How to choose a sofa filler?

What is important to consider when choosing?

There are many options for soft sofa fillers, but you cannot choose one and call it the best. The "filling" should suit you according to the following characteristics:

• Softness - hardness... Some people like to literally fall into the pillow, others prefer denser seats with an orthopedic effect. Convenience also depends on the type of furniture: sofas for sleeping should keep their shape well, have orthopedic properties.
• Hypoallergenic... If there are allergy sufferers or small children prone to illness in the family, the safety of the components is one of the fundamental points of choice.
• Durability... Hardly anyone dreams of investing in an expensive purchase that will last 2-3 years at most. Do not save on the sofa and choose the right components, then the service life will increase by 3-4 times.

What types are there?

There are many options for fillers, consider the most popular of the possible.

Polyurethane foam

Used in frame and frameless sofa models. It is a foamed synthetic base of various densities: the furniture option must meet the indicators of at least 30 kg per m2... If it is lower - you can not dream of a long service life. Strongly higher - it will be too hard to sit.

Spring block

Spring blocks, as in mattresses, are dependent or independent.

• The first, the bonnel type - are cheap, but inferior in quality, durability - after a while, individual parts will begin to squeak.
• Independent spring units are a modern design in which parts are individually “dressed” in separate bags. They will not get into trouble in the form of a protruding spring, they are comfortable, durable, but they are more expensive.

Since blocks with independent springs are installed inside high-quality sofas, we will analyze the pros and cons of this option.

Latex

It may surprise you, but latex is a completely natural filler! It contains the juice of a rubber tree, which is given a porous texture using a special technology.

Sintepon

Synthetic polyester fibers form the backbone of the nonwoven fabric. They are used in the manufacture of clothing, bedspreads and, of course, furniture production. Usually acts as an interlayer between upholstery and other filler, synthetic fluff is used in decorative pillows.

Periotec

The composition of the canvas does not differ from the padding polyester - the same polyester fibers. But the structure of the filler is different: a dense base layer is complemented by two reinforcements, and the whole “pie” together guarantees a long service life.

To increase firmness, flax, bamboo, wool, viscose are added to polyester in production. Due to additives, the final properties of the products also differ: some will be of better quality in terms of durability, others are more resistant to deformation.

Structofiber

Some people call this unusual material the best alternative to the independent spring insert. And this is fully justified. Elastic artificial fibers, laid vertically during the production process, retain their position under any load, guaranteeing maximum elasticity.

Felt

Natural material. It is made by felting goat or sheep wool. The characteristics are primarily tied precisely to the naturalness of origin.

Felt is used exclusively as an addition: to increase the thickness, protect steel springs, and the inner layer.

Foam rubber

As copiers are called copiers, and diapers are diapers, polyurethane foam is called foam rubber. In fact, foam rubber - less elastic (and, accordingly, less quality) PPU. There are sheets of different densities - the smaller the number, the less the product will last with it.

Holofiber

There are two types of synthetic material - balls (used in the production of pillows, blankets, outerwear) or sheets. The latter are used in furniture.

It's worth noticing right away: holofiber has practically no drawbacks, so it makes no sense to consider them. Let's dwell on the merits:

• Safety... Does not cause allergies, does not collect dust, is not suitable for the life of ticks, fungal colonies.
• Versatility... Depending on the needs, it is suitable for different rooms: children's rooms (hypoallergenic), kitchens (does not absorb odors), living rooms (the sofa can withstand serious loads).
• Durability... Much less padding polyester crumples, quickly restores shape.

Durafil

Second non-woven replacement for springs after struttofiber. At the heart of the fiber is polyester. Their vertical arrangement on the base allows you to obtain a filler with high elasticity.

Durafil has no drawbacks, but the advantages of the filler speak for themselves:

• Hypoallergenic... For any rooms, families.
• Elastic... Recovers quickly after exertion.
• Hygienic... Does not accumulate dust, has antimicrobial properties.
• Reliable... The filler is guaranteed to last ~ 10 years.

Lamels

Found in sleep models, needed to support soft fillers and an orthopedic effect. The "skeleton" is made of elastic lamellas, which later becomes overgrown with "meat" in the form of springs or polyurethane foam, an interlayer, a cover.

Needed only in sleep models, because contribute to an even distribution of the load on the filler, thereby increasing the quality of sleep.

Coir

Coconut coir is considered a natural filler, because it is based on the "peel" of an exotic fruit. But in fact, the fibers are often treated with latex or other substances to extend their service life and improve their properties.

Of the main advantages of the filler are environmental friendliness - no harmful fumes. Of the shortcomings - even in spite of the processing, coira will crumble and collapse, and if there is no gasket between it and the upholstery, lick it out, it is unpleasant to inject.

What's the best filler?

As we said at the beginning, there is no perfect filler. It all depends on what you need.

There are no less options for fillers for upholstered furniture than its designs: look for the one that is right for you!