What is PPU filler, is it harmful to health?

Choosing a sofa or mattress is not so simple. As a rule, they are expensive, so no one wants to make a mistake. In most stores, you will be allowed to try out the model - sit on the couch or lie on the mattress. But even if the furniture you like seems absolutely convenient to you, it is worth clarifying what material it is filled with. What is it - PPU filler or foam rubber? It depends on how the sofa or mattress is stuffed, how long the furniture will last for you and whether it will cause health problems.

What is this stuff

Polyurethane foam is one of the varieties of foam (gas-filled plastic). It is produced by foaming a liquid composition, which then solidifies.

Polyurethane foam consists of a large number of cells filled with gas - pure carbon dioxide, air or some other. The thermal insulation properties of this material are explained by the fact that it is ninety-eight percent composed of gas filling the cells. The remaining small percentage is the solid material itself.

Furniture made of polyurethane foam can be made in two ways.

1. In the first case, parts of the required shape are immediately cast from the material.
2. In the second, first create blocks in the form of a cube or cylinder, from which workpieces are further cut.

The first method is most convenient for assembling sofas, armchairs and other upholstered furniture. This is explained simply.

• Individual parts are used to create parts. Therefore, all parts of the furniture are the same and even. No further processing is required.
• When manufactured in this way, the density of the material increases.

But in the manufacture of mattresses, block polyurethane foam is used. Thus, the mattress has a lower weight, has a higher breathability and the necessary moisture exchange.

Kinds

There are two main types of polyurethane foam:

• closed cell;
• open cell.

The first consists of closed cells, which are filled with gas, providing expansion of the composition. And this same gas is the key to low thermal conductivity of the material. This type of polyurethane foam is the most dense and durable.

In addition, it serves as protection against steam, moisture and air. It is more often used for isolation.

Open-cell polyurethane foam consists of elastic cells interconnected. It is not so dense and resembles a sponge in structure. But this material is not so durable, therefore it is not used as a heater.

Improved types of polyurethane foam

In the manufacture of PUFs, various catalysts are also used, due to which foaming of the material occurs. Depending on how much and what substances are used, it is possible to obtain polyurethane foam with various properties.

Highly flexible polyurethane foam

It is also called artificial latex. Its difference from the usual filler in the structure and shape of the cells. In the classical material, all cells have the same size and wall thickness, and their arrangement is ordered. The highly elastic version consists of cells that differ in all these characteristics. And they are arranged in a chaotic manner. Due to this feature, the load is distributed between small and large cells. Furniture made of this material is more durable and able to change shape, which is quickly restored. Therefore, a highly elastic material is used to fill:

• furniture for apartments;
• office furniture;
• children's products;
• orthopedic mattresses;
• massage couches;
• car seats.

Memory polyurethane foam

This variety is found under different names - “Memorix”, “Memoriform”, etc. The peculiarity of this material is its ability to adapt to the body. In this case, in contrast to the type described above, this viscoelastic material recovers somewhat more slowly.

When a person sits, for example, on a sofa made of Memorix, he immediately adapts to the shape of his body. This effect is also achieved due to the structure of the cells of the material and its increased sensitivity to temperature changes. From human heat, furniture becomes softer and changes shape.

This material is different:

• higher density;
• low air permeability;
• ability to soften vibrations.

How is used

Polyurethane foam itself is quite an expensive material. And to find a mattress filled only with it is rather problematic. It is important to know when buying a polyurethane foam mattress: such products, as a rule, contain a filling consisting of several layers: in addition to the main material, coke fiber is often used. Or polyurethane foam is used as a coating on the springs. Even such a small amount of material used to make a mattress can improve its properties.

For greater effect, manufacturers additionally strengthen the walls and corners of the mattress. Due to this, when you lie down on the bed, the mattress does not change shape so dramatically (because usually it can be inconvenient). It also extends the life of the mattress, which receives additional protection against damage.

But sometimes you can find mattresses, which are a solid block of polyurethane foam. Their price is higher, but it is no accident. They have no springs and are characterized by a higher density. Therefore, they can even be placed on uneven surfaces, while maintaining the feeling that you are sleeping in your bed. True, they make these mattresses longer, which also complicates their purchase.

Positive properties

Mattresses made of polyurethane foam have a number of positive features, thanks to which they got such a distribution.

• If we are talking about mattresses, which only partially consist of this material, then the price gives them special appeal. Their cost is not so high.
• Big choice. Due to its wide distribution, it will not be difficult to find a mattress of the size you need or make it to order.
• A large number of varieties of material. Thus, it is easy to choose a mattress that will have the properties that are most important to you (different density, ability to take shape, and so on).
• Thanks to their softness, these mattresses are easy to twist and carry.

Harm to health

But, despite the positive properties, this material is still able to harm health.

The thing is that the main feature of polyurethane foam, which makes it attractive to consumers, is its main drawback. This material is quite soft. And the fact that it takes the form of a human body does not do us any good. This gentleness leads people to sleep in positions that seem more comfortable to them. However, such postures are unnatural. Because of them, spinal deformity occurs.

Such mattresses are especially dangerous for children. Their posture is not yet formed. The spine needs support. To do this, the child must sleep on a hard mattress. Natural materials such as coconut fiber are especially popular.

There are other disadvantages of polyurethane foam.

• Due to direct sunlight, it is destroyed.
• It does not tolerate prolonged contact with liquids.
• According to some experts, under the influence of temperature emits harmful substances.

purityis.decorexpro.com/en/ magazine draws attention: although the last argument has not been officially confirmed, many people, having tested mattresses made of artificial materials, really note that gradually they are increasingly experiencing headaches, nausea and drowsiness. Even if you are not worried about the possible consequences for the spine, pay attention to these symptoms.

Alternative materials

So, if you understand that such a mattress does not suit you, it is worth taking a closer look at natural materials. Unlike polyurethane foam, they do not seem so modern. After all, these mattresses are not able to take another form, become softer under the influence of temperature and so on. But, as we have already found out, this is their strength.

• Coconut Springs. These mattresses use coir processed in the form of springs. They are rigid and do not bend.
• Coconut Coir. From this material, the most rigid mattresses are obtained. It is their best to acquire for children of preschool and school age, whose posture has not yet formed. Coconut fiber is also found mixed with latex. A different ratio allows you to get the most successful option for a particular person.
• Abaca is processed trunks and leaves of banana palm trees. An alternative to coconut fiber, the abacus has a slightly longer lifespan.
• Horse hair - used in combination with other, softer materials. Used for hard layer.
• Seaweed - also add cruelty.
• Felt - it is made from cotton.
  Output

Most often, polyurethane foam is found in mattresses, sofas and armchairs. It is a synthetic material. By adding various substances, manufacturers change the properties of furniture, making it softer, able to adapt to the shape of the human body. However, many doctors claim that this quality is potentially harmful to health. Soft mattresses cause spinal deformities. For an adult, perhaps this does not pose such a danger. But it’s better for children to buy hard natural mattresses - for example, from coconut fiber.