Detailed review of which is better: spring sofas or polyurethane foam

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

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.

Ottoman for mattress (200x90) 611 Pandora

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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.

Operating rules

In order for the spring block to last longer, you need to follow the basic rules for handling upholstered furniture:

• do not stand on the sofa with your feet, so as not to create a point load in one place;
• do not jump on it from a running start, so as not to damage the mechanism;
• carefully lay out and fold furniture to prevent deformation of the frame;
• If creaks appear or the sofa sag, immediately carry out repairs (on your own or call a specialist);
• When rearranging, do not drop or shake the sofa.

Careful handling of the sofa will increase its service life.

The more carefully the furniture is used, the longer it will serve its owners.

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

Upholstered furniture based on an independent spring block

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

Filling the accordion sofa on a metal frame

Comfort	This property is important for any furniture, no matter what function it performs. It is important when you lie down that pits do not appear, then there is definitely no time for rest, but instead of a restful sleep you will look for a comfortable position. The load must be distributed equally over the entire base. What can you say about PPU? It holds its shape well, has excellent elasticity, and adapts to the contour of the human body. Withstands a lot of weight and instantly takes on its original appearance. If the material is of sufficient quality, it will serve for a long time.
Spring blocks	There are dependent and independent. In the first version, the springs are intertwined and have long gone out of use. It is simply unbearable to lie on such a foundation; if you press on one spring, it will pull all the others. The second option allows you to have a great rest; in such blocks, each individual spring is packed in a bag, the load in this case is distributed evenly.
Thoroughness.	Undoubtedly, polyurethane foam is a durable material. It does not accumulate dust, has excellent breathability, and is harmless. Furniture with such filling will last for many years if used for its intended purpose. But if you often jump on such a sofa, which children especially love to do, then it will quickly lose its elasticity. The same applies to spring blocks; not all can withstand such loads, especially the inexpensive option. Economy class furniture will creak and springs will come out through the upholstery. In high quality sofas, a sufficient number of intermediate layers are placed between the spring block and the upholstery material, so the springs always remain in place.
Price.	Furniture with spring blocks is more expensive than with polyurethane foam. But it all depends on the quality of the material. Therefore, think carefully before you buy a cheaper sofa, otherwise the joy of the purchase will turn into big problems. Be sure to ask the seller what kind of filler is inside and what quality it is. After all, it depends on how long the furniture can serve you, whether it will be comfortable, comfortable to sit on or sleep on, so that the original appearance remains the same for as long as possible.

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

Sofa base: ARGENTA mechanism with SEDAC transformation mechanism

Sofa seat : mechanism frame with latoflex assembly, 100mm polyurethane foam in a spunbond cover, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 40mm.

Sofa back : mechanism frame with latoflex assembly, 100mm polyurethane foam in a spunbond cover, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 40mm.

Sofa seat : frame 60mm softwood timber, 6mm plywood, 60mm polyurethane foam, 100mm elastic polyurethane foam, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 30mm.

Sofa back : frame 60mm softwood timber, 6mm plywood, 60mm polyurethane foam, 100mm elastic polyurethane foam, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 30mm.

Sofa seat : frame 60mm softwood timber, 6mm plywood, 100mm polyurethane foam, 10mm padding polyester, fabric cover

Sofa back : frame 60mm softwood timber, 6mm plywood, 100mm polyurethane foam, 10mm synthetic padding, fabric cover

Bed seat : 16mm chipboard, 120mm block of independent springs, 30mm polyurethane foam, 10mm synthetic padding, fabric cover.

Bed seat : 16mm chipboard, 120mm block of independent springs, 30mm polyurethane foam, 10mm synthetic padding, fabric cover.

PUF FILLING:

Sofa : mechanism “ATS” (accordion) 1200mm, Mattress – polyurethane foam 140mm, spunbond cover, fabric cover stitched with synthetic padding 200mm

BNP FILLING:

Sofa : mechanism "ATS" (accordion) 1200mm, Mattress - thermal felt, block of independent springs 120mm, polyurethane foam 30mm, spunbond cover, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 200mm.

PUF FILLING:

Head part of the sofa : 60mm softwood frame, snake spring, thermal felt, 80mm polyurethane foam, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 30mm.

Middle part of the sofa : 60mm softwood frame, snake spring, thermal felt, 80mm polyurethane foam, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 30mm.

The last part of the sofa : 60mm softwood frame, snake spring, thermal felt, 80mm polyurethane foam, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 30mm.

BNP FILLING:

Head part of the sofa : 35mm softwood frame, 6mm plywood, 80mm block of independent springs, thermal felt, 30mm polyurethane foam, fabric cover stitched with padding polyester 30mm.

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

List of enterprises-manufacturers of furniture accessories. Assortment and company websites.

This register includes more than 200 Russian enterprises - manufacturers of furniture fittings, metal frames and transformation mechanisms for upholstered furniture. Manufacturer companies are listed in alphabetical order, indicating location, product range and website.

Aviv, company, LLC, Kaluga, orthopedic bases for beds and sofas, furniture fittings and components, website https://aviv.ru does not work

Agramak, LLC, MPK, Moscow transformation mechanisms: for a three-folding sofa of the DK-02 series (from 70 to 180 mm), “book” type; accessories: corners, wheels, etc. — production website https://www.agramak.com

Alvi, NPP, Saratov furniture fittings: plug for European screws, self-tapping screws and eccentrics, various plugs for pipes, cable duct, ferrule, shelf holders, adjustable supports for cabinet and upholstered furniture. website https://alvi.promportal.su

Aldi, LLC, Smolensk furniture fittings: handles, supports, metallization of plastic, protective and decorative coatings for plastic website https://www.aldi04.ru

Antey, JSC, Arkhangelsk region, Kotlas plastic fittings for furniture on a metal base (plugs for pipes of various diameters from 16 mm to 60 mm, internal and external, including radius; plugs for profiles 20x20, 25x25, 30x30, 60x20 , 80x40, 30x15 (oval); Viennese chair seats in 4 designs; stool seats; sets for ISO chairs; armrests; holders for plywood bed slats. website https://www.anteiplast.ru

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

Mounting features

Spring blocks are attached to a base made of plywood or MDF, covered with felt (for better grip). In some models, instead of sheet material, wooden or metal slats are used, which are attached to the yards. Foam rubber, padding polyester or other filler is attached on top of the spring block. It provides softness and comfort.

If necessary, the spring block can be replaced with an identical one. The “snake” system is not difficult to repair with your own hands using strong cords and fastening with thick wire staples. Typically, such mechanisms are repaired independently or with the help of a specialist.

You will receive not only a beautiful, but also the most comfortable model, which will become an island of relaxation in your home.

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

Components of an orthopedic bed

Choosing an orthopedic base

The frame is the orthopedic base for the bed.

It looks like a metal frame (sometimes wooden), which is equipped with slats. The mattress is placed on the base.

In the corners of the frame there are “kerchiefs” that secure the legs of the bed.

The strength of the entire structure is ensured by the metal profile of the all-welded frame. Ventilation of the mattress occurs thanks to the lattice structure of the lamellas.

Some mattress bases have the additional function of adjusting the stiffness of the slats. Moreover, along the entire length of the bed or in a specific area. This function is relevant for people with an unhealthy spine.

Orthopedic bases have a simpler name - orthopedic bed frames.

How to choose a lifting mechanism

The simplicity of the bed design determines its reliability.

The raised sleeping surface has a weight depending on:

1. Bed material;
2. Bed sizes;
3. Orthopedic mattress masses.

These factors require consideration when choosing a lifting mechanism. The warranty of some manufacturers of beds with a lifting mechanism is designed for 50 thousand cycles of raising and lowering it.

Spouses will appreciate the functionality and convenience of a double bed with a lifting mechanism. But orthopedic single beds with a lifting mechanism are suitable for a children's room.

Types of lifting mechanisms

Main types of lifting mechanisms:

1. On coil springs;
2. Hand hinged;
3. On gas shock absorbers.

What to look for when purchasing

The right choice will ensure long-term and reliable operation of the furniture, so when purchasing you need to consider the following points:

• degree of resistance to mechanical loads;
• indicators of rigidity and elasticity;
• orthopedic qualities;
• service life specified by the manufacturer.

In addition, the design features of the product can affect the service life of the product. When choosing furniture, it is worth considering its purpose, as well as the conditions in which it will be used. If an orthopedic effect is required, it is worth checking the quality of the internal filler, the reliability of the fastening elements and transforming mechanisms.

When looking for high-quality furniture, it is better to give preference to large chain stores that sell goods from well-known manufacturers. They have all the necessary quality certificates that guarantee safe operation.

Sofa Furniture