Which is better, holofiber or polyurethane foam?

What is "Holofiber"?

Many manufacturers deceive buyers by claiming that holofiber is a natural material.

Don’t be lazy, open any article on the Internet, the first thing you will see: “Produced from chemical fibers (for example, viscose, polyester, polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, polypropylene), as well as recycled fiber raw materials (fibers regenerated from rags and rags) and briefly -fibrous waste from chemical and other industries."

So my question is, where is the naturalness here? Something is not visible at all...

What is the service life of “holofiber”, how quickly will it “sell”?

Initially, “holofiber” is a voluminous material and looks very beautiful, but over a very short time, the volume of “holofiber” rapidly decreases; I saw how a mattress that was only 6 months old lost 2 centimeters in height due to the fact that The hollow fiber sank, and later this material becomes so wrinkled that it will be possible to count the number of springs in the mattress - by touch.

Why is Holofiber used in the production of furniture and mattresses?

First of all, this is a very inexpensive material, much cheaper than polyurethane foam, and at the same time very voluminous (at least in the first months of life)

Due to the use of cheap material, the manufacturer earns more, it’s simple.

I would like to especially emphasize that this is my personal opinion, based on observation and practice of selling mattresses and furniture, I do not want to blame anyone, the final choice always remains with the buyer.

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When choosing upholstered furniture, its appearance is mainly taken into account. Although comfort, strength, and service life are primarily affected by what the furniture is made of inside. This article will help you understand a specific topic, what are the best fillings for sofas in terms of practicality and price that currently exist. Depending on the purpose, this will help everyone choose a comfortable sofa that will last a very long time. It will be simply pleasant to relax on it or use it as a place for a healthy sleep.

Holofiber mattresses: description, characteristics

The synthetic material from which the mattress is formed is tightly compressed (soldered) polyester fibers. As a result of pressing at high temperatures, a plate is elastic and resistant to deformation, maintaining a perfectly flat shape and original volume under the weight of the human body.

Features of holofiber sleep products:

• The orthopedic properties of the mattress allow it to be used to prevent curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and to preserve the natural curves (kyphosis and lordosis) of the main axis of the human body.
• Resting on such a bed ensures the correct location of the internal organs and prevents the appearance of wrinkles in the neck area.
• The combination of hygienic (air permeability, fire resistance, low hygroscopicity, heat resistance) and therapeutic and prophylactic (orthopedic) properties makes it possible to use mattresses in medical institutions (surgical, burn, trauma departments).
• The dense interposition of holofiber fibers prevents the circulation of air flows, which allows you to maintain a constant temperature inside the product.
• The material has a low ability to adsorb (absorb and retain odors).

The video will tell you about the properties and differences between different types of holofiber.

The textile industry also uses holofiber in the form of balls - microsprings twisted and intertwined. In this case, the fibers are not calendered (compacted). The ball-shaped material serves as a filler in the manufacture of outerwear, soft toys and furniture, pillows, blankets, for insulation, and adding volume to designer products.

Spring block

The spring block is not modern, but is still popular

They are distinguished depending on several factors:

• thickness of the metal rod that is used for the spring
• number of springs per 1 sq. m
• spring diameter
• spring height

These data together determine the anatomy of the sofa, i.e. its ability to adapt to the position and structure of the body. Springs made of thinner rods and small diameters better support the body and follow its contours. The total number of such springs per 1 sq. m. affects the ability of the product to withstand heavy weight and the period of operation.

• long period of operation
• ability to withstand heavy body weight
• reliability
• orthopedic properties beneficial for the spine
• smooth surface, with sufficient elasticity and rigidity
• good air and moisture exchange

• Over time a squeak appears
• expensive repairs

There are 2 types of spring blocks

The rigid connection between the springs affects comfort

Springs are made from high quality steel. To connect them, high-carbon steel wire with knots is used. Everything is secured with lower and upper metal frames. The total number of springs depends on the manufacturer. In this design it is 100-150 pcs/sq. m.

The bonnel block is very reliable and resilient. It is capable of holding heavy loads. People weighing more than 100 kg can safely use such a unit. Metal frames make the structure even more stable, because eliminate swaying and sideways movement of elements. This increases the service life of the unit.

The top of the springs is covered with additional filler, such as felt, padding polyester, or other materials. This softens the feel of the springs, making the product more comfortable.

A good option for a sofa in the living room.

Each of the springs is an independent element

Non-woven fabrics have the maximum level of strength and are environmentally friendly. The material is not subject to rotting, which prevents the development of bacteria and fungi. Has good resistance to all types of friction.

The covers are attached to each other using flexible connections, which enable each spring individually to demonstrate its elastic qualities. The structure itself is additionally glued with non-woven fabric on both sides. Due to this, its shape is strengthened. Block deformation is eliminated. It is protected from mechanical impact. Springs are used from thin wire and small diameter, and their number in this design reaches 350 pcs/sq. m and above. These characteristics indicate a high level of comfort of the filler. It is not subject to sagging or vibration when changing body position, and is silent in use.

This design distributes the load pointwise and follows the contours of the body, ensuring the correct position of the spine regardless of how the person is positioned.

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The price of such a block, compared to a Bonnell block, is significantly higher. This is explained by the fact that manufacturing the structure requires more time, labor, and costs.

A good sofa option for good sleep and relaxation. Such a filler will not solve back problems, but will help cope with fatigue and tension in the muscles, and relieve the load on the spine.

Mattress with holofiber for children

Special requirements apply to mattresses for newborns. Experts and doctors, having conducted a series of laboratory studies, confirmed the environmental friendliness and excellent hygienic properties of products with holofiber. The material has passed the most demanding European certification “Eco-TEX Standard-100” (tested according to 100 parameters). Choosing such a mattress will allow parents not to worry about the safety of their child’s sleep.

A crib for newborns is often used not only for sleeping, but also as a table for changing, massage, and simple physical exercises. Therefore, the rigidity and elasticity that the holofiber filler will provide are of paramount importance.

Young parents often place babies on their stomachs to facilitate digestion. And babies themselves love to sleep on their tummy. And inhalation of fumes emitted by mattresses with adhesive additives, for example with fillers made of coir, padding polyester, latex, can cause serious problems with the respiratory system. You can recognize mattresses that can harm your baby by the smell of rubber.

Low hygroscopicity of mattresses – reliable protection against penetration and stagnation of moisture. This prevents rotting processes and the proliferation of microorganisms. Elasticity and rigidity help maintain muscles and correct formation of vertebral curves. Mattresses/mattress toppers often have small edges to prevent slipping.

Below is a comparison table (price changes depending on the size and other characteristics of the mattress).

Spring snake

Simple and inexpensive spring base

The snake spring block is also a type of filler. Very often used in the furniture industry, including sofas. Used in soft elements, mainly in the seat and backrest.

The springs are made of galvanized metal and are attached transversely to the wooden base of the sofa with hinged strips or clips. Their number depends on the size and purpose of the product. The base of the structure is made up of these springs. The top is then covered with a layer of felt, batting or foam rubber.

The spring snake allows air to pass through well, so any moisture will evaporate and the product will dry quickly.

The seat has a springy effect and is quite soft. Not resistant to heavy loads. After a short time it begins to sag. This is a big disadvantage for sofas with such filling, which are not recommended for frequent use and are not suitable for sleeping.

Polyurethane foam

For those who love comfort no less than savings

Polyurethane foam sofa filler (PPU) is a synthetic porous substance or furniture foam rubber. Consists of cells that are filled with air. The volume of the material is 90% air. It is used in furniture production as a flooring material or, due to its compactness, as the main filler for sofas.

PPU is produced in 2 types:

• molded (cast)
• block

The molded type is denser and costs more.

The material also differs in density. The required density indicators for furniture are 30-40 kg/sq.m.

• high-quality material can last a very long time
• environmental Safety
• recovers in shape after exposure to stress
• It allows air to pass through well, which prevents possible moisture from accumulating in it.
• has thermal insulation, antibacterial, antifungal, antiallergenic properties

• cheap types become unusable over time and begin to crumble, and heavy loads can leave dents in them
• deforms in direct sunlight. To avoid this, the filler is covered with a special upholstery that protects it from the sun.
• Many consumers do not like the higher density of polyurethane foam, because products with such a surface are very hard

This sofa will be a wonderful sleeping place. The polyurethane foam filler is not inferior in properties and comfort to an independent spring block, but it is more affordable in price.

Holofiber - new generation filler

Since 2005, a new type of filler has appeared on the market - holofiber. Its main difference from previously known materials is that it does not break down during use and maintenance. In addition, holofiber has a number of other advantages:

• does not require special care;
• wear resistance;
• hypoallergenic;
• elasticity;
• resistance to fungi and microorganisms.

Holofiber consists of balls created by polyester spiral fibers. Because of this, the material has a good and stable volume and returns to its previous shape after compression quite quickly. The service life is about 10 years with proper care.

Natural latex

Ideal for all sleep products

Natural latex is made from rubber of natural origin. Rubber in its pure form is very capricious, so it is supplemented with an inhibitor.

The material is widely used in filling furniture. The proportion of rubber in such a filler should be in the range of 45-65% in order for it to have the necessary qualities:

• elasticity
• elasticity
• wear resistance

Natural latex is one of the best fillers. It has unique properties.

• Thanks to the high level of elasticity, it supports the body well, eliminating unnecessary swaying and swaying. Restores shape very quickly
• The latex structure gradually adapts to the contours of the body and responds even to light pressure. This makes it very comfortable, allowing you to support those parts of the body that need it: neck, head, lower and upper back, spine
• The porous structure allows air to pass through well, which prevents moisture from accumulating in the filler itself.
• Has good thermoregulation: keeps warm in winter, keeps cool in summer
• The high quality and strength of latex makes the filler durable in use and less susceptible to deformation.
• The material is hygienic and hypoallergenic
• The filler is absolutely silent in use

• The disadvantage is the high cost of this filler.

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There is artificial latex - highly elastic polyurethane foam. The main differences between natural filler: it has a grayish tint and feels greasy to the touch.

Types of frameless furniture and fillings for it

To understand the existing types of fillers, their advantages and disadvantages, you need to know the types of furniture themselves without a base. There are not many of them; all existing models are conditionally divided into four groups.

1. Bean bag chairs. Well-known, popular, loved by many products. There are pear-shaped, round, square shapes. They have two covers: the top one is decorative, the bottom one contains granulated polystyrene foam. This filler gives the chair its baggy shape. The granules are mobile, sensitive to changes in the sitting posture, adjust, and seem to envelop him.

1. Frameless chairs. They have the shape of a standard seat, with clear contours, a back, and armrests. It is static due to the combination of two types of fillers: molded polyurethane foam and a soft backfill made of polystyrene foam balls. Such furniture fits well into the office, does not destroy the business environment, adds originality to the room, and ease to the work process. See the photo below for examples.

1. Frameless sofas. They are light in weight, eliminate injury, since all the elements are soft and can be folded into a sleeping place. Combined fillings are used for such sofas. The shape of the product is given by cast polyurethane foam, and the volume is given by feather beds made of down. Some models have a completely synthetic filling, made from holofiber, synthetic down, and other materials. Synthetic winterizer is usually used for sofa cushions. Variations are in the photo below.

1. Poufs. Another type of upholstered furniture without a base. They can have square, round, cylindrical shapes. Unlike bean bags, they are static, with increased height. Foam and sheet filling. The products are multifunctional: they can serve as tables, seats, footrests, and toys.

Fillers for frameless furniture

Having analyzed the types of furniture without a solid base, we can make a list of fillers:

• polystyrene foam balls;
• sheet and molded polyurethane foam;
• Hollokhiber;
• PU foam crumbs;
• padding polyester;
• down and feather;

The listed synthetic materials are hypoallergenic, breathable, and unattractive to pathogenic microorganisms. The specified natural filling option is down and feathers, which can cause an allergic reaction and requires regular drying and cleaning. Each of these types has its own characteristics, positive or negative, and further we will cover them in detail.

Sintepon

Creates additional softness and elasticity

It is an intermediate material. The top of the filler is covered with padding polyester. It is also used to fill sofa cushions.

Available in various densities. Required density indicators for different furniture elements:

• back, armrests – 300 g/sq.m
• seat – not less than 400 g/sq.m
• pillows – more than 300 g/sq.m

These indicators must be strictly observed. Then the sofa will be soft and visually attractive. It will delight you with its coziness and comfort.

This material is popular for its properties.

When choosing upholstered furniture, we are often guided by our feelings: whether we like the shape, color and texture of the upholstery and do not think at all that this is not the only thing that determines the service life of the sofa or chair we like. Meanwhile, inside a beautiful wrapper there may be unsightly contents, so it is the “insides” that you should pay attention to first of all, so as not to buy a pig in a poke. So, today we will look at sofa fillers.

Which filler to choose for the sofa

Modern upholstered furniture inside is a rather complex system, which consists of a spring base (dependent and independent blocks) and/or soft materials (sintepon, foam rubber, latex).

The design of the sofa is also of great importance. Let’s say that for the simplest “book” sofa, springs are most likely not required. And, for example, well-known French folding beds with a folding mattress are often equipped with blocks of springs.

However, this does not mean at all that a reliable sofa must necessarily be a spring one, since the quality of the springs leaves much to be desired. It should be noted that, while saving, manufacturers rarely achieve the necessary hardening of the metal. In turn, this causes them to wrinkle and break over time.

In addition, according to technology, spring blocks should be covered with several layers of foam rubber, felt, batting or felt, which certainly increases the cost of the sofa. Based on this, professionals believe that it is better to use good quality foam rubber or latex rather than unreliable springs. It’s another matter if the manufacturer has impeccable reviews that do not allow him to commit non-compliance with the technological process.

But still, inside upholstered furniture there is not only foam rubber, latex or spring blocks. There are various additional artificial non-woven materials that cover the main filling, providing additional softness. These include padding polyester, aerofiber, padding polyester and others.

Consequently, the softness or hardness of furniture is directly affected by sofa fillers. It’s hard to say for sure which is better - foam rubber, spring block or latex. It depends entirely on personal preference. Before you buy, feel the sofa, sit on it assembled, and even ask to unfold it to lie on. You will intuitively choose the right option.

Here are some practical tips that will be useful when choosing a sofa:

1. Very soft foam will crumble quickly.
2. Sofa cushions made from crumbs, and not from a whole piece of foam, quickly become deformed.
3. If furniture covers have a fastener that allows you to look inside, this indicates that the manufacturer has nothing to hide. In addition, this cover can be changed if desired.
4. If sofa seat cushions are made with a slight angle towards the back so that a person does not move off the sofa, this indicates that the manufacturer cares about its own prestige.

What it is?

Materials that make up the internal contents of upholstered furniture (sofas, armchairs, furniture cushions, armrests, etc.) and on which the convenience, comfort and service life of the product largely depend. In the production of one furniture sample, several types of fillers can be used.

Spring

Fillers based on a spring block are the “elders” of furniture technology; antique sofas are made precisely on this basis. There are several types of spring structures:

• Bonnell - double-cone steel springs of five turns, woven together with wire into a rigid frame. Withstand heavy loads, recommended for obese people weighing more than 110 kg;
• Block of independent springs.

The coil springs are arranged vertically, and each is placed in a case made of very dense, breathable material. The covers are sewn together into a single design. This allows each spring, when subjected to gravity, to compress or expand independently of the others. Thanks to this, a block of independent springs has orthopedic properties.

Spring “snake” is a sine wave-shaped spring made of hardened steel wire. They are attached horizontally to the seat frame, providing a smooth elastic surface and an orthopedic effect.

The spring block is attached to a wooden frame. Layers of polyurethane, felt, batting or material with coconut fiber treated with latex (coconut coir) are laid underneath and outside.

Advantages and disadvantages of the main types of fillers

You already know what filling can be used for frameless furniture. But what are the advantages of one option or another? Let's figure it out together.

Expanded polystyrene granules. Advantages of the material: volume, flowability, softness, breathability, resistance to mechanical stress. Disadvantages: short service life, after which the granules lose volume, become wrinkled, and the product (bean bag chair) needs to be refilled with beads.

Polyurethane foam. Frameless furniture uses cast and sheet polyurethane foam. Its advantages: elasticity, softness, filling voids, shape support, orthopedic properties. Disadvantages: the price category of high-quality raw materials is above average. PU foam reacts poorly to contact with direct sunlight, and under their influence it begins to sag and crumble.

Holofiber. Fibrous, non-woven material of artificial origin. Soft, elastic, environmentally friendly, holds its shape well, does not deteriorate under the influence of external negative factors. The only drawback of the filler is the price; it is quite high, which increases the cost of products filled with holofiber.

PPU crumb. Waste from the production and cutting of polyurethane foam is used as filling for pillows, secondary elements of frameless chairs. Its advantages: lightness, breathability, volume, low cost. Disadvantages: with regular mechanical impact it begins to sag and does not restore its shape on its own.

Sintepon. Economy class artificial material. Moderately elastic, soft, initially voluminous, but during use it quickly wrinkles. Usually it is not used as an independent filler; it is rather an auxiliary material that is laid on top of hard polyurethane foam sheets to soften the seat. Also used to fill decorative pillows.

Down and feather. Natural raw materials that are still in demand and mass production. Advantages: lightweight, soft, breathable, voluminous, quickly regains shape, has a long service life. Disadvantages: the material is an allergen, requires special, regular cleaning, can become a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms, and has a high price.

In this article, I wanted to explain the difference between the materials “PPU” (popularly known as “foam rubber”) and the material “Holofiber”.