Foam Vs Fibre Sofa: Which Is Better?

You may not wonder what your sofa is made of while you are relaxing on it reading a book or watching television. However, if you are looking to purchase a new sofa, the first question you may have is what is better, a foam or a fibre sofa. What is even worse, what if you purchased the wrong type and now you are sinking or uncomfortable. 

Foam sofas are more expensive than fibre sofas, but offer firmer support, are lower in maintenance, and last longer than the fibre options. Alternatively, a fibre sofa is a good option when looking for a cheaper and softer sofa. However, fibre sofas lack the durability of foam sofas.  

There are three types of filling used for sofas, foam, fibre, and feather. This article will be comparing the first two, foam and fibre, to see which kind is more advantageous over the other. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right filling will help save you money and maintain your comfort for years to come. 

Foam Vs Fibre Sofa

When choosing between a foam or fibre sofa, it depends on the type of comfort you enjoy and how much money you want to spend. Fibre will give you that soft, squishy, sink into the couch feeling while foam will give you a more firm and supported seating area. Foam is also more expensive, so if budget is an issue, fibre is the way to go. 

High-density foam is the better choice for those who want a naturally firmer feel. This means you will not sink down into the sofa and will have full support whether you are sitting up or lying down. When you lie down on a fibre sofa, you may end up sinking even deeper into the couch due to the air being pumped out of the fibers. 

If you have the money to spend, foam sofas are the better choice when it comes to the three main criteria—support, maintenance, and longevity. You may save some money purchasing a fibre sofa in the beginning, but also may end up spending more if you have to replace it down the road when a foam sofa could literally last forever. 

Foam-Filled Sofas Offer Users Firm Support

Foam filled sofas are popular because they are firm when it comes to support and keep their shape over time with lengthy use. If you have a bad back, the firmer support of a foam sofa can be extremely beneficial while sitting over time. Because form is firmer than fibre, the sofa and the pillows also retain their shape better than fibre options. 

Foam sofas are made of a low-density foam, which ends up giving it a high-density and springy, yet firm, feel. This low-density foam makes it much easier for individuals with back or mobile issues to get up from the coach versus its fibre counterparts. Below are the advantages and disadvantage of choosing a foam sofa: 

Advantages:

• Much firmer support than fibre sofas
• Maintains and upholds its shape better than fibre sofas
• More low maintenance than fibre sofas
• Resistant to liquid spills
• Easier to clean than fibre sofas because they do not trap dust 

Disadvantage:

• May be more expensive than fibre sofas 

Not having to plump up your cushions and pillows after a night of binge-watching your favorite shows is definitely an advantage of a foam sofa. The aesthetics of your sofa will be maintained over time because the cushions will not sag over time. Foam sofas will continue to offer firm support and keep their shape over time with extended use. 

If you are looking for less maintenance in your sofa, the foam filled option is the way to go. You will not have to consistently fluff and plump your pillows after someone sits on your sofa for a long period of time. However, you will get what you pay for, as foam sofas are typically more expensive than the fibre options. 

Sink into a Fibre-Filled Sofa for a Lower Price

Do you love the feeling of sinking into a soft sofa and having that fluffy, comforting feeling while watching your favorite shows? If your answer is yes, then a fibre-filled sofa is the choice for you. This is because the fibres are made of polyester that fill the sofa are not packed as closely together as the foam option, making fibre softer and squishy. 

The two types of fibre fillings are super-soft blown fibre and the bouncier, fluffier pocket fibre. Fibre-filled sofas are often mixed with either foam or feather and are a solid choice for individuals with allergies to feather or have sensitivities like asthma. Fibre is filled with air, and when you sit down the air is pumped out and makes the cushions flat.  

Advantages:

• Provide a softer, fluffy, squishy feeling compared to foam sofas
• Are less expensive than foam sofas 

Disadvantages:

• The cushions may wear out more quickly than foam sofas
• They are higher maintenance and will need more fluffing and plumping after use to get the air back into the fibres
• Need to be cleaned and vacuumed more than foam
• Will not last as long as a foam sofa 

Although fibre cushions are softer than foam, they also wear out faster since the fibres are thin and are not packed as closely together. They are also higher maintenance and will require you to fluff and plump them frequently. In fact, most owners of fibre sofas have said they need to plump the cushions weekly to restore air between the fibres. 

Because they are not as stiff, fibre cushions also need to be cleaned and vacuumed more often than foam. Even with all of this fluffing, plumping, cleaning, and vacuuming, fibre sofas more than likely will not last as long as the more expensive foam sofa. This also brings another important question into play, and that is durability of material. 

What is the Most Durable Material for a Couch?

The high-density foam is definitely the more durable choice than fibre. It is significantly more resistant to sagging and wear and tear compared to the shorter shelf-life of a fibre sofa. In fact, even with extensive use a foam couch should not flatten or change its shape in any way over long periods of time, further making it the more durable choice. 

When it comes to maintenance, a foam sofa will not change its shape after your family and friends have sat on the cushions for hours on end. Unlike a fibre couch, you do not need to waste time fluffing and plumping the cushions every time someone gets up because of this durability. 

Foam is also a more durable material because it does not get permanent creases and wrinkles that make it look old and worn. Fibre, on the other hand, will look worn and wrinkled much more quickly because the fibres are thin and not closely packed together. This means the rate of wear and tear is sped up due to the fibre makeup. 

Foam sofas are also more durable when it comes to liquid spills, as they cannot get damaged by spilled water or other drinks. Further, foam sofas do not trap particles like dust, so they are easier to clean than fibre and a better choice for families with children and pets. Many times, this is the most influential factor when it comes to choosing foam. 

Conclusion

Your family’s sofa is more than just a piece of furniture—it is a place for everyone to relax and spend time together watching your favorite television shows and films. You need to weigh firmness with softness, expensive with inexpensive, and low maintenance with higher maintenance.