# What type of stuffing do I use for a couch? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 1, 2020, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787 "2020-04-01T06:07:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/1 "2020-04-01T06:07:02Z")
I have a favorite TV watching couch that has seen it’s better days. I can afford a new couch, but I like this one (and if you help me out, the wife might not make me get rid of it). It needs new stuffing. I guess whatever is in it wears out over the years. It doesn’t have detachable cushions, but has access to the fixed cushions through the back. I’m not so concerned about the how to (unless I am making a basic error by just pushing stuffing into it), but the “what do I stuff it with” aspect. What type of material do I need to put into the couch to stuff it? Is the stuffing used for things like teddy bears and the like good enough or do couches require stronger material? Many thanks in advance. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/2 "2020-04-01T06:21:43Z")
You can buy bags of ‘polyester stuffing’ at Hobby Lobby Wal-Mart may still carry it. Get more than you think and stuff it tight. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/3 "2020-04-01T13:16:33Z")
Things my dog taught me: Our couch was full of foam padding. _Was._ ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/4 "2020-04-01T13:23:13Z")
Couches have different designs with different innards. make a little mendable slit out of sight and investigate what is in there. Craft/sewing stores have various kinds of stuffing for pillows and the like. If the problem is a sheet of foam rubber that has compressed you may have to take the upholstery apart to replace it (another way of saying “new couch”). ---
**Author:** ![yearofglad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/b782af/32.png) [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/5 "2020-04-01T15:13:22Z")
I’ve often heard the word “batting” associated with couch-stuffing, so you could check that keyword out when searching for material as well. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/6 "2020-04-01T15:22:58Z")
Don’t use Stove Top. It won’t last. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/7 "2020-04-01T15:42:40Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > You can buy bags of ‘polyester stuffing’ at Hobby Lobby Hobby Lobby has been involved in so many [controversies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobby_Lobby) (Opposition to ACA, Not stocking items for Jewish Holidays, Smuggling religious artifacts, etc) and now they are defying closure due to corona: > [@Wikipedia](#): > > In late March of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused global business closings and U.S. citizens were increasingly being told to self quarantine, Hobby Lobby announced its stores would remain open, in defiance of lawfully executed stay at home or shelter in place orders issued by city, county, or state governments. Founder David Green, in a letter to employees, said his decision “was informed by a message from God bestowed upon his wife Barbara Green.”[32] Photos of signs at various Hobby Lobby stores have claimed Hobby Lobby is an essential business for its materials for making personal protective equipment, as well as homeschooling supplies. However, retailers specializing in the sale of craft supplies are not considered to be essential businesses per guidlines issued by the Department of Homeland Security. [33] ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/8 "2020-04-01T15:47:30Z")
Holy crap. Don’t go to Hobby Lobby, then. Buy it online. Thx, **Kayaker.** ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/9 "2020-04-01T16:02:23Z")
Maybe just add some new cushions on top? You can pull out existing stuffing if needed. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/10 "2020-04-01T16:03:49Z")
Don’t couches generally have full foam cushions? You need to go in and pull out the old cushion and measure it, taking into account that it’s probably a few inches flatter than when it was new, and buy a replacement that may or may not need to be cut. Looks like “[High density upholstery foam](https://smile.amazon.com/FoamTouch-5x24x24HDF-Upholstery-Cushion-Density/dp/B01H2QS4N4/)” is what you’re looking for. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/11 "2020-04-01T16:07:03Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Don’t couches generally have full foam cushions? > > You need to go in and pull out the old cushion and measure it, taking into account that it’s probably a few inches flatter than when it was new, and buy a replacement that may or may not need to be cut. > > Looks like “[High density upholstery foam](https://smile.amazon.com/FoamTouch-5x24x24HDF-Upholstery-Cushion-Density/dp/B01H2QS4N4/)” is what you’re looking for. That’s how our current IKEA couch is made. High density upholstery foam with removable covers. We have a set of red covers for xmas, grey/silver covers for general use, and dark green covers for a change of pace. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/12 "2020-04-01T17:09:31Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Don’t use Stove Top. It won’t last. Never leave us. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2020, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/13 "2020-04-01T18:56:03Z")
Look up polyfill, though the Amazon prices seem inflated from what I remember in person. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/14 "2020-04-02T17:30:10Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Don’t use Stove Top. It won’t last. Thank you! Yes, solid foam is probably your best bet. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/15 "2020-04-02T23:44:29Z")
Thanks for the replies. I guess my remaining question is whether there are different grades of “firmness” or whatever word I’m looking for there. I don’t want to get into a situation where I buy foam and it is rock hard and have the professional couch guys laugh at me and say that particular foam is made for space shuttle tiles. Or conversely buy something that provides no support at all and have the same guys laugh at me and say that such foam is only for baby toys and will not support a human being. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/16 "2020-04-03T12:05:48Z")
After pricing the foam you’d need, price a brand new IKEA couch and think about it. ---
**Author:** ![Grave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/71c47a/32.png) [@Grave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grave)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/17 "2020-04-03T13:44:49Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > Thanks for the replies. I guess my remaining question is whether there are different grades of “firmness” or whatever word I’m looking for there. Yeah there are. Well at least back in the mid 90s when I worked for a furniture foam plant. We produced everything thing from a soft, easily compressed foam to something that approached wood hardness. Any given manufacturer would use multiple types in a single couch - seat vs arms, back verses front, etc. There were also multiple grades of fire resistance (read : additives) based on application or state laws. Might I suggest you search for re-upholstery or furniture restoration companies in your area? They could provide a good idea of what repairing your couch would cost. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/18 "2020-04-03T14:16:53Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > I can afford a new couch, but I like this one (and if you help me out, the wife might not make me get rid of it). I’m completely empathetic. There is nothing quite so relaxing as a favorite couch.🙂 Now is not a good time to be cruising around stores and examining available fill. And you might not like what you receive online without a feel test first. So if you can wait, wait. There are a lot of options to go with. Our local tech college has a weekend/night class in amateur upholstery. The instructors have an unlimited supply of sample stuffing to examine and then order. Is there anything like this in your area? Probably will have to wait until the virus crises is over. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/19 "2020-04-03T14:42:23Z")
Horsehair upholstrery stuffing. [https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALeKk01fcDfDM5O\_XGTRsvGPekbn2FhKCQ:1585924672206&q=horsehair+stuffing&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjrs-jlvczoAhUOl3IEHaYLCNYQBSgAegQIDRAn&biw=1920&bih=938](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALeKk01fcDfDM5O_XGTRsvGPekbn2FhKCQ:1585924672206&q=horsehair+stuffing&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjrs-jlvczoAhUOl3IEHaYLCNYQBSgAegQIDRAn&biw=1920&bih=938) ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stuffing-do-i-use-for-a-couch/850787/20 "2020-04-03T14:55:19Z")
I don’t know if just pushing stuffing into the couch will work well. It will be lumpy, with parts your can reach stuffed more full than others. A worn couch needs additional support or padding under the seats (especially your favorite spot) and inside the backrest above the seats. Can you get to those parts easily enough?