Expert: Mark H. Miller - 6/15/2006

Question
Thank you so much for your clear and fast response!
Would you mind going a bit more into details on why bonded dacron is not as good s quilted?
Thanks in advance!
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Followup To

Question -
How hard is it to renew a leather couch by refilling the bottom cushions that have gone flat?  Where do I start?  Where to look and how much should I expect to pay for them?  Or should I purchase the filler material (which and where?) and attempt to cut the right size inserts myself?
Thank you for your help!

Answer -
Hi,  my first recommendation is that you take the cushion to an upholstery shop and ask them to add filling material to the cushions and do the job for you. Usually that is done by adding layers of quilted dacron. Don't let them add bonded dacron - it is not as good. Or, depending on how old they are, have the entire cushion filler replaced with a new one.

To do the job yourself, which I do not recommend, you would have to go to an upholstery supplier and purchase quilted dacron and then wrap the cushions and re-insert them. Most upholstery suppliers are wholesale only and do not sell to the general public.

An upholsterer should give you a written estimate of the costs.

I hope this helps.  Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have more questions.

Mark Miller.

Answer
Hi,

Bonded dacron is held together by a process whereby the outer dacron fibers are heated, this causes the dacron to form a ridgit pad which is very easy to work with, so upholsterers prefer using it, however, since it also contains less actual dacron and since the bonding breaks down in a short period of time it looses it's "memory" or ability to bounce back after one sits on a cushion.  It is therefore usually found in inexpensive furniture.

Quilted dacron contains many more dacron fibers per square foot, is a thicker pad and retains it's memory much longer. Even when it looses it's memory - which all dacron does it is still better because it there is more dacron per square foot so thereby gives more confort. Rather than being held together with a heat process which bonds the surface layer it is held together by quilting it.  It is more difficult to use and requires more skill to install on a cushion.

F.Y.I. dacron is actually a brand name for polyester fiber.  

I hope this information helps,  please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further help.

Mark Miller.