What is PU foam filler, is it harmful to health?

Buyers are often interested in the question: which sofa is better to choose - with a spring block or with a foam block? Let's try to decide which is the best filling for the sofa in order to get a comfortable and durable place to relax for many years.

There are two large groups of upholstered furniture fillers: with springs and without springs.

The spring block comes in two types: with dependent (Bonnell type) and independent springs. The difference between dependent and independent springs lies in their behavior under the load of the human body.

Dependent spring block (Bonnel)

A classic, time-tested option. Spring blocks of the Bonnell type consist of 4 or 5 turn double-cone springs, installed in rows and rigidly fastened in the upper and lower parts. As a rule, a metal frame is installed along the contour of the block. Most often, the springs are covered with a hard felt mat, which prevents the springs from protruding from the sofa and a person does not feel them. But the mat is quite hard, and sitting on it would be uncomfortable, so a sheet of polyurethane foam (polyurethane foam - furniture foam rubber) is placed on top, which gives the final softness to the product.

The orthopedic properties of this type of spring block are somewhat lower than those of a block of independent springs or a “Snake” spring, since all double-cone springs are fastened together. The Bonnel spring block has a “hammock effect”, that is, when people lie on it, not only the springs that bear the pressure are compressed, but also the neighboring ones. Therefore, if another person sits or lies on the sofa (especially with more weight than you), you will be able to feel how the entire structure bends.

Due to the thick wire from which the springs are made, the Bonnel design is highly elastic and resistant to heavy loads, so it is ideal for people weighing more than 100 kg.

Independent spring block

An independent spring unit is a modern unit based on springs that are not interconnected. In it, each spring is enclosed in a separate case made of non-woven material, which is connected to others in several places. The steel springs placed in separate fabric covers do not creak or rub, and in case of breakage they are not capable of breaking through the top layer of filler and the cover.

In a block of this type, each spring “lives its own life” and does not depend on its neighbors, therefore, under the influence of a load in this spring block, only the spring that directly bears the load is pressed, while the neighboring springs are minimally involved, which gives the surface high point elasticity .

The advantages of a mattress with independent springs are obvious. The springs are not attached to each other, so there is no “wave” effect.

Independent springs have a more individual effect on different parts of the human body, adapt to the contours of the body, have an orthopedic effect, increased comfort and have a beneficial effect on the spine.

Spring "Snake"

They are used in the bases of soft elements, usually seats. They are made of strong galvanized steel, which is bent with soft bends under the influence of high temperatures. The “snakes” are attached to the frame frame in the transverse direction using a hinged bar or steel wire brackets. In appearance they resemble a crawling snake, hence the name.

The frame of the product, which has a base made of these springs, is stable and does not sway. The main advantages of using “Snake” springs are the level base of the sofa, as well as noiselessness.

“Snake” springs give upholstered furniture elasticity and an orthopedic effect, provide comfort and reliability in operation. The “Snake” spring can withstand heavy loads, does not deform and is very durable.

Springless fillers are based on highly elastic polyurethane foam (PPU, furniture foam rubber) - a durable and elastic artificial material.

We constantly hear from customers the question: “What is the difference between foam rubber and polyurethane foam and which one is better?” We invite you to look into this.

If we look into history, we will find out that FOAM is... a trade name for elastic polyurethane foam. During the Soviet Union, when there was still no domestic production of sheet foam rubber, polyurethane foam was supplied by the Scandinavian company, which is where the common name “foam rubber” came from. And the difference between these materials is the same as between diapers and Pampers. PPU and foam rubber are just two equal names for the same material. PPU, or polyurethane foam is a professional name, foam rubber is a trade name.

Foam rubber - polyurethane foam (abbreviated PUF) - is a type of plastic with a cellular structure, soft foam, which in its composition has 97% closed cells filled with air. And only 3% is the material that makes up the walls of these very pores. Due to its fine-cell structure, polyurethane foam has good breathability, elasticity and has the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient compared to other materials. It is absolutely non-allergenic, does not accumulate dust, and is harmless to the health of people and animals. This material is also valuable because it is light in weight, has excellent strength, is resistant to aggressive environments, and is not susceptible to rot and mold. Also, foam rubber retains its elastic properties at temperatures from minus 15 °C to plus 100 °C.

Furniture polyurethane foam can be roughly classified into several types: - block or sheet polyurethane foam (PPU) - molded or cast polyurethane foam (FPPU) - highly elastic polyurethane foam (artificial latex) - viscoelastic polyurethane foam (with memory effect), etc.

There are the following grades of polyurethane foam: - standard (ST) - increased rigidity (EL) - hard (HL) - soft and super soft (HS) - highly elastic (HR) - viscoelastic (VE)

The higher the properties of the material, the more expensive the sofa will cost to manufacture.

Block or sheet polyurethane foam

Block or sheet polyurethane foam is a huge “brick” that, during furniture production, is cut into pieces of the desired shape and glued together. For convenience, sheets of different hardness are painted in different colors.

Polyurethane foam can be made harder or softer, elastic or not very elastic; you can use additives to increase its service life many times over. At the same time, the convenience of such a polyurethane foam will be even higher than that of an independent spring unit, and its service life will be much longer.

The final hardness or softness of a piece of furniture is determined by how many sheets and what brand of sheets the manufacturer has put into the product.

But polyurethane foam and polyurethane foam are different, and if a cheap version of polyurethane foam is used in the sofa, then this sofa will quickly “sag” and become uncomfortable. But if the sofa is made in a factory that cares about its reputation, then it is almost guaranteed that the polyurethane foam there is real, furniture-grade. It easily withstands any load, quickly restores its shape, and is very durable.

Molded or molded PU foam

Molded or cast PU foam is created differently. A liquid composition is poured into the finished mold, which hardens under the influence of chemical processes. The result is a block of the desired shape that does not need to be cut or glued. The thickness of the polyurethane foam in this case is determined by the dimensions of the mold.

An armchair or sofa can be made from many different cast blocks, making furniture production much easier and eliminating waste. This is how products of unusual shapes are made.

Cast products have smooth, comfortable shapes, which allows you to achieve maximum comfort for the seats and backs of upholstered furniture.

This is a modern high-tech environmentally friendly material, characterized by increased density and, as a result, a long service life, greater elasticity and level of comfort. In addition, molded foam rubber is more resistant to temperature changes, biological and chemical influences, and the threat of the development of fungi and microorganisms.

Highly elastic polyurethane foam

If you like comfortable furniture of a higher class, pay attention to the filling of the sofa with high-comfort polyurethane foam (artificial latex). Its basis is polyurethane foam of particularly high elasticity.

HR foams have special properties. Unlike conventional polyurethane foam, where the cell structure is uniform (the cells have the same size and wall thickness), the structure of highly elastic polyurethane foam (HR) is heterogeneous; its cells are scattered in a random order and react differently to the load and applied force: where increased load is required, large cells with high compression resistance come into play, and where the load is low, small cells with small wall thickness act.

Sitting on a sofa or lying on a mattress based on highly elastic polyurethane foam, a person does not feel any extra rigidity or sinking effect; on the contrary, he feels pleasant comfort. As the load increases, highly elastic polyurethane foam will confidently take a person’s weight and distribute it evenly.

Viscoelastic polyurethane foam

Other names: Memoryform, Memory Foam, Memorix.

The material was developed specifically for the space industry and is now increasingly used in the furniture industry, but due to its high cost it is used only on expensive furniture to give it increased comfort.

While ordinary types of foam rubber are deformed only under the influence of a certain load, viscoelastic polyurethane foam reacts even to slight weight without losing its elasticity and elasticity. The foam accurately reproduces, remembers and holds the shape of the body, and after removing the load, the foam slowly returns to its original shape. This property of viscoelastic foam provides a unique orthopedic effect, reducing pressure on the neck, shoulders and back during rest.

Other characteristics of viscoelastic foam are the ability to absorb vibrations and absorb shock - products made from viscoelastic foam absorb up to 90% of the impact energy. But due to its increased density, polyurethane foam with “memory” has low air permeability compared to conventional polyurethane foam.

This type of polyurethane foam is used for the manufacture of products in which it is not necessary to maintain clear shapes (sharp corners, straight lines), therefore it is most often used in the production of orthopedic mattresses of the highest price category, and less often in furniture.

There is no clear answer to the question of which sofa filler is better, and spring and springless sofas are equally durable if high-quality raw materials were used in their manufacture.

But you can protect yourself from inconvenience and disappointment by choosing the “filling” according to the purpose of the future sofa. So, for a sleeping place it is better to consider a filler with a more rigid and flexible base (PPU, FPPU, snake spring, independent spring block), since regular rest on an excessively soft or dented bed can have a bad effect on the spine. But the guest option provides for any content. Some people like the sofa to “sink” when you sit on it, while others want it to be harder and keep its shape.

In any case, when choosing a sofa, it is advisable to sit on it before purchasing - by doing this you will determine for yourself whether it is suitable for you.

A good sofa is not only beautiful upholstery and a fashionable shape, but also its filling , on which it will be comfortable to relax. Often this piece of furniture becomes a place to sleep; people read or watch TV on it for a long time. Therefore, it is important how comfortably you can place body parts on a sleeping place, especially if you have problems with your joints or back. Such convenience largely depends on the design of the springs filling the sofa from the inside.

Why is the filler called “snake”?

The twisting shape of a metal spiral, such as a snake takes while moving, gave the inventors of furniture improvements an idea of ​​what to call the spring filler in upholstered sofas and chairs.

The “snake” is formed at high temperature . This is the only way to bend strong, rigid steel to the required parameters. To prevent the spring from rusting, it is treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Place the finished workpiece in the frame, where it is securely fixed with a special fastener. To prevent the “snake” from touching the upholstery and damaging it, a polyurethane layer . Sofas with this inner padding are in consumer demand.

The reasons for this popularity are the following factors:

• Resistance to loads while maintaining shape under a heavy body.
• Long service life without defects or repairs.
• Quiet operation with no annoying squeaks.
• Ventilation properties, the sofa “breathes” and does not have adverse effects on the health of the occupant.
• There are no holes, bumps, or uneven spots on the bed.
• Easy installation and transportation.

Upholstered furniture with a “snake” installed inside is endowed with an orthopedic effect , so doctors recommend sleeping on such a lounger if patients have problems with the skeletal system.

The developers tried to get rid of the previous shortcomings of springs and made the spiral more stable. Previously, if obese riders tried to stand up, they had difficulty doing so, as they sank so deeply into the seat. Today, sofas are soft and elastic at the same time; they do not allow your figure to sink. The assembly of such structures is also simple, which the craftsmen do with pleasure.

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 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.

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.

Harm to health

But, despite the positive properties, this material can still cause harm to health.

We recommend: Which mattress is better to choose for a newborn’s crib?

The thing is that the main feature of polyurethane foam, which makes it attractive to consumers, is its main drawback. This material is quite soft. And the fact that it takes the form of a human body does not benefit us at all. This softness leads people to sleep in positions that feel more comfortable to them. However, such poses are unnatural. Because of them, spinal deformation occurs.

Such mattresses are especially dangerous for children. Their posture has not yet been formed. The spine needs support. To do this, the child must sleep on a firm mattress. Natural materials are especially popular - for example, coconut fiber.

There are other disadvantages of polyurethane foam.

• Due to exposure to direct sunlight, it is destroyed.
• It does not tolerate prolonged contact with liquids.
• According to some experts, under the influence of temperature it releases harmful substances.

Miss Clean magazine points out that although the latter argument has not been officially confirmed, many people, having tried mattresses made from artificial materials, do note that gradually they are increasingly experiencing headaches, nausea and drowsiness. Even if you are not worried about possible consequences for the spine, pay attention to these symptoms.

Who will be the best for each model?

It is impossible to imagine the decoration of rooms without upholstered furniture . A person with a bad back is better suited to a hard sleeping place; a mattress with an independent spring filler is endowed with all the properties for this case.

Bonnell is also hard and elastic, but distributes the load worse. “Snakes” have the lowest orthopedic properties compared to similar products, poor shock absorption, but you don’t have to sleep there; you can choose an item solely for watching movies.

In any case, you must follow the doctor's recommendations if you have problems with the musculoskeletal system or the spine. Healthy people pay attention to the price, appearance and manufacturer's company. But you need to look at the totality of properties of a commercial product, its structural components and internal structure.

Which filling is better for a sofa: PPU or spring block

A spring block is considered a softer padding, and for those who like hard sofas, it is better to choose polyurethane foam. Both fillers have advantages and disadvantages, and you need to focus on your feelings. Before buying, you should definitely test the furniture for convenience and comfort: sit and lie on it.

If the choice fell on a spring block, then it is better to choose a block with springs independent from each other; it is more comfortable, elastic and wear-resistant. If you choose polyurethane foam, you should pay attention to the thickness of the material and its density; the thickness should be at least 4 cm, and the density should be from 30 kg/m3. There are also products where polyurethane foam and a spring block are adjacent to each other.

What's hidden inside: general classification of fillers

There are two large groups of upholstered furniture fillers: with springs and without springs.

In the first case, several layers of natural or artificial covering material - coconut coir, latex, foam rubber, felt, etc. - are laid on cylindrical springs or a base made of a spring “snake”. The different densities of a particular coating and many spring options make it possible to create fillings of different degrees of rigidity.

Springless fillers are based on highly elastic polyurethane foam (PPU, furniture foam rubber) - an inexpensive, but durable and elastic artificial material.

Our advantages

If you are concerned about healthy sleep, then you will certainly be interested and useful in our products. All products placed in our catalog are certified and have a guarantee. From us you can purchase products not only wholesale, but also retail. We offer clients:

• payment in ways convenient for the client, namely, in cash upon delivery by courier, or by wire transfer to an account or card;
• low cost;
• hot offers, discounts, promotions;
• quality guarantee for all products;
• prompt delivery of goods within 4-15 days.

If you have any questions while viewing the products, you should ask our consultants. Managers will provide information of interest and answer all questions.

Springs

The spring block comes in two types: with dependent (Bonnell type) and independent springs. Both options are very durable, provided that there is a sufficient number of intermediate layers between the block itself and the outer upholstery.

Dependent spring block

A classic, time-tested option. Here all the springs are connected to each other by a continuous spiral steel wire. If you press one spring, the others will immediately connect to it, thereby distributing the load across the entire base. The structure is attached around the perimeter to the edging frame and covered with an intermediate layer of non-woven material.

Independent spring block

In a block of this type, each spring lives its own life” and does not depend on its neighbors, which gives the surface high point elasticity and allows it to better adapt to the contours of the body.

Spring snake

Attached to a wooden or metal base using a hinged bar or steel brackets, the “snake” is a simple and inexpensive spring base. And although it is not a full-fledged filler - a layer of polyurethane foam is always laid on top - it can withstand heavy loads, does not deform and is very durable.

Polyurethane foam (PPU or furniture foam rubber) is an inexpensive and highly elastic furniture filler. Provides a comfortable fit, has good elasticity and is environmentally friendly.

For the base of a sofa with such filling, as a rule, block furniture foam rubber is used, cut and twisted in a certain way. Some models require special molded polyurethane foam blanks, which are also used as a filler for pillows - the material allows you to hold any shape given to it.

Sofas are filled with polyurethane foam of various brands - standard, luxury polyurethane foam, memory foam foam, etc. The higher the properties of the material, the more expensive the sofa will cost to manufacture.

Viscoelastic polyurethane foam is a separate type of polyurethane foam that has a unique orthopedic “shape memory” effect. A mattress or pillow filled with such material reacts to pressure and heat, remembering the shape of your body. Press the surface with your palm and release - the dent will disappear very slowly.

Cost of elastic polyurethane foam

The price of elastic polyurethane foam depends on its type and characteristics. The average cost of a system of components for spraying polyurethane foam ranges from 20 to 100 thousand rubles per package weighing from 20 to 80 kg.

Simple sprayed polyurethane foam is used to create thermal insulation in technical and residential premises. A soundproofing layer is created from the slabs. Materials with unusual characteristics have found application in the furniture industry. They are necessary for the production of comfortable pieces of furniture.

Other materials

Furniture fillings are not limited only to foam rubber and springs - other materials are also used as additional layers for filling.

Natural latex

A base made of natural latex is often used in expensive upholstered furniture - the material is highly elastic, instantly restores its original shape, is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and has a long service life.

Sintepon

The most inexpensive, but very durable artificial filler. It creates additional softness and elasticity. Also, the material is not susceptible to fungus formation. The main disadvantage is that with regular use it does not hold its shape; characteristic dents and irregularities appear on the surface. In case of constant use, this material should be considered in combination with polyurethane foam as a covering layer - its share in the filling is small, but one way or another it can improve the shock-absorbing properties of the seat.

Holcon (struplast)

A modern non-woven material consisting of an intermediate layer of vertically laid synthetic polyester fiber and two covering layers of dense reinforcing ribbed surfaces. This method of laying allows the mattress or pillow to sag only in places of pressure and quickly restore its shape.

Holcon is easy to care for, retains heat well, has increased elasticity, is environmentally friendly and does not absorb moisture and odors.

There is no definite answer to the question of what is the best filling for a sofa, but you can protect yourself from inconvenience and disappointment by choosing the “filling” according to the purpose of the future sofa. So, for a sleeping place it is better to consider a filler with a more rigid and flexible base (highly elastic polyurethane foam, independent spring block, natural latex), because Regular rest on an overly soft or creased bed can have a bad effect on the spine. But the guest option provides for any content.

Kinds

There are two main types of polyurethane foam:

• closed cell;
• open cell.

The first consists of closed cells that are filled with gas, which ensures expansion of the composition. And this same gas is the key to the low thermal conductivity of the material. This type of polyurethane foam is the most dense and durable.

In addition, it serves as protection against steam, moisture and air. It is more often used for insulation.

Open-cell polyurethane foam consists of elastic cells interconnected. It is not so dense and has a sponge-like structure. But this material is not so durable, so it is not used as insulation.