Furniture

How to choose a filler for a sofa?

New leather soft sofa for a beautiful living room

Many, having completed repairs in the apartment, acquire new upholstered furniture, if funds, of course, allow it. But the choice must be right. In addition to strength, a cozy appearance, and a transformation mechanism, you should pay attention to the filler and ask the seller what the “filling” of the sofa is. It depends on how comfortable you will be. Now there are a lot of fillers, it is necessary to have an idea about some, about their quality, quality factor, how much furniture with such a filler can serve.

Types of fillers for upholstered furniture

Furniture manufacturers more often use polyurethane foam - PUF as a filling. Many sofas with spring unit. Buyers are sometimes lost, which is better - a spring or PPU and can not make a choice.

Blue orthopedic sofa with sectional spring unit

Sofa with polyurethane foam in the context with a list of materials and components

How does it work

Filler - polyurethane foam for orthopedic mattresses and upholstered furniture

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

Foam sheet for softness

As a filler, it is widely used due to compaction, 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 rather strong and massive plates - these are polyurethane foam. If the material is of poor quality, it will quickly become unusable and will crumble. Then it needs to be replaced.

Advantages and disadvantages

Elastic polyurethane foam is used in the furniture and automotive industries

Polyurethane foam has pros and cons. Consider 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. In the manufacture of it is treated with antibacterial and antifungal agents, so it does not harm health.
  3. It can last a long time, has wear resistance.
  4. It has good breathability.
  5. Thanks to elasticity instantly restores its original shape.

Imprint of the shape of the hand after pressing on viscoelastic polyurethane foam

There are also negative properties

  1. PPUs of poor quality often come across - it will lose its original shape in a short time, and the furniture will quickly sag.
  2. The material does not tolerate direct sunlight, begins to deform. In the manufacture of using upholstery made of lightproof materials.
  3. Polyurethane foam - a highly flammable substance, emits toxic substances when burned.
  4. For many, the high density of PUFs may seem solid.
  5. Excessive softness of the material can cause back problems, and in children - curvature of the spine, so they are better off sleeping on a hard surface.

Polyurethane foam or spring block? What is the best filler for a sofa?

Upholstered furniture based on an independent spring block

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

Filling an accordion sofa on a metal frame

ComfortThis property is important for any furniture, no matter what function it performs. It is important when you lie so that the pits do not appear, then it is definitely not up to rest, but instead of a quiet sleep, you will look for a comfortable position. The load should be equally distributed over the entire base. What can be said about PPU? It holds its shape well, has excellent elasticity, adapts to the contour of the human body. Withstands heavy weight, instantly takes its original appearance. If the material is high enough, it will serve for a long time.
Spring blocksThere are dependent and independent. In the first version, the springs are intertwined and long out of use. On such a basis, it is simply unbearable to lie, if you press on one spring, then it will pull all the others. The second option allows you to relax, in such blocks each individual spring is packed in a bag, the load in this case is distributed evenly.
Thoroughness.Undoubtedly, PPU is a durable material. Dust does not accumulate in it, excellent breathability, it is harmless. Furniture with such a filler will serve for more than one year, if used for its intended purpose. But if you often jump on such a couch, which children especially like to do, then it will quickly lose elasticity.

The same applies to spring blocks, not everyone can withstand such loads, especially an inexpensive option. Economy-class furniture will creak, and the 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, so the springs always remain in place.

Price.Furniture with spring blocks costs more than furniture with polyurethane foam. But it all depends on the quality of the material. Therefore, think carefully before you buy a sofa cheaper, otherwise the joy of the purchase will turn into big problems. Be sure to ask the seller what kind of filler is inside, what quality. After all, it depends on how long the furniture can last for you, whether it will be comfortable, convenient to sit or sleep on it, so that the original look remains the same for as long as possible.

No one will answer the question "What is better?" Each filler has advantages and disadvantages. What you prefer is up to you.

The best springless synthetic fillers

  • Many furniture manufacturers prefer to use polyurethane foam, as it is an affordable material and is 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, the desired shape will be obtained. 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 fluff. The spiral-shaped fiber made of silicone restores its former shape after compression in a matter of minutes. It has properties such as quality factor, reliability. It is mainly used for stuffing pillows for furniture, as a filler for backs and armrests.

Synthetic fluff - the artificial material of the future

  • Synthetic winterizer. Non-woven, very lightweight material made from polyester fibers. The substance is hypoallergenic, therefore furniture with a synthetic winterizer as a filler is used in children's rooms, suitable for people prone to allergies. They are also stuffed with pillows, used in the manufacture of clothes. Eco-friendly material, does not wear out for a long time, is resistant to various fungi, has a water-repellent property, is safe.

Sintepon - a material suitable for people with allergies

  • Periotek. It looks like weightless chubby felt, safe for allergy sufferers, and may contain fibers of wool or cotton. The density of such furniture can be ordinary or high.

Periotec Filler - an elastic, bulk and durable material

  • Padded jacket. This, in fact, is a 5-10 cm thick cotton flooring, located between layers of dense fabric. Furniture with such a filler is soft, but not elastic.

Padded jacket flooring for the manufacture of upholstered furniture

The best springless natural fillers

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

  • Natural latex. It is made from rubber tree juice using individual technology. It is foamed, as a result of which cells are formed, therefore it “breathes”. Excellent heat and moisture conductivity, solid material, very high quality. Shelf life is approximately 10 years. Instantly takes its former shape after heavy loads. There is only one drawback - a very high price.

Latex mattress - high quality, comfortable and safe

  • Horsehair. Great filler. Horse mane is treated with latex. This is done so that the material is elastic and lasts for a long time, moisture resistant, breathable. High quality filler, but expensive. Not suitable for people prone to allergies.

Horse hair for upholstered furniture and mattresses

  • Coconut Coir. They produce fibers from the inter-fruit of coconut; they, like horse hair, undergo latex treatment so that they are elastic and strong. In addition, they also have antibacterial properties, are hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, not subject to decay, breathing material. Furniture with such a filler is perfect even for young children.

Coconut filler for baby mattress

  • Sea grass. The most environmentally friendly filler. In the manufacture of raw materials combined with jute. Furniture has sufficient rigidity, which is favorable for the back and maintaining the health of the spine. In addition, such a filler strengthens the immune system, 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 capable of absorbing water vapor, passing air, has anti-allergic and antibacterial properties. It is not subject to decay, does not deform for a long time.

Bamboo fiber is ideal for mattress covers, blankets and pillows

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

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

  • Felt. Produced from the wool of a sheep. It has good thermal conductivity. One drawback of the disadvantages is that it can accumulate moisture, which can cause mold.

Natural felt for furniture and other industries

How to choose the right PPU filler. What is it on the couch

High-quality and durable PPU fillers

Not every PPU is of good quality. Only excellent polyurethane foam has the necessary properties. Do not make the difference between foam rubber and PPU - these are materials identical to each other. The difference is in function, cost, properties, category. Before choosing furniture, be sure to check its density - it should be from 30 kg / m3. Accordingly, the higher the density, the higher the quality and cost.

Sofa with PPU filling on the frame

Do not lose sight of the thickness of the material. The normal rate is four centimeters. It happens that in order to save money they use a filler 3 or 2 cm thick. It is better to ignore furniture with a filler of this thickness. How elastic and hard the sofa is depends on your personal preferences. The choice is always yours.

Beautiful and comfortable corner sofa filled with polyurethane foam

What is it: 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 coating material — coconut coir, latex, foam rubber, felt, etc. — are laid on cylindrical springs or the base of a spring “snake”. Different densities of this or that coating and many options for springs make it possible to create fillings of different degrees of rigidity.

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

Spring snake

Simple and inexpensive spring base

The spring block snake is also a type of filler. It is often used in the furniture manufacturing industry, including for sofas. It is used in soft elements, mainly in the seat, back.

Springs made of galvanized metal and fastened in the transverse direction to the wooden base of the sofa with hinged slats or clips. Their number depends on the size and purpose of the product. The base of the structure is composed of these springs. The top is then covered with a layer of felt, batting or foam.

A spring snake lets air through well, therefore possible moisture will evaporate and the product will dry quickly.

The seat is obtained with a spring effect, quite soft. It is not resistant to heavy loads. After a short time begins to bend. This is a big minus for sofas with such a filler, which not recommended for frequent use and not suitable for sleeping.

Natural latex

Ideal for all sleep products.

Natural latex is made from rubber of natural origin. Rubber in its pure form is very moody, so it is supplemented with an inhibitor.

The material is widely used in furniture filling. The share of rubber in such fillers should be in the range of 45-65% so that it possesses the necessary qualities:

  • elasticity
  • elasticity
  • wear resistance

Natural latex is one of the best fillers. It has unique properties.

  • Due to the high level of elasticity, it supports the body well, eliminating unnecessary swaying and vibrations. Recovers very quickly
  • The structure of latex gradually adapts to the contours of the body, reacts even to light pressure. This makes it very comfortable, allowing you to support those parts of the body that need it: neck, head, lower and upper back, spine
  • The porous structure passes air well, which does not allow moisture to accumulate in the filler itself
  • It has good thermoregulation: in winter it keeps warm, in summer it gives coolness
  • The high quality and durability of latex makes the filler durable in operation, little prone to deformation.
  • The material is hygienic and hypoallergenic.
  • Filler is absolutely silent to use.
  • The disadvantage is the high cost of this filler

There is artificial latex - highly elastic polyurethane foam. The main differences of the natural filler: a grayish tint and to the touch it seems greasy.

Synthetic winterizer

Creates extra softness and firmness.

It is an intermediate material. Sinteponom covers the top of the filler. They are also filled with cushions.

Available in various densities. Necessary density indicators for different furniture elements:

  • backrest, armrests - 300 g / sq.m
  • sitting - not less than 400 g / sq.m
  • pillows - more than 300 g / sq.m

It is necessary to strictly observe these indicators. Then the sofa will be soft, outwardly attractive. Will delight with its coziness and comfort.

This material is popular for its properties.

What types of fillers for sofas exist

By the type of filler, all modern upholstered furniture can be divided into two groups - spring and springless. Inside the first type of products, a spring block is installed.Despite the fact that the technology is considered obsolete, spring furniture is still in demand. Springless fillers are blocks of modern synthetic or natural materials with different densities. Such furniture is also popular, as it gives future owners a huge scope in choosing the rigidity of the seat.

Spring fillers for sofas

Spring structures are most often found in antique upholstered furniture and inexpensive modern products. The best filler of this type is an independent spring unit. It is a structure consisting of cylindrical vertically arranged springs. The average diameter of the springs is 5-6 cm. The number of elements per 1 square. m. - 250 pieces. Each spring is placed in a fabric cover, not in contact with other structural elements. To give softness to the seat, the spring block is lined on both sides with soft materials - polyurethane, batting, felt or coconut coir.

Furniture with an independent spring unit is durable and quiet. Often, such a filler is installed in the mattresses of classic beds, since during sleep a comfortable body position is ensured. Independent spring blocks are also equipped with upholstered furniture - sofas, couches, armchairs-beds, which are installed in the children's room, bedroom, living room.

Springless Fillers

Manufacturers also use springless fillers in the manufacture of furniture. Most often, preference is given to polyurethane foam - bulk porous mass, which is obtained by mixing several types of polymers. Most of the volume of the material - up to 98% - is air, so the seats of upholstered furniture are elastic, keep their shape well. The rigidity of the filler varies depending on the type and proportions of the blended polymers. For example, foam is also polyurethane foam, but with a low density. That is why the material is quite soft and supple.

In the furniture industry, cast and block polyurethane foam (PUF) is used. Molded polyurethane foam is also called molded, since in the manufacture of the structure the polymer mixture is poured into a special blank. In size and shape, it corresponds to certain elements of future furniture - seats, back or pillows.

The second name of the block PPU is sheet. When creating the filler, the sheets of material are cut into pieces of the desired thickness and size. After that, the block polyurethane foam is glued together, forming the design of future furniture. Sometimes manufacturers use up to 5-6 sheets of material of different densities when creating upholstered furniture.

Armchairs and sofas are also stuffed with natural latex. The material is foamed juice of the rubber tree of hevea, which grows in tropical countries. Latex has a porous structure, is environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic material. Upholstered furniture filled with latex will last at least 10 years, while maintaining the elasticity of the seats. The only minus of the products is the high price.

Furniture manufacturers also use other soft sofas for sofas to create added comfort and shape individual elements. Most often, preference is given to:

  • synthetic winterizer - lightweight non-woven fabric with straight fibers,
  • syntepuhu - a natural filler treated with silicone emulsion,
  • holofiber - a synthetic fiber in the form of elastic balls that quickly restore shape after crushing.

Sintepon more often stuffed backs of sofas and armchairs. The material provides a soft design and gives a feeling of comfort during rest. Layers of holofiber and sintepuha are placed on top of the polyurethane foam seat, installed in the armrests. Soft fillers of this type are also used in the manufacture of decorative pillows.

What are the pros and cons of fillers worth knowing

Before you buy a sofa in the living room or bedroom, you need to study the advantages and disadvantages of different types of fillers. If this is not done, then after 1-3 years it will be necessary to change furniture due to squeezed seats that have lost the shape of armrests and backs. And this is a strong blow to the family budget and unnecessary nerves.

The advantages of furniture made using Bonnel technology or equipped with an independent spring unit include:

  • long service life
  • resistance to heavy loads,
  • orthopedic effect
  • free air and moisture exchange.

Cons sofas also have spring sofas. The first thing that pushes some buyers away is the high price. The second is the creaking of the springs, which may appear after a couple of years of operation. Do not forget about the possible expenses for furniture restoration - replacing the filler in the sofa can result in a decent amount.

Furniture with PPU filler has many times more positive properties. The advantages of polyurethane foam include:

  • durability,
  • reliability,
  • the ability to choose stiffness,
  • safety and hypoallergenicity,
  • resistance to fungi and mold,
  • low cost.

There is only one drawback of such furniture - cheap models with low-quality filler, which quickly loses shape due to low density and is squeezed.

Soft couch fillers also have pros and cons. For example, a synthetic winterizer is rightfully considered one of the cheapest, soft and lightweight materials. It does not cause allergic reactions, does not absorb moisture and is resistant to fungi. Sofas with synthetic winterizer can be installed on the balcony or summer terrace in the children's room.

The only drawback is that over time, the material begins to get lumpy, which negatively affects the appearance of the furniture.

Hollofiber boasts the best performance. The filler will last quite a while, retaining its original shape and elasticity. Sofas and armchairs with such a padding can even be put in the kitchen, as the material does not absorb odors. On upholstered furniture filled with holofiber, it has orthopedic properties, so it is comfortable to sit and sleep on it. The material has no significant minuses.

Sintepuh soft, lightweight and hypoallergenic material. It does not get lumpy during operation, does not absorb moisture, and tolerates washing and dry cleaning. A sofa with such a filler is installed in the kitchen, in the children's room, in the living room.

How to choose the best filler for the sofa

In addition to the type, pluses and minuses of the filler for the sofa, you must take into account such a property as density. Carefully study this option should be before buying furniture with PPU. Most often, sofas and armchairs are filled with polyurethane foam with a density of 30–40 kg / cu. m. If the density of the material is higher, then the seats will be tougher, and the tendency to deformation is less. Furniture with such a filler will last at least 5-7 years. Therefore, after evaluating the appearance of the sofa, you should definitely look into the product passport, where the density of the filler is indicated.

It is generally accepted that furniture equipped with a spring block is durable and reliable. Its average life is 10 years. Spring-filled sofas are installed in the living room or bedroom. Models have orthopedic properties - they provide uniform support for the body over the entire area, they do not creak or push through. After sleep, you will feel rested and full of energy. However, do not forget about the ratio of quality and price - products with such a filler are often very expensive.

High-density polyurethane foam is almost as good as furniture with a spring unit, but it is cheaper. The filler retains its properties for 6–8 years, so it is suitable for daily sleep and rest. Pricing is influenced by brand awareness, as well as the brand and density of PPU. The better and stiffer the filler, the more expensive the sofa will be.

The most expensive soft fillers for sofas are holofiber and sintepuh. Usually they fill decorative pillows, less often - the main structural elements. If in the manufacture of furniture natural materials were used, for example, coconut coir, then the cost of the product will be higher.

The cheapest material is foam rubber. Furniture with such a filler is installed in the kitchen, taken to equip the cottage. The average life of the products is from 3 to 5 years.

Any furniture eventually deteriorates, so do not forget about the need to replace the filler in the sofa. It is better to choose products with removable covers. Such models are easier to care for, and repairs will result in a smaller amount. You can restore furniture yourself, however, it is more advisable to contact specialists.

In order not to waste money, first decide on the purpose of the furniture. Then select a filler that suits the price and quality, evaluate the dimensions, colors of the finishes and decorative elements. This is the only way to buy the perfect sofa that will delight you and your loved ones for a long time, and also will not make a hole in the family budget.

Anderssen factory craftsmen use high-quality fillers in the manufacture of upholstered furniture - polyurethane foam (PUF) and independent spring blocks. Thanks to such materials, sofas and couches acquire orthopedic properties. And soft fillers - hard, bathrobe, synthetic winterizer and periatek - make furniture comfortable. Products from the Anderssen factory will last at least 15 years, turning every minute of relaxation into a true pleasure.

Dependent spring unit

Classic, time-tested option. Here, all the springs are connected by a continuous spiral steel wire. If you click on one spring, the rest will immediately connect to it, thereby distributing the load on the entire base. The structure is attached around the perimeter to the edging frame and is closed by an intermediate layer of non-woven material.

Holkon (Strutoplast)

A modern non-woven fabric consisting of an intermediate layer of vertically laid synthetic polyester fiber and two cover layers of dense reinforcing ribbed surfaces. This way of laying allows the mattress or pillow to slip only at the places of pressing and quickly restore shape.

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

There is no single answer to the question which filler is better for the sofa, but you can protect yourself from inconvenience and disappointment by choosing the “filling” for the purpose of the future sofa. So, for a berth, it is better to consider a filler with a more rigid and flexible base (highly elastic PPU, independent spring block, natural latex), because regular rest in an overly soft or swept bed can adversely affect the spine. But the guest option provides for any content.

The best filler manufacturers on the market

There are many companies that make different types of fillers for upholstered furniture. Among the leaders are:

  • DreamLine is a large factory that has been manufacturing mattresses for more than 8 years in the Russian market.
  • Promtex-Orient is one of the leaders in Russia that can offer high-quality orthopedic mattresses. At the factory, you can make goods to order with their sizes and other parameters.
  • Ormatek is a good factory making goods for quality sleep with 15 years of experience in this field.
  • Toris is an organization that has been producing excellent beds and mattresses since 1992.
  • LONAX - this manufacturer is engaged in the production of orthopedic fillers, as well as other products to ensure good sleep.
  • Ascona is a large manufacturing facility that manufactures upholstered furniture used for sleeping. He is a member of the Hilding Anders Group (Sweden).
  • Bottlenose dolphin - has been operating in the market since 2003, the factory produces mattresses for children, as well as the manufacture of sleeping goods.

To determine what is best for upholstered furniture, you need to understand all possible types of fillers and highlight leaders in each segment, and a review will help you do this.

In the rating described below, several important components were used that are interesting to any buyer:

  • Comfort from use, which includes the level of elasticity of the material, dimensions, orthopedic and anatomical effect.
  • Reliability and operational period.
  • The ability to withstand heavy loads.
  • The cost of the product.
  • Environmental friendliness.
  • Mass of goods.
  • Ventilation
  • Opinions of consumers.

Stratofiber

Determining which PPU filler is better for a sofa, a patented view should be highlighted - struttofiber. It includes 3 layers, the middle one is a carrier with vertically arranged fibers that allow you to correctly place the load.

pros:

  • A very durable filler that does not lend itself to decay, is quite elastic and affordable.
  • It is easily restored after deformation, when ignited it does not support fire and has good protection against water, therefore it does not get wet.
  • Inside, materials are used in which ticks, bugs and other organisms cannot live.
  • Does not provoke an allergy.
  • Has some orthopedic characteristics.

The main disadvantage is that it is difficult to repair. According to expert opinion and consumer reviews, this option is one of the best and most popular on the market. When choosing, you need to look at the density and stiffness of the raw materials, based on the mass of the person. The lower the weight of the buyer, the softer the filler should be.

Hollofider

One of the modern materials for filling upholstered furniture, which is created from sintepon. It is characterized by twisted fibers, and is sold in the form of small fluffy balls or plates.

Pros:

  • Lightweight, soft and durable material with moderate firmness and elasticity.
  • Environmentally friendly, non-burning.
  • A high degree of wear resistance, which makes it possible to operate the filler for about 10 years.
  • Excellent heat and sound insulation characteristics.
  • Does not cause an allergic reaction.
  • No odor absorption.
  • It allows air to pass through and is a hygroscopic raw material.
  • Quickly recovers upon deformation.
  • It does not give in to decay and infection by a fungus.

The main disadvantage is overpriced. Consumers of a positive opinion about such a product and even when washing in several cycles, the properties do not change.

Durafil

It is created on the basis of polyester, visually the filler is like a grass cover. It is characterized by the vertical direction of the fibers, which are similar to spring blocks in the effect of the loads.

pros:

  • Lush and soft material with sufficient firmness, elasticity.
  • Reasonable cost and environmental friendliness.
  • It does not collect dust, therefore the development of allergies is excluded.
  • Moisture-resistant, does not burn and almost does not deform.
  • It has antimicrobial properties.

There are almost no shortcomings in the material, they are insignificant, but consumers say that it is necessary to clean the material from moths and ticks from time to time.

Sintepuh

Siliconized fiber with a good spring effect, refers to a high-quality synthetic substitute for natural fluff. For the manufacture of polyester.

pros:

  • Minimum weight of raw materials and a high degree of elasticity.
  • The filler is soft, environmentally friendly at an affordable cost.
  • Moisture protection.
  • Excluded rolling.
  • The material breathes and quickly normalizes shape.

The main disadvantage is that you can use raw materials only in a narrowly targeted sphere, but in general, the filler is good. It can be washed in a car with a delicate wash, it dries quickly.

Comforel

The material is presented in the form of small balls of synthetic material. It is made using polyester fiber by heat treatment. In addition, the manufacturer covers the filler with antibacterial agents and silicone.

pros:

  • Low weight, low cost and long life.
  • It does not cause allergies.
  • Excluded the burning of raw materials.
  • It retains heat perfectly, can be washed and dried quickly.
  • Breathable material.
  • Quickly normalizes shape and does not caking.

This type has no significant minuses, many opinions of consumers are positive. It can be considered that this is the best filler for sofas in this segment.

Viscoelastic foam

PPU is a mass that fills forms and is characterized by many positive properties, unlike analogues. Due to all the characteristics, a person lying on the furniture will be in the anatomically correct position, and after rising, the form will quickly recover.

Pros:

  • Good elasticity with memory capability.
  • Does not leak moisture.
  • The period of use is up to 8 years.
  • It does not cause allergies.
  • It has antimicrobial protection.

Minuses:

  • It will take a little time to get used to the filler.
  • Overpriced.

When choosing, you need to know that some manufacturers can make foam using toxic substances, but you can identify a poor quality product by an unpleasant odor.

Periotek

A filler, which includes 2 small reinforcing layers and 1 thick supporting one. The outer parts are made of natural fiber, but it can also be artificial, 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.
  • Off, allergy excluded.
  • Minimal deformation.
  • The filler breathes, air circulates easily.

Sea grass

It is created by impregnating and gluing latex algae from the sea. After that, it is plaited into burlap, and under the temperature of the body, iodine and a pleasant aroma are released. All this has a healing property on the body.

Pros:

  • Resilience, strength and optimum degree of rigidity.
  • Ecological purity, bactericidal activity.
  • Therapeutic effect.
  • Does not provoke an allergy.
  • Affordable cost.
  • Long operational period.
  • It has an orthopedic effect.
  • Improves sleep.

Deficiencies in sea grass have not been established.

Latex

Very high quality raw materials that are made from rubber juice. Due to vulcanization, numerous cells appear at the base of the filler.

Pros:

  • Excellent elasticity.
  • The material is non-toxic, hygroscopic and breathes, does not provoke allergies.
  • The average period of service is 20 years or more.
  • Quickly normalizes its position.
  • It has an orthopedic effect due to the correct distribution of loads and repetition of human contours.

Among the shortcomings, only the cost of raw materials is distinguished.

Coconut tow

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

pros:

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

Many consumers attribute poor elasticity to disadvantages.

Felt

It is created after felting wool, and you can buy a filler in the form of canvases with different sizes in thickness.

pros:

  • High degree of density and strength.
  • Resistance to wear.
  • Hygroscopicity.
  • Environmentally friendly material.
  • Affordable price.
  • It can independently distribute the load.

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

Padded flooring

This filler is a cotton sandwich, and its thickness varies between 5-10 cm. It has 2 outer layers, which are not always of good quality, judging by the opinion of consumers.

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • Poor resilience.
  • Slow restoration to its original form.

Horsehair

The filler is created on the basis of hair from the mane or the tail of horses, and latex can be added to improve properties and qualities. It is used for premium furniture.

Pros:

  • Good degree of stiffness, firmness and elasticity.
  • Ecological cleanliness.
  • Breathability.
  • It easily absorbs and evaporates moisture; dust and microorganisms do not accumulate inside.
  • Long service life.
  • It has an orthopedic effect.

Among the shortcomings, only the price of the material is distinguished.

Independent spring unit

This type of filler is represented by horizontally placed covers of high strength, which are made of spunbond or fibertex. They enter the spirals, and all springs are involved in the reception of loads and their distribution. Due to this, it is comfortable to use furniture, it repeats human contours.

pros:

  • High degree of reliability and resilience.
  • Security.
  • Silent operation even after several years of operation.
  • Service life about 10 years.
  • Ergonomics, comfort, orthopedic properties.
  • Customers can choose options based on body weight.
  • Individual microclimate.

The main disadvantage is the relatively high price. For many consumers, the disadvantage is still not the best quality of the springs, so when buying you need to choose the right manufacturer.

Bonnel

This is a dependent block of springs, which looks like a large spiral wire frame with a frame. All elements are intertwined with cone springs. It has been used for furniture for 60 years.

pros:

  • High degree of reliability.
  • Service life is about 7 years.
  • Affordable price.
  • The ability to withstand heavy loads.
  • Air circulation and moisture exchange.

Minuses:

  • Squeaks appear over time.
  • Lack of comfort.

Many people like this type of filler because of reliability and the lowest price, but all this affects the comfort of operation, and with large furniture the load distribution will be wrong.

Snake

Such a unit includes a horizontally arranged spring parallel to each other, have a curly shape. High carbon wire is used for production.

Pros:

  • Good elasticity, scratches and other noises are excluded during operation.
  • Long service life, which can reach up to 20 years.
  • Reasonable cost.
  • An opportunity to use for large people.
  • There is a memory.
  • Good ventilation.
  • Easy installation to the furniture frame.

Minuses:

  • Bad depreciation.
  • In the case of a folding sofa, you need to use the services of a master for installation.

Having studied what are the best fillers for sofas, it will be easier for each buyer to make a choice, but it must be understood that manufacturers often combine different raw materials to increase stiffness and other characteristics.

The best choice

When choosing fillers, one should take into account the described features of each type and use the following hint:

  • Consumers with a weight of not more than 55 kg are advised to pay attention to soft fillers, including Virtuoz, Ascona Terapia Immuno and Pulse, which use an independent spring block and a combination of PUFs.
  • For customers weighing 55-90 kg, a filler of the Ascona type Victory and Balance Forma is suitable, you should also pay attention to models with a springless base or polyurethane foam options.
  • For people weighing more than 90 kg, it is better to choose an option based on combined fillers without springs or independent spring blocks.

To achieve maximum quality, comfort from the operation of sofas and other upholstered furniture, many factories combine several fillers. When choosing, you must ask the seller for documents, certificates that indicate the quality of the product and its safety for the body. To make the final choice, to understand that the furniture will be comfortable and convenient, you must definitely sit in different positions, you can still lie down. Almost all the models presented in the review meet modern requirements and rules, so their choice will be as good as possible.

To simplify the selection and final determination, you can use several basic parameters. Average operating period:

  • Spring blocks - 7-10 years.
  • Polyurethane foam filler - 5-8 years.
  • Latex - about 20 years.
  • Hollafiber serves up to 10 years.
  • Periotek and Durafil can work out for about 10 years.

If the furniture is selected for use as a bed, it is better to choose among these fillers:

  • Spring unit.
  • Polyurethane foam.
  • Latex.
  • Periotek.
  • Durafil.

The described basis is suitable for sofas, which will often have a high degree of load. Among the remaining tips for consumers, the following can be distinguished:

  1. When using soft foam rubber for the filler, you need to be prepared for the fact that it begins to crumble quickly.
  2. Pillows made for a sofa made of crumb foam quickly lose their shape.
  3. If the furniture is with a cover, it is recommended to open it to familiarize yourself with the internal content. In addition, such a decision may indicate the integrity of the factory. Another advantage of covers is the ability to wash and replace them after several years of operation.
  4. Pillows or seats on sofas with a minimal inclination make it possible to prevent furniture from moving out, and this fact may indicate the prestige of the manufacturer's company.

Today, buyers of upholstered furniture can purchase not only ready-made factory options, many factories offer custom-made sofas or armchairs. In this case, it is possible to independently determine the filler, having studied the main characteristics, pros and cons of each type in the review. As a result, it will turn out to buy not only a beautiful, but also a safe, comfortable sofa, which will serve for many years and is suitable for relaxing, receiving guests or acting as a sleeping place.