What is the difference between foam density and firmness?
Do extra-firm cushions last longer than less firm cushions?
Answer:
Foam density and firmness are very different things.
Cushions are measured by two values:
Density
Cushion density is the weight per cubic foot of polyurethane foam.
The higher the number the more it weighs per cubic ft.
Foam that has a density of 1.8 contains 1.8 lbs of foam per cubic foot.
This is the most common density of foam used for seat cushions.
For cushions, the term, “High Density” can refer to any foam that is 1.8 density or higher.
When a website, salesperson, or ad states that cushions are “high density” or “high resiliency” without a number, you can assume that the cushion’s density is 1.8.
Firmness
Firmness is measured by the foam’s IFD (Indentation Force Deflection) number.
The IFD number tells you how much weight it takes to compress the foam by one third.
Lower IFDs mean softer cushions. Higher IFDs are firmer.
Foam Density does not change over time.
If your seat cushions are 1.8 density when new, they will still be 1.8 density 5 years later when they are worn out.
For a specific cushion size, higher density foams will last longer than lower densities.
As foam density increases, the increase in durability can be substantial.
Foam Density is the most important factor that determines how long your cushions will last.
For example, an average size seat cushion for a three seat sofa might be 24 inches wide x 27 inches deep x 5 inches thick.
The average lifespan for this cushion, when used by a 160 lb. person would be:
1.8 density: 4 – 5 years
2.0 density: 6 – 7 years
2.2 density: 8 – 10 years
2.5 density: 15+ years
Increasing the surface area or thickness of the foam will also increase the average lifespan.
Increasing the weight of the people sitting on the cushions will decrease the average lifespan.
If we use the same foam densities, but increase the weight of the sitter to 250 lbs., the average cushion lifespan will change.
Now we have:
1.8 density: 1 – 3 years
2.0 density: 2 – 4 years
2.2 density: 4 – 6 years
2.5 density: 10 – 15 years
Foam densities of 2.5 or higher will lose less of their average lifespan as a person’s weight increases.
The best cushion for individuals weighing 250 lbs. or more is Spring Down.
Spring Down cushions will lose very little of their firmness or comfort when used by individuals weighing 250 to 300 lbs.
Foam Firmness changes over time.
The firmness begins to decrease from the first day you sit on your cushions.
The more you weigh or use the furniture, the faster the cushions break down.
A foam cushion is “worn out” when the foam firmness has decreased to the point where the cushion is no longer comfortable.
As shown above, higher density foams slow down this loss of firmness.
Cushions can be “too firm.”
Low cost seating is sometimes made with “extra-firm” cushions.
Extra-firm cushions may retain their shape longer than “softer” cushions.
But it will not slow the rate at which the cushions will collapse or the sofa will lose its comfort.
High Resilience cushions.
Resilience in foam is the ability to bounce back after a weight is removed.
The term “high resilience” generally refers to cushions that are not “extra-firm.”
But the exact measurement of how firm (or soft) a foam should be to be labelled “high resilience” is so vague that it’s almost meaningless.
In the mattress industry, “high density foam” usually refers to “extra-firm” foam that is at least 1.8 density.
Firm and medium-firm or softer polyurethane foams, used in mattresses, that are not “memory foam” are referred to as “high resilience” foams.
Memory foams are not “high resilience” since they do not “bounce back” quickly after weight is removed from them.
“High density” and “High resilience” have different definitions for foam used in sofa cushions.
For sofa cushions, the terms “high density” and “high resiliency” are sometimes used interchangeably.
At other times, “High resiliency” may be used to describe softer foams that are not “high density.” For example, a 1.5 density foam should not be described as “high density,” but may be referred to as “high resilience.”
Foam fabricators (companies that manufacture the foam) have very strict (and complex) definitions and standards for which foams are “high density” and/or “high resiliency.”
But furniture manufacturers, salespeople and other furniture industry professionals are far more casual about how these terms are used.
Marketing materials from furniture companies often use “high density” and “high resilience” to imply superior quality foam, but in reality cheap foams with low durability that can wear out within 3 years or less may be described as either “high density” or “high resilience.”
Loss of comfort is not always caused by the cushions losing their firmness.
The seat support foundation underneath the cushions also affects the firmness, comfort, and durability of the cushions.
For example:
Ashley recently changed its seat support foundation from sinuous wire springs to a wooden platform.
Their marketing materials claim the platform is more durable.
That may be true, but the hardness of the plywood platform top will break down the cushion foam faster.
As the foam breaks down, you will begin to feel that hard plywood board. It is not a comfortable type of firmness.
The same evolution to wood platforms occurred in the mattress industry, beginning about 50 years ago.
Prior to that time, most mattresses rested on box springs.
Switching to plywood platforms was much cheaper.
The mattress companies quickly discovered that to maintain comfort with a plywood box support, the mattresses had to be made much thicker (and more heavily padded.)
Some sofa manufacturers, trying to cut costs, have not yet recognized that when the spring (or webbed) foundations are removed, the cushions require more padding to maintain comfort.
Cushions used together with plywood platforms will quickly become uncomfortable and “used up” unless the foam density and/or thickness is increased.
Pocketed coil cushions are popping up in lower priced furniture.
Most of these are 4 inches thick and uncomfortably firm.
IKEA has successfully introduced 6 inch thick pocket coil cushions (with 3 inches of foam padding above the springs.)
Although these cushions are still firmer than normal, they are not uncomfortably firm for most people.
IKEA’s pocketed coil cushions will maintain their intial comfort and shape up to 10 years.
That’s twice as long as similarly priced sofas made with 1.8 density foam.
For residential seating, IFD numbers for medium firm generally range from 32 – 38. Extra-firm may have IFDs of 40 – 50.
Commercial and Institutional seating, with thin heavy-duty cushions, may have IFDs ranging close to 80 or 90.
The most common foam, by far, used for seat cushions is 1836, which means a 1.8 density foam with a medium-firm IFD of 36.
Density has a direct relationship with how long a foam cushion will last.
Firmness does not affect a cushion’s lifespan.
Density does not change over the entire lifespan of the cushion.
A cushion’s firmness decreases over time.
Higher density foams weigh more than lower density foams.
If you are uncertain of a cushion’s foam density, pick it up.
Lightweight seat cushions will not last very long.
The heavier a cushion is, the longer it will last.
Different types of foams have different density scales.
Seat cushions are usually made from polyurethane foam. The most common density is 1.8
Memory and latex foams are denser.
Although these foams are sometimes found in seat cushions, they have far higher densities.
A 1.8 density memory or latex foam cushions would not be suitable in a seat cushion.
It is not unusual to see see cushions described as “memory foam.”
In almost all cases, this refers to a thin 1 or 2 inch thick strip of memory foam glued on top of a polyurethane foam core.
The purpose of the memory foam is to soften the feel of the polyurethane foam core.
Latex foam cushions are sometimes found in high end seating.
Latex foam is recyclable and bio-degradeable. It is mold, mildew and mite-resistant and is not flammable.
This foam is easily identifiable. Latex cushions are much heavier than similar size cushions made from polyurethane.
Latex is more durable and far more expensive than polyurethane.
Cushion construction is the single most important factor in determining the lifespan (and comfort) of your sofa, couch or chair.
Cushions are usually the first part of low and mid-priced sofas to wear out.
The expected lifespan of a foam cushion is primarily dependent on the density, thickness, and surface area of the foam core.
Another important factor is whether the foam is HR (High Resiliency) which recovers its shape better after use.
A foam cushion’s “firmness” has very little effect on the expected lifespan.
Since most consumers equate “firmness” with durability, cheap foams are often made “extra firm.”
With a lower density foam, however, that “extra firm” feeling will not last long.
Foams used in seat cushions for moderately priced residential furniture generally range from 1.5 through 2.0.
The most common foam density by far for residential seating is 1.8.
Depending on the thickness of the foam, whether or not it is HR (High Resilience) and how much use the couch gets, a 1.8 density cushion will typically begin to lose its shape and resilience in 1–3 years.
1.8 density cushions often need replacement within 3 – 5 years, but many people will continue to use their couches long after they have lost their initial comfort.
Few retailers or manufacturers offer replacement cushion inserts for their low and mid-range seating.
The cost of replacement cushion cores is higher than most people are willing to pay for their low and mid-priced sofas.
Since replacing cushions is not simple or cheap many people choose to purchase another sofa when their cushions wear out.
Replacing worn out cushion insides requires going to a professional upholsterer (or re-upholstery shop.)
Depending on the quality and size, the cost for replacing a polyurethane foam seat cushion core can be anywhere from $100 – $250 per cushion.
Many consumers choose to purchase a new sofa when their cushions wear out, even though the frame, foundation and even the fabric may still be in excellent condition.
Lower density foams are typically used for back cushions or padding that goes over the arms or other parts of the frame.
Higher densities (2.4 – 2.8) are usually found only on more expensive high end residential furniture.
Furniture designed for heavy commercial or institutional use may use foam with densities of 3.0 or higher.
Foam cushion cores for residential seating are usually anywhere from 4″ – 6″ thick and wrapped in a dacron polyester fiber.
The wrapping may consist of a layer of memory foam in place of the dacron polyester.
The fiber (or memory foam) wrapping is generally 0.5 – 1.5″ thick on the top and bottom of the cushion. It softens the feel of the cushion but has no effect on lifespan.
Foam’s thickness* and total surface area also affect cushion lifespan.
A 4″ thick foam core made with 1.8 density HR (High Resiliency) foam can be expected to last about 2 years with average use before the foam begins to lose its ability to bounce back and keep its shape .
A 5″ thick foam core made with 1.8 density HR (High Resiliency) foam can be expected to last about 3 years with average use before the foam begins to lose its ability to bounce back and keep its shape.
Cushions with larger surface areas last longer because they spread out the sitter’s weight and lower the lbs. per sq. inch of pressure exerted on the foam.
2 cushion sofas should last longer than the same size 3 seat sofas using similar foam.
*The cushion’s overall thickness is not as important as the foam thickness.
A cushion with a 6″ thick foam core and a 6″ overall thickness will last longer than a cushion with an 8″ overall thickness, resulting from a 5″ thick foam core + 3″ of dacron fiber wrapping.
Foams that are not “High Resiliency” will deteriorate more rapidly.
Since the process that adds “high resiliency” is not expensive (adding about $1) most seat cushions are made with high resiliency foam.
Although “high density” and “high resiliency” have two very different meanings, the terms are very often used interchangeably by salespeople, and home furnishings websites.
Actual foam densities will vary during the manufacturing process.
Polyurethane foam is poured into huge blocks that measure 12 ft. x 4 ft. wide x 8 ft. high.
These large blocks of foam will vary in density from one part of the block to another.
A density variation of 0.1 is considered normal, but larger variations are common.
The best quality foams, such as Qualux or Ultracel, will have very little variation.
Lower quality foams may have far more variation.
In general, polyurethane foams made in Asia are lower quality than those made in the USA.
Several years ago, I suspected that my cushion supplier was not sending my company the 2.5 density foam we specified.
A dozen cushions from 6 different shipments were sent to an independent laboratory to test the foam densities.
Results from the testing showed that out of the dozen samples tested, only half were within the acceptable 2.4 to 2.5 density range.
4 samples tested at 1.7 to 1.9 and two others at 2.1 & 2.2
At that point, we started making our own cushions, rather than buy them from an outside supplier.
The overall thickness of the cushion may not be an indication of a cushion’s durability.
“Value priced” couches will sometimes have cushions bulked up with several inches of dacron polyester fiber wrapped around the foam core.
The excess fiber soon compresses, causing the cushion to lose its shape.
If you want to get more than 5 years of use from your couch, you will need better quality cushions.
High quality brands may offer 1.8 density foam on their standard cushions, but they will always have cushion upgrade options.
Upgrade options may include higher density foams.
Spring Down or Spring fiber cushions last 15+ years for most people.
Spring down cushions and foam cushions with a down/feather top layer usually use 5% down/95% feathers or 10% down/90% feathers.
The small amount of down used in these upgrades adds only a few dollars to the cushion’s cost as compared with polyester fiber.
Down and feather cushions are very soft and very expensive. The softness and cost are determined by the amount of down used.
Cushions made with 50% down & 50% feathers can cost hundreds of dollars more than cushions made with 10% down & 90% feathers.
Down and feather cushions have very little resiliency and need to be “fluffed up” after each use.
When shopping for a couch and you do not know the foam density, you can still estimate a cushion’s durability from its weight.
Pick up a cushion. If it feels “light,” it will not last very long.
Most cushions will feel about the same. Those are probably 1.8 density.
If a cushion feels heavier, it should last longer.
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Hi! I have a few clarifying questions about this excellent article (thank you SO much for providing your knowledge and insight):
Are pure down/feather filled cushions the only ones that need fluffing or you need to fluff anything with down (ex. foam wrapped in down blend, back cushions that are down blend)?
Pocket coils vs innerspring core – same thing?
Down gives you that sink-in feeling but does foam offer a softer sit without compromising on structure? As in, can you still get a 2.2-2.5 density foam with a soft or medium ILD?
My first priority is durability so I’m drawn to the spring down cushions. Can you still get a cloud-like / softer seat cushion if there’s a spring in the cushion? Are cushions with springs found with both foam and down?
Thanks!
All seat cushions with 2 inches or more of loose filling will require periodic fluffing.
Cushions with 4 inches or more of loose filling (or any thickness with no foam or coil spring core) will need fluffing every time you stand up.
Foams can have different firmnesses. Each foam density (1.8, 2.0, 2.5 etc.) is available to manufacturers in several different firmnesses.
The ILD (firmness) scale varies for different foam densities. For example, an ILD of 36 is medium-firm for 1.8 density foam, but 27 is medium-firm for 2.5 density foam.
Thin layers of super soft foams are sometimes used as a topper above firmer foam layers, but it is more common for toppers to be sewn jackets filled with loose polyester fiber and/or feathers/down.
Down-blend cushions have jacketed toppers filled with a mixture of feathers, down, and/or polyester fiber.
The most common mixture is 50% polyester fiber/47.5% feathers/2.5% down.
50% polyester/45% feathers/5% down is another common mix.
50% polyester/50% feathers/No down is also common.
It is not unusual for cushions with no down at all to still be labelled as “down blend” cushions.
The amount of down in a standard size single seat Spring down or down-blend cushion ranges from less than 0.5 oz.to 2 oz. That’s less than 1% of a cushion’s total weight. The down makes no real difference to either feel or comfort.
The down is there primarily for marketing purposes. Down or down-blend cushions sound more expensive and comfortable.
To make a real difference in comfort, the cushions need at least 10% of the filling to be down. Even at that level many people cannot tell any difference in comfort compared with cushion toppers filled with inexpensive 100% polyester fiber.
Spring-down cushions with jacketed toppers that are filled with 25% or more down are noticeably more comfortable for most people, but are also more expensive.
Because of that, it is difficult to find spring down cushions with more than 10% down (2 oz. per seat) except in very expensive seating.
Feather/down cushions with no foam can get extremely expensive when they have higher percentages of down. 4 inch thick feather/down cushions with 10% down can add several hundreds of dollars to the price of a sofa.
25% or 50% down adds hundreds (or thousands) of dollars more. The type of down also affects prices. Hungarian goose down is more expensive than white goose down, which costs more than grey goose down, which costs more than duck down.
Spring down fiber and Spring fiber cushions are being added as options by an increasing number of high end brands. These may have either 50% or 100% polyester fiber.
Using more polyester fiber reduces the cushion cost , but high end brands rarely offer lower prices.
Increasing the percentage of polyester fiber increases the manufacturer’s profits. But the primary reason for adding polyester fill cushion options is that it eliminates potential customer complaints.
“Puddling,” (also known as comfort wrinkles) is the most frequent single complaint from shoppers who purchase high end seating.
Many salespeople (and “experts” who write articles about cushions) use the terms “pocketed coil” and “innerspring” interchangeably.
When I refer to “pocketed coil cushions”, I am referring to the cheap coil spring cushion construction used by IKEA and a few other low-cost and mid-range brands.
These pocketed coil cushions are similar in cost to cheap 1.8 density foam cushions.
Lower priced pocketed coil cushions have interconnected 3 inch high fabric covered coil springs. The cushions are not reversible. Pocketed coil cushions are only 6 inches thick overall.
Since the coil springs take up 3 of those inches and there is a 1 inch layer of polyester fiber on top, that leaves room for only 2 inches of foam padding.
Most brands using this type of cushion use cheap 1.8 density foam for the padding. The result is a very firm cushion that is uncomfortable for many people.
IKEA improves the comfort of its cushions by using more expensive 2.2 and 2.0 density foams in the padding. Most of the other brands offering pocketed coil cushions in this price range use less durable 1.8 density foam.
The advantage of cheap pocketed coil cushions is that they last far longer than 1.8 density foam cushions.
Where low cost 1.8 density foam cushions can wear out (losing their shape and comfort) within 3 years, many IKEA customers report that their pocketed coil cushions still retain their initial firmness and comfort after 10 years.
I am aware of only one brand (Hydeline) that is using these inexpensive pocketed coil spring units with enough high quality padding to make the cushions both long-lasting and comfortable.
Hydeline’s cushions are 8 inches thick overall (3 inches thicker than IKEA.) Those extra inches include padding made from high quality 2.25 density and memory foam. This results in cushions that are far less expensive than high quality Spring down cushions, but feel very comfortable and are very durable (10+ years.)
The disadvantage is that the cushions are not reversible, and in Hydeline’s reclining seating, they are also not removable.
Better quality Spring down type cushions use Marshall unit steel coils.
Marshall unit coil springs were first introduced in 1901 in mattresses made for luxury ocean liners. The mattresses were advertised as being “the most comfortable in the world.”
In the 1930s, the Simmons Mattress company invented a machine to mass produce the Marshall springs and used them to create their Beautyrest Mattress line. Marshall springs are still used in Simmons’ Beautyrest mattresses.
Marshall unit coil springs can be found in gauges ranging from 13 gauge (extra-firm) to 17 gauge (extra soft.) Spring heights range from 3.5 to 5 inches high.
Individual Marshall coils are wider and taller than the cheaper pocketed coils used by IKEA and other low cost brands.
Most high end brands that offer spring down-type cushions use Marshall units with gauges of 13.5, 14, or 14.5 for the seats. Gauges of 15 to 17 are primarily found in high end back cushions (and in mattresses with higher coil counts.)
Higher gauge numbers (and taller coils) are usually associated with softer cushions.
The foam that encases the fabric wrapped coil springs is usually either 1.8 or 2.5 density.
1.8 is OK for most people since when you sit, the majority of your weight is absorbed by the springs rather than the foam. The biggest pressure on the foam is when you are in the act of sitting down or standing up.
Foam is often used for non-removable backs, but is rarely found in removable back cushions. There are less expensive (and more comfortable) methods of making back cushions.
Marshall unit cushions typically have a lifespan of 15+ years when the coil springs are surrounded by 1.8 density foam. When surrounded by 2.5 density foam, they can last 20+ years.
The 2.5 density foam version is highly recommended for individuals weighing 250+ lbs.
A coil spring gauge of 14 or better is also recommended. 13 or 13.5 gauge is recommended for individuals weighing 300+ lbs.
The foam density has only a minimal effect on how soft the cushions will feel. Typically, the 2.5 density foam will have an ILD (firmness rating) around 27. The 1.8 density foam will have an ILD of 36. Each is considered medium-firm.
Some brands with spring down cushions may offer firmer 2.5 density foams. (Qualux makes cushions with Marshall unit coil springs surrounded by 2.55 density foam with a 31 ILD extra-firm foam.) Most shoppers prefer the medium-firm 27 ILD medium-firm alternative.
The topper will have more of an effect on softness. The exact filler mixture is less important than the amount (thickness.) The comfort difference between feathers (with small amounts of down) and polyester fiber is negligible for the vast majority of spring down or spring down blend or spring fiber cushions.
There is a noticeable difference as the percentage of down approaches 20%. But the cost can be hundreds of dollars more, and very few high end brands offer cushion options with filler toppers containing more than 10% down.
“Puddling” (also known as “comfort wrinkles.”) is the most common single complaint from shoppers who purchase high end upholstered seating.
Feathers compress more easily than polyester fiber and are more susceptible to puddling.
Down has more outward pressure (also known as “loft” or “filler power”) but there isn’t enough down in Spring down cushions to make a significant difference.
Spring fiber cushions, with toppers filled with 50% or 100% polyester fiber, are less expensive and have less puddling. The difference in comfort is minimal.
As a result, high end brands have started recommending their Spring down blend cushion options over the traditional Spring down cushions without any polyester fiber.
I’m looking at Mantle Furniture and I am wondering if I should go for the Luxe premium package vs. the spring down vs. the Q27. I have put the information down below: Can you give me some advice on quality of chsuions packages?
Comfort Medium: Standard cushion package. Qualux foam wrapped in Dacron fiber. Density is 2.05 lbs. Firmness is a 2 out of 5 (5 being the firmest) and has an I.L.D./Compression rate of 21.
Comfort Firm Q27: Qualux foam wrapped in Dacron fiber. Density is 2.55 lbs. Firmness is a 3 out of 5 and has an I.L.D./Compression rate of 27.
Comfort Firm 31: Qualux foam wrapped in Dacron fiber. Density is 2.55 lbs. Firmness is a 4 out of 5 and has an I.L.D./Compression rate of 31.
Down Blend: Qualux foam wrapped in a down blend wrap. Density is 2.55 lbs. Firmness is 2 out of 5 and has an I.L.D./Compression rate of 27.
Spring Down: Qualux foam with springs inside core, wrapped in a down blend. Density is 2.55 lbs. Firmness is 3 out of 5 and has an I.L.D./Compression rate of 27. (Note: not available on the Jasper collection.)
Luxe: Luxe Premium package consists of seats and backs. The Luxe Premium cushion contains a 4″ thick, high modulus, high resiliency core, which is capped on the top and bottom with a 2″ thick VX 3010 memory foam layer, the same foam used for comfort layers in mattresses. Density is 2.3 lbs. Firmness is 1 out of 5 and has an I.L.D./Compression rate of 24.
Randi,
If anyone in your family weighs 250 lbs. or more, I recommend the Spring Down package. It will hold up best for larger than average people.
You can eliminate the Comfort Firm package, unless you like extra-firm cushions. Most people find the 31 ILD extra-firmness to be less comfortable than the medium firm ILD 27.
The Comfort Medium Standard Qualux 2.05 density cushions have an average lifespan of 6 to 9 years. That’s twice as long as 90% of the cushions being sold in stores, but it’s only half as long as every other part of your Mantle seating should last.
That leaves you with 3 options:
1) If price is an issue, go with the Comfort Firm Q27. It will save you several hundred dollars compared with the remaining two options.
If price is not an issue, there are two choices left.
2) If you want very soft cushions, go with the Luxe Premium package.
3) If you want something a little firmer, get the Spring Down.
If you want your cushions to last 20+ years, get the Spring Down. The Luxe cushions should hold up for 15+ years.
I’m looking into the Precident sectional, and the sales representative mentioned it’s built with 1.8 density foam and Marshall springs for durability. However, my boyfriend weighs around 250 pounds, so I’m concerned about whether it will last for at least 10 years. While the representative seems confident in its durability, I’m curious if there are any specific weight capacity considerations or alternative options, like denser foam, that might ensure its longevity. Is it possible that it can indeed hold up for a decade under his weight?
The Precedent sales representative is correct.
Although a solid 1.8 density foam cushion would not work for you, the Marshall coils make all the difference.
Most of your boyfriend’s weight will be on the steel coils (which should have no problem supporting him.)
Although 2.5 density foam would be better, the 1.8 density foam with the Marshall coils has a good chance of lasting close to 10 years.
If you are considering a Precedent sectional, have you looked at Dreamsofa?
Dreamsofa’s kiln-dried solid hardwood frames and hand-tied foundations are both even sturdier than Precedent (which should last 15+ years.)
Dreamsofa’s Plush cushion option has the same Marshall coils, but surrounded by 2.5 density foam.
Because Dreamsofa is a DTC (Direct to Consumer) custom manufacturer, their prices are usually a lot less than comparable quality brands that sell through retailers.
If you send me a question on the Ask the Expert page with answers to the following questions, I’ll work up a Dreamsofa comparison to your Precedent sectional.
1) What is your budget?
2) How many seats do you need? (not including corner seats that cannot be used for sitting.)
2a) Do you really need modular seating (with each seat a separate unit)? Why?
(The cost per seat increases substantially for good quality modular designs.)
3) What configuration are you looking for (L-sectional, U-sectional, sofa with chaise, etc.)?
4) Style?
5) What are the maximum sizes for your sectional (width and length)?
6) Do you have any narrow doors or stairways? (If yes, what are the measurements of the narrowest place the furniture will need to fit through?)
7) Will anyone using the furniture be unusually tall or weigh 250+ lbs.?
8) Do you have kids or pets?
9) Reclining or stationary?
10) Leather or fabric?
hello, let me explain , I have no couches since 6. years ago, the furniture I had was gassing off, VOCs, since then I have been shopping for healthy furniture but are expensive. I had bought two of those chairs that conver and can’t sit on the, it’s like sitting Wood. can’t sit on the dining chairs either, everything hurts my muscles since I have rhumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. what can you advise me to look for in density and resilience when buying a couch and ordering foan for dining chairs.
If you’re ordering foam for dining chairs, make sure the foam is at least 2.5 density.
If you’re having the dining chairs done by a local custom upholsterer who does high quality work, ask for 2.55 density Qualux foam. Many of the small custom upholstery shops are familiar with Qualux foam.
It sounds as though you need a couch with a foam density of at least 2.5 or preferably Spring Down seat cushions. Either of those is going to be expensive.
Also, if you do go with foam, you want a medium firm foam, not one that is extra-firm.
Many people think that the densest foams are also the firmest. That’s not the case.
All foam densities can be made in a variety of firmnesses. It’s possible to have a 2.5 density medium-firm foam that is softer than a cheap 1.8 density extra-firm foam.
It’s also possible to soften the feel of a 2.5 density extra-firm foam by wrapping it in a soft memory foam (instead of the standard polyester fiber wrapping.)
If you get a couch with Spring Down cushions, those are almost always medium- firm.
If you can give me some additional information about the couch you want (price range, style, size) I may be able to suggest something specific that will work for you.