Sintepon, holofiber or foam rubber: which filler is better to choose for upholstered furniture

Do you want to repair an old sofa or make a new one to order? Then you will definitely be faced with the question of which filler to choose. The answer depends on several factors: the required rigidity, the expected service life and purpose of the furniture (the characteristics of an office sofa will differ from the one on which you sleep). In this article we will talk about the most popular fillers, their scope of application, disadvantages and advantages.

What is "Holofiber"?

Many manufacturers deceive buyers by claiming that holofiber is a natural material.

Don’t be lazy, open any article on the Internet, the first thing you will see: “Produced from chemical fibers (for example, viscose, polyester, polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, polypropylene), as well as recycled fiber raw materials (fibers regenerated from rags and rags) and briefly -fibrous waste from chemical and other industries."

So my question is, where is the naturalness here? Something is not visible at all...

What is the service life of “holofiber”, how quickly will it “sell”?

Initially, “holofiber” is a voluminous material and looks very beautiful, but over a very short time, the volume of “holofiber” rapidly decreases; I saw how a mattress that was only 6 months old lost 2 centimeters in height due to the fact that The hollow fiber sank, and later this material becomes so wrinkled that it will be possible to count the number of springs in the mattress - by touch.

Why is Holofiber used in the production of furniture and mattresses?

First of all, this is a very inexpensive material, much cheaper than polyurethane foam, and at the same time very voluminous (at least in the first months of life)

Due to the use of cheap material, the manufacturer earns more, it’s simple.

I would like to especially emphasize that this is my personal opinion, based on observation and practice of selling mattresses and furniture, I do not want to blame anyone, the final choice always remains with the buyer.

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When choosing upholstered furniture, its appearance is mainly taken into account. Although comfort, strength, and service life are primarily affected by what the furniture is made of inside. This article will help you understand a specific topic, what are the best fillings for sofas in terms of practicality and price that currently exist. Depending on the purpose, this will help everyone choose a comfortable sofa that will last a very long time. It will be simply pleasant to relax on it or use it as a place for a healthy sleep.

General recommendations for choosing mattress filling

Which mattress to choose for your child is an individual question. Here you should rely on the following rules:

• The main requirement for all children's products is safety! Therefore, natural materials should be considered as priority options, and carefully tested artificial ones if you have a limited budget.
• Pay attention to the composition of not only fillers, but also glue, because... it can often be a major source of harmful chemicals.
• It is recommended to select a mattress according to the degree of hardness, which directly depends on the filler used in its production. The decision should be made based on the age of the child.
• If you are choosing a mattress for a child who can already express his opinion, try first testing the model you like in the store together - your opinions may differ radically.
• If your child has musculoskeletal diseases, be sure to consult with your doctor before purchasing a mattress!

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.

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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.

Real reviews

In preparation for the arrival of our first grandchild, my husband and I looked at many websites offering bedding for little ones. We didn’t even expect that this market had such a large assortment and so many offers. The choice was very difficult to make. We are accustomed to the fact that everything natural and organic is the best for children. However, I remember well that children's cotton or felt mattresses quickly caked, accumulated dust, became dirty, easily got wet, were difficult to wash and even more difficult to dry. The new synthetic material, holofiber, does not have these disadvantages. Our family bought just such a mattress for our newborn. It is thin, only 5 cm. But it does not contain harmful adhesive additives. The instructions say that if the surface of the mattress gets dirty, you can always simply wash it. The price is very low - only 600 rubles for a standard mattress for a 120 × 60 crib.

My son will soon be 3 years old. At this age, all children are very active and inquisitive. They are always unraveling everything, taking it apart, picking it apart, in short, trying to find out what this world is made of! So our son dug a hole in the spring mattress and pulled out the spring. It’s good that they noticed it in time and he didn’t get hurt. We decided that the new mattress must be springless. We chose the “Cocofiber” model with holofiber and coconut filling. The mattress is light, the child can lift it and turn it over independently. My wife is happy that the mattress does not become a dust collector and a breeding ground for mites. It is also easy to clean if the little one smears it, spills paint or juice.

Renata (Russia, Moscow)

I am the mother of three children of different ages (2 years old, 6 and 8 years old). So, in matters of choosing children's bedding, I am already a real expert; I can competently determine what will benefit a growing body. Eight years ago, my husband and I bought a mattress for our firstborn with a new synthetic filler - holofiber. I’ll say right away that he also served two others. The mattress does not let water in! And this is very important for super-busy young mothers who do not have time to put a diaper under their baby or put on a diaper in time. Guaranteed not to cause allergies, the price is lower than popular multi-layer models. When the child grew up, we bought a mattress for middle-aged children from the same material on which he sleeps now. Universal children's models are good because they have different hardness on each side of the mattress.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

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Now you know what furniture polyurethane foam means and how it differs from foam rubber. Nothing. It is the same.

Before you buy a sofa that uses PU foam filler, you should take a look at its pros and cons.

I'll start, as usual, with the advantages. You know me. The advantages here are:

• long service life without loss of initial characteristics;
• wear resistance and reliability;
• wide range of options;
• safety for health, as well as the absence of allergic reactions;
• easy maintenance;
• ability to pass moisture and air;
• elasticity;
• the ability to select the appropriate hardness as well as density.

But there is also a downside.

In general, the disadvantages are not as significant as the advantages. But still.

• Hardness and density
  . If you had a hard spring sofa, then switching to polyurethane foam may seem too soft. Heavy users may fail;
• The product absorbs water
  . Like a sponge. Therefore, spilling liquids is not recommended. The problem is solved by moisture-resistant sofa upholstery;
• Cheap sofas
  . They wear out quickly and also become deformed. They are unlikely to last more than 4-5 years. You can buy them as temporary furniture;
• Loss of orthopedic properties
  . It occurs in about 10-12 years. But this is not as little as it seems.

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:

• molded (cast)
• block

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.

Artificial fillings for children's mattresses

Fillers made from synthetic materials have properties similar to natural ones, but are a more budget-friendly option. They can compete with natural ones, provided their production technology is followed and safety certificates are available.

Polyurethane foam (PPU)

Polyurethane foam, sometimes called artificial latex, is one of the most popular today. The reason for this is the low price.

Externally, polyurethane foam resembles the more familiar foam rubber, but is more dense. The hardness of these mattresses can vary - it all depends on the quality of the raw materials from which the material was made. The higher the quality of the polyurethane foam, the longer the mattress will last. This is not difficult to determine: just press on the mattress with your hand - a strong pushing effect indicates the high quality of the polyurethane foam.

The advantages of polyurethane foam mattresses are:

• low price;
• cellular structure providing excellent breathability;
• have an anatomical effect, excellent for children over five years old;
• hygiene, have an antibacterial effect;
• easy to transport (they can be rolled up).

Among the disadvantages of this material, one can note its ability to absorb moisture in small volumes if insufficiently dense material was used in production.

If the quality of raw materials is low, rapid wear is possible, which is not critical for children's mattresses - children grow quickly, and in a couple of years they will need a new mattress due to the changed dimensions of their sleeping place.

Ecopena

Ecofoam is a type of polyurethane foam filler, characterized by a special cell structure. The cells in the structure of this material vary in size and wall thickness, which allows it to react to loads at different levels: at low loads, small cells with thin walls are compressed, at higher loads, larger cells with thicker walls come into play, thereby making the surface more elastic. Ecofoam is used for medical purposes for mattresses with an orthopedic effect.

In addition to all the positive characteristics of PU foam fillers, you can add the ability to withstand higher loads and a more pronounced orthopedic effect.

Memory

As the name suggests, this filler has the so-called “memory effect”: the material reacts to body temperature, becomes softer and follows the contours of the child lying on it, which completely eliminates any pressure on the internal organs. It is well suited for teenage children, whose spine has already acquired the necessary shape, and whose musculoskeletal system has passed the first stage of development.

Mattresses with memory filling are comfortable, but require some getting used to. Initially, it can be uncomfortable to turn on them, since they literally envelop the body at the points of contact.

Speaking about the advantages of the filler, it should be noted

• hygiene;
• good orthopedic effect;
• long service life;
• convenience in the winter season.

Memories also have disadvantages. First of all, the price is high, and secondly, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will be quite hot in the summer. As a compromise, it is recommended to purchase a double-sided mattress: memory filler is used on one side, coconut filler is used on the other, which is more pleasant for the warm season.

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.

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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.

When choosing upholstered furniture, we are often guided by our feelings: whether we like the shape, color and texture of the upholstery and do not think at all that this is not the only thing that determines the service life of the sofa or chair we like. Meanwhile, inside a beautiful wrapper there may be unsightly contents, so it is the “insides” that you should pay attention to first of all, so as not to buy a pig in a poke. So, today we will look at sofa fillers.

What it is?

Materials that make up the internal contents of upholstered furniture (sofas, armchairs, furniture cushions, armrests, etc.) and on which the convenience, comfort and service life of the product largely depend. In the production of one furniture sample, several types of fillers can be used.

Spring

Fillers based on a spring block are the “elders” of furniture technology; antique sofas are made precisely on this basis. There are several types of spring structures:

• Bonnell - double-cone steel springs of five turns, woven together with wire into a rigid frame. Withstand heavy loads, recommended for obese people weighing more than 110 kg;
• Block of independent springs.

The coil springs are arranged vertically, and each is placed in a case made of very dense, breathable material. The covers are sewn together into a single design. This allows each spring, when subjected to gravity, to compress or expand independently of the others. Thanks to this, a block of independent springs has orthopedic properties.

Spring “snake” is a sine wave-shaped spring made of hardened steel wire. They are attached horizontally to the seat frame, providing a smooth elastic surface and an orthopedic effect.

The spring block is attached to a wooden frame. Layers of polyurethane, felt, batting or material with coconut fiber treated with latex (coconut coir) are laid underneath and outside.