What is better: coil springs or block springs? | What is the difference

Comparison of characteristics

To better understand fillers and their features, it is worth considering their characteristics. Service life of materials:

• latex - approximately 20 years;
• Durafil, Struttofiber and Periotec - from 10 years and above;
• spring blocks - from 7 to 10 years;
• polyurethane foam – 5-8 years;
• holofiber – from 5 to 10 years;
• foam rubber – up to 5 years.

Lifetime

Service life is an important indicator of the “filling”. This criterion is especially important when choosing sofas for use in public and social institutions. Average indicators for the duration of operation of fillers:

1. Less than 5 years: foam rubber, polystyrene balls.
2. 5-8 years: padding polyester, padding polyester, block polyurethane foam, comfortel, holofiber, artificial latex, periotek, dependent springs.
3. More than 5 years: independent springs, natural latex, durafil, molded polyurethane foam.

Block PPU with foam rubber

Dependent springs

Latex

Purpose of the sofa

For some consumers, service life is not that important. Based on the type of main purpose, fillers can be divided into four groups:

• for sleep;
• for continuous use;
• for periodic use;
• for pillows.

Comfortable sleep will be better ensured by independent springs and polyurethane foam. For planned daily use, blocks, holofiber, Periotec, Comforel, latex, and Durafil are recommended. For irregular use, polystyrene balls, padding polyester, foam rubber, and low-density polyurethane foam are ideal. The best filling for pillows is hypoallergenic (sintepon, holofiber, polystyrene beads, synthetic fluff).

For sleep

For pillows

For rare use

For daily use

The leader in price offer is foam rubber, as the cheapest material

But the important thing is that such a “filling” will cake and lose its shape within a couple of years. The most expensive and at the same time the most durable - latex of natural origin

With significant savings, you can achieve the same comfort using independent springs. However, the best filling for a sofa, according to consumers and experts, in terms of price-quality ratio, is a block of independent springs.

Read more: How to choose a dishwasher - expert advice

Which filling for sofas is best should be decided on the spot. It is recommended to immediately sit, touch, and feel the furniture, so as not to regret the choice you made later. It's worth paying extra for comfort and health. Having saved once, you can lose more, because after some time the furniture will lose its original properties and will have to be replaced.

Let's sum it up

When choosing a straight or corner sofa with one or another transformation mechanism, be sure to pay special attention to the content.

These can be ordinary springs, polyurethane foam or independent blocks.

Regarding them, if you allow, I will draw a few of my own conclusions. And you will already leave reviews regarding whether you agree with them or not. Maybe you can add some points.

If you are going to sleep on the sofa every day, then look for good independent springs.

For furniture that is periodically used for sleeping, and most of the time they sit on the sofa, then you can get by with high-quality polyurethane foam.

Conventional springs fade into the background. They are cheaper, but in terms of orthopedic effect they are very weak. Plus they quickly start to creak. Really high-quality furniture is not made from such materials. This is a budget option for occasional use.

Of course, only you will make the final decision.

By the way, this article contains tips for those who are looking for a good sofa for sleeping and are thinking about how to make sleep as comfortable as possible so that your back does not hurt.

That's all I have. Thanks everyone for your attention!

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Who will be the best for each model?

It is impossible to imagine the decoration of rooms without upholstered furniture. A person with a bad back is better suited to a hard sleeping place; a mattress with an independent spring filler is endowed with all the properties for this case.

Bonnell is also hard and elastic, but distributes the load worse. “Snakes” have the lowest orthopedic properties compared to similar products, poor shock absorption, but you don’t have to sleep there; you can choose an item solely for watching movies.

In any case, you must follow the doctor’s recommendations if you have problems with the musculoskeletal system or the spine

Healthy people pay attention to the price, appearance and manufacturer's company. But you need to look at the totality of properties of a commercial product, its structural components and internal structure

Sofa with independent springs: which one to choose, what is the difference

Hi all! So I slept on an old sofa at a party, and I thought that they definitely need to buy a sofa with independent springs. Or just don’t come to them anymore. I'm still thinking about this question.

But to be honest, the sofa should have not only an attractive appearance and dimensions appropriate to the room, but also a comfortable sleeping place that is as safe as possible for health.

Yes, it is hardly possible to compare folding sofas and full beds with mattresses in terms of orthopedic properties. But many people have to choose a sofa for sleeping.

And here it is important to buy something that will provide comfort and maintain the health of your spine. Or at least it won't ruin it.

What's hidden inside: general classification of fillers

There are two large groups of upholstered furniture fillers: with springs and without springs.

In the first case, several layers of natural or artificial covering material - coconut coir, latex, foam rubber, felt, etc. - are laid on cylindrical springs or a base made of a spring “snake”. The different densities of a particular coating and many spring options make it possible to create fillings of different degrees of rigidity.

Springless fillers are based on highly elastic polyurethane foam (PPU, furniture foam rubber) - an inexpensive, but durable and elastic artificial material.

The spring block comes in two types: with dependent (Bonnell type) and independent springs. Both options are very durable, provided that there is a sufficient number of intermediate layers between the block itself and the outer upholstery.

Dependent spring block

A classic, time-tested option. Here all the springs are connected to each other by a continuous spiral steel wire. If you press one spring, the others will immediately connect to it, thereby distributing the load across the entire base. The structure is attached around the perimeter to the edging frame and covered with an intermediate layer of non-woven material.

Independent spring block

In a block of this type, each spring lives its own life” and does not depend on its neighbors, which gives the surface high point elasticity and allows it to better adapt to the contours of the body.

Spring snake

Attached to a wooden or metal base using a hinged bar or steel brackets, the “snake” is a simple and inexpensive spring base. And although it is not a full-fledged filler - a layer of polyurethane foam is always laid on top - it can withstand heavy loads, does not deform and is very durable.

Polyurethane foam (PPU or furniture foam rubber) is an inexpensive and highly elastic furniture filler. Provides a comfortable fit, has good elasticity and is environmentally friendly.

For the base of a sofa with such filling, as a rule, block furniture foam rubber is used, cut and twisted in a certain way. Some models require special molded polyurethane foam blanks, which are also used as a filler for pillows - the material allows you to hold any shape given to it.

Sofas are filled with polyurethane foam of various brands - standard, luxury polyurethane foam, memory foam foam, etc. The higher the properties of the material, the more expensive the sofa will cost to manufacture.

Viscoelastic polyurethane foam is a separate type of polyurethane foam that has a unique orthopedic “shape memory” effect. A mattress or pillow filled with such material reacts to pressure and heat, remembering the shape of your body. Press the surface with your palm and release - the dent will disappear very slowly.

What is a sofa spring and how does it work?

A metal frame that is attached to a wooden base and maintains the shape of the soft filler is the sofa springs. Depending on the type of mechanism, the elements may be connected to each other or not attached to each other.

In more expensive models, there is a layer of dense fabric (often felt) under and above the spring block. This prevents premature wear of the mechanism. In budget models, only the upper part is covered with fabric, and foam rubber is used as a filler.

The choice of foam rubber must be taken carefully and responsibly.

Comparison of characteristics

To assess which is better and more profitable - polyurethane foam or a spring block, it is necessary to consider several characteristics at once. It is advisable to carry out an objective comparison of the properties of sofa fillings for both high-quality and budget options. It should also be remembered that some of the shortcomings are compensated by the high quality of the gasket between the filler and the upholstery. For example, spring systems can be covered with padding polyester, batting, burlap or felt not only on top, but also on the bottom.

Sofas with an independent spring system Pocket Spring and polyurethane foam models are almost the same in terms of comfort. They are comparable to the comfort of an orthopedic mattress and its benefits for the spine, allowing you to feel well rested the next morning. As for luxury models, there is not much difference which filler is used, since they all provide the highest level of comfort.

Polyurethane foam of lower quality at first outperforms dependent spring systems “Bonnel” or “snake” in terms of convenience, but quickly loses this advantage, sagging and forming dents.

An independent spring block is suitable for night sleep; its comfort is comparable to an orthopedic mattress

High-quality polyurethane foam is also quite comfortable

Durability

The average service life of spring blocks is 7-10 years, polyurethane foam - 5-8 years. However, with intensive use - jumping, walking on seats - the spirals are more at risk of stretching, sagging or breaking. In addition, sagging elements produce squeaking noise with every movement.

The parts of the Bonnell system can be lubricated, unlike the independent Pocket Springs hidden in cases.

The average service life of a spring block is 7-10 years

PPU can last 5-8 years

The technology for producing polyurethane foam, even of the highest quality, is much cheaper than producing metal springs. Therefore, today the creators of upholstered furniture prefer to use it as a filler. But you need to take into account that a huge role will be played by the fact how “promoted” a particular brand is, and in what country the products themselves are produced.

Based on the characteristics given, a good polyurethane foam has approximately equal orthopedic properties to an independent spring block, is slightly inferior to it in durability, but greatly benefits from it in price.

Deciding which sofa is better - spring or polyurethane foam - is worth really assessing the degree of intensity of its use. If this upholstered furniture will only be a place for sleeping or evening “get-togethers” after work, spring blocks are sufficient. If for several years the sofa will be occupied by small children jumping on it, then only high-quality polyurethane foam will withstand such a load.

Sofas with a spring block are more expensive, but last longer

Models made from polyurethane foam are cheaper and are not inferior in terms of comfort

Independent springs versus polyurethane foam

PPU cannot compare with the independent spring blocks of an orthopedic mattress, if we talk about a full-fledged bed. And ordinary polyurethane foam cannot even dream about the memory effect.

But these are all beds.

We're talking about sofas. And here PPU does not look like such an obvious outsider.

This material has the following advantages:

All this can only be said about a sofa with really high-quality content.

If the polyurethane foam turns out to be of poor quality, then it will begin to quickly sag and become deformed in a short time.

If the density of PUF is high or too low, problems with the spine may occur with everyday use.

So you should be careful with this material.

As such, there are no cheap and low-quality sofas with independent spring blocks. It is simply not profitable for the manufacturer to produce them. It’s easier to create a good product and sell it for good money.

Spring blocks and their characteristic features

Furniture designers have always tried to improve the sofa not only in its shape, but also to make the core more comfortable and remove all operational disadvantages. This is how fillers appeared, assembled into dependent and independent spring blocks, which differ:

1. The diameter of the wound circle.
2. Height.
3. Thickness of metal blanks.
4. The number of bends per square meter.

The basic technology has not changed, and the requirements for the product remain the same in relation to:

• Weight resistant.
• Period of use.
• Orthopedic properties.
• Air exchange.
• Standards of elasticity and rigidity.

Independent blocks are an assembly of barrel-shaped untouchable elements. Each steel spiral was packaged in durable non-woven material, the cells were connected by gluing them with tape or installed in a restrictive metal frame. The result was a block united into a single whole.

The following is used as a filler for the gaps between the covers:

• Latex.
• Coconut coir.
• Memorix.
• Horsehair.
• Felt.

Sofas with independent spring cells:

1. Maintains the curvature of the spine.
2. They serve for a long time.
3. They don't creak.

The type of other spring filler, which is a dependent structure, was called “Bonnel” by furniture development engineers. In such a block, the connections differ in the configuration of the spirals. There are only 5 turns here, and in the middle they are smaller in size than at the top and bottom.

The ligament gives the load area an even distribution, the springs under the body do not creak. Clear fixation with high-carbon wire and 2 frames makes the mattress stable, with no displacement or swaying between the elements. To soften the metal filler, it is covered with soft felt or padding polyester.

Spring filling

Used back in the last century. Antique models were mostly made using springs.

Several types of springs are used in sofa fillers: spring blocks, a block of independent springs, and “Snake” type springs.

The spring block with dependent springs “Bonnel” is considered a furniture classic; they are double-cone springs, consisting of four or five turns, which depend on each other. The blocks are distinguished by their rigidity and reliability. Modern manufacturers of upholstered furniture have recently used independent spring blocks most of all. The springs in the unit are hidden in reliable fabric covers that better protect the upholstery from damage.

When the seat is loaded, only those block springs that are located at the point of pressure bend, and not the entire block.

“Snake” springs are made of galvanized steel, which is bent in soft zigzags under the influence of high temperatures. They got their names due to the similarity of the shape to a crawling snake. Attached to the frame frame. It is believed that the more bends and the smaller their pitch, the more reliable and greater the elasticity. When laying spring blocks by hand, they must be covered with many layers of felt, foam rubber, felt, and batting.

Other materials

Furniture fillings are not limited only to foam rubber and springs - other materials are also used as additional layers for filling.

Natural latex

A base made of natural latex is often used in expensive upholstered furniture - the material is highly elastic, instantly restores its original shape, is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and has a long service life.

Sintepon

The most inexpensive, but very durable artificial filler. It creates additional softness and elasticity. Also, the material is not susceptible to fungus formation. The main disadvantage is that with regular use it does not hold its shape; characteristic dents and irregularities appear on the surface. In case of constant use, this material should be considered in combination with polyurethane foam as a covering layer - its share in the filling is small, but one way or another it can improve the shock-absorbing properties of the seat.

Holcon (struplast)

A modern non-woven material consisting of an intermediate layer of vertically laid synthetic polyester fiber and two covering layers of dense reinforcing ribbed surfaces. This method of laying allows the mattress or pillow to sag only in places of pressure and quickly restore its shape.

Holcon is easy to care for, retains heat well, has increased elasticity, is environmentally friendly and does not absorb moisture and odors.

There is no definite answer to the question of what is the best filling for a sofa, but you can protect yourself from inconvenience and disappointment by choosing the “filling” according to the purpose of the future sofa. So, for a sleeping place it is better to consider a filler with a more rigid and flexible base (highly elastic polyurethane foam, independent spring block, natural latex), because Regular rest on an overly soft or creased bed can have a bad effect on the spine. But the guest option provides for any content.

Modern sofa manufacturers mainly use two types of fillers for their products: polyurethane foam or spring blocks. Accordingly, when purchasing this piece of furniture, each buyer thinks first of all about what content is suitable for him. It should be noted that each of these materials has its own advantages, which means that it can be best used for certain purposes.

For example, a spring block can withstand heavy loads, which is perfect for people who are heavy. And a layer of batting or spunbond laid on top hides the unpleasant sensations from using steel wire. Manufacturers, as a rule, talk about the special elastic properties of spring blocks, which allow such filler to take the shape of the body of a lying person, distributing the load on the spine.

Sofa with spring block

But with all this, reliable fixation of springs and the use of technologies that allow increasing the resistance force as the load increases, allows us to talk about the durability of using sofas on a spring basis. At the same time, much, of course, depends on the characteristics of the use of the furniture. This filler is quite durable, but does not withstand large point loads, so if there are small children in the house who like to jump on upholstered furniture, the springs can quickly fail.

Soft synthetic fillers

They are good because they do not cause allergies and allow air to pass through, so they do not harbor germs. Such fillers differ in the way the fibers are laid.

Struttofiber

This sofa upholstery is made from synthetic and natural fibers. They are laid in a vertical position and fastened with hot air.

— struttofiber makes the sofa elastic;

- allows air to pass through well;

- the fibers act in the same way as springs in an independent unit - each cell works separately. Therefore, struttofiber padding is beneficial for the spine;

- does not burn and does not cause allergies;

- such a sofa will last a long time.

Holofiber

The material is made by twisting and splicing synthetic fibers. The result is a spiral filler that allows air to pass through well.

- keeps its shape and remains warm;

— does not crumble under the influence of the sun;

— does not retain odors and does not spread fungus;

Durafil

Durafil is a high quality non-woven fabric. It is created from polyester - hollow fibers that are arranged vertically.

- the material is elastic;

- does not cause allergies and does not burn;

— germs and dust mites do not appear in Durafil.

Sintepooh

To obtain synthetic down, manufacturers comb and twist polyester. The result is a material that looks like natural fluff. After treatment with silicone, the fibers are joined.

- voluminous and soft padding;

— synthetic fluff is obtained in the form of spirals, so it retains heat and shape well;

— germs and fungus do not form in a sofa with synthetic down.

Sintepon

This synthetic filling for upholstered furniture is made from polyester fibers. In furniture it is often used with other fillers and installed immediately before the upholstery.

It does not hold its shape well and can shrink under heavy loads. There is no uniform standard in production, so buyers risk getting low-quality padding polyester that is harmful to health.

— does not absorb moisture into the fibers;

- not oxidized by oxygen.

Comforel

In the production of this hollow fiber, no adhesives or polymer emulsions are used, so sofas with comforters are considered safe. Comfortable furniture and pillows are recommended for children and pregnant women.

— does not cause allergies and is environmentally friendly;

— a sofa with such padding is hard and at the same time restores its shape well;

— the comforter does not pill after several washes;

— does not burn, there are no parasites in it;

Viscoelastic foam

This filler was created by NASA for space programs. It repeats and remembers the contours of the body.

When the load is removed, the foam slowly returns to its original shape. This occurs due to a reaction to body temperature.

— viscoelastic foam evenly distributes weight over the surface of the sofa. This is good for the spine;

— absorbs up to 90% of the energy that acts on it;

- cushions well, but does not allow air to pass through well.

Common features of different designs

Upholstered furniture, the seat of which has a spring base, regardless of what type of assembly is chosen by the manufacturer, has a steel spiral inside.

The common ones are:

• The designer’s efforts to create a model that is updated in shape, but still capable of providing a person with complete rest.
• The springs can withstand loads and there is no discomfort during sleep.
• Shaping surfaces to fit a figure.
• Long service life without deformation.
• No squeaks.
• The filler is high quality and environmentally friendly.

Sofa manufacturers are trying to produce products at prices affordable to all categories of buyers.

There are three types of spring blocks

• Independent spring block, also known as an orthopedic spring block.
• Bonnell, dependent spring block.
• The snake is spring-loaded.

Each block has its own pros and cons; it is necessary to start from the main purpose when choosing upholstered furniture.

1. Independent - if the sofa will be used as a bed for daily sleep. It will save your back. It is elastic and comfortable, but costs 4 - 7 thousand rubles. more expensive than a sofa made from alternative filling.
2. Bonnell - when to sleep on the sofa, wake up in extreme cases. In terms of seat comfort, they are not inferior to an independent spring unit. When you sit down, they feel softer than an independent unit.
3. Snake - placed on small seats, short sofas and armchairs in 95% of cases. This is not done to save money, but to ensure that the area is evenly soft. Since for spring blocks a foam rubber frame with a thickness of at least 80 mm is laid out around the perimeter. and this frame will be felt soft in a small seating area.

When buying a sofa, it is important to consider not only its size, shape and upholstery, but also its filling. In this article we will help you choose the padding that will suit your needs.

How to choose the right one

The first question that needs to be answered is how the furniture will be used. If this is a folding sofa for sleeping, you should pay attention to orthopedic options with independent blocks. Sleeping on them is much more comfortable, the body will feel rested.

Store managers will help you choose a sofa.

It is also important to choose the “right” filler. Foam sofas are not as reliable and durable. After a few years, it will begin to sag, and the springs may dig into people sitting or lying on the sofa. It is better to pay attention to coconut coir - it is tougher and more reliable than foam rubber.

The material of its production is high-carbon spring wire of different thicknesses.

For most, the cost of the product plays a significant role. Sofas with dependent spring blocks are the cheapest, but if you plan to use the product for a long time, you should not buy the cheapest models. It is better to pay attention to the average price category, since such sofas will last longer and will not require repairs after several months.

Prices for different springs may vary.

Highlights

Furniture springs are assembled using different assembly methods.

Therefore it turns out different:

1. Orthopedic property. In independent designs this effect is more pronounced.
2. Bonnels connected by wire can be pressed through under load in one area and in the rest; mattresses have insufficient ability to take the shape of the body.
3. Spirals are laid on materials of different quality and composition; the principle of fastening is different in all models.
4. A sofa with a “snake” cannot be folded out; it will sag from long-term use.
5. Seats with independent springs are raised too high, which is inconvenient for sofas, more suitable for beds.

Read also: How to make a pinwheel to repel moles

It must be taken into account that furniture with the highest orthopedic properties is not a therapeutic instrument by its intended purpose; it only relieves muscle tension and gives rest to the organs.

Types of springs

I’ll say right away that a sofa with independent springs is the most relevant and correct option.

If we talk about whether the block used in sofas is different from a mattress, there is still a difference. It is not huge and not particularly important. But still, if possible, take a good quality bed and mattress.

As for springs in sofas, there are 3 types of them:

They can be used on different types of sofas.

Most often these are the following folding structures:

Snake is already a thing of the past.

Currently, a bonnel is used, or a more expensive option in the form of independent springs.

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

When buying furniture, few people pay attention to the “insides,” but in vain. The comfort and service life of a furniture set depend on the filler

PU foam filler: what is it in the sofa, we will find out later in the article.

Sofas with this “filling” are distinguished by the absence of wire blocks. The internal space is occupied by polyurethane foam. The material is a type of foam rubber. In addition, in the production of some types of filler, special equipment is used, thanks to which contour cutting occurs. This fact ensures the aesthetic appeal of the sofa.

Convenience

A comfortable sofa is a priority for most people. For a comfortable rest, it is necessary that a dent does not form under the person, otherwise the time of relaxation will turn into a search for a comfortable position. The body load should be distributed evenly across the mattress.

In mid- and high-class sofas, manufacturers use polyurethane foam produced using special technology. Therefore, it has a number of advantages, for example, elasticity, long service life, the ability to restore its original shape, etc.

Quality

Sofas with PU foam filling are not inferior to, and often superior to, models with spring blocks. This is felt in quality, convenience and performance. The furniture set with polyurethane foam is suitable for use in any room.

Durability

Sofas with such filling are practical, comfortable and have a long service life. In addition, dust and other small debris do not accumulate in the material, it allows air to pass freely and is completely safe for health.

Price

A sofa with polyurethane foam is inexpensive due to its fairly simple production technology. The price of such furniture is much less than a furniture set with spring filling. The cost starts from 10,000 rubles.

Springless filling

Some modern manufacturers prefer polyurethane foam because of the ease of working with it and because of the relatively inexpensive raw materials.

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam comes in two types: block and cast.

Block is purchased in the form of huge layers. Sheet material is purchased from suppliers and cut into layers of the required size and thickness. Next, sheets of different densities are glued together - from harder to softer. To differentiate the sheets by their hardness, they are painted in different colors. The second type is cast polyurethane foam. It is produced by filling special forms with a certain composition, which in consistency resembles sour cream. It is cast strictly in a specific shape of the product or its individual parts, a very convenient solution for the manufacture of interesting and unusual forms of upholstered furniture.

When the composition hardens, it takes the exact desired shape, such as a seat for a sofa, an unusual backrest or a pillow. There is no need to cut and trim the material in order to give it a certain shape, there are no scraps and leftovers, and therefore no money thrown away.

Recently, memory foam pillows have become popular; they can store shapes that practically hug a sitting person, adapting to the curves of the body.

But once you rise, the filler quickly returns to its original shape.

Natural latex

Used in the production of expensive luxury furniture.

Environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic material that has nothing in common with synthetic materials.

Latex is made from the Hevea plant or the sap of the rubber tree. By foaming the material, hundreds of thousands of cells are formed in its structure, which are responsible for air exchange and better hygroscopicity. Another advantage of latex is durability.

The service life of latex is about 10 years, while polyurethane foam is designed for 5-8 years. The only and most important disadvantage of this excellent material is its rather high cost.

Synthetic down

Artificial down, spiralized silicone fiber, which quickly and easily allows the product to restore its shape after being crushed. Durable and used for

filling backrests, armrests, as well as pillows for upholstered furniture.

Sintepon

The non-woven material, which is lightweight, is made from a mixture of polyester fibers, which are distinguished by their hypoallergenicity. Due to this, it is used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture for children's rooms, for filling pillows and clothing.

An environmentally friendly material that does not age for a long time, is not susceptible to fungal contamination, does not attract moisture and is absolutely harmless.

Used to fill seats, backs, to give them shape and softness.

Periotec

Modern hypoallergenic filler, which is a high-volume fabric. It may consist of natural wool or cotton fibers or be of artificial origin. In appearance it resembles lush and airy felt.

Depending on the density and quality of the perioteca, sofas can have medium or high density.

Padded quilted flooring

It is a layer of cotton wool, a layer of approximately 5-10 cm, which is laid between two dense layers of fabric.

This filler gives the sofa only softness, there is no elasticity, so it is used in combination with a spring filler.

Made from polyurethane foam (PPU)

Polyurethane foam is better known as foam rubber. The softness of the furniture depends on how it is made.

Block PPU

This sofa filling is made from glued sheets of polyurethane foam. They cut into parts of the sofa, the insides are different in density.

— polyurethane foam is difficult to damage, so furniture with it is considered wear-resistant;

— does not accumulate dust and is suitable for people who are prone to allergies;

— a sofa with block PPU lasts for more than ten years;

— the filler allows air to pass through. Due to this, the furniture dries quickly;

— elastic polyurethane foam: if you sit on it, there will be no marks left.

Molded polyurethane foam

Liquid polyurethane foam is poured into a special mold, under pressure and at a certain temperature it hardens. The polyurethane foam is covered with a crust, which almost does not allow air to pass through. This may result in a greenhouse effect.

Polyurethane foam padding will crumble if exposed to constant light. To protect it, the parts are covered in light-proof covers.

The advantages of cast polyurethane foam are generally the same as those of block foam.

Polystyrene balls

Externally, this stuffing looks like foam balls. Most often it is found in bean bags. Furniture with such filling must be periodically filled with filler, as the filler quickly compresses.

— it’s comfortable to sit on furniture with such padding;

Opting for independent blocks

The sofa can be made on a metal frame or a wooden frame. But if independent springs are installed there, this significantly increases the level of attractiveness of the furniture from the standpoint of healthy sleep.

Here, each spring is placed in a special case and glued with other similar cases. Elastic materials or special fabrics are used for the cover.

Such sofas are obtained:

It is precisely due to the orthopedic effect that such sofas are valued very highly in the furniture market.

Yes, independent springs affect the cost, which increases compared to using a bonnel. But the overpayment is fully justified. In addition, the difference is not several times, but literally 20-30%. Depends on the specific manufacturer.

Snake spring in a sofa: good or bad - advantages and disadvantages of a spring block

The “snake” spring got its name due to its peculiar sinuous shape, reminiscent of the body of a snake when moving.

In most cases, it is used as a filler for sofas and chairs. Upholstered furniture made using snake springs has good orthopedic qualities.

Let's tell you more about popular springs. This will allow you to independently determine whether it is good or bad for you if there is a “snake” installed in the sofa.

Fastening snake springs in a sofa

Installing springs is not particularly difficult, especially for experienced craftsmen.

REFERENCE! The spring is made of durable steel, which is bent under high temperatures.

Then it is coated with a special composition, thanks to which it does not corrode.

The springs are attached inside (or on) a metal or wooden frame. In this case, a certain distance between the fasteners in the transverse direction is maintained.

The fasteners themselves are curved and are used for greater reliability. Their number is determined by the size and shape of the furniture. The frame of the product is very stable and does not sway.

There must be a polyurethane foam layer between the snake and the frame. It prevents hard material from coming into contact with the upholstery.

IMPORTANT! Furniture with such a spring has good performance characteristics and can last at least 20 years

Advantages of the “snake” spring block

This type of block is one of the most popular for the production of sofas. Furniture with such filling has certain advantages.

• The spring is able to withstand heavy loads and maintain its shape even under the influence of large people.
• High levels of wear resistance and durability.
• Quiet in operation: high-quality products do not emit extraneous sounds or squeaks.
• Good level of ventilation. The spring block is capable of maintaining the temperature of the human body for a long time. It is this feature that helps him breathe and generally has a beneficial effect on his well-being.
• The sofa has a flat surface.
• Easy to transport and install.
• Price available to the buyer. Of course, the price range for furniture is wide. It depends on the materials used, the design features of the product, as well as the manufacturer and other factors. However, on average in the market, the cost of such sofas remains acceptable for most consumers.

This type of blocks gives the sofa a special softness and orthopedic effect. Therefore, the use of such furniture is recommended by doctors as a therapeutic agent.

Disadvantages of the “snake” spring block

There were no obvious shortcomings in furniture with these springs.

Among the negative aspects of springs are their poor shock-absorbing properties. For example, when a person sits on a sofa, it quickly sags under the influence of his weight. When trying to stand up, the person sitting sinks even further into the surface of the sofa. Especially obese and elderly people may find it difficult to quickly stand up on their own.

And also at the first stages of using such furniture, this fact will be inconvenient for lovers of hard surfaces. However, this drawback is not critical and you can get used to it.

Thus, snake spring blocks have gained popularity both among buyers and among furniture assemblers. They have excellent performance characteristics and will serve the owners for many years, to the delight of their owners. Taking into account the pros and cons of these designs, you can decide whether such furniture is suitable for you.

Why is the filler called “snake”?

The twisting shape of a metal spiral, such as a snake takes while moving, gave the inventors of furniture improvements an idea of ​​what to call the spring filler in upholstered sofas and chairs.

The “snake” is formed at high temperature . This is the only way to bend strong, rigid steel to the required parameters. To prevent the spring from rusting, it is treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Place the finished workpiece in the frame, where it is securely fixed with a special fastener. To prevent the “snake” from touching the upholstery and damaging it, a polyurethane layer . Sofas with this inner padding are in consumer demand.

The reasons for this popularity are the following factors:

• Resistance to loads while maintaining shape under a heavy body.
• Long service life without defects or repairs.
• Quiet operation with no annoying squeaks.
• Ventilation properties, the sofa “breathes” and does not have adverse effects on the health of the occupant.
• There are no holes, bumps, or uneven spots on the bed.
• Easy installation and transportation.

Upholstered furniture with a “snake” installed inside is endowed with an orthopedic effect , so doctors recommend sleeping on such a lounger if patients have problems with the skeletal system.

The developers tried to get rid of the previous shortcomings of springs and made the spiral more stable. Previously, if obese riders tried to stand up, they had difficulty doing so, as they sank so deeply into the seat. Today, sofas are soft and elastic at the same time; they do not allow your figure to sink. The assembly of such structures is also simple, which the craftsmen do with pleasure.

Mounting features

The “Snake” spring is an internal element of upholstered furniture, which has a simple installation system and can be mounted both inside the frame and directly on a wooden frame. In order to secure the product, experts recommend using the following types of fasteners:

A clip is a simple fastening element that looks like a cold-worked steel strip coated with LDPE. These parameters allow the structure to withstand high levels of load and prevent the appearance of squeaking at the point of contact between the bracket and the spring. For ease of fastening and increasing the speed of work, experts recommend making auxiliary grooves. The hinged bar is a more advanced fastener that does not require additional measurements during installation, which significantly increases the speed of work.

To prevent contact of iron with the upholstery, it is imperative to use polyurethane material.

Upholstered furniture is the main piece of furniture, the quality and parameters of which determine not only the quality of sleep, but also the degree of comfort of rest. Given the increased demand for sofas, beds and armchairs, manufacturers produce a wide range of furniture that differs in design, color and design features. The type of spring block is the main criterion for choosing a product.

Despite the variety of types, the most popular for many years are “Snake” springs, which are distinguished by their simplicity of design, versatility and orthopedic properties. Before making the final choice, you need to carefully study the properties of the springs, as well as check their quality and, if possible, correct installation.

The types of spring blocks are discussed in the following video.

Advantages of polyurethane foam as a filler for upholstered furniture

Modern industry uses polymers in a wide variety of applications, from building blocks and insulation of car interiors to filling children's toys. Furniture production has not escaped this trend either. PPU filler is widely used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture. So what is this in the sofa?

Polyurethane foam sheet

Polyurethane foam (another name is PUF) is a synthetic porous substance that consists of thick-walled cells filled with air. Depending on its characteristics, it can be made in the form of soft and thin sheets (foam rubber) or fairly hard and thick slabs (actually polyurethane foam).

The advantages of polyurethane foam are its reliability and durability - this material is able to restore its shape more easily than all others, while proper use will extend its service life for many years.

Another advantage is several options for rigidity. Depending on the brand, it can withstand loads from 60 to 100 kg, and the densest samples, often used in modern furniture, are also suitable for heavier people. Therefore, when choosing a filling such as polyurethane foam, it makes sense to further clarify the density indicator, which should be over 30 kg/m3. This information can be obtained by carefully studying the passport of the model you like.

PU foam density options

One of the important properties of polyurethane foam is its ability not to accumulate dust and absolute hypoallergenicity. This trait is especially important for people prone to various types of household allergies. In addition, during production it is additionally impregnated with an antifungal and antibacterial composition, which makes polyurethane foam completely harmless to health.

In furniture production, mainly two types of such material are used - cast and block:

• for a sofa ,
  the parts are cut out from large sheets of varying degrees of density and glued together in such a way that the softest material is on top and the base is harder;
• cast polyurethane foam is initially in a liquid state; it is cast into molds, from which, under pressure and temperature, a solid block emerges, exactly repeating the shape of the necessary parts. This method allows you to achieve a particularly smooth shape of upholstered furniture.