.) is laid. The number of springs in products varies depending on its purpose and size. Furniture frames with such a base are extremely stable and do not have “rolling”. Springs create excellent air circulation inside the furniture and moisture that may appear during operation quickly disappears. The product is mounted on a wooden frame with brackets using a hinged strip or clips.

Advantages:

• designed for high loads and not deformed;
• optimal for creating furniture for heavy people;
• they spring well and do not stretch over time;
• extend the service life of upholstered furniture and mattresses;
• easy to install;
• not subject to corrosion;
• do not make squeaks;
• reasonable price.

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Delivery

We are glad to welcome you to our website! Delivers upholstery materials daily! The ordering time is 1-3 days.

1. Delivery throughout Moscow and the Moscow region (MO)

• Within the Moscow Ring Road from 400 to 800 rubles;
• Outside the Moscow Ring Road 600 rub. +30 rub. for each km;
• Urgent delivery from 900 to 1500 rubles.
• Departure of a courier with samples in Moscow 500 rubles.

Delivery is carried out to the entrance or entrance.

2. Delivery to regions of Russia

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• Delivery to regions of Russia and cities of the near abroad is carried out by transport companies, “Energia”, “Zheldor Expedition”, “PEK”, “SDEK”. The cost of delivering cargo to the point of departure in Moscow is 500 rubles. At the request of the client, delivery by other shopping centers is possible. See the cost of TC services on the company’s websites.
• Delivery to Russian regions by cash on delivery is possible through SDEK shopping center.

3. Delivery to non-CIS cities

Delivery to non-CIS cities is carried out only to individuals through TC "SDEK" and EMC Russian Post.

4. Delivery by Russian Post (including cash on delivery)

• Delivery of the order to the post office in Moscow and preparation of the necessary documentation - 400 rubles
• Delivery by EMS Russian Post. Details on the website www.emspost.ru

5. Pickup.

Four stores in Moscow are open for you every day. Store addresses and opening hours can be found here.

6. Departure of the courier with samples of materials in Moscow.

Our employee will show you samples of materials, help with their selection and ordering. The cost of the service is 500 rubles. For details, please contact the contacts listed on the website.

Payment

1. Cash payment

Payment in our stores or to the courier upon receipt of the goods. In cases where products are manufactured according to your measurements, an advance payment is required in one of our stores.

2. Cashless payment

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• For individuals: payment is available by Sberbank account number.
• For legal entities: send the details of your organization by email. When requesting an invoice, indicate the taxation system - (with or without VAT)

3. Electronic money

Individuals can pay for goods through the Yandex Money electronic system.

4. Cashless payment

Payment for materials can be made through the payment systems Unistream, Western Union, Blizko, etc.

For details on payment options, please contact our managers by email or by phone numbers listed on the website.

Advantages and disadvantages

Elastic polyurethane foam is used in the furniture and automotive industries

Polyurethane foam has pros and cons. Let's look at the positive properties.

1. The main quality is that dust does not accumulate in it, it is completely hypoallergenic. This ability is important for those who are prone to allergies.
2. During production, it is treated with an antibacterial and antifungal agent, so it does not cause harm to health.
3. Can last a long time and is wear-resistant.
4. Has good breathability.
5. Thanks to its elasticity, it instantly restores its original shape.

Imprint of hand shape after pressing on viscoelastic polyurethane foam

There are also negative properties

1. Often you come across poor quality polyurethane foam - it will quickly lose its original shape, and the furniture will quickly sag.
2. The material does not tolerate direct sunlight and begins to deform. During production, upholstery made of light-protecting materials is used.
3. Polyurethane foam is a flammable substance and releases toxic substances when burned.
4. For many, the high density of PU foam may seem hard.
5. Excessive softness of the material can cause back problems, and in children - curvature of the spine, so it is better for them to sleep on a hard surface.

Armrests

The easiest way to make armrests is rectangular in shape; they can be made quite wide. The armrests are completely symmetrical and differ only in the direction of the bolt for assembling the elements. Sequence of work:

1. Assembling a frame from 4 strips of plywood (top, bottom, front, back walls) and 7 vertical beams, the 7th beam is installed closer to the rear wall of the frame, a hole is drilled in it for a bolt. The bolt is immediately installed in place and fixed from the head side.
2. Covering the frame with foam rubber (allowance at the edges of 0.5 cm).
3. Covered with fabric (allowance of at least 5 cm, for a model with drawstrings more).
4. Manufacturing, pasting with foam rubber, covering the sidewalls from fiberboard (a hole for the bolt is immediately drilled in the inner sidewall).
5. Installing the side panels into the body, fixing them with self-tapping screws in the corners.

Polyurethane foam or spring block? Which sofa filling is “best”?

Upholstered furniture based on an independent spring block

Enough time has passed since spring blocks were replaced by materials that are used as filler for upholstered furniture - latex, holofiber, polyurethane foam, padding polyester. But what is better - a spring block or polyurethane foam?

Filling the accordion sofa on a metal frame

The same applies to spring blocks; not all can withstand such loads, especially the inexpensive option. Economy class furniture will creak and springs will come out through the upholstery. In high quality sofas, a sufficient number of intermediate layers are placed between the spring block and the upholstery material, so the springs always remain in place.

No one will answer the question “What is better?” Each filler has advantages and disadvantages. It's up to you to decide what you prefer.

Materials

As we found out, usually an accordion sofa has a metal base frame, as well as wooden slats for the mattress. And here, in principle, everything is clear. That’s why most often accordions are chosen based on their “clothes,” that is, the upholstery in the first place. So, the following materials can be used for upholstery:

• flock, which is characterized by great strength and durability;
• leather and eco-leather, which will give the sofa solidity. These are easy-to-care materials, but they can be easily damaged by sharp objects. Also, such materials should not be chosen by those who have pets;
• jacquard is a material considered the most inexpensive, but at the same time it looks stylish and beautiful;
• matting is a material based on burlap, durable, undemanding, but hard and not particularly beautiful;
• velor is a delicate and pleasant material, but difficult to clean.

What is an accordion sofa

When choosing a sofa model and its upholstery material, you must take into account the conditions and frequency of use of the product. You also need to remember to take measurements of the room and decide where the furniture will be placed so as not to make a mistake with the dimensions. It would be a good idea to take into account the general style of the interior at the selection stage in order to choose a sofa that best suits the color and style.

Leather accordion sofa

The best springless synthetic fillers

• Many furniture manufacturers prefer to use polyurethane foam because it is an affordable material and easy to work with. There are two types - cast and block. In the first case, special forms are filled with the necessary composition, similar in thickness to sour cream. After it hardens, you get the desired shape. In the second case, the sheets are cut into layers of the required thickness and size and glued together.

Furniture polyurethane foam - an affordable and convenient material for frameless furniture

• Synthetic down. The spiral-shaped fiber, made of silicone, restores its previous shape after compression in a matter of minutes. It has such properties as good quality and reliability. It is mainly used for stuffing furniture pillows, as a filler for backrests and armrests.

Synthetic down - the artificial material of the future

• Sintepon. Non-woven, very lightweight material made from polyester fibers. The substance is hypoallergenic, so furniture with synthetic padding as a filler is used in children's rooms and is suitable for people prone to allergies. They also stuff pillows and use them in making clothes. Eco-friendly material, does not wear out for a long time, is resistant to various fungi, has a water-repellent property, and is safe.

Synthetic winterizer is a material suitable for people suffering from allergies.

• Periotec. Looks like weightless, plump felt, is safe for allergy sufferers, and may contain wool or cotton fibers. The density of such furniture can be normal or high.

PerioTek filler is an elastic, voluminous and durable material

• Quilted jacket. This is, in fact, a layer of cotton wool 5-10 cm thick, located between layers consisting of dense fabric. Furniture with such filling is soft, but there is no elasticity.

Padded padding for the manufacture of upholstered furniture

The best springless natural fillers

Any filler that is used in the production of upholstered furniture or mattresses has its own properties.

• Natural latex. It is made from the sap of the rubber tree using individual technology. It is foamed, resulting in the formation of cells, so it “breathes”. Excellent heat and moisture conductivity, solid material, very high quality. Shelf life is approximately 10 years. Instantly returns to its original shape after heavy loads. There is only one drawback - the very high price.

Latex mattress - high quality, comfortable and safe

• Horsehair. Excellent filler. The horse's mane is treated with latex. This is done to ensure that the material is elastic and long-lasting, moisture-resistant, and breathable. High quality filler, but expensive. Not suitable for people prone to allergies.

Horsehair for the production of upholstered furniture and mattresses

• Coconut coir. Fibers are produced from the coconut intercarp; just like horsehair, they are treated with latex to make them elastic and strong. In addition, they also have antibacterial properties, are hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, do not rot, and are breathable. Furniture with such filling is perfect even for small children.

Coconut filling for children's mattress

• Sea grass. The most environmentally friendly filler. During manufacturing, the raw material is combined with jute. The furniture has sufficient rigidity, which is beneficial for the back and maintaining the health of the spine. In addition, this filler strengthens the immune system and normalizes sleep, as it contains iodine and various minerals.

Useful and healing filler for upholstered furniture - sea grass

• Bamboo fiber. Produced from young bamboo shoots. The material is able to absorb water vapor, allow air to pass through, and has anti-allergic and antibacterial properties. It is not subject to rotting and does not deform for a long time.

Bamboo fiber is ideal for mattress covers, blankets and pillows

• Camel's wool. Excellent breathable material, can absorb static electricity. Not suitable for people prone to allergies.

Camel wool is an excellent warm filling material for blankets, pillows, blankets, mattress covers and winter mattress options.

• Felt. Made from sheep's wool. Has good thermal conductivity. One of the disadvantages is that it can accumulate moisture, which can cause mold to appear.

Natural felt for furniture and other industries

We will make a comparison based on 3 main points: convenience, wear resistance and cost.

First of all, let's look at comfort, because, one way or another, this plays a decisive role when choosing a furniture attribute, even despite the price, although it does not occupy the last place. A little theory about springy fillings. They are either dependent or not. What does it mean?

In simple terms, the first option has survived more than one generation, and if you are hoping to relax on furniture where this particular technology will be used, then you are unlikely to succeed.

The second branch is more interesting for its technical component. On the other hand, a filler like latex will really relax your spine and allow you to truly get a good night's sleep.

How to choose the right PU foam filler. What is that in the sofa

High-quality and durable polyurethane foam fillers

Not every polyurethane foam is of good quality. Only excellent polyurethane foam has the necessary properties. There is no need to make a difference between foam rubber and polyurethane foam - these are identical materials to each other. The difference lies in function, cost, properties, category. Before choosing furniture, be sure to ask about its density - it should be from 30 kg/m3. Accordingly, the higher the compaction, the higher the quality and cost.

Sofa with PPU filling on frame

The thickness of the material should not be overlooked. The normal figure is four centimeters. It happens that, in order to save money, a filler with a thickness of 3 or 2 cm is used. It is better to ignore furniture with a filler of this thickness. How resilient and hard a sofa is depends on your personal preference. The choice is always yours.

Beautiful and comfortable corner sofa filled with polyurethane foam

Useful tips

You should assemble the sofa accordion yourself, armed with some useful tips.

• If you cannot unfold or fold the sofa, this will mean that it was assembled incorrectly - you will have to “work on the mistakes.”
• It is better to assemble such furniture with an assistant. This way the work will go faster and easier.
• Don’t try to assemble furniture with an “accordion” mechanism yourself if you don’t understand anything about it - call a specialist so as not to accidentally damage the sofa.
• For assembly, use only high-quality and reliable tools that will not fail at a crucial moment.
• If you make furniture yourself from wood, do not forget to coat it with antiseptic compounds before starting all work.

PPU 22 density for sofa reviews

You should choose the filler for upholstered furniture based on your intentions for using the sofa. If the future purchase is assigned the role of a permanent sleeping place, then the filling should be harder: doctors do not recommend sleeping on a very soft bed. If the sofa is intended mainly for sitting, and performs the sleeping function for a short time (when staying overnight for late guests, for example), then the hardness of the filler does not matter much.

Comfortable furniture should be soft and resilient. Only in this case we have the opportunity to completely relax, removing the load from the spine. A special seat design – “layer cake” – will help achieve this effect. There should be a thin layer of foam rubber of lower density and rigidity on top, and a more elastic layer on the bottom. Such a sofa gives the feeling of a moderately inflated tire - not flaccidity, but elastic firmness that does not turn into rigidity.

Furniture filling is not limited to foam rubber and spring blocks. Various synthetic fibers are used, the most common of which is padding polyester. Typically, polyurethane foam is covered with a layer of synthetic padding on top to give additional softness and texture and at the same time insulate the foam rubber. For the “filling” of expensive furniture, highly elastic polyurethane foam and natural latex are used.

Many people believe that a good sofa must have springs. This is the only way, they say, to ensure an orthopedic effect. But often the quality of these same springs does not stand up to criticism. They quickly wrinkle or break due to improper hardening. Spring blocks must be covered with a multi-layer “blanket” made of felt, felt, foam rubber, batting, copra and many other components of a good spring mattress. Not everyone can afford it. Therefore, many manufacturers reasonably believe that high-quality foam rubber is better than cheap springs.

Foam rubber (also called soft polyurethane foam - PPU) can be standard, hard, soft, highly elastic (latex), etc. Each PPU has its own purpose. In the most loaded areas of the sofa, the foam rubber should be denser (for the seat, the density of the foam should not be lower than 28-30 kg/cube, m, for the back - at least 23-25 ​​kg/cube, m, for the armrests - 20-22 kg/ cube, m). Today, this rule is rarely observed by domestic furniture manufacturers. It is not profitable. After all, the price of polyurethane foam is proportional to its density.

The internal structure of modern upholstered furniture is a complex system of soft materials and a springy base. To give furniture comfortable rigidity, rubber belts, wooden strips - flexes (springs) and spring blocks are most often used. And if the second part of the term “sofa bed” is extremely important for you, then you should choose a sofa with flexes or springs.

As for softeners, they most often are polyurethane foam, furniture foam rubber, latex and holofiber. When choosing between foam rubber and polyurethane foam, it is better to give preference to the latter - it is harder and does not lose its qualities longer. But the new generation material - holofiber (specially processed silicone) will appeal to those who like to pamper their sides on soft stuff - it is also called “artificial down.” Holofiber is not a cheap material, and it is usually used to fill furniture in the “above average” price category.

Your sofa can be soft due to foam rubber, a spring block, or polyurethane foam. It’s difficult to say unequivocally which is better. It depends on your feelings, how pleasant this or that padding is to your body and on the quality of the foam rubber or springs. But there are several patterns. The softer the foam, the easier it crumbles. Sofa cushions stuffed with synthetic padding or foam rubber crumbs will very quickly lose their shape. A sign of good form is the use of a solid piece of foam rubber. Companies that care about their prestige provide all sofa covers with a zipper so that the buyer can, firstly, find out what he will be sitting on, and secondly, change the stuffing over time. In properly designed models, sofa cushions are placed at a slight angle, slightly supporting the person sitting under the knees, preventing him from moving out. If it is a solid block of polyurethane foam, it will have a slight edge.

Properties

Orthopedic upholstered furniture is popular due to the design features of the products and the performance properties of the materials used.

A spring block with flat “snakes” is made by assembly. The characteristics of the components depend on:

• on the thickness of the wire bent in one plane;
• physical parameters of steel, resistance of the metal to corrosion damage under the influence of high humidity (carbon alloys are coated with a protective layer of zinc);
• bend heights, the parameter is indicated in the technical specifications;
• coil pitch, many types of “snakes” are available, designed for different tensile loads.

The elasticity of upholstered furniture and orthopedic mattresses depends on the choice of the type of spring elements. Standards for elasticity and rigidity have been developed. Rigid springs are made from thick wire, with a long coil length and fine pitch.

Furniture with snake-like spring elements has certain advantages:

• soft bases are designed for heavy weight, are made with a large margin of safety, and are able to maintain their shape under the weight of obese people;
• orthopedic mattresses, seats are used for a long time, have good wear resistance;
• the metal is not subject to fatigue deformation and is protected from corrosion;
• individual springs are convenient to mount and dismantle and replace if necessary;
• there is no swing effect;
• when using springs, they do not produce grinding, creaking, or other unpleasant sounds, and operate silently;
• the filler, secured with a “snake”, is well ventilated, providing the necessary air exchange, this has a positive effect on the well-being of a person relaxing on a sofa or bed;
• orthopedic interior items have a smooth surface;
• tearing of the upholstery is excluded, there will be no accidental injuries from the spring ends, they are tightly fixed to the base;
• The furniture is light and easy to transport.

Which sofa filling should you choose: spring block or polyurethane foam?

When choosing a sofa, many of us focus on its appearance (type and color of upholstery, shape of armrests and back, various decor, etc.), some look at the transformation mechanism, but few people think about what is hidden under the fabric. But the orthopedic qualities of the sofa and your comfortable sleep directly depend on this.

Let's take a closer look at the options for internal filling of upholstered furniture and figure out what is preferable to choose. I want to tell you about various nuances that sellers in furniture stores do not know (or do not want to talk about).

Let's start with the fact that there are two main types of filling:

• spring block.
• furniture polyurethane foam.

I’ll say right away that there is no ideal option, and each type of filling has both its strengths and weaknesses.

American Sedaflex (American folding bed)

The American folding bed (or sedaflex) is similar to a regular domestic folding bed, but with decorative pillows and in the form of a sofa. Here the pillows are “fastened” to the frame of the sofa and unfolded along with the structure. When unfolded, the pillows can be wrapped under a bed with a mattress. Modern designs are made with wooden orthopedic slats, while older ones are made with mesh (which turned out to be short-lived).

The mechanism unfolds easily: the seat rises and extends forward, and then “unfolds”, making it possible to place the legs of the sofa on the floor. The back usually remains motionless.

Advantages:

• ease of operation;
• a flat bed with a comfortable mattress.

Flaws:

• lack of a drawer for storing linen;
• fragility of old (mesh) structures.

The spring block is a classic of the genre.

Springs have been used as the internal filling of upholstered furniture for a very long time. Modern spring blocks are not much different from their predecessors from the USSR, except that the quality has become better, and the springs do not try to break through the upholstery and dig into your side or butt while you sleep. But the merit here is not the springs themselves, but the additional flooring materials, which are a kind of buffer between the upholstery and the metal.

In most sofa models, manufacturers use blocks with five-turn conical springs, which are interconnected by a metal frame.

This is a traditional bonnel block, which can be found in many modern sofas. Its advantages include the following:

• Affordable price.
• Uniform distribution of load over all areas.
• Quite a long service life.

Some manufacturers install a different type of spring, the so-called independent block or "Pocket Spring" which looks like this

In this case, each spring is dressed in its own case and is in no way connected with the neighboring ones, and their density per square meter is several times higher compared to the Bonnell block. What does this ultimately give us? Firstly, improved orthopedic properties, because the load is evenly distributed at the points of contact of different parts of our body with the spring. Secondly, such a block will not be pressed even after 5-10 years of using the sofa. And thirdly, relaxation on such a sofa will be more comfortable. Naturally, such furniture costs more than a sofa with a traditional dependent spring.

Regardless of the type of spring that is installed inside the sofa, the filling has several layers and resembles a sandwich:

• A rigid base (sheet of plywood or chipboard) to which a spring block is attached.
• Directly springs.
• Additional flooring layers (felt, synthetic padding, thin polyurethane foam).
• Upholstery fabric.

It looks like this:

The orthopedic effect is achieved through a combination of a rigid base and a flexible spring. The advantages of such filling include a long service life and an affordable price. Sofas with a spring block also have many disadvantages - the seat block is too soft, which will be uncomfortable (and even painful) for people with back problems to sleep on. Plus, over time, the metal gets tired and the spring begins to sag, which spoils the appearance of the sofa and significantly worsens the level of comfort.

Common features of different designs

Upholstered furniture, the seat of which has a spring base, regardless of what type of assembly is chosen by the manufacturer, has a steel spiral inside.

The common ones are:

• The designer’s efforts to create a model that is updated in shape, but still capable of providing a person with complete rest.
• The springs can withstand loads and there is no discomfort during sleep.
• Shaping surfaces to fit a figure.
• Long service life without deformation.
• No squeaks.
• The filler is high quality and environmentally friendly.

Sofa manufacturers are trying to produce products at prices affordable to all categories of buyers.

Polyurethane foam - an alternative to spring blocks

Furniture polyurethane foam (FPU) began to be used as a filling for upholstered furniture relatively recently, but already has a whole army of its fans. This is a synthetic material that looks and feels like ordinary household foam rubber, but it has little in common with kitchen sponges and washcloths. The main difference between furniture foam rubber is the high density of the material, thanks to which it successfully withstands loads and easily restores its shape.

A cross-section of a sofa with polyurethane foam as the main filler looks something like this:

There are no longer springs and a large number of flooring layers, and the main material is furniture foam rubber. Most often it is installed on a movable base (slat block or stretched elastic belts). It is thanks to this combination that its best orthopedic qualities are manifested. If you lay foam rubber on a sheet of plywood or chipboard (and some unscrupulous manufacturers do this in order to save on a lamella frame), then over time the foam will quickly sag, and overweight people will immediately push it down to this very base and will actually sleep on a piece of wood. It’s very easy to check this when purchasing - lift the seat block (or look under it), and if you see a frame with curved wooden crossbars, then everything is fine, and you can safely take such a sofa.

The lamella block itself looks like this:

The advantages of filling based on polyurethane foam include the following:

• Pronounced orthopedic properties. The surface is more rigid than that of a spring block.
• Long service life. High-quality polyurethane foam will not be pressed for 5-7 years.
• Comfortable sleep and even load distribution thanks to the lamella block.

Despite all its advantages, polyurethane foam also has disadvantages, among which the most important is its subsidence. Over time, a small dip will form in the central part of the sofa, which will affect not only the appearance of the furniture, but also the quality of sleep.