What is better than polyurethane foam? What is better polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam? Composition, brands and guests

New leather soft sofa for a beautiful living room

Many, having completed renovations in their apartment, purchase new upholstered furniture, if funds, of course, allow. But the choice must be right. In addition to the durability, cozy appearance, and transformation mechanism, you should pay attention to the filling and ask the seller what the “filling” of the sofa is. How comfortable you will be depends on this. Nowadays there are a lot of fillers, you need to have an idea about some of them, their quality, quality factor, how long furniture with such a filler can last.

Types of fillers for upholstered furniture

Furniture manufacturers often use polyurethane foam (PUF) as filling. Lots of box spring sofas. Buyers are sometimes confused as to which is better, a spring or polyurethane foam, and cannot make a choice.

Blue orthopedic sofa with spring block in section

Sectional view of a sofa with polyurethane foam with a list of materials and components

Filler – polyurethane foam for orthopedic mattresses and upholstered furniture

Before choosing a sofa, let’s find out what polyurethane foam is. This is a synthetic porous substance consisting of cells filled with air. During its manufacture liquid composition foams, then hardens. Polyurethane foam consists of 90% air and has thermal insulation properties. PPU is the same foam rubber, it is used almost everywhere - as a filler for furniture, toys for children, sponges for dishes, washcloths and much more are made from it.

Foam rubber sheet to give softness to products

It is widely used as a filler due to its compactness; this property gives softness and elasticity to the product. It is produced in the form of small sheets - this is foam rubber, and also in the form of quite strong and massive slabs - this is polyurethane foam. If the material is of poor quality, it will quickly become unusable and begin to crumble. Then it needs to be replaced.

Advantages and disadvantages

Elastic polyurethane foam is used in the furniture and automotive industries

Polyurethane foam has pros and cons. Let's look at the positive properties.

1. The main quality is that dust does not accumulate in it, it is completely hypoallergenic. This ability is important for those who are prone to allergies.
2. During production, it is treated with an antibacterial and antifungal agent, so it does not cause harm to health.
3. Can last for a long time, has wear resistance.
4. Has good breathability.
5. Thanks to its elasticity, it instantly restores its original shape.

Imprint of hand shape after pressing on viscoelastic polyurethane foam

There are also negative properties

1. Often you come across poor quality polyurethane foam - it is short time will lose its original shape, and the furniture will quickly sag.
2. The material does not tolerate straight Sun rays, begins to deform. During production, upholstery made of light-protecting materials is used.
3. Polyurethane foam is a flammable substance and releases toxic substances when burned.
4. For many, the high density of PU foam may seem hard.
5. Excessive softness of the material can cause back problems, and in children - curvature of the spine, so it is better for them to sleep on a hard surface.

Polyurethane foam or spring block? Which sofa filling is “best”?

Upholstered furniture based on an independent spring block

Enough time has passed since spring blocks were replaced by materials that are used as filler for upholstered furniture - latex, holofiber, polyurethane foam, padding polyester. But what is better - a spring block or polyurethane foam?

Filling the accordion sofa on a metal frame

Comfort	This property is important for any furniture, no matter what function it performs. It is important when you lie down that pits do not appear, then there is definitely no time for rest, but instead of a restful sleep you will look for a comfortable position. The load must be distributed equally over the entire base. What can you say about PPU? It holds its shape well, has excellent elasticity, and adapts to the contour of the human body. Withstands a lot of weight and instantly takes on its original appearance. If the material is of sufficient quality, it will serve for a long time.
Spring blocks	There are dependent and independent. In the first version, the springs are intertwined and have long gone out of use. It is simply unbearable to lie on such a foundation; if you press on one spring, it will pull all the others. The second option allows you to have a great rest; in such blocks, each individual spring is packed in a bag, the load in this case is distributed evenly.
Thoroughness.	Undoubtedly, polyurethane foam is a durable material. It does not accumulate dust, has excellent breathability, and is harmless. Furniture with such filling will last for many years if used for its intended purpose. But if you often jump on such a sofa, which children especially love to do, then it will quickly lose its elasticity. The same applies to spring blocks; not everyone can withstand such loads, especially inexpensive option. Economy class furniture will creak and springs will come out through the upholstery. In high quality sofas, they place between the spring block and the upholstery material. sufficient quantity intermediate layers, so the springs always remain in place.
Price.	Furniture with spring blocks is more expensive than with polyurethane foam. But it all depends on the quality of the material. Therefore, think carefully before you buy a cheaper sofa, otherwise the joy of the purchase will turn into big problems. Be sure to ask the seller what kind of filler is inside and what quality it is. After all, it depends on how long the furniture can serve you, whether it will be comfortable, comfortable to sit on or sleep on, so that the original appearance remains the same for as long as possible.

No one will answer the question “What is better?” Each filler has advantages and disadvantages. It's up to you to decide what you prefer.

The best springless synthetic fillers

• Many furniture manufacturers prefer to use polyurethane foam because it is an affordable material and easy to work with. There are two types - cast and block. In the first case, special forms are filled out necessary composition, similar in thickness to sour cream. After it hardens, you get the desired shape. In the second case, the sheets are cut into layers of the required thickness and size and glued together.

Furniture polyurethane foam - affordable and comfortable material for frameless furniture

• Synthetic down. The spiral-shaped fiber, made of silicone, restores its previous shape after compression in a matter of minutes. It has such properties as good quality and reliability. It is mainly used for stuffing furniture pillows, as a filler for backrests and armrests.

Synthetic down - the artificial material of the future

• Sintepon. Non-woven, very lightweight material which is made from polyester fibers. The substance is hypoallergenic, so furniture with synthetic padding as a filler is used in children's rooms and is suitable for people prone to allergies. They also stuff pillows and use them in making clothes. Eco-friendly material, does not wear out for a long time, is resistant to various fungi, has a water-repellent property, and is safe.

Synthetic winterizer is a material suitable for people suffering from allergies.

• Periotec. Looks like weightless, plump felt, is safe for allergy sufferers, and may contain wool or cotton fibers. The density of such furniture can be normal or high.

PerioTek filler is an elastic, voluminous and durable material

• Quilted jacket. This is, in fact, a flooring of cotton wool 5-10 cm thick, located between layers consisting of thick fabric. Furniture with such filling is soft, but there is no elasticity.

Padded padding for the manufacture of upholstered furniture

The best springless natural fillers

Any filler that is used in the production of upholstered furniture or mattresses has its own properties.

• Natural latex. It is made from the sap of the rubber tree using individual technology. It is foamed, resulting in the formation of cells, so it “breathes”. Excellent heat and moisture conductivity, solid material, very high quality. Shelf life is approximately 10 years. Instantly returns to its original shape after heavy loads. There is only one drawback - the very high price.

Latex mattress - high quality, comfortable and safe

• Horsehair. Excellent filler. The horse's mane is treated with latex. This is done to ensure that the material is elastic and long-lasting, moisture-resistant, and breathable. High quality filler, but expensive. Not suitable for people prone to allergies.

Horsehair for the production of upholstered furniture and mattresses

• Coconut coir. Fibers are produced from the coconut intercarp; just like horsehair, they are treated with latex to make them elastic and strong. In addition, they also have antibacterial properties, are hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, do not rot, and are breathable. Furniture with such filling is perfect even for small children.

Coconut filling for children's mattress

• Sea grass. The most environmentally friendly filler. During manufacturing, the raw material is combined with jute. The furniture has sufficient rigidity, which is beneficial for the back and maintaining the health of the spine. In addition, this filler strengthens the immune system and normalizes sleep, as it contains iodine and various minerals.

Useful and healing filler for upholstered furniture - sea grass

• Bamboo fiber. Produced from young bamboo shoots. The material is able to absorb water vapor, allow air to pass through, and has antiallergic and antibacterial properties. It is not subject to rotting and does not deform for a long time.

Bamboo fiber is ideal for mattress covers, blankets and pillows

• Camel's wool. Excellent breathable material, can absorb static electricity. Not suitable for people prone to allergies.

Camel wool is an excellent warm filling material for blankets, pillows, rugs, mattress covers and winter options mattresses

• Felt. Made from sheep's wool. Has good thermal conductivity. One of the disadvantages is that it can accumulate moisture, which can cause mold to appear.

Natural felt for furniture and other industries

How to choose the right PU foam filler. What is that in the sofa

High-quality and durable polyurethane foam fillers

Not every polyurethane foam is of good quality. Only excellent polyurethane foam has necessary properties. There is no need to make a difference between foam rubber and polyurethane foam - these are identical materials to each other. The difference lies in function, cost, properties, category. Before choosing furniture, be sure to ask about its density - it should be from 30 kg/m3. Accordingly, the higher the compaction, the higher the quality and cost.

Sofa with PPU filling on frame

The thickness of the material should not be overlooked. Normal indicator is four centimeters. It happens that, in order to save money, a filler with a thickness of 3 or 2 cm is used. It is better to ignore furniture with a filler of this thickness. How resilient and hard a sofa is depends on your personal preference. The choice is always yours.

Beautiful and comfortable corner sofa filled with polyurethane foam

Video: Mattresses made of polyurethane foam, foam mattresses, types of polyurethane foam

This article will discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of materials that are mainly used for insulating buildings for any purpose.

Leads everyone in terms of sales mineral wool- This is the most common insulation material today, which is included in almost all construction projects.

Mineral wool has a thermal conductivity coefficient from 0.04 to 0.045, while high-quality insulation achieved with a layer thickness of 150-250 mm. And everything would be fine if it weren’t for the vapor permeability of this insulation. The durability of mineral wool directly depends on its humidity parameters, i.e. it only works in a dry state, so builders are forced to cover the mineral wool with vapor barrier films on both sides so that moisture from the outside and inside does not get into the insulation. Perform high-quality vapor barrier using polyethylene films almost impossible, because the material is rolled and it is necessary to glue it between sheets and mount it, without damaging the layer, on wooden frame. Builders are not ready to spend a lot on sealing seams and completely sealing polyethylene vapor barriers. Usually during installation vapor barrier film a stapler and nails are used, and the film layer after installation has a bunch of defects. All this leads to poor-quality vapor barrier, as a result of which mineral wool begins to accumulate moisture and lose thermal insulation properties. In fact, we have a service life of this insulation from 3 to 5 years.

Let us present an approximate calculation of the production of mineral wool insulation work:

1. 200mm layer of mineral wool = 450 RUR/m2
2. Cost of installation work = 100 rub./m2
3. Vapor barrier film = 25 rub./m2
4. Cost of installation of vapor barrier = 50 rub./m2
5. Cost of installation elements (frame) = 17 rubles/m2
6. Transport costs = about 3% (another 17 rubles/m2)

Total we get 659 rubles/m2

Next in popularity is extruded polystyrene foam (EPS). This is insulation that is not afraid of moisture and has a thermal conductivity coefficient lower than mineral wool(0.035) and the service life is much longer (10-15 years).

The material has good strength and low water absorption (3-4%), but like any material it has its problems:

EPS is a material with a high fire hazard (G4), it quickly spreads flames and releases toxic substances when burned. In terms of environmental friendliness, this material is also not very good, because... It is made with the addition of styrene (phenylethylene) - this material has a second hazard class. In addition to this, the EPS material is slab material, therefore it is again needed high-quality installation. Therefore, this material is mainly used for insulating highways, foundations, blind areas, etc. The material has a higher cost than mineral wool insulation, and installation is also more expensive.

We will not go into detailed numbers here.

And finally,

In general, polyurethane foam is a very technologically advanced material and is used not only for insulation; it is used to make mattresses for beds, pillows and filling in modern upholstered furniture, seats and interior elements in cars, and much more. This indicates the high environmental friendliness of the material. PPU, like EPPS, is not afraid of moisture and has a thermal conductivity coefficient even lower (0.02), which means the insulation is even better. But the most important trump card is the installation technology of this material: polyurethane foam is applied directly to the object by spraying and foams after 2-3 seconds, and after another 30 seconds. this material is already ready for use. This material can be applied to a surface of any shape without cold bridges; it has good adhesion to any building materials. Transport costs are greatly reduced because... 2 200l barrels yield 10-12 cubic meters. finished insulation. Moreover, the speed of work is very high, in 8 hours. In a working day, a team of 2 people can apply 300 – 400 sq.m. You can read more about the characteristics of polyurethane foam.

Now at the production price thermal insulation works polyurethane foam:

1. The thickness of the middle layer of polyurethane foam is only 50 mm
2. PPU is a good vapor barrier, therefore installation of films is not required
3. There are also no installation elements
4. Transportation costs are included in the cost of work

Total average cost works on insulation of polyurethane foam = 650 rub./m 2

Comparative thickness of the insulation layer:

Foam rubber or polyurethane foam? - Which is better?

There is an opinion that if foam rubber is used as a filler for upholstered furniture, then the service life of such furniture is much shorter than if the filler is polyurethane foam! Is this really so?!?

Does the person who asks the question: “What’s inside your sofa - foam rubber or polyurethane foam?” know what this foam rubber and polyurethane foam are? Probably no. You will ask why?

Because foam rubber and polyurethane foam are the same thing!!!

The word foam rubber originates from the times of the USSR. In the Soviet Union, polyurethane foam, used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture, and not only, was mainly from a Scandinavian company called « Porolon", where the common noun foam rubber comes from.

Foam rubber (polyurethane foam or PPU) is a soft polyurethane fine-cell foam used as a softening, supporting and insulating material with good elasticity and breathability.

Foam rubber (PPU) is a safe material with many positive qualities: retains its elastic properties over a wide temperature range, does not emit dust, is hypoallergenic, does not mold.

After the collapse of the USSR, many companies producing foam rubber appeared in Russia. The quality of the material they produced often left much to be desired: apart from polyurethane foam of 22 and 25 densities (not designed for load), no one produced anything at all. Therefore, the foam rubber on the sofas during this period of time failed very quickly. But quantity gradually grew into quality. Firms producing foam rubber grew, absorbed each other, turning into large manufacturing enterprises, and as a result, today in the territory of the European part of Russia they can be counted on one hand, the range of foam rubber they produce has expanded significantly, and the quality has reached the European level.

Nowadays, you can also buy low-quality upholstered furniture, but this no longer depends on the lack of good material on the PU foam market, but directly on the manufacturer of this furniture. To reduce the cost of their furniture, some manufacturers use cheap brands of foam rubber that are not designed for load. For example, the most common inexpensive sofas today are considered “Eurobooks”; the price of such a sofa with high-quality polyurethane foam can hardly be less than 12 - 14 thousand rubles from the manufacturer (in the first category of fabric), and 16 - 19 thousand in a store. If it’s cheaper, think about it, because everyone knows about free cheese.

Today, the production program of polyurethane foam manufacturers includes a wide range of grades: standard (ST), with increased rigidity (EL), hard (HL), soft (HS), highly elastic with increased comfort (HR), plus special grades: viscous (with memory), fireproof, sound-absorbing, etc. The differences between brands are large, take for example three brands of standard foam rubber: ST 1932, ST 2536, ST 3542. The numbers in the brand mean the physical and mechanical characteristics of elastic polyurethane foam, the first two are density, the second are hardness. So this is the scope of application of the ST 1932 brand - packaging and decorative elements; ST 2536 - headrests, mattress with a load of up to 60 kg, backrest with a load of 60-80 kg; ST 3542 - seat and mattress with a load of 80-100 kg. This means that if we put ST 2536 brand on the sofa seat, it will last much less time than ST3542. Well, for expensive sofas it is best to use brands HR, HL, HS.

I hope we have dispelled the misconception that “foam rubber is worse than polyurethane foam.”

Expanded polystyrene and polyurethane foam can perform different functions. And first of all, these materials are known as widely used insulation materials. Let's make some comparisons and find out how polystyrene foam differs from polyurethane foam.

General information

Expanded polystyrene in everyday life it is often called polystyrene foam. It is available regular and extruded. The latter has best qualities due to increased density.

Expanded polystyrene

Polyurethane foam- this is the same foam rubber. It also has varieties. For domestic purposes, soft material of the indicated type is usually used, and in construction, hard material is used.

Polyurethane foam

Comparison

Each of the materials mentioned has its own properties. First, let's touch on the most significant characteristic - thermal conductivity. In this regard, the advantage of polyurethane foam is noted. Moreover, it is important that it is produced not only in the form of panels, but also as an aerosol product that is sprayed onto objects. If polyurethane foam is used in this way, a monolithic coating is obtained that exactly follows the topography of the base.

Expanded polystyrene does not require such an effective application method. It is mounted to the surface in the form of solid slabs. The gaps between them cause heat leakage and deterioration of sound insulation. The difference between polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam is that it does not interact well with adhesives and plaster compositions. Meanwhile, polyurethane foam can be firmly fixed to the surface. In addition, this material absorbs moisture less, which has a positive effect on heat conservation.

It is worth noting that polystyrene foam begins to disintegrate and release hazardous substances at a lower temperature - approximately sixty degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is not recommended to insulate the roof with it, especially in the southern regions with the scorching sun. As for the fire safety indicator, the materials discussed themselves do not burn for a long time. But if there is a constant source of fire, then polystyrene foam quickly becomes engulfed in flames. The process is accompanied by the separation of melting fragments and the saturation of the air with a large amount of toxins. The second material burns worse.

What is the difference between polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam regarding their service life? Here the second type of product wins again. Polyurethane foam retains its beneficial qualities much longer. This is partly due to the fact that it is not subject to deformation. Expanded polystyrene is compressed over time, and its thermal insulation properties noticeably deteriorate. As a result, polyurethane foam is the leader in all respects. It is not surprising that the price is higher.

In short, then PPU in the sofa- This is a filler hidden under the upholstery of the sofa. It is also furniture foam, it is also polyurethane foam. It is used as a filler to give the divag softness and elasticity due to its highly elastic properties. A sofa with high-quality PPU filling will not fall through and will not be hard.

The PPU filling is based on block foam rubber - in our case it is cut and twisted as required. Depending on the quality of the PU foam filler, there are several varieties; we will highlight the most popular:

block or sheet polyurethane foam. The advantage of such a PPU filler is that during its production it can be made either softer or harder.

• molded or cast polyurethane foam. Such fillers are created in blocks. The sofa may include many of these molded PPU blocks. The plus is that the backs and seats are soft and comfortable.

• highly elastic polyurethane foam (HR). This is high quality polyurethane foam. On a sofa with such filling you will not feel any pressing effect or excessive rigidity. The person's weight is distributed evenly across the sofa.

• viscoelastic polyurethane foam (VE). Aka MemoryForm, aka Memorix, aka “memoriform”. When planted, such a polyurethane foam material accurately reproduces the shape of the body, adapts to it and quickly returns to its original shape after the load is removed. One of the most expensive PPU materials. How to check that you have viscoelastic polyurethane foam? Just apply pressure with your palm and release - the dent should gradually disappear.

In the production of sofas, we usually use highly elastic polyurethane foam. For example, in the Dallas modular sofa, the soft seating elements are formed from two layers of highly elastic polyurethane foam. They ensure optimal softness of the sofa seat.

Modular sofa Dallas with PPU filling from Andrea furniture factory

PU foam filler in a sofa: pros and cons

Pros:

• long service life
• wear resistance
• safe for health - does not cause allergic reactions
• debris does not accumulate in the filler, it allows air to pass through
• elasticity

Minuses:

• if the filling is initially of poor quality, the sofa will sag over time
• rigidity with a spring block

Service life of PPU filler

A good PU foam filler will last on average 8 years, a simpler one - around 5 years. When compared with other fillings, the situation is as follows: sofas with regular foam rubber will last 3-5 years, with holofiber from 5 to 10 years.

Modular sofa Naples from Andrea furniture factory

Which brand of foam rubber is best to choose for a sofa?

It's time to renovate your sofa! The question often arises, what brand of foam rubber should you choose?

The following brands of foam rubber are currently produced:

• ST – standard, the density of which ranges from 16 to 35 kg/m3
• EL – with increased rigidity, with a density from 22 to 35 kg/m3
• HL – hard (density 25 and 40 kg/m3)
• HS – soft (20-45 kg/m3)
• HR – highly elastic (30-50 kg/m3)
• HR* - highly elastic with increased comfort (30-55 kg/m3).

And if each person has different requirements for softness, hardness and elasticity, then the density of the material plays a very important role. So what density of foam rubber for a sofa is better? According to manufacturers' recommendations, it is best for furniture suitable material with a density of 28 kg/m3 and higher, however, not all manufacturers use it, and the price of such foam rubber will differ significantly.

And so, we have already realized that the higher the density of the foam rubber, the better for the sofa, and the longer this piece of furniture will serve you. But the density of the material used for the armrests and backrest may be lower.

Filling for sofas PPU

The main thing is what is used in the seating/lying area.

The thickness of the product should not be less than four centimeters, but some unscrupulous manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of furniture, offer options with a thickness of 3 and even 2 cm.

• A sofa is considered to be of high quality if it is used required density foam rubber (from 28 kg/m3 and above)
• Make sure that the thickness of the material is at least 3 cm
• Pay attention to the indicators of rigidity and elasticity (everything is individual here)
• Pay attention to the cost. Good material– not cheap, so if the price makes you suspicious, then try to find out as much as possible about the product.

Let's look at the markings of foam rubber. It consists of letters and numbers. The letters indicate the type of foam rubber, and the numbers indicate its brand. The first two numbers indicate the density, and the second two indicate its hardness. Therefore, when communicating with the seller, do not be lazy to find out the markings of the foam rubber offered and then you will be able to understand which foam rubber you should use for the sofa and which one not.

Upholstered furniture is a serious purchase. Everyone wants her to please for at least 10, and preferably 20, years. When choosing a sofa you need to consider appearance and him quality characteristics. Before buying, you need to ask yourself which filling for the sofa is better. The comfort, ergonomics and durability of the sofa will depend on this.

Manufacturers of upholstered furniture present many types of sofas:

The last type of sofa is suitable for rooms with a bay window, since ordinary ones will not fit into such an interior. Each type of sofa has its own price range and technological characteristics.

Let's look at what types of fillings there are in order to understand which filling to choose for a sofa.

Sofa stuffing

Spring blocks

Spring blocks have long been used in upholstered furniture. This is one of the oldest fillers. The spring block makes the sofa elastic and comfortable. Manufacturers especially often install spring blocks in two-seater sofas(Eurobook type). Blocks can be dependent or independent.

Dependents

The springs are interconnected. When pressure is applied to one spring, pressure is applied to the adjacent one. Springs can have different diameters. The smaller the diameter, the higher the density and vice versa. The top of such blocks is usually covered with polyurethane foam and coconut board.

Independent

Each spring is packed in a fabric case. They compress under a part of the body independently of each other and create comfort for sleeping and sitting. Mattresses are made from such blocks. Therefore, they are usually used in beds rather than sofas.

Wave springs

This type of spring is the base for the sofa. They provide the necessary rigidity and comfort. Springs are now installed in sofas, armchairs, and chairs. Other fillers, such as polyurethane foam, are placed on top.

Elastic straps

They are, like wave springs, a base that is attached to the frame of the sofa. Depending on the tension, the calculated rigidity is given and the cushion is installed.

Polyurethane foam

Probably the most common filler. The second name for polyurethane foam is foam rubber. Thanks to its plasticity, manufacturers can recreate fancy shapes in pillows.

Foam rubber is divided into types:

• standard ST;
• hard EL, HL;
• soft S;
• increased comfort HR;
• viscous elastic LR.

The rigidity of PU foam reflects the degree of compliance of the walls of the bubbles. The lower the rigidity, the easier it is to push through the polyurethane foam, that is, the softer it is. Indicated by the second digit of the PPU brand. Polyurethane foam with high rigidity is used in formative elements, as well as for shelling the frame. Polyurethane foam with reduced rigidity - in the seat and back. At the same time, the rigidity in the backrest will be lower than in the seat, since it bears the main weight of the person, and if there is insufficient rigidity, he will simply fall down to the frame. However, excessive rigidity leads to the fact that sitting will be uncomfortable, like on a stool.

ST (Standard) - popular and often used fillers. They are used in any part of the sofa - from lightly loaded ones (armrest) to seating areas that can withstand a load of more than 90 kg.

EL, HL (Enhanced Loadbearing, High Loadbearing) – rigid foams with high bearing capacity. They are used mainly to create a configuration (for example, for shelling a frame).

S (Soft) – soft foam. Used in back cushions and sandwich seats

HR (High Resilience) – highly elastic foams. These are more expensive brands. They are used to obtain more comfort. Unlike standard PU foam, air bubbles inside HR have different sizes, and the walls between them different thicknesses, which gives polyurethane foam special properties. During initial loads (when a person is just starting to sit on the sofa, but has not yet sat down completely), large bubbles begin to work, since air comes out of them faster, and the person feels soft when sitting down. As the load increases, smaller bubbles begin to work, which resist more strongly, providing a supporting effect. Thus, HR PU foam has two properties: pliability and elasticity at the same time. Such foams are also comfortable for a person with large mass, and with a little one.

LR – viscous elastic or memory foam. The most expensive foam rubber. It conforms to the body's shape and provides the best comfort. If there is no strong pressure on the pillow, it returns to its original position.

Manufacturers create original pillows in the form of so-called sandwiches. Sandwich is a combination of several brands of polyurethane foam with different properties of the soft element, which gives the pillow design increased comfort.

Molded PPU (FPPU)

Pillows are obtained as a result of the interaction of chemicals that are poured into specially made molds. The part is produced under the influence of pressure and temperature. The advantages of the method are the high quality of the workpiece and smooth shapes. FPPU is the most durable of all categories of polyurethane foams.

If something fails (for example, removable pillows), replacement is done at home with your own hands. You just need to contact the manufacturer, who will make a new soft element, and then insert it into the case.

Soft fillers

Among the soft fillers, the following stand out.

Britfil (holofiber, synthetic fluff)

A well-known artificial filler With different names. The fibers of the material create a strong, springy structure. Britfil compresses well and “breathes”, and is anti-allergic.

Despite all the advantages of this material, to work with it you need certain technological support for production:

Sintepon

This synthetic material in the form of a non-woven fabric. Basically, in the furniture industry, synthetic winterizer is used to wrap parts in order to hide any technological transitions (additional layer).

Periotec

Canvas large sizes made from natural or synthetic fibers. The material has different densities and is more often used in removable back cushions.

Having become familiar with brief description sofa fillers, the buyer must decide for himself which one will be better.

What types of polyurethane foams are there and where are they used?

Advantages of rigid polyurethane foam for thermal insulation of buildings and communications. What you need to know about spray-on insulation? We will also consider the preparation of polyurethane foam from industrial components and calculate the cost of 1 m2 of thermal insulation.

Definition

Polyurethane foam- a promising synthetic insulation consisting of hardened polymer foam, which is superior in quality to most modern analogues.

Polyurethane foam is a synthetic substance with a cellular structure from the group of gas-filled plastics, widely used in construction. It has minimal thermal conductivity, is environmentally friendly, durable and easy to use.

Composition, brands and GOSTs

Foamed polyurethane foam (FPU) is produced by mixing two liquid polymers: polyol and polyisocyanate. Cured foam contains up to 90% gas in its cells, which ensures high thermal insulation qualities of polyurethane foam. Depending on their proportion and the presence of fire retardant additives, the final product differs in structure, technical characteristics and scope of application.

Soft and elastic foam rubber is used as a filler for furniture and household products. Brands of foam rubber have different densities (from 5 to 40 kg/m3) and hardness:

With the exception of the last brand, foam rubbers are highly flammable substances according to GOST 30244, according to GOST 30402 - flammable, according to GOST 12.1.044 - smoke-generating and toxic when burning. For these reasons, foam rubber is not used in construction.

Polyurethane foam with fire retardant additives is called rigid polyurethane foam. It is characterized by increased density (30-86 kg/cm 3), when finished it loses elasticity, but has a lot of other advantages. It is used in construction for heat and sound insulation, and ultra-dense types (from 70 kg/cm 3) are used for waterproofing in building foundations and on other surfaces.

Construction polyurethane foam is prepared from two components: polyol (component A) and isocyanate (component B). Isocyanate serves as the basis of the chemical process and its composition does not change, but different polyols are used, which affects the foaming rate, density and flammability. According to GOST 307302-2006, polyurethane foam belongs to the G3 flammability class (self-extinguishing, difficult to ignite, difficult to burn) and is recommended for thermal insulation of buildings and pipelines.

As a thermal insulation material, polyurethane foam is easy to manufacture and can be mixed on site, and the components for polyurethane foam are often cheaper to buy and deliver to a construction site than to transport the finished product.

If you have a professional foam generator high pressure and compliance with the proportions of the components, such polyurethane foam is in no way inferior to the factory one. Foam can be sprayed onto various surfaces or make sandwich panels.

Forms of release of polyurethane foam

The chemical industry produces the following types PPU:

• Foam rubber - in rolls and mats;
• Rigid polyurethane foam - in sheets, panels and cast shells;
• Liquid polyurethane foam - in the form of a spray coating.

Thermal insulating panels made of polyurethane foam are produced various thicknesses and with a variety of protective coatings.

Filler in the sofa

For sheet polyurethane foam the price per 1 m 2 is as follows: 680

Technical characteristics of polyurethane foam

For standard thermal insulation PPU panel medium density The following characteristics are characteristic:

Characteristics, unit of measurement	Meaning

For a long time there was an opinion that springs are a sure sign of a good sofa. Unfortunately, metal springs tend to wrinkle and break, because it is difficult to check their quality at the stage of purchasing a sofa. It’s just poor hardening of the metal, which results in rapid wear. That is why, not wanting to deal with problematic springs, furniture manufacturers, and after them buyers, are increasingly reorienting towards synthetic fillers - polyurethane foam (PPU), padding polyester, Periotec or latex. Let's find out how to choose a sofa with good PPU. Polyurethane foam is the ideal alternative to unreliable sofa springs. This material is very practical, and, in addition, hypoallergenic, which is very important for the home environment.

But not every polyurethane foam guarantees the quality of your favorite sofa. Only high-quality polyurethane foam is the key to good elasticity of upholstered furniture. PPU is able to follow the contours of the body, bending exclusively in places of pressure - this is what provides the notorious orthopedic effect, which was previously unreasonably attributed only to spring sofas. High-quality polyurethane foam can quickly recover, and therefore the sofa will be protected from premature squeezing. Before choosing a sofa with good polyurethane foam, you need to decide what criteria we will use to assess the quality of polyurethane foam.

To avoid confusion, we note that polyurethane foam and foam rubber are the same synthetic material, which can be produced in blocks or sheets. Therefore, statements on the topic “polyurethane foam is good, but foam rubber is bad” are completely unfounded. Polyurethane foam is distinguished by grades, types, quality, price and purpose. It is these factors that you need to focus on before choosing a sofa with good polyurethane foam.

PPU - safe, practical and cheap material, which, depending on the variety, has different elasticity, viscosity and durability. The advantages of PPU include the following qualities:
. Does not generate dust
. Does not promote mold formation
. Does not cause allergies
. Its elasticity is not affected high temperatures
. Durable

To find out how to choose a sofa with good polyurethane foam, you will have to remember this physical concept, as the density of the material. Today they produce polyurethane foam of various densities, kg/m3:
. fireproof highly elastic CMHR - 55
. highly elastic high comfort HR* - 30-55
. highly elastic HR - 30-50
. soft HS - 20-45
. hard HL - 20-45
. increased hardness EL - 22-35
. standard ST - 16-35

Before choosing a sofa with good polyurethane foam, inquire about the density of the filling. Manufacturers advise choosing a material whose density starts from 30 kg/m3. The higher the density value, the more expensive and better the quality of the filling, and, consequently, the sofa itself. Please note that, usually, in order to save money, lower-density polyurethane foam is used for the back and armrests. However, there is nothing terrible about this. After all, in a sofa you should be interested, first of all, in the place to lie, right?

In addition to density, the thickness of the filler is also important. It is desirable that it be 4 cm. Thrifty and unscrupulous manufacturers often strive to use foam rubber 3 or even 2 cm thick. Please note that 3 cm is the minimum; do not buy a sofa with a thinner filler thickness! The choice based on such criteria as rigidity and elasticity is carried out purely individually - focus on your taste. Now you know how to choose a sofa with good polyurethane foam - you can go shopping for new furniture!

To choose a really good sofa, in addition to the reliability of the frame and the strength of the upholstery, you should pay attention to its inner part. Since not only the durability of the product, but also the comfort of use depends on it.

At the base of each sofa there is a spring block or polyurethane foam. Very often buyers ask: which is better? It will be easier to make the right choice if you know the main characteristics of these fillings. Our blog has one for mattresses. The same Bonnel or TFK is used in upholstered furniture. Basic information can be read there.

And in this article we will talk about the PU foam filling for the sofa: what kind of material it is, what types there are and what their properties are.

PPU filler - what is it?

PPU is an abbreviation for the industrial name of the filler "Polyurethane foam". It has another trade name - “Foam rubber”.

This is a polymer foam with a cellular structure, essentially consisting of closed air bubbles, the volume of which reaches 90% of the total mass. It has the unique ability to quickly restore its original shape. It is characterized by high breathability and low weight. Produced by foaming method.

First synthesized in 1937. Achievements in chemical industry helped significantly improve environmental and operational performance. Adding certain additives to the mixture allows you to obtain foam of varying density and rigidity. The most elastic brands are used in the furniture industry.

In a word:

Polyurethane foam (foam rubber) - modern material, safe for the health of people and animals. Hypoallergenic and hygienic: does not rot, does not accumulate dust, and does not grow mold. Has high levels of elasticity and elasticity.

Types of furniture filler polyurethane foam:

• Sheet. The finished block is cut into sheets of the required format, the parts are cut out and glued together. Sheets of different degrees of hardness are painted in different colors. Often, manufacturers combine various brands foam rubber to improve product quality.
• Cast or molded. The mass is poured into the workpiece, and the output is a block of the desired shape. Furniture is produced using this method. unusual shape. Molded polyurethane foam is characterized by increased density and elasticity.
• Highly elastic or artificial latex. PPU of new generation. Elastic and, at the same time, soft, with excellent supporting properties. Sofas made of highly elastic polyurethane foam have a good orthopedic effect and are quite comfortable to use.

On a note:

The quality of the sofa is affected by the density of polyurethane foam. For upholstered furniture, polyurethane foam with a density of 30-40 kg/cubic meter is used. The indicator is indicated in the product passport. The higher this number, the longer the sofa will last. The service life of the PPU filler is 7-10 years.

Foam rubber (polyurethane foam) or spring block.

What to choose and what not to make a mistake when choosing?

Comfort and convenience.

This quality plays one of the important roles for any representative of upholstered furniture. Regardless of whether you need a sofa bed or a Euro-ottoman, the main purpose is the same – lying and sitting on them should be comfortable. It is important that pits do not form under your body, which is why sleep turns into torment instead of rest. The load on the mattress should be distributed evenly so that in the morning the spine and muscles are rested, and not stated: “everything hurts again, but did you rest at night?!”

What is polyurethane foam? It is a foam material made from synthetic polymers. PU foam retains its shape well and has good elasticity, which is why it is used in orthopedic mattresses. It provides the sleeping person optimal comfort, as it anatomically adapts to the contours of the body. This material can withstand decent weight, easily restores its shape, and is hypoallergenic. High quality polyurethane foam lasts a long time.

Polyurethane foam in the sofa.

Spring blocks used as filling for furniture come in two types - dependent (“Bonnel”) and independent (“Pocket spring”).

“Bonnel” is an inexpensive block, usually consisting of 4-turn double-cone springs, which are installed in one row and connected to adjacent rows by spirals at the top and bottom.

They are also called continuous weave blocks and dependent springs. Such spring mattresses do not provide anatomical support, because... When one spring is compressed, neighboring springs are involved in the process.

It is a continuous weaving of springs and is considered quite outdated. The reason is that mattresses in which this type springs do not allow a person to truly rest comfortably. It is simply impossible to press one spring in such a block - all its neighbors are immediately involved in the process, which makes the mattress unable to accurately adjust to the position of the body.

The main advantage of this block is that each spring is in a separate case, and is not rigidly connected to the neighboring one. This eliminates vibrations of the structure, and thanks to the effect of each spring on the body, the load is distributed evenly over the entire area. This provides an “individual approach” to different areas human body, giving the entire spring mattress particularly pronounced anatomical properties. If you are looking for the best spring mattress, then you should choose one with independent springs. The situation is better with independent springs. In this block, each spring “lives” on its own, in a separate bag, which allows you to distribute the load very accurately, thus providing a person with the opportunity for a restful, full sleep. Therefore, a good orthopedic mattress is equipped with either an independent spring block or first-class fillers (latex is considered the highest quality). It is this mattress that allows a person to feel fresh, alert and full of energy in the morning.

This means that we need to move on to the next parameter. dependent springs- this is the basis of good spring mattresses. Springs are made from the same materials as the springs of the Bonnel block, but their diameter is much smaller - up to 2 cm, the number of turns reaches 8, and the number of springs increases square meter– from 250 to 1200. As a rule, such springs are barrel-shaped.

Durability and wear resistance.

Polyurethane foam lasts a long time, of course, if you set yourself the goal of destroying it and methodically train gymnastic jumps on your favorite sofa, then after some time it will certainly lose its elasticity. With normal use, upholstered furniture using high-quality polyurethane foam has a very long service life. In addition, this material does not accumulate or emit dust, is absolutely safe and allows air to pass through.

Spring blocks, subject to their production technology, are also very durable. But as a result of intensive use of a sofa or mattress - jumping, skipping or walking on it, the springs still have a much greater chance of sagging or breaking. This is especially true for cheap spring blocks. Other unpleasant consequences of their use include creaking and damage to the casing, through which the springs sometimes tend to peek out. To restore justice, it is worth noting that attempts to look into real world are characteristic mainly of springs in furniture, which falls into the “can’t get cheaper” category. In a well-made sofa, even an economy class one, there are enough intermediate layers between the block and the outer upholstery so that the springs remain where they should be for duty.

Spring block.

However, we have to make a reservation that if dependent springs are used in upholstered furniture, then polyurethane foam wins.

PPU is cheaper than a good spring block. Bonnel has long since become an obsolete technology and cannot compete with more modern units, so the price for such springs is very low. But polyurethane foam can be different. The durability and comfort of your upholstered furniture will directly depend on its quality. So, if you want to save money on your purchase, save wisely so that you don't end up with a chair with a dented hole in the middle, or a sofa that looks more like a bumpy terrain than a pleasant place to relax. Ask the seller about the quality of the filler used in this product. specific model. Try to see if you are sitting comfortably, if you feel comfortable. Of course, price is always important, but in this case you should not give preference only to it. Buying a sofa bed is a long-term purchase. And throughout this period, the furniture must retain its original properties - comfort, attractive appearance.

Who won our battle?

Judging by the above, polyurethane foam wins. But you understand that there can be no definite answer to such a question. Both polyurethane foam and springs have their weak and strengths, and making the final choice in favor of one filler or another can only be based on personal preferences.

Upholstered furniture made on the basis of both polyurethane foam and a spring block can be good and of very high quality. Look at different models, this can be done directly on our website, compare them. Our store consultants will be happy to tell you about the features of filling each of them. Whether it will be spring or springless depends only on you. For our part, we guarantee its quality. It is important to us that the selected upholstered furniture pleases you for as long as possible!

Thanks to distinctive features polyurethane foam is one of the most popular materials that are used in many branches of modern industry. It has found its widest and most versatile application in the production of furniture. Polyurethane foam is ideal for the production soft sofas, armchairs and chairs, upholstery.

Due to the distinctive features of polyurethane foam, it is one of the most popular materials used in many branches of modern industry. It has found its widest and most versatile application in the production of furniture. Polyurethane foam is ideal for making soft sofas, armchairs and chairs.

Physico-chemical properties of polyurethane foam for furniture

What are the main characteristics that distinguish foam rubber for upholstered furniture and make it ideal material to create comfort in your home?

1. Softness: thanks in different ways production distinguishes between soft, hard, standard polyurethane foam (as well as super-hard and super-soft).
2. Elasticity: Elastic and highly elastic.
3. Tear resistant.
4. Residual deformation.

Depending on the characteristics of furniture polyurethane foam, it in the best possible way may be suitable for a certain type of product. It is very important to accurately determine the required type of foam for the product so that it can meet the high demands of consumers.
If your company needs to buy foam rubber for upholstered furniture, you can seek advice from our specialists.

Types of foam rubber for the furniture industry

Are you looking for dense foam for furniture or are you interested in super soft materials? How to quickly find exactly what you need? To make it easier for manufacturers to choose material for future products, all produced polyurethane foam is divided into several grades of foam rubber depending on its physical and chemical properties:

1. Standard polyurethane foam (ST);
2. Polyurethane foam with increased rigidity (EL);
3. Rigid polyurethane foam (HL);
4. Soft polyurethane foam and polyurethane foam with increased softness (HS);
5. Highly elastic polyurethane foam (HR*);
6. Highly elastic fireproof polyurethane foam (CMHR).

Each of these types of foam sheets for furniture is divided into subclasses and used to produce special products. In this article we will only present general description for polyurethane foam of each class.

Standard polyurethane foam (ST)

ST class polyurethane foam can be used in production for the manufacture of mattresses, chair backs and office chairs, sofa seats if the load does not exceed an average of 80 kg. Such products are most often found in the offerings of furniture stores.

Polyurethane foam with increased rigidity (EL and HL)

Class of medium hardness and increased hardness PPU is a hard foam rubber for furniture, which makes it possible to produce similar products from it that can withstand various loads. They are distinguished by highly rigid polyurethane foam, which can withstand pressure up to 60 kg, up to 100 kg and above 100 kg.

Soft polyurethane foam and polyurethane foam with increased softness (HS)

Polyurethane foam, which belongs to the soft and ultra-soft class, is usually used if a load of more than 60 kg is not provided.
Unlike the materials described above, highly elastic types of polyurethane foam can withstand loads of up to 120 kg (as standard materials, and with increased comfort).

Order foam rubber for upholstered furniture

It is worth taking into account that each of these types is divided into subspecies, which also differ in their main characteristics. Therefore, before placing an order, it is worth getting professional advice about physical and chemical properties polyurethane foam, especially if you are interested in dense foam rubber for furniture intended for domestic consumers.
Some types of polyurethane foam can be used not only for filling, but also for upholstery.
Are you interested in the opportunity to place an order for the production of foam rubber for upholstered furniture -