What is foam rubber and its types - which one is best to use on a sofa?

A correct and thoughtful approach to the material from which a mattress is made is an important point in caring for human health. A few decades ago, consumers had the option of purchasing both a foam and an innerspring mattress. If the first attracted consumers with a soft and comfortable base, then the second - with durability and endurance. What has changed now?

The modern name for a foam mattress is polyurethane foam. The name change is associated with the release of various types of material with interesting features. To decide on the choice of a suitable base, you should study the recommendations, reviews of owners, and the features of caring for a foam rubber product.

Differences between polyurethane foam and foam mattresses

There are no significant differences between the materials. The chemical formula of foam rubber and polyurethane foam is the same, the starting components are the same, but special additives are allowed in the structure. In this regard, differences may appear in the degree of rigidity and in the speed of restoration of the original shape after loading.

Nowadays, “foam rubber” is usually called a low-density polyurethane foam mattress. Next we will cover the topic of the density of such mattresses.

A careful assessment of the characteristics will allow you to decide on purchasing the most suitable mattress material.

Hardness degree

Unfortunately, to simplify the definition of mattresses by material, criteria are used that often do not reflect their actual differences. For example, among inexperienced sellers, thin inexpensive mattresses are usually called foam rubber, and dense PU foam mattresses with increased product rigidity are called polyurethane foam. Therefore, always check the density and hardness of the material. It is important to understand that the required hardness is achieved during the preparation of the chemical composition before the production of blocks, and also depends on the features and production procedure.

There are several degrees of hardness of polyurethane foam mattresses, depending on the type of additives used.

1. Very soft mattresses are based on thin and inexpensive foam rubber, which is not able to support the body in a comfortable position and ensure uniform distribution of the load on the spine and back during rest. We categorically do not recommend using such mattresses.
2. Soft mattresses resemble a feather bed in which a person sinks, as if in a cloud of fluff. Increased softness creates extraordinary comfort for relaxation, but is not always beneficial for the spine. If such surfaces are recommended by an orthopedic doctor, then you should place an order without hesitation, otherwise you should pay attention to the next type.
3. Medium-hard mattresses do an excellent job of supporting the body in a comfortable position, take an anatomical shape, and do not press through. A distinctive feature can be considered the slow restoration of the original shape. These mattresses are suitable for most people and last much longer than the first two types.

Which is better: holofiber, latex or polyurethane foam

Mattress fillings are varied. 3 of them are in similar price groups. Because of this, a choice is often made between them. The consumer needs to understand exactly which option is better. Budget category fillers are used for items:

• holofiber is a synthetic filler that consists of polyester, polyamide and polyacrylonitrile fiber. The material is voluminous, the cheapest. It is not practical, it wears out in a very short time, even if the weight of the person sleeping on such an object is small. On average, in just 6 months of use, an item will decrease in thickness by about 2 cm. An item will only be normal if it has holofiber as an additional layer along with the main one - hard, elastic;
• latex is a natural filler obtained by processing natural rubber. The most expensive filler in this price group. This material has a serious advantage - an antibacterial effect. A latex mattress will be breathable, making it not stuffy to lie on. It has a high orthopedic effect. Caring for the item is very simple;
• PPU - when its quality is high, it is a worthy substitute for latex, but much cheaper. Noticeably outperforms holofiber. Unlike a latex mattress, a foam mattress will last a shorter period of time, and the permissible maximum load on it is lower.

Manufacturers believe that latex and polyurethane foam are the necessary basis for a proper mattress, and holofiber can only be used as an auxiliary layer. Serious production of orthopedic models will not produce them only from holofiber.

Thickness

The thickness of foam mattresses can start from 7 cm and reach up to 30. We do not recommend using mattresses below 10-14 cm as an independent sleeping place for an adult.

A mattress with a foam thickness of 10 cm or more is an excellent and affordable alternative to models made from other materials. For its manufacture, the manufacturer usually chooses high-density polyurethane foam, which guarantees:

• correct distribution of the load on the body,
• rapid return of the material to its original state, regardless of the strength and duration of the load,
• adjustment to the anatomical features of the owner.

How to do it yourself?

Everyone needs a new mattress from time to time. And many people can do it themselves. This could be an option for the dacha. And it happens that the fabric on the mattress is still good, but the foam has already sagged.

You will need:

1. Foam rubber.
2. Mattress cover material.
3. Felt.
4. Glue for foam rubber.

If the spring blocks are in good condition, then it is enough to replace only the pieces of foam rubber with new parts.

Work algorithm:

1. Lay foam rubber on the floor and cover it with felt.
2. Glue pieces of foam rubber to the sides to hide the springs.
3. On top, when the glue dries, put felt, and then foam rubber.
4. The final step is to insert the foam into the case.

If you need a new mattress without springs, you first need to decide on its size. Purchase foam rubber with the required parameters. Then sew a mattress cover. When cutting, take seam allowances into account. All that remains is to place the polyurethane foam in the case.

Video of a DIY foam mattress:

Advantages

• Hardness
  A wide range of mattresses that differ in density allows customers to choose a model that suits their hardness. Excessively soft polyurethane foam is suitable for short-term sleep or rest, since prolonged exposure to such a base can negatively affect the spine.
• Strength
  One of the features of foam rubber is its porosity, which provides tear resistance. It is advisable to eliminate mechanical loads such as jumping on the surface, which will significantly extend the service life.
• Viscosity
  Mattresses can be purchased for people with greater weight due to the high degree of viscosity of the material. One clarification: you need to choose dense polyurethane foam.
• Weight
  Polyurethane foam mattresses are lightweight due to the porous structure of the material. The properties of such models resemble spring versions.
• Cost
  The bulk of foam mattresses are presented on the market at prices affordable to consumers. Among the cheap options, you can choose products that are small in thickness and quite soft, for the manufacture of which inexpensive materials are used.

Main quality indicators of furniture foam rubber

When choosing foam rubber, first of all you need to pay attention to its main characteristics - the thickness and density of the material.

The quality and purpose of foam rubber are greatly influenced by subsequent physiological qualities.

• The density of the filler - the higher it is, the longer the service life of the material.
• Compressive stress - the standard value in kPa during compression should be 40%.
• Strength - this property is tested for rupture and elongation during it.
• Elasticity is a value commensurate with rigidity, measured according to the height of the rebound at the time of testing.
• Residual deformation is when, after removing the load, the surface quickly returns to its original shape; the greater the compaction, the less the material deforms.

Of all the options, the most interesting is foam rubber, which has “shape memory”

Molded polyurethane foam is ready-made sofa parts

On a note. In the definition of a filler brand, there are letters indicating its class and numbers - the first two indicate its density, the next two indicate the compressive strength. For example, brand EL 2535 means: EL - high rigidity brand, 25 - compaction 25 kg per cubic meter, 35 - compressive strength 3.5 kPa.

Types of foam rubber by density

Flaws

1. The service life of polyurethane mattresses is shorter than that of mattresses with springs or coconut coir filling.
2. When exposed to high temperatures (smoldering, combustion), the material releases toxic substances.
3. According to some experts, foam rubber is not 100% safe when using mattresses.
4. Polyurethane foam has low moisture transfer, so drying takes longer than desired.

Tips for choosing a foam mattress

To ensure that your purchase does not cause harm to your health, you should carefully choose a polyurethane mattress. Offers to buy a product filled with foam rubber chips or from an unknown manufacturer should be avoided. It is impossible to justify spending a lot on purchasing a counterfeit product that will cause a lot of inconvenience during sleep and poor health after rest.

When choosing a foam mattress, you can focus on the following rules:

• avoid shopping in street markets, in stores that cannot provide certificates
• on product quality, manufacturer documents and other papers;
• perform an elasticity test, which will manifest itself in the elasticity of the material and the rapid restoration of its original state after deformation;
• review the internal material by contacting the manager or seller;
• test by lying on the surface, if possible;
• give up mattresses that are too soft and will not benefit your health;
• select options of high and medium degrees of hardness, guaranteeing good sleep,
• restorative rest, positive effect on the spine due to orthopedic characteristics.

Important! Before purchasing a model with orthopedic properties, you should make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor, who will be able to suggest a polyurethane foam mattress model of suitable hardness. The basis for the choice will be the characteristics and needs of the patient’s body. It is important not to self-medicate!

Many buyers were able to appreciate mattresses made from combined materials. In such cases, foam rubber is on one side, and, for example, coconut coir is on the other. You can find other combinations on the market that attract attention with their excellent characteristics.

Which sofa to choose, spring or foam?

This question is especially relevant in the case when a piece of furniture is purchased as a permanent sleeping place. To avoid back problems, muscle pain, and a restful and comfortable sleep, it is important to make the right choice.

Spring filler

Spring furniture was made in ancient times. All antique options are made using spring blocks of different designs. If the starting materials are of high quality, then a long service life is ensured. In addition, the sofa will have excellent orthopedic properties.

Upholstered furniture elements are made using several types of springs: a simple snake, spring blocks or independent springs. All of them are made of high-carbon steel wire of different thicknesses. Let's consider all the pros and cons of each type.

Simple snake

The snake was used in the well-known armored beds. The name comes from the shape of the springs. They have a curving shape that resembles a snake in motion.

The main parameters characterizing a high-quality spring for a snake block are:

• Memory. After physical impact, the spring should take its previous shape.
• Ease. For easy movement of furniture, the wire for the block is made of light alloys.
• Degree of critical load. The spring must withstand the load, even if a heavy person sits on the edge of the sofa and, accordingly, the load is unevenly distributed.

The advantages of a simple snake are: the ability to withstand heavy weight, good ventilation of the unit, a long period of operation, and affordable cost of furniture. The disadvantage is the impossibility of assembling folding models from such blocks.

Bonnell

This is a more expensive and higher quality option. When used correctly, it does not create problems for the spine and lasts a long time. People with a lot of weight are advised to buy such sofas.

Independent spring block

This is the most expensive option. It is now being actively advertised. It differs from the previous type in that each of the springs is packed in a separate case made of well-ventilated material.

Even with an uneven load on the sofa, the orthopedic properties and elasticity of the surface are preserved

All options are good in their own way, the most modern of them is the last one. The buyer can choose his ideal model, taking into account the suitable combination of price and quality.