Under the upholstery covering padded seating are seams. While fillings aid with form and shape, their primary aim is to provide cushioning and comfort in the seat and back seat. The normal foam used for upholstered goods, most frequently bunk, is a oil by-product, polyurethane. It’s the standard not because it is the best choice, but since it has the newest history and most accessible price point. But sustainable options exist that merit consideration, such as feather and down, natural latex foam, organic wool, and horse hair and hair mixtures.
Feather and Down
Seat cushions made of feather and down are considered the ultra-luxury end of this scale compared to the economy standard foam filling. The ratio of down to feathers is vital and should be in the selection of [60 percent down to 40 percent feathers](http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/reupholstery/cheaper-way). A too high feather content may lead to quickly compressed, flat-looking seating, and masks can poke out of the finished upholstery. While the mixture provides a very comfortable, plump seat, down cushions aren’t known for maintaining their shape long-term; you’re going to need to fluff and flip cushions to extend their longevity.
Horse Hair and Blends
During the [18th century, the horse hair became the standard filling](http://anthonylawrence.com/blog/2014/11/17/why-should-i-choose-horsehair-upholstery/), creating a firm, resilient seat. Horse hair is still used by some, while some substitute hogs’ hair, cattle hair or even synthetic “hair,” occasionally combined with other fibers such as coconut “hair” The disadvantage of horse hair, and other natural hairs into a lesser extent, is the fibers lose their moisture content over the years and eventually become brittle. This will definitely produce the seat feel more difficult and the cushion may make sound when you sit or transfer. Switching to synthetic fibers retains the concept however extends the filling’s useful life.
Natural Latex Foam
Natural latex foam comes from the rubber tree, \_Hevea-Brasiliensis\_, and is extracted as sap, so the tree need not be cut to acquire the sustainable resource. The [transformation process](http://sleeponlatex.com/blogs/news/7998547-100-natural-latex-foam-vs-synthetic-latex-foam) of sap to foam begins by allowing the latex sap to thicken before being baked at very significant temperatures. Some manufacturers add other ingredients into this latex; others do not. Unlike polyurethane foam, natural latex foam is biodegradable, repels dust mites and other allergens, and isresistant to mold, mildew and germs](http://www.livinghomefurniture.com/services/materials/).
Organic Wool
Ready without the assistance of harsh chemicals, organic wool is hypoallergenic, [naturally flame retardant]( http://www.woolsoft.co.uk/british-wool.html), and naturally resistant to mold, dust and mildew. Unlike synthetics, the substance breathes, an important benefit on sultry summer days. In colder weather, it acts as an insulator. Despite being lightweight, wool is resilient and offers a firmer seat than does down, however far like feather and down pillows, you might want to regularly fluff the pillows.