Often, consumers who buy upholstered furniture look at the external data, but the strength of the frame, the comfort of sitting or lying, as well as the service life are equally important. All these factors depend on the quality and type of interior materials.
This review will help you figure out which one is better to fill for a sofa in terms of cost, practicality and other parameters. Based on the basic needs of furniture, it will be possible to determine the most comfortable raw materials that will allow the product to be used for many years.
Content
The best filler manufacturers on the market
There are many companies that make different types of fillers for upholstered furniture. Among the leaders are:
- DreamLine is a large factory that has been producing mattresses for over 8 years in the Russian market.
- Promtex-Orient is one of the leaders in Russia that can offer high-quality orthopedic mattresses. At the factory, you can make a custom-made product with your own dimensions and other parameters.
- Ormatek is a good quality sleep products factory with 15 years of experience in this field.
- Toris is an organization that has been producing excellent beds and mattresses since 1992.
- LONAX - this manufacturer is engaged in the production of orthopedic fillers, as well as other products to ensure good sleep.
- Ascona is a large production company that manufactures upholstered furniture used for sleeping. He is a member of the Hilding Anders Group (Sweden).
- Afalina - has been working on the market since 2003, the factory produces mattresses for children, as well as the manufacture of sleeping goods.
To determine what is best for upholstered furniture, you need to understand all possible types of fillers and highlight the leaders in each segment, and a review will help you do this.
In the rating described below, several important components were used that are of interest to any buyer:
- Comfort from use, which includes the level of elasticity of the material, size, orthopedic and anatomical effect.
- Reliability and operational period.
- Ability to withstand heavy loads.
- Product cost.
- Environmental friendliness.
- Weight of goods.
- Ventilation.
- Consumer opinions.
Rating of springless synthetic fillers
Today, spring mechanisms are not used very often and modern materials, which are made according to an innovative method, are in good competition.
Structofiber
When deciding which is the best PPU filler for a sofa, a patented type should be distinguished - struttofiber. It includes 3 layers, the middle one is load-bearing with vertically arranged fibers that allow the load to be placed correctly.
pros:
- A very durable filler that does not lend itself to decay, is quite elastic and affordable.
- Easily recovers after deformation, does not support fire when ignited and has good protection against water, therefore it does not get wet.
- Inside, materials are used that ticks, bugs and other organisms cannot live in.
- Does not provoke allergies.
- Has some orthopedic characteristics.
The main disadvantage is that it is difficult to repair. According to expert opinion and consumer reviews, this option is one of the best and most popular on the market. When choosing, one must look at the density and rigidity of the raw material, based on the mass of a person. The lower the customer's weight, the softer the filler should be.
Holofider
One of the modern materials for filling upholstered furniture, which is created from padding polyester. It is characterized by twisted fibers and is sold as small fluffy balls or slabs.
Pros:
- Lightweight, soft and durable material with moderate firmness and elasticity.
- Environmentally friendly, does not burn.
- A high degree of wear resistance, which makes it possible to operate the filler for about 10 years.
- Excellent heat and sound insulation characteristics.
- Does not cause an allergic reaction.
- Odor absorption is excluded.
- Air permeable, hygroscopic raw material.
- Recovers quickly upon deformation.
- Does not lend itself to rotting and fungal infection.
The main disadvantage is the overpricing. Consumers have a positive opinion of such a product and even after washing in several cycles, the properties do not change.
Polyurethane foam
PUF includes several basic polymers, and when commercially you can find fillers of different hardness, in the form of a block or cast forms. A quality product will be quite high and is used not only for seating, but also for backrests, armrests. Its performance ranges from 25-30 kg / cubic meter. Variants in the form of blocks are characterized by thick sheets with various degrees of density, from which the necessary parts for upholstered furniture are cut out, according to its shapes. Cast types are made directly in production by pouring a liquid composition into the finished model.
pros:
- Long service life, which reaches 10 years.
- High degree of reliability, sufficient elasticity while maintaining elasticity.
- Low cost.
- Safety and environmental friendliness.
- This option does not collect dust in the structure, does not provoke allergies.
- The material is able to withstand long and heavy loads, and after deformation, forms are restored.
- The filler is breathable, therefore circulation is improved.
Among the disadvantages, consumers highlight the influence of sunlight, so the fillers must be covered with an opaque cloth. According to consumer reviews, if you buy a high-quality filler of this type, then there are no problems with it.
Durafil
Created on the basis of polyester, visually the filler is similar to the grass cover. It is characterized by the vertical direction of the fibers, which are similar to spring blocks in the effect of loading.
pros:
- Lush and soft material with sufficient firmness, elasticity.
- Affordable cost and environmental friendliness.
- Does not collect dust, therefore, the development of allergies is excluded.
- It is moisture resistant, does not burn and hardly deforms.
- Possesses antimicrobial properties.
There are almost no drawbacks of the material, they are insignificant, but consumers note that it is necessary from time to time to clean the material from moths and ticks.
Sintepon
Non-woven synthetic fabric that is created using polyester fibers. It is characterized by moderate volumes.
pros:
- Lightweight and resilient.
- Completely safe.
- Low cost.
- Good moisture-resistant and heat-insulating qualities.
- The development of the fungus is excluded.
- Does not provoke allergies.
Minuses:
- After a while, lumps form.
- Fragility.
In general, the product is of satisfactory quality if used as intendedBefore buying, you need to check the certificates and technical conditions of manufacture in order to exclude the purchase of a low-quality synthetic winterizer, which can be harmful to humans.
Synthepukh
Siliconized fiber with a good spring effect, refers to a high-quality synthetic substitute for natural fluff. Polyester is used for manufacturing.
pros:
- Minimum weight of raw materials and high degree of elasticity.
- The filler is soft, environmentally friendly with an acceptable cost.
- Moisture protection.
- Rolling is excluded.
- The material breathes and quickly normalizes its shape.
The main disadvantage is that raw materials can only be used in a narrowly targeted area, but in general the filler is good. It can be machine washed with a delicate wash and dries quickly.
Comforrel
The material is presented in the form of small balls of synthetic material. It is made with polyester fiber by heat treatment. In addition, the manufacturer covers the filler with antibacterial agents and silicone.
pros:
- Small weight, low cost and long service life.
- Does not cause allergies.
- Combustion of raw materials is excluded.
- It retains heat well, can be washed and dries quickly.
- Breathable material.
- Quickly normalizes the shape and does not get caked.
This species has no significant disadvantages, many consumer opinions are positive. It can be considered that it is the best sofa filler in this segment.
Viscoelastic foam
Polyurethane foam is a mass that fills forms and is characterized by many positive properties, unlike analogs. Due to all the characteristics, a person lying on the furniture will be in an anatomically correct position, and after getting up, the form is quickly restored.
Pros:
- Good elasticity with memory capability.
- Does not allow moisture to pass through.
- The period of use is up to 8 years.
- Does not cause allergies.
- Has antimicrobial protection.
Minuses:
- It takes a little time to get used to the filler.
- Overpriced.
When choosing, you need to know that some manufacturers can make foam using toxic substances, but you can identify a poor quality product by an unpleasant smell.
TOP springless natural fillers
In this segment, the best natural-based fillers from natural raw materials have been selected. Such products are in great demand in the market.
Periotec
Filler, which includes 2 reinforcing layers of small thickness and 1 thick carrier layer. The outer parts are natural fiber, but they can also be man-made, and the middle part includes wool, cotton or polyesters.
pros:
- The material is elastic and voluminous, harmless to humans.
- Long operational period.
- High degree of comfort.
- Does not burn, allergies are excluded.
- Minimal deformation.
- The filler breathes, the air circulates easily.
Sea grass
It is created by impregnating and gluing algae from the sea with latex. After that, it is braided into burlap, and under the body temperature, iodine and a pleasant aroma are released. All this has a healing property on the body.
Pros:
- Elasticity, strength and optimum rigidity.
- Ecological cleanliness, bactericidal.
- The healing effect.
- Does not provoke allergies.
- Affordable cost.
- Long operational period.
- Has an orthopedic effect.
- Improves sleep.
No deficiencies were found in sea grass.
Latex
Very high quality raw materials that are created from rubber juice. Due to vulcanization, numerous cells appear in the core of the filler.
Pros:
- Excellent elasticity.
- The material is non-toxic, hygroscopic and breathable, does not provoke allergies.
- Average service life is 20 years or more.
- Its position is quickly normalized.
- Provides an orthopedic effect due to the correct distribution of loads and repetition of human contours.
Among the disadvantages, only the cost of raw materials is distinguished.
Coconut fleece
It is a tough fibrous material based on vascular bundles of coconut that have become woody.It is characterized by high environmental friendliness, therefore it is often used for children's furniture.
pros:
- Excellent rigidity.
- Air permeability.
- Ecological cleanliness.
- Affordable cost.
Many consumers attribute poor elasticity to disadvantages.
Felt
It is created after felting wool, and you can buy the filler in the form of canvases with different sizes in thickness.
pros:
- High density and strength.
- Resistant to wear and tear.
- Hygroscopicity.
- Environmentally friendly material.
- Affordable price.
- Can independently distribute loads.
Often, raw materials are used as a lining for furniture, which is its disadvantage. Many consumers highlight the fragility and looseness of the material inside.
Padded jacket flooring
This filler is a cotton sandwich, and its thickness ranges from 5-10 cm. It has 2 outer layers, which are not always of good quality, judging by the opinion of consumers.
Pros:
- Low price.
- Soft filler that breathes easily.
- Safe for humans.
Minuses:
- Poor elasticity.
- Slow recovery to original shape.
Horsehair
The filler is created on the basis of hair from the mane or tail of horses, and latex can be added to enhance properties and quality. Used for premium furniture.
Pros:
- Good stiffness, firmness and elasticity.
- Ecological cleanliness.
- Air permeability.
- Easily absorbs and evaporates moisture, dust and microorganisms do not accumulate inside.
- Long service life.
- Has an orthopedic effect.
Among the shortcomings, only the price of the material is distinguished.
TOP spring fillers
Although springs are less commonly used, they remain popular due to their efficiency.
Block of independent springs
This type of filler is represented by horizontally positioned high-strength covers, which are made of spunbond or fibertex. They enter the spirals, and all springs are involved in receiving loads and distributing them. Due to this, the furniture is comfortable to use, it follows human contours.
pros:
- High degree of reliability and resilience.
- Safety.
- Quiet operation even after several years of operation.
- Service life is about 10 years.
- Ergonomics, comfort, provision of orthopedic properties.
- Clients can select options based on body weight.
- Individual microclimate.
The main disadvantage is the relatively high price. For many consumers, the disadvantage is still not the best quality of the springs, so when buying, you need to choose the right manufacturer.
Bonnel
This is a dependent spring block that looks like a large spiral wire frame with a frame. All elements are intertwined with each other by cone springs. It has been used for furniture for 60 years.
pros:
- High degree of reliability.
- Service life is about 7 years.
- Affordable price.
- Ability to withstand heavy loads.
- Air circulation and moisture exchange.
Minuses:
- After a while, creaks appear.
- Insufficient level of comfort.
Many people like this type of filler due to its reliability and minimal price, but all this affects the comfort from operation, and with large furniture, the distribution of loads will be incorrect.
Snake
Such a block includes a horizontal arrangement of the springs parallel to each other, have a curly shape. High-carbon wire is used for production.
Pros:
- Good elasticity, squeaks and other noises are excluded during operation.
- Long service life, which can reach up to 20 years.
- Acceptable cost.
- The ability to use for large people.
- There is a memory.
- Good ventilation.
- Easy assembly to the furniture frame.
Minuses:
- Poor depreciation.
- In the case of a folding sofa, you need to use the services of a master for installation.
Having studied what are the best fillers for sofas, it will be easier for each customer to make a choice, but one must understand that manufacturers often combine different raw materials in order to increase rigidity and other characteristics.
The best choice
When choosing fillers, you should take into account the described features of each type and use the following hint:
- Consumers with a weight of no more than 55 kg are advised to pay attention to soft fillers, including Virtuoz, Ascona Terapia Immuno and Pulse, which use an independent spring unit and a combination of PU foam.
- For buyers weighing 55-90 kg, the Ascona Victory and Balance Forma filler is suitable, you should also pay attention to models with a springless base or polyurethane foam options.
- For people weighing more than 90 kg, it is better to choose an option based on combined fillers without springs or independent spring blocks.
To achieve maximum quality, comfort from the use of sofas and other upholstered furniture, many factories combine several fillers. When choosing, you must ask the seller for documents, certificates that will indicate the quality of the product and its safety for the body. To make the final choice, to understand that the furniture will be comfortable and convenient, you definitely need to sit in different positions, you can still lie down. Almost all models presented in the review meet modern requirements and rules, so their choice will be as good as possible.
Several basic parameters can be used to simplify the selection and final determination. Average operational period:
- Spring blocks - 7-10 years.
- Polyurethane foam filler - 5-8 years.
- Latex - about 20 years.
- Hollafiber serves up to 10 years.
- Periotek and durafil can work for about 10 years.
If the furniture is selected for use as a sleeping place, then it is better to choose among such fillers:
- Spring block.
- Polyurethane foam.
- Latex.
- Periotec.
- Durafil.
The described base is suitable for sofas, which will often have a high degree of stress. Other tips for consumers include the following:
- When using soft foam rubber for the filler, you need to be prepared for the fact that it begins to crumble quickly.
- Pillows made of crumbs of foam rubber for a sofa quickly lose their shape.
- If the furniture has a cover, it is recommended to open it to get acquainted with the internal filling. In addition, such a decision may indicate the integrity of the factory. Another advantage of the covers is the ability to wash and replace them after several years of use.
- Cushions or seats on sofas with a minimum slope allow you to exclude moving off the furniture, and this fact may indicate the prestige of the manufacturer's company.
Today, buyers of upholstered furniture can purchase not only ready-made factory options, many factories offer to make sofas or armchairs on an individual order. In this case, it is possible to independently determine the filler by examining the main characteristics, pros and cons of each type in the review. As a result, you will be able to buy not only a beautiful, but also a safe, comfortable sofa that will serve for many years and is suitable for relaxing, receiving guests, or acting as a sleeping place.