Comparison of springs and polyurethane foam - sofa with which filler is better

When choosing a sofa, it is unreasonable to pay attention to its appearance, bypassing the filler, especially when it is planned to use sleep furniture daily. If only a few decades ago the springs were the only way to fill the inside, today the assortment has expanded significantly - holofiber, latex, synthetic winterizer, polyurethane foam. Just the last option has become the main competitor of the familiar dependent and independent spring blocks. Despite the demand, each of these materials is imperfect, so the user should understand which sofa is better, spring or polyurethane foam, in terms of basic operational characteristics. This issue is really important, because the choice of filler directly affects the comfort of use and the possibility of long-term use of furniture.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each type of filler has a set of properties that determine its main characteristics. Both the spring and polyurethane versions have their pros and cons.

Springs

There are several types of spring blocks:

  1. Independent. It is a series of individual springs, each of which provides its own cover. Deformation of one part occurs independently of others. Such a sofa base has orthopedic properties, which has a positive effect on the vertebral region and back muscles. An independent spring unit for a sofa can support up to 150 kg. Among the shortcomings can be noted the high cost compared to other options.
  2. Dependent. Springs are always interconnected. Under the weight of the human body, they are deformed by an inextricable chain, so you should not expect an orthopedic effect from such a sofa. The maximum weight that the dependent spring unit in sofas can withstand is 100 kg. This is a disadvantage for people with a large body weight. Relative advantage: low cost.
  3. The snake. This is the most modern and technological unit of all those present on the market. The spring block "snake" for the sofa practically does not miss under the weight of the human body, it does not creak during operation. Its elements are difficult to damage, so the variety is considered the most durable. The maximum weight is 120 kg.

Indisputable advantages of spring blocks:

  1. Duration of operation. Due to the use of high-quality steel for the manufacture of metal coils, the average product life is 10 years.
  2. Price-quality ratio. It is determined by the practicality and durability of the product.
  3. Increased stress. The filler is ideal for people with a tight build.

Among the minuses of the filler, experts call:

  1. Lack of orthopedic effect.
  2. Susceptibility to deformation. Over time, the structure of steel changes, due to which the sofa sags, it becomes lower.
  3. Sophisticated and expensive repairs. It is very difficult to repair upholstered furniture with a spring block, which will incur large financial costs. It is especially unprofitable to repair a sofa with dependent springs, since they need to be changed all at once - by a common unit.

To reduce the load on the sofa and extend the life of the product, you need to take care of the presence of sofa cushions made of silicone or foam.

AddictedIndependentSnake

Polyurethane foam

In everyday life, polyurethane foam filler for sofas is often called foam rubber. It restores its shape well, as it is a light porous material. There are several varieties of PPU:

  1. Latex. One of the most modern PPU fillers. Soft and highly elastic material. It has an orthopedic function, hypoallergenic (like any polyurethane foam mattresses), is safe and comfortable during operation. Withstands weight up to 120 kg.
  2. Shaped (cast). It is a block of a certain shape, cast using a special blank. This production technology allows cast PPU to be involved in the manufacture of furniture of various shapes. As springy and elastic as latex. It has high quality due to its density. Maximum user weight - 130 kg.
  3. Sheet. Initially, it is made in the form of a single sheet of foam rubber (hence the name), then the polyurethane is cut into pieces of various shapes for the further manufacture of furniture. The most inexpensive option of all presented. Withstands weight up to 100 kg.

As part of the budget segment furniture there is an adhesive used to fasten parts - such sofas can provoke allergies.

Advantages of the filler:

  • hypoallergenic material, which is extremely important for people prone to allergic reactions;
  • environmental friendliness and safety;
  • stiffness balance;
  • lack of ability to absorb odors and accumulate dirt;
  • reasonable price in comparison with spring models.

Cons of the filler are the following features:

  1. Foam rubber is highly flammable, and toxic substances are released during combustion.
  2. Budget models quickly lose their shape, which makes the sofa unusable.

The PUF filling for the sofa does not accumulate dust, the likelihood of mold due to dampness is also absent, since the material is processed with a special solution.

LatexSheetCast

Feature Comparison

To understand which sofa is better - spring or polyurethane foam - for comfortable and practical use, you will need a clear comparison of the properties and characteristics of both fillers.

CriterionPolyurethane foamSpring base
DurabilityFoam products are not the most durable. Such a sofa is suitable for families with small children or animals, because after unintentional damage to furniture it will not be a pity to get rid of it.Furniture with a spring base is more durable, respectively, lasts longer (from 10 years).
Convenience, scopeAbsolutely safe for allergy sufferers and children. You can select the desired density for comfortable operation. The filler anatomically adjusts to the contours of the body.Furniture on springs, especially independent ones, is suitable for people with spinal problems. The load on the spine is evenly distributed. Sofas are tough, but no less comfortable.
PriceWhen choosing between a PUF or a spring snake, polyurethane wins, since usually foam sofas have a lower cost.The price of spring sofas is higher, because they have an advantage in a number of functions over the foam "stuffing". However, polyurethane foam or a spring block can change their price category, which depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the material used.

The choice between the spring block or the PUF is ambiguous, since each consumer determines for himself a number of criteria, according to which the final decision will be made. Foam sofa is relevant for a rented apartment, families with a small restless child or an active pet, it will also be a good option for a summer residence. A sofa with a spring base will last a long time, so it is suitable for practical and conservative people who rarely repair and update the interior. Some models can be used as a berth due to their orthopedic properties, which is an advantage for a studio apartment. Therefore, in order to choose a PUF or a spring unit, it is first of all necessary to rely on your own needs.

Environmental friendliness, safety for allergy sufferers, balance of rigidityReliability, practicality, durability

Video

Watch the video: Comparing Different Types of Upholstery Foam (October 2024).

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