PU Foam Vs HR Foam - Know The Differences
Determining the suitable foam for your furniture can be quite challenging. Often concealed within upholstery and packaging, the actual comfort of the foam only reveals itself when you sit on the furniture.
The confusion increases, especially when considering purchasing furniture online. Without the ability to physically experience the comfort level, it becomes uncertain whether the chosen piece will provide the desired comfort. That's why we've come up with this blog – to shed light on the differences between PU and HR foam, enabling you to make a well-informed decision even when shopping for furniture.
PU Foam Versus HR Foam - Which Is Better?
What is PU Foam?
When it comes to using foam in sofas, PU foam is mostly the first choice. PU foam, short for "Polyurethane," is a soft and bouncy foam crafted in laboratories for commercial use. Polyurethane, the underlying polymer, is formed by combining organic units with urethane compounds.
To put it simply, consider Polyurethane, a lightweight, soft, and flexible material designed explicitly for crafting foam cushions in sofas and mattresses.
Benefits of PU Foam
PU foam has many benefits, including:
- Pu is soft and suitable for comfortable seating.
- Pu is flexible and can be shaped in any way, allowing furniture to be created in any design.
- Due to its low weight, PU foam is easy to handle.
- Pu acts as an excellent heat and sound insulator.
- PU is versatile and gives you many options to choose from different densities.
- This foam is also comparatively cheaper than its counterpart.
- PU foam is also known for its dust and mold resistance, making it a hypoallergenic product.
What is HR Foam?
High Resilience foam, often abbreviated as HR foam, represents an enhanced version of standard PU foam with increased density and superior elastic characteristics. Crafted through advanced manufacturing techniques, this foam exhibits heightened support and durability, surpassing the performance of conventional options.
The utilization of HR foam results in a seating and sleeping experience characterized by extended longevity and heightened comfort. Its remarkable capacity to swiftly regain its original shape distinguishes it from traditional foams.
Benefits of HR Foam
Some of the many benefits of HR Foam include:
- HR foam is comparatively denser and retains its shape after compression
- HR foam doesn't sag so easily, it springs back even after prolonged use
- HR foam is not only comfortable but also very supportive
- The HR form has a longer lifespan than its counterparts
- Heart rate is considered the best for sleeping
- This foam reduces motion transfer so movements do not disturb others
- With its temperature-regulating properties, HR foam maintains temperature and adapts to body heat
Difference Between PU Foam and HR Foam
| Feature | PU Foam | HR Foam |
| Composition | Synthetic foam derived from polyurethane. | Upgraded version of PU foam with higher density and improved elastic properties. |
| Comfort and Support | Good initial comfort, conforms to body shape. | Superior support and resilience, better bounce-back properties. |
| Durability | May lose resilience over time, prone to compression and sagging. | Known for durability, less prone to sagging, maintains shape better. |
| Cost | Generally more budget-friendly. | It is more expensive due to enhanced properties. |
| Application | Suitable for occasional use, short durations. | Ideal for items used regularly, such as sofas or mattresses. |
| Longevity | May have a shorter lifespan under heavy use. Good quality foam may last longer. | Well-suited for prolonged use, retains properties over time. |
| Weight | Lightweight and flexible. | Slightly denser due to higher resilience. |
Conclusion
Both PU and HR foams have their advantages. Usage depends on many factors, such as budget, type of furniture, and intended use. Although HR foam is several points ahead of PU foam, PU is still a popular material choice.
HR foam is more suitable for mattresses and formal seating such as large sofas, sofa sets, etc., while PU is more suitable for sofas, ottomans, or other cozy furniture.
