Which filler is better for a sofa: spring block or polyurethane foam?

The choice of upholstered furniture is always directly associated with the need to find many compromises. Determining which filler is best for a sofa is no less difficult than choosing an upholstery. Many options for fillers are focused on different market segments: from budget to luxury. Among the most popular solutions, polyurethane foam and a spring block can be distinguished, which are considered the best options for sleeping and relaxing. Such fillers are popular, are actively used by different manufacturers, they are often compared among themselves.

When deciding what to choose (a spring block or polyurethane), it is imperative to consider all the features, pros and cons of materials. They differ in the degree of elasticity, durability, reliability. Immediately understanding what to choose for daily sleep is quite difficult.

Each type of sofa has its own requirements for the choice of filler. Usually, a material capable of maintaining elasticity and density for a long time is selected as a sleeping place. Besides, it should be hypoallergenic, provide anatomically correct support for the body during sleep or rest.

The spring blocks used as filler for sofas can have different types of construction. The classic version is the one in which the springs are a single unit and connected by a common frame. Such a base has no orthopedic effect, can withstand weight up to 100 kg, but it is cheap, it retains its original shape for a long time.

For sleep, the bases of sofas in which springs connected to an independent unit. They belong to the category of orthopedic, withstand much greater loads, and deformations take point, locally. There is another kind of spring blocks. It is called "Snake", by the method of connecting elements and is considered the most durable. According to the intensity of the withstand loads and cost, this option is one of the best.

Among the obvious advantages of sofas with spring blocks can be noted such.

1. Significant service life. Metal springs withstand at least 10 years of operation without loss of initial consumer qualities.
2. The ability to withstand the most intense loads. Depending on the type of spring unit used, this indicator can vary in the range from 120 to 150 kg. This option is suitable for large people who are uncomfortable with less rigid, leaking fillers.
3. The optimum ratio of cost and quality. All parameters of the filler in the form of spring blocks fully comply with the declared price level.

There are also disadvantages. Not all spring blocks have an orthopedic effect, in addition, even they noticeably deform over time and lose their former elasticity. The spring filler has the lowest maintainability, to extend the service life requires the use of additional softening pillows made of foam rubber, silicone. Under excessive loads, metal spiral elements can break, break through expensive stuffing.

PPU or the made foam polyurethane has the national name "foam rubber"It is often used as a pad for sofas. Unlike softer materials, it has a fairly high density, holds its shape well, quickly restores it after contact with the human body. All types of materials combined under the term polyurethane foam can be divided into 3 main groups.

• Polyurethane Foam Sheets - the very foam rubber that is produced in large plates of different thicknesses. In the future, it is cut into individual elements of the desired shape and size. This is the most low-cost type of polyurethane foam, not characterized by high density, the maximum load on the material is limited to a mass of 100 kg.
• Molded Polyurethane Foam much more durable and durable. It is manufactured already in the form of finished molded products, provides good support, successfully resists deformation loads. In quality, this filler is one of the best. The weight maintained by it reaches 130 kg.
• The latex version is similar to it., the most comfortable to use, it has impressive consumer properties, takes the form of bends of the human body, easily restores previous volumes.

All foam-based mattresses are hypoallergenic and safety. Their obvious advantages include the following points.

1. Ecological safety. PUFs are used as a filler in children's sofas and other types of furniture experiencing medium and high loads.
2. Optimum balance of rigidity and softness. The material is as comfortable as possible to use, it is pleasant and comfortable to lie on.
3. Resistance to absorption of odors, pollution. Such a filler is especially good for housing where there are small children, pets, actively exploring the space around them.
4. Significantly lower cost in comparison with the spring block. Such a filler helps to compensate for the inconvenience of the spring block, makes it possible to purchase a modern sofa at a reasonable price.
5. Material does not accumulate dust inside, mold does not multiply from dampness if moisture has leaked inside.

Sofas with polyurethane foam filling and a spring block are regularly compared according to their consumer properties. Making the final choice will be easier if you study all the significant points in more detail.

Among the spring blocks, the option with independent springs is considered the most convenient. It belongs to the category of orthopedic, suitable for people with diseases of the spine. Uniform load distribution makes it possible to prevent exacerbation of existing symptoms, create favorable conditions for sleep and rest. Such sofas are quite tough, but quite comfortable.

Polyurethane foam filler in molded or latex version is one of the safest, most comfortable to use options. Different levels of density and thickness of the foam material help to select a filler with optimal characteristics.

By service life, sofas with a spring block inside can be attributed to the champions. They retain their consumer properties for 10 years or more. Polyurethane foam is not so durable, but its dense varieties easily overcome the milestone of 5-7 years without deformation, even during the most intensive use.

It is worth noting that it is the PPU-based filler that is recommended for use in families with small children. It is soft, but dense, injury-proof, withstands even jumping, and well mitigates falls.

If we talk about the benefits of the basis of the sofa for daily sleep, it is worth considering the orthopedic properties of the material. At PPU they are consistently high: the higher the density of the filler, the more effective support for the back it provides. In the case of spring blocks, it makes sense to consider only an independent option as a component of a berth. It is he who guarantees the correct load distribution.

When choosing a quality filler for a sofa, you should pay attention to the purpose of furniture from the very beginning. If we are talking about a transforming base used as a bed, you can choose an independent spring unit or latex foam. Stationary models designed only for seating can be considered in a wider range. Here you can consider options for molded or latex filler based on polyurethane foam, any options for spring connections.

For use in the country, the kitchen, in non-residential premises, you can choose both polyurethane foam blocks and their analogues with a metal elastic base - they will not require frequent updating of seats, they will retain their shape for a long time.

The review of fillers for a sofa look further.