How to choose the right filling for a sofa?

What is important to consider when choosing?

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

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

What types are there?

There are many options for fillers, let’s consider the most popular of the possible ones.

Polyurethane foam

Used in frame and frameless sofa models. It is a foamed synthetic base of varying density: the furniture version must meet the indicators of at least 30 kg per m2. If lower, you can forget about a long service life. Much higher – it will be too hard to sit.

• Keeps its shape. Even if the seat is slightly crushed during loading, in a free position it quickly returns to its original form.
• Lasts a long time. Some factories give a 10-year guarantee on their products, because they are confident in the quality of the filler.
• Does not cause allergies. Suitable for people prone to allergic reactions.
• Comes in different levels of hardness. You can choose a sofa that suits you.
• Suitable for sleeping. Foam is also called orthopedic, it is comfortable for children and adults to sleep on it.

• High price. Inexpensive low-density polyurethane foam wears out quickly.
• Harder than similar products. For those accustomed to softer ones, incl. spring fillers, the seat may seem uncomfortable.

Spring block

Spring blocks, like in mattresses, can be dependent or independent.

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

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

• Large selection. There are models that are harder, softer, cheaper, more expensive.
• Elasticity. Does not deform under heavy loads.
• Reliability. Lasts a long time, does not form dents, does not creak (if you choose a high-quality model).
• Breathability. The filler allows air to pass through, so the sofa will not “suffocate” and will not become a breeding ground for fungus.
• Suitable for sleeping. Provides support for the spine, relaxation of the back muscles.

• Expensive. You will have to pay a tidy sum for high-quality block filling.
• Wear. Cheap springs can start to creak over time.

Latex

You may be surprised, but latex is an absolutely natural filler! It contains rubber tree juice, which is given a porous texture using a special technology.

• Elastic. Although there is a lot of air in the base, the bubbles do not burst and the material retains its original shape for at least 10 years.
• Hygienic. It has no equal in terms of air circulation. Does not absorb odors or moisture.
• Cast. One-piece filler is better than layered or composite. At the factory, it is cast according to the contour and size of the final product.

• Expensive. The price for buyers is the only disadvantage of the sofa filler.

Sinthetic padding

Synthetic polyester fibers form the basis of non-woven material. It is used in the manufacture of clothing, bedspreads and, of course, furniture production. It usually acts as a layer between the upholstery and another filler, synthetic fluff is used in decorative pillows.

• Cheap. The cost for the end consumer is extremely low.
• Hypoallergenic. Suitable for children’s furniture.
• Safe. Insects and fungi will not start up in synthetics.

• Quick deformation. Since there is a lot of air in the structure, the synthetic padding crumples over time, which spoils the appearance of the furniture.
• Secondary role. It is used as a base only in armrests or backrests.

Periotek

The composition of the fabric is no different from synthetic padding – the same polyester fibers. But the structure of the filler is different: a dense base layer is supplemented with two reinforcing ones, and the whole “pie” together guarantees a long service life.

To increase elasticity, flax, bamboo, wool, and viscose are added to polyester during production. The final properties of the products also differ due to the additives: some will be of higher quality in terms of durability, while others are more resistant to deformation.

• Safe. No fungus, harmful substances, or allergies (except for models with wool).
• Comfortable. It is comfortable to sit or lie on a perioteca layer.
• Elastic. Elasticity is approximately on par with springs.
• Minimal deformation. Instantly restores shape after exercise, suitable for sleeping.

• Expensive. New technologies are always expensive, but when assessed by the price-quality criterion, Periotec is worth the money.

Struttofiber

Some call this unusual material the best alternative to an insert of independent springs. And this is quite justified. Elastic artificial fibers, laid vertically during the production process, maintain their position under any loads, guaranteeing maximum elasticity.

• Has no weight restrictions. Adjusts to the contours of the body of any owner, can withstand really heavy people.
• Does not deteriorate from external factors. Does not burn, does not rot, does not work like a sponge.
• Restores itself faster than its analogues.
• Suitable as a temporary or permanent sleeping place, for daytime rest.
• With excellent characteristics, it is quite inexpensive.

• Relatively short service life. Struttofiber “lives” about 10 years, which is inferior to polyurethane foam or latex.

Felt

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

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

• Heat and microclimate regulation. A unique property of natural fillings: they absorb excess moisture and release it. Comfort when sitting due to excellent thermal conductivity.
• High density. Since there is almost no air inside, the layer will not become a thin rag over time.
• Favorable price. One of the factors that makes it worth choosing felt.

• A favorite habitat of insects. Dust mites, moths, and other pests are not averse to feasting on tasty felt or establishing a colony inside the sofa.
• High moisture absorption. If you do not dry it regularly, it will develop a musty smell and mold.

Foam rubber

Just as copy machines are called xeroxes, and diapers are called pampers, polyurethane foam is called foam rubber. In fact, foam rubber is less elastic (and therefore lower quality) polyurethane foam. There are sheets of different density – the lower the number, the less the product with it will last.

• Affordable. It is cheaper than polyurethane foam.
• Comfortable. It is comfortable to sit or lie on a sofa with foam rubber.
• Hygroscopic. Allows air to pass through, does not absorb moisture.
• Hypoallergenic. Good for children’s rooms, kitchens.

• Short-lived. Quickly loses elasticity, shrinks, sags. The exact period depends on the foam rubber itself and the layers located with it in the sofa.

Hollofiber

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

It is worth noting right away: holofiber has practically no disadvantages, so there is no point in considering them. Let’s focus on the advantages:

• Safety. Does not cause allergies, does not collect dust, is not suitable for the life of ticks, fungal colonies.
• Versatility. Depending on the need, it is suitable for different rooms: children’s rooms (hypoallergenic), kitchens (does not absorb odors), living rooms (the sofa can withstand serious loads).
• Durability. It wrinkles much less than synthetic padding, quickly regains its shape.

Durafil

The second non-woven spring substitute after struttofiber. Based on polyester fiber. Their vertical arrangement on the base allows to obtain a filler with high elasticity indices.

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

• Hypoallergenic. For any room, family composition.
• Elastic. Quickly recovers after loads.
• Hygienic. Does not accumulate dust, has antimicrobial properties.
• Reliable. The filler is guaranteed to last ~10 years.

Slats

They are found in models for sleeping, they are needed to support soft fillers and the orthopedic effect. The elastic slats make up the “skeleton”, which is later covered with “meat” in the form of springs or polyurethane foam, interlayer, cover.

They are needed only in models for sleeping, because contribute to the uniform distribution of the load on the filler, thereby improving the quality of sleep.

Coconut fibers

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

The main advantage of the filler is its environmental friendliness – no harmful fumes. Disadvantages: even despite the treatment, the coir will crumble and disintegrate, and if there is no lining between it and the upholstery, it will lick outward, and it will prick unpleasantly.

What is the best filler?

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

There are as many options for fillers for upholstered furniture as there are designs: look for the one that suits you!