Baby PPU or holofiber, which is better?

PPU filler for sofas - what is it, its pros and cons

There is a huge range of furniture on the modern market. The buyer faces a difficult decision: what to choose? When choosing a sofa, most people focus on the appearance and often forget to ask about the padding. And it’s completely in vain, since the service life of the product as a whole and its comfort depend on it. In the article you will learn about the pros and cons of polyurethane foam fillers and what you should pay attention to when buying upholstered furniture.

What is PPU filler in a sofa?

The PU foam filler for sofas is polyurethane foam or furniture foam rubber. It has a porous structure and consists of 90% air. It has highly elastic properties, giving softness and elasticity to the product. Thanks to these characteristics, it is actively used as padding for furniture, car seats, orthopedic mattresses, toys, dish sponges, etc.

The sofa can consist entirely of polyurethane foam and be springless, or it can be a combination one, in which several fillers are combined at once (example in the photo below).

There are two main types of polyurethane foam:

1. Block - consists of large sheets of polyurethane foam, from which the manufacturer cuts out the necessary parts. The product is made from blocks of different widths and densities. Such production is less expensive in price, but after it a large amount of trimmings remains.
2. Cast - this type is poured in the form of a thick foamed liquid directly into a mold of the required size. The result is a finished part and no waste. But there is also a minus: with such production, a crust appears on top of the polyurethane foam, which does not allow air to penetrate inside.

Photo: Sofas with polyurethane foam filling

What is polyurethane foam filler on a sofa?

PPU material is superior to rubber and caoutchouc in its characteristics. High density allows you to obtain high-quality products from polyurethane foam. For furniture, polyurethane foam with an index of at least 30 km/m3 is used. Materials with a lower value are used only for making pillows.

This “filling” is characterized by the absence of wire blocks. The entire space inside is occupied by polyurethane foam (abbreviated as PPU). The material is a subtype of foam rubber. When making some models, contour cutting is used, which provides an attractive design along with comfort.

Polyurethane foam is produced by artificial gas filling of polyurethanes. Advantages of PPU filler:

Furniture with polyurethane foam filling is practical and durable.

Important! Often problems with the spine and restless sleep are associated with the place where a person sleeps. That is why it is important to choose the right furniture.

Varieties of ppu

Depending on the source raw material, polyurethane foam has the following classification:

Based on the type of sofa filling, PU foam is divided into two types:

1. Blocky. This form is produced by the supplier in the form of a large block. At furniture factories it is cut into layers of the required size. The result is a part of the sofa made from sheets of different densities. Molded polyurethane foam. Produced by pouring hot liquid into prepared molds.
2. During a chemical reaction, the filler takes on a given shape under pressure. The result is blocks of the specified sizes. The advantage of such production is the absence of waste after processing. Sheet polyurethane foam. It consists of thin sheets that cover the blocks during the production process and provide softness to the seat. Used to treat sofas before upholstery.
3. PPU crumb. During the production of blocks and sheets, crumbs are waste. This type is used for stuffing decorative pillows.

Attention! The cast type is more expensive due to the long production process.

There are a number of soft paddings that are used together with others to give furniture softness or hardness, as well as improve other characteristics. They can often be found filling armrests and backrests, as well as filling decorative pillows. Types of soft fillers:

• Sintepon. The structure contains straight fibers and is very light.
• Holofiber. As a result of treatment with silicone, elastic balls are obtained, which have the advantage of quickly regaining their shape.
• Synthetic fluff. Widely used to replace natural down. Lightweight and voluminous material, resistant to deformation.

Polyurethane foam filler for sofas: pros and cons

Advantages of PPU

• safe for people with allergies;
• easy to maintain - does not accumulate dust inside itself and has good air permeability;
• has a long service life and high wear resistance;
• thanks to its elasticity, it easily takes the curves of the body and quickly restores its original shape;
• a large selection of hardness levels, so that everyone can choose comfortable furniture just for themselves;
• it is possible to produce products of any shape, even the most complex configuration;
• one of the most economical materials.

Flaws

• unscrupulous manufacturers often use furniture foam rubber of poor quality, which reduces its service life and increases the likelihood that the furniture will quickly sit out and change its original shape;
• does not tolerate direct sunlight and may begin to deform. During production, it is desirable to use light-protective materials as upholstery;
• polyurethane foam is a flammable material.

Characteristics of polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is a porous, high-volume material used in various fields. Most often it is used as an independent internal filler for upholstered furniture or in combination with other types of filling. If you examine the structure under a microscope, you can see thick-walled cells that are filled with air.

Elastic, easier than other materials to restore its original shape and more easily adapt to the contours of a sitting person’s body, reliable, durable and having varying stiffness. It is because of these qualities that polyurethane foam is one of the most popular internal fillers for upholstered furniture. note

that it is recommended for allergy sufferers, as it does not accumulate or emit dust at all, does not cause allergies and is completely safe for health. For the production of upholstered furniture, polyurethane foam is treated with an antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial composition.

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.

PPU is a modern filler, in no way inferior to spring filler. It is advisable to choose a sofa that is not in the budget category. It should be noted that when using any packing, manufacturers may use low-quality raw materials and outdated technologies. The cheaper the furniture, the worse the quality of the materials used. Sometimes such savings can quickly affect the loss of the original appearance of upholstered furniture, as well as your health.

Source: poztelio.com

Common types of polyurethane foam

Based on the proportions of the incoming substances, the resulting material has different thicknesses and cell sizes, and the strength also changes. The list of polyurethane foam is large, but the most commonly used are two types:

Foam rubber. Its other name is elastic polyurethane foam. It has a density of 5-35 kg/cub.m. This material can be found in everyday use. It can be filler for upholstered furniture, various sponges, layers in shoes, clothes and packaging.

Comparison of the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam with other materials.

Solid polyurethane foam. It received its use in construction not so long ago, but managed to gain its popularity. After a series of tests, it can be said that this material is durable and can last for 50 years if used correctly. The only thing that polyurethane foam will not tolerate is organic and mineral acids and solvents, but at the same time it is resistant to moisture and oil products.

A huge number of types of polyurethane foam are used in Russia and neighboring countries. They can be used as a separate element or in combination with each other. Its use depends on the final goals - it can serve as insulation for buildings, perform a protective role against noise, insulate refrigeration equipment - and all this thanks to its excellent characteristics.

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Which filling to choose for a sofa?

How often do you choose upholstered furniture based on its appearance, without thinking about what’s inside? But the internal content is no less important. The reliability and durability of the seat, back and armrests, as well as the comfort and ease of seating directly depend on the filling for the sofas. Therefore, you need to approach its choice no less carefully than choosing the color of the upholstery or the shape of the sofa.

What is better - springs or highly elastic polyurethane foam (PPU)? We talk about the most popular materials and help you decide which filling is best for your sofa in order to get a comfortable and durable place to relax for many years.

Scope of application of polyurethane foam

The structure of polyurethane foam is closed pores, due to which the material not only has excellent thermal insulation characteristics, but also practically does not absorb water and water vapor, being, in fact, a waterproofing material. Due to these properties, the scope of application of polyurethane foam is very diverse.

• In addition to the manufacture of various board materials, various insulating elements of complex shapes, polyurethane foam is also used directly on any construction site: as insulation and sealing material. For example, this material is widely used for foaming openings when installing doors and windows.
• The properties of polyurethane foam directly depend on the additives used in its production. For example, it is used to produce foam for installing doors with fire-fighting properties. The liquid components that make up polyurethane foam, when interacting with each other in the open air, turn into dense foam with excellent adhesive properties.
• Using sprayed polyurethane foam directly at a construction site, you can easily insulate structural elements of any configuration. At the same time, this material is extremely resistant to most alkalis and acids, is not afraid of high humidity, and is not damaged by rodents and insects. Excellent adhesion allows you to eliminate the need for fastening elements, which solves the problem of cold bridges.

The advantages of polyurethane foam have allowed it to occupy a huge niche in the market of insulating materials. In some areas of application it even occupies a monopoly position. In particular, polyurethane foam is indispensable for insulating pipes, containers, tanks, and arranging refrigeration units. Recently, technologies have been developed to use it for insulating roofs with their simultaneous waterproofing. In this case, polyurethane foam can be sprayed directly onto old coatings without dismantling them, and the resulting surface not only follows all the curves, but also has no seams.

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 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.

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.

The PU foam filling in the sofa comes in different brands - standard, luxury PU foam, memory foam foam, etc. The higher the properties of the material, the more expensive the sofa will cost to manufacture.

The difference between ND and HP equipment is in the method of mixing raw materials

Equipment for spraying low-pressure polyurethane foam is a device in which the components are mixed in a mixing chamber at a pressure of 6-10 atm. The mixing device is either compressed air from a compressor (for spraying technology) or a mixer (for pouring technology).

The figure shows three ND models that we offered in December 2020: PENA-15, PENA-20 and PENA-25. At that time, PENA-20 and PENA-25 were already equipped with standard devices for rapid heating of polyol and isocyanate.

In June 2020, to these three installations we added a fourth, PENA-10. This is a budget option, which, for obvious reasons, we see no point in comparing with HP installations.

High-pressure spraying equipment is a device in which the components are mixed in a mixing chamber at a pressure of over 140 atm. Here the components are mixed due to mutual penetration into each other.

And we manufactured such a unit in October 2020. It successfully passed field tests and in August 2020, the NST company began mass production of machines, as in the video.

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.

Source: m.divan.ru

Main types of insulation

Components for making foam are produced in a wide variety.

PPU insulation can be divided into two main types :

1. Closed cell (heavy).
2. Open-pore (light).

Insulation with polyurethane foam is universal for all surfaces of the house that require insulation
with polyurethane foam with cells of a closed structure - the most effective thermal and waterproofing material in construction. It is characterized by an extremely low heat transfer coefficient due to the fact that its pores are filled with gas. In addition, the material has high compressive strength. This makes heavy (rigid) foams ideal for use on flat roofs in combination with protective coatings. The latter are necessary in order to prevent degradation of polyurethane foam under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

In general, the use of heavy urethane foam insulation is universal :

• foundation insulation;
• insulation of attics and ceilings;
• roof waterproofing;
• thermal insulation of facades.

Foams with an open cell structure have a relatively low density. Their preparation requires significantly less material, which makes them cheaper than heavy polyurethane foam. Despite the fact that the open structure retains heat less well, lightweight foams perform their functions well compared to traditional materials. In addition, inexpensive polyurethane foam is valuable for its soundproofing qualities.

Insulation with open-cell foams is used only where environmental conditions allow, mainly indoors. These polymers are easier to work with and allow for errors during application.

Which foam rubber to buy for a sofa: what to look for

Hi all! Some create furniture from scratch, while others simply need to replace elements of old furniture that are worn out and no longer suitable for further use.

A striking example here is foam rubber for a sofa. Even in high-quality furniture, it can wear out and sag over time. This violates the desired level of comfort, and therefore the foam needs to be replaced.

Self-assembly is even easier. To reupholster, you first need to lay something soft under the sheathing material. And here the best solution would be foam rubber.

And so that it does not get pressed, the pillows can serve for a long time and create a high level of comfort, you need to approach the issue of choice wisely. Therefore, today I suggest you find out how to choose a suitable product, how important parameters such as density, thickness and hardness play, and what are the key nuances of purchasing this product.

What it is

If you are thinking about how to replace worn-out foam rubber in furniture, then the best option is definitely to purchase the same foam rubber, or even higher quality. Before studying the types and trying to find out which is better, let’s understand the very essence of the material.

Foam rubber is a type of polyurethane foam, therefore the material can also legally and reasonably be called polyurethane foam. The strong opinion about foam rubber as a low-quality material is no longer relevant.

Currently it is used as:

• furniture upholstery element;
• popular packaging material;
• isolation;
• material to ensure heat conservation of various pipes;
• construction material;
• component for sports mats;
• filler for children's playrooms, rooms, etc.

Buying polyurethane foam of various types for appropriate purposes is not a problem at all today. And it doesn’t matter whether you live in Tyumen, cities like Chelyabinsk, Volgograd, Perm, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow or in some suburb. There are hardware stores everywhere. Plus, he does not forget about the possibility of purchasing inexpensively at retail in Leroy Merlin and through online stores.

Varieties

If we talk specifically about furniture foam rubber, then replacing it with material used in construction is not the best idea. Furniture production is constantly being improved, which allows us to improve technology and improve quality.

Several types of polyurethane foam are used simultaneously in sofas, since each section requires appropriate characteristics.

Foam rubber is divided into the following types:

• Standard. Marked with ST symbols. It is produced with different densities and can be used in various fields;
• Hard. You will recognize it by the HL marking. The best in terms of strength, but the scope of application is much narrower;
• Increased rigidity. Marked with EL. The structure is solid and can withstand heavy loads;
• Soft. It is labeled as HS. Creates comfortable landing surfaces, but easily bends under the influence of weight;
• Highly elastic. Its marking is HR. With relatively low rigidity it can withstand heavy loads. Easily and quickly restores shape;
• Viscoelastic. It can adapt to various forms of loads and weights, while distributing it over the entire available surface.

It’s difficult to say clearly which one is better. The price of products varies, which largely depends on parameters such as density, hardness and manufacturer’s brand. If we talk about how much a product costs, then prices can vary from several hundred to several thousand rubles, and sometimes more.

This is not really a complete classification. But in terms of filling the sofa, we are of little interest in non-flammable, secondary foam, reticulated and other subcategories of polyurethane foam.

Functions and Features

Various types of furniture foam are designed to perform specific functions and fill different compartments of the sofa. After all, when one sofa is made, it simultaneously includes several types of foam rubber with different characteristics.

• Standard. The most popular and widespread. It is used in furniture production and for self-assembly or restoration. It is actively used in the design of corner sofas and children's sleeping places. But the downside is that it can’t handle heavy loads. The densest option cannot withstand more than 90 kg of weight;
• Hard and polyurethane foam with increased rigidity. Well suited for sofas where people often sleep. These foams are used to fill mattresses. High density and no weight restrictions make this foam an excellent choice. But to increase comfort, it is recommended to lay another layer of polyurethane foam on top, but softer;
• Soft. Rarely used as the main filler in sofas. Designed for a softening function, therefore it acts as a layer after hard polyurethane foam. They are mainly used in the backs and cushions of sofas. It wears out quickly and does not last more than 5-6 years;
• Viscoelastic and highly elastic are quite exclusive, rarely found on sale and are expensive. They are used in the production of the most expensive and luxury furniture. The best types of foam rubber among all existing ones.

Advantages of polyurethane foam

Effective and durable - this is how polyurethane foam insulation can be characterized. Polyurethane foam is technologically advanced in the application process and trouble-free in operation, does not require surface preparation before spraying, and is easy to transport in the form of components.

Polyurethane foam is at the same time an insulation material, a waterproofing agent, and a parabarrier.

It has no equal among traditional materials in the speed of installation and the ability to fill the most inaccessible places. In addition, one insulating layer of polyurethane foam can simultaneously perform several functions : insulation, sound insulation, vapor barrier, sealant. Polyurethane foam products are lightweight. The lightness of this material allows it to be used in construction without fear of overloading load-bearing structures and foundations.

Its durability lies in the fact that over many years the structure does not lose its insulating qualities and strength properties. The finished coating is extremely resistant to mold and microorganisms. The foam has a wide range of thermal stability : it can be used in the temperature range from -60 to +100°C. In the presence of fire retardants in the composition, it is classified as a low-flammable and non-combustible material, which is not typical for plastics. PUF is odorless, does not emit hazardous or ozone-depleting substances, is neutral to the environment and harmless to humans.

Recommendations for selection

If you are faced with the task of choosing the optimal foam rubber for all characteristics that will be used in the sofa, listen to a few practical tips.

• Look at the density parameters. This is the first thing people pay attention to. In fact, a density of 30 to 40 units is ideal for organizing the sleeping area of ​​a sofa. It will be comfortable, soft enough, but will not wear out quickly. For seats and sleeping areas, choosing a density less than 30 is not recommended. And for armrests and backrests, 20-30 units are enough. The density indicator appears in the marking immediately after the letters. That is, something like ST 3542. Here the density is 35;
• Rigidity. Having decided on the density, immediately look at the hardness. It follows the first parameter in the standardized labeling. If you look at the sample above, the hardness there is 42 units. In general, foam rubber can have a hardness in the range of 15-45 units. The higher the value, the harder the product will be;
• Strength. Displays the force required to cause the foam to tear or stretch. The higher the strength, the longer the polyurethane foam and the entire sofa will last;
• Parameters of residual deformation. This characteristic indicates the ability of foam rubber to return to its original shape and the time spent on recovery. If the coefficient is high, this is bad, since such characteristics indicate low quality of the product.

In fact, you need to be extremely careful when choosing the foam rubber with which you are going to fill the sofa.

The thickness of the product actually doesn’t say anything. Even thick sheets of foam rubber can wear out quickly, sag under a fairly small weight and not restore their shape after the influence of body weight stops. As a result, your sofa will not live up to your expectations at all. And the fault will simply be an incorrectly selected filler or softener. Now call it what you want.

I would like to note that it is not necessary to chase very thick polyurethane foam to lay it in one layer under the upholstery of the sofa. You can take a thinner product, but with good characteristics. The material is used in one layer for backrests and armrests, but when folded in several layers, the result is an excellent soft, quite elastic and deformation-resistant sleeping place. After all, thicker sheets are noticeably more expensive. This is already a small trick to save money without sacrificing quality.

You can clearly see that the choice of furniture foam rubber is associated with certain nuances, requires a competent approach and must take into account several basic characteristics.

But I am sure that you will be able to cope and make the right choice. Therefore, I can only wish you good luck with your purchase.

Thanks to everyone who reads us! Subscribe, leave comments, ask questions and don’t forget to tell your friends about us!

Source: vmk-mebel.ru

Spring block

The spring block is not modern, but is still popular

They are distinguished depending on several factors:

• thickness of the metal rod that is used for the spring
• number of springs per 1 sq. m
• spring diameter
• spring height

These data together determine the anatomy of the sofa, i.e. its ability to adapt to the position and structure of the body. Springs made of thinner rods and small diameters better support the body and follow its contours. The total number of such springs per 1 sq. m. affects the ability of the product to withstand heavy weight and the period of operation.

• long period of operation
• ability to withstand heavy body weight
• reliability
• orthopedic properties beneficial for the spine
• smooth surface, with sufficient elasticity and rigidity
• good air and moisture exchange

• Over time a squeak appears
• expensive repairs

There are 2 types of spring blocks

The rigid connection between the springs affects comfort

Springs are made from high quality steel. To connect them, high-carbon steel wire with knots is used. Everything is secured with lower and upper metal frames. The total number of springs depends on the manufacturer. In this design it is 100-150 pcs/sq. m.

The bonnel block is very reliable and resilient. It is capable of holding heavy loads. People weighing more than 100 kg can safely use such a unit. Metal frames make the structure even more stable, because eliminate swaying and sideways movement of elements. This increases the service life of the unit.

The top of the springs is covered with additional filler, such as felt, padding polyester, or other materials. This softens the feel of the springs, making the product more comfortable.

A good option for a sofa in the living room.

Each of the springs is an independent element

Non-woven fabrics have the maximum level of strength and are environmentally friendly. The material is not subject to rotting, which prevents the development of bacteria and fungi. Has good resistance to all types of friction.

The covers are attached to each other using flexible connections, which enable each spring individually to demonstrate its elastic qualities. The structure itself is additionally glued with non-woven fabric on both sides. Due to this, its shape is strengthened. Block deformation is eliminated. It is protected from mechanical impact. Springs are used from thin wire and small diameter, and their number in this design reaches 350 pcs/sq. m and above. These characteristics indicate a high level of comfort of the filler. It is not subject to sagging or vibration when changing body position, and is silent in use.

This design distributes the load pointwise and follows the contours of the body, ensuring the correct position of the spine regardless of how the person is positioned.

The price of such a block, compared to a Bonnell block, is significantly higher. This is explained by the fact that manufacturing the structure requires more time, labor, and costs.

A good sofa option for good sleep and relaxation. Such a filler will not solve back problems, but will help cope with fatigue and tension in the muscles, and relieve the load on the spine.

Types of furniture filler, their pros and cons

Choosing furniture for sleeping and relaxing requires a thorough approach. Usually it depends on the purpose of the product (a folding guest version or a sofa bed that replaces a full bed).

The filler comes in different types, degrees of softness, and is made from natural, artificial fibers and mixtures thereof. When choosing a sofa for the arrival of guests, you can purchase a product with soft filling. If you plan to operate at full capacity, then you cannot do without rigid filling, which, in addition to evenly distributing the load, has an orthopedic effect.

Artificial

Synthetic fillers are made from different fibers and come in spring and springless types.

Springless

In most springless models, manufacturers use fillers made from inexpensive raw materials that are not burdensome to work with. The most striking representative of the series is polyurethane foam (abbreviated as PPU). To understand what it is and why it is better than a spring block, you need to know the characteristics of the filler.

In essence, polyurethane foam is elastic furniture foam rubber of various qualities, which is made from a mix of synthetic polymers and looks like a sponge in sheet format. PPU is divided into two types:

• standard (regular type T);
• foam rubber type HR (integral polyurethane foam).

Block polyurethane has different densities. It is a sheet filler of medium and hardness, which is cut to the specified dimensions and connected to obtain the required thickness. It is glued together in the form of a sandwich, connecting sheets from hard to soft. In order not to get confused by the thickness of the sheet, they are painted in different colors.

This is an inexpensive, but not particularly practical material.

Cast polyurethane foam is produced by casting, pouring into a specific mold, which is a part of the model (for example, a backrest, seat or pillow). When hardened, the composition takes on the desired configuration, so this method eliminates additional trimming of parts. The result is a finished element, which is complemented by upholstery.

This material costs more than its block counterpart.

Cast filler is considered elastic - it cannot be rolled, although it is quite resistant to bending. This material can withstand daily loads and does not delaminate, but after several years of use it may slightly change color. Its advantages include excellent breathability, resistance to tearing, and restoration of shape after compression.

Spring block

The filler in the form of steel springs in the case is considered the most durable and practical.

It is divided into three varieties:

• Bonnell. Dependent type, which involves connecting springs using a spiral wire made of steel;

• Snake . Original coil springs located horizontally at equal distances from each other;

• Independent type. Each spring is covered in a fabric cover and operates independently of the others; the unit is assembled by connecting the covers.

The first two types of springs stretch in the horizontal direction. The independent type block is designed in such a way that each spring is directed perpendicular to the floor. The spring block is attached to the frame and ideally has sheathing on both sides.

In some cases, it is supplemented with polyurethane foam, felt and thick textiles.

The advantages of a spring block include durability, resistance to maximum loads, and free air exchange. It also provides comfort during sleep, a smooth surface and elasticity of the sleeping bed.

The disadvantages of the filler are a small choice of shapes, the possibility of squeaking during operation, high cost and expensive repairs (in case of replacing the block).

You can learn more about the features and nuances of the spring block from the following video:

The fillings of the backs and armrests are synthetic down and padding polyester, as well as periotek (a modification of felt of natural or synthetic origin).

Natural

Natural fillings for a sofa include latex, coir (coconut fiber), and sisal (plant fiber from Mexican agave). The rarest addition to the filler is horsehair. It is a component for a mat with coconut filling.

Natural fillers come in different thicknesses and are often used for furniture with an orthopedic effect.

They eliminate the “immersion” effect and therefore do not sag.

Coir is considered one of the most practical and useful materials. This is a natural, hypoallergenic filler that maintains normal air exchange and also prevents the formation of fungus and mold. It is ideal for the skin and is a good prevention of musculoskeletal system problems.

Among the fillers of natural origin, quilted cotton is used . It is a canvas from 5 to 10 cm in thickness, which is covered with dense textiles on both sides.

This filler is used in conjunction with a spring block and makes the elastic mattress softer.

Combined

Today on the furniture market you can find interesting solutions with a combination of fillers. Externally, such a mat is a layer of two or three layers of materials of different compositions. One filler of different densities or different materials can be used.

For example, a polyurethane foam filler can be supplemented with padded padding, a spring block with foam rubber or coir, and so on.

In addition, the model can be made with parts of varying degrees of softness: the seat is usually hard, the back and armrests can be made of medium-hard filler, and the pillows can be made of very soft material.

Spring snake

Simple and inexpensive spring base

The snake spring block is also a type of filler. Very often used in the furniture industry, including sofas. Used in soft elements, mainly in the seat and backrest.

The springs are made of galvanized metal and are attached transversely to the wooden base of the sofa with hinged strips or clips. Their number depends on the size and purpose of the product. The base of the structure is made up of these springs. The top is then covered with a layer of felt, batting or foam rubber.

The spring snake allows air to pass through well, so any moisture will evaporate and the product will dry quickly.

The seat has a springy effect and is quite soft. Not resistant to heavy loads. After a short time it begins to sag. This is a big disadvantage for sofas with such filling, which are not recommended for frequent use and are not suitable for sleeping.

Polyurethane foam

For those who love comfort no less than savings

Polyurethane foam sofa filler (PPU) is a synthetic porous substance or furniture foam rubber. Consists of cells that are filled with air. The volume of the material is 90% air. It is used in furniture production as a flooring material or, due to its compactness, as the main filler for sofas.

PPU is produced in 2 types:

The molded type is denser and costs more.

The material also differs in density. The required density indicators for furniture are 30-40 kg/sq.m.

• high-quality material can last a very long time
• environmental Safety
• recovers in shape after exposure to stress
• It allows air to pass through well, which prevents possible moisture from accumulating in it.
• has thermal insulation, antibacterial, antifungal, antiallergenic properties

• cheap types become unusable over time and begin to crumble, and heavy loads can leave dents in them
• deforms in direct sunlight. To avoid this, the filler is covered with a special upholstery that protects it from the sun.
• Many consumers do not like the higher density of polyurethane foam, because products with such a surface are very hard

This sofa will be a wonderful sleeping place. The polyurethane foam filler is not inferior in properties and comfort to an independent spring block, but it is more affordable in price.

Composition and characteristics

Highly elastic polyurethane foam is obtained by mixing two liquid polymers. In this case, we mean a polyol and a polyisocyanate. By changing the proportions of these components and supplementing them with fire retardant additives, it is possible to obtain highly elastic polyurethane foam of varying degrees of hardness.

Soft and elastic foam rubber is widely used in the production of furniture and household products.

The unique characteristics of this material make it universal; it is used in all areas of activity. The following key properties of viscoelastic foam can be distinguished:

• low thermal conductivity;
• can be used in the range from -100 C to +130 C;
• light weight;
• high adhesion rates;
• environmental friendliness.

Natural latex

Ideal for all sleep products

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

The material is widely used in filling furniture. The proportion of rubber in such a filler should be in the range of 45-65% in order for it to have the necessary qualities:

• elasticity
• elasticity
• wear resistance

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

• Thanks to the high level of elasticity, it supports the body well, eliminating unnecessary swaying and swaying. Restores shape very quickly
• The latex structure gradually adapts to the contours of the body and responds 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 allows air to pass through well, which prevents moisture from accumulating in the filler itself.
• Has good thermoregulation: keeps warm in winter, keeps cool in summer
• The high quality and strength of latex makes the filler durable in use and less susceptible to deformation.
• The material is hygienic and hypoallergenic
• The filler is absolutely silent in use

• The disadvantage is the high cost of this filler.

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

Sintepon

Creates additional softness and elasticity

It is an intermediate material. The top of the filler is covered with padding polyester. It is also used to fill sofa cushions.

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

• back, armrests – 300 g/sq.m
• seat – not less than 400 g/sq.m
• pillows – more than 300 g/sq.m

These indicators must be strictly observed. Then the sofa will be soft and visually attractive. It will delight you with its coziness and comfort.

This material is popular for its properties.

Source: krrot.net

PPU sofa filler: types, properties, quality indicators

To choose a really good sofa, in addition to the reliability of the frame and the strength of the upholstery, you should pay attention to its interior. Since not only the durability of the product, but also the comfort of use depends on it.

At the base of each sofa there is a spring block or polyurethane foam. Very often buyers ask: which is better? It will be easier to make the right choice if you know the main characteristics of these fillings. Our blog has an overview of the types of spring blocks for mattresses. The same Bonnel or TFK is used in upholstered furniture. Basic information can be read there.

And in this article we will talk about the PU foam filling for the sofa: what kind of material it is, what types there are and what their properties are.