Pehmustatte

Pehmustatte is a Finnish term used in upholstery to denote padding or cushioning layers inside cushions, mattresses, and other soft furnishings. The padding determines softness, support, and shape retention, and is chosen to balance comfort with durability. In everyday use, pehmustatte can refer to the foam core, fiberfill, or other fillings inside a cover. The term is common among manufacturers, upholsterers, and retailers of soft furniture.

Common materials used as pehmustatte include polyurethane foam of varying densities, memory foam, and latex foams; polyester or down-alternative fiberfill; and natural fillings such as cotton or wool in some products. Cushions may combine a foam core with a wrapped or quilted cover. Material choice influences firmness, heat retention, resilience, and lifespan. There is no universal standard for pehmustatte, and definitions vary by region or product category.

Applications span residential furniture such as sofas and chairs; office seating; automotive interiors; and bedding components like mattresses and toppers. Higher-end products may use layered constructions, sculpted shapes, or inserts to improve ergonomics. In practice, pehmustatte design aims to balance softness with structural support while allowing the upholstery to fit properly.

Care and maintenance typically include regular vacuuming, avoiding moisture, and spot cleaning with appropriate fabrics. Cushion filling softens over time, and cushions are often rotated or flipped to promote even wear. Replacement intervals depend on use, climate, and material quality, but noticeable sagging or loss of support often signals the need for refreshing.