Whenever someone talks about a comfortable seat whether to sit on to read your favorite book or to watch a movie, the thing which pops up in our mind is Bean Bag. Along with hundreds of bean bag types and many uses, there is something about bean bags that makes them different from other seats and sofas. Can you think of what is that? Yes, you guessed right! It is the bean bag filling.
What’s inside a bean bag?
Have you ever wondered what’s inside the sofa you are sitting on which feels like beads but molds your shape whenever you sit?
Do you ever get concerned about the inside filling when buying your toddler a baby bean bag?
Are you puzzled about buying a pet bean bag for your dog or cat but end up getting confused about the material inside when you are thinking to buy one?
Is your bean bag getting flat and want to refill it but are not sure which one to use?
No worries at all, because we have come up with different types of bean bag filling and a guide to solving all your queries, let’s dig in.
Best filling for a bean bag? How to choose.
This guide is for you If you want to educate yourself about filling types for safety precautions, to know about different types of filling to refill your bean bag chair or you are someone who loves to try DIYs and wants to find the best match for your What to fill in a DIY bean bag.
Safety comes first
If you want to buy a pet bean bag or a baby bean bag chair, safety comes first to your mind, if you are here to know about what sort of bean bag fillers are available in the market and which ones are best, our guide will help you choose accordingly.
Comfort is king
There are only a few things that are comfortable to sit and if “best” according to you is “most comfortable”, then the best filling for a bean bag is something soft, adaptable, and forms your shape to give the best comfort. However, there are different price ranges too, and if you think that cheaper filling with good quality is the best option for you, then you are in the right place.
DIY Guide
Are you a DIY person who wants to know how to make a bean bag but is
not sure which bean bag filling to use?
Are you thinking to start a small home-based business for selling floor cushions or anything that requires a good bean bag like filling?
Here are the answers to all your questions, read to educate yourself.
Types of bean bag fillers
There is more than one type of bean bag refills out there, and knowing about all of them will help you choose a product that is more suitable for you and our earth.
Bean Bag Fillings: Before vs now
As we know Bean bags were originally filled with dried beans. As the time is changing, nowadays the most commonly used bean bag filler is probably either polystyrene, styrofoam beads, or foam-based fillers.
Bean bag fillers vary according to the type of bean bag.
Most bean bags today are filled with a variety of different materials to make them lighter in weight than their traditional counterparts. You can opt for both natural and manmade filling for your bean bag.
What’s new?
There are 5 most common types of fillers you can use according to your need. Natural fillers, microbeads, foam-based, Expanded polypropylene, and expanded polystyrene. The good news is you can make your own by finding alternatives guide as well.
Let’s read and get to know each type.
Natural fillers
Are you someone who loves bean bags but due to environmental
problems you want to quit using them? If yes.
We have good news for you. There are a lot of natural fillers you can use instead of regular beads.
Natural fillers are the oldest forms of filler which are been used since the day of the bean bag invention. It is an eco-friendly solution for people who care a lot about reducing waste from the earth and their overall purchases of synthetic materials.
What are natural fillers?
Everything from beans to unpopped popcorn is considered to be natural filler. Whether they are dried beans or grains, like rice, beans, corn wheat buckwheat hull, and many more. Synthetic fillers can be more comfortable however if you want something nature friendly you can use these and can enjoy the rest knowing that you are lying on the things from nature.
Natural fillers don’t lose their shape that fast and they are cheaper as well. However, they are also likely to attract pests, but we have a safe options as well, like Biofoam fillers and natural latex.
Types of natural fillers
Biofoam
Biofoam bean bag beads are entirely organic and vegan fillers. The procedure of making these is natural as well as they are driven by natural biopolymer plants. This natural material is biodegradable and is similar to styrofoam beads, but much better for the environment. Biofoam beads hold on to their shape and are lightweight and long-lasting. This makes them an ideal and premium organic bean bag filler. Biofoam is also very safe for children and pets as it’s non-toxic, CO2 neutral, and hygienic as well.
Natural latex
Natural latex is another type of popular organic bean bag filler which is also found in mattresses and other furniture. It is also biodegradable, so it’s the best choice. It is The material that is harvested from rubber trees. It undergoes a procedure involving whipping it into a foam and then molding it into shape. A lot of people don’t realize that latex is a natural material as it has so many applications and is amazingly durable and versatile.
As an organic bean bag filler natural latex is ideal and the best choice because it is lightweight and won’t lose its shape. you can also use recycled natural latex from a mattress to fill a bean bag. Most sellers are often mattress companies and there are brands online where you can buy natural latex. Natural latex is also a non-toxic and hygienic option for bean bag fillers and it’s very comfortable as it is also used in mattresses.
Beans and Rice
Different beans and rice are other organic alternative bean bag fillers you’re determined to fill your bean bag with something which is cheap and can be easily bought from your local grocery store, then get a massive bag of rice or beans, just ensure they are dried and clean. They can be used together or separately however you are going to need a massive amount so it is better to use other types of fillers as well, like shopping bags.
Cedar Shavings
For something a little different and unique, you can buy cedar shavings, as an organic bean bag filler. Cedar shavings are one of the better choices as they are decay-resistant, so your bean bag filling could last years. You can get leftover cedar shavings online from landscaping businesses that want to reduce waste. If you’re trying to follow a zero-waste lifestyle then it is the best option for you. It is 100% eco-friendly and has a variety of qualities. The beautiful natural scent and natural properties can repel moths and other unwanted insects, which is best for pets. It can also be calming for your mind and body. You can combine cedar shavings with other natural bean bag fillers for maximum comfort. However, due to its’ known health hazards, including the fact it is a carcinogen, and may also contain certain toxins that produce severe allergic reactions, it is recommended to use this filling with a thick and strong bean bag cover only.
Cotton and wool
Cotton and wool are organic and environmentally friendly bean bag sofa options as they are soft and will make a comfy bean bag. however, it loses its shape and you need to change it earlier as compared to other natural refills
Feathers
If you are having old down comforter or down pillows that you are no longer using. You should recycle the feathers by putting them in a beanbag. They tend to lump together, so you might want to try combining them with cedar shavings or other beans for the best use.
Organic fillers wrap up
These are the most common and useful filters that you can use for filling your bean bag chairs. All of these are easily available and can be used for a DIY and a natural refiller.
Recommendation
Keep these safe from high humidity temperatures to prevent damage.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Another type of filling is EPS polystyrene beads. It is an ideal bean bag filling material, due lightweight which allows beanbag manufacturers to make large comfortable chairs that people can easily move from room to room and place to place. This beanbag filling forms to the user’s body shape and gives people a uniquely comfortable place to relax. Polystyrene Beads are the best option for the price as well. EPS filling is a great option for bean bag games and gaming bean bag chairs as they are light and soft and can give full support for hours of gaming. They come in different sizes and shapes as well. Smaller size beads are more comfortable, though they can be a bit expensive.
They are easily available in the online market places from where you can get them in bulk and for trail use too.
Foam Filling
Foam is a popular bean bag filling in today’s world.
Memory foam or compressed foam was originally invented by NASA in the 1960s and it is most commonly used in mattresses and pillows. There is another type of foam filling is shredded foam, which is also been used to fill bean bags. Due to its properties foam fillers, gives a soft, spongy feel to your bean bag. It has a springy effect to return to its original shape as well. It is compressible to about 25% of its original size which makes it easier and cheaper to transport. However, it is more expensive than EPS beans and makes the bean bag heavier than the bean one. Mostly great bean bag chairs are made of shredded foam, which gives excellent support for your body and allows you to sit with less pressure on your back.
Customers who have purchased memory foam bean bags are found happy and satisfied with their performance However, because of the size and irregular shapes of memory foam bits, some people dislike the texture when utilized in bean bags that have thin linings. The fabric which works best is combined 1680D polyester and leather.
Another filler used in bean bag chairs is shredded foam. The irregularity of the shredded foam makes it less popular than the other options. Memory foam is another option. with its many advantages, memory foam is taking over the bed space. Now they are starting on bean bags as well. The comfort and ease of memory foam make it a favorite of many who do not have qualms/ second thoughts about spending quality filler for their bean bag. Memory foam is a bit costly but they are very comfortable.
Micro Beads
They are composed of microscopic pellets which are made of polyethylene, a form of plastic. They range in size from micrometers to millimeters. Micro-beads are mostly made to fill pillows or really small bean bags, not recommended for adult bean bag chairs. Over the past years, they were used to make different types of exfoliating cosmetic products and are banned now in states across the US because they are considered to be an environmental hazard.
Conclusion
There are various types and facts about bean bag filling. 5 are the most common types. Whether you want a refill or you want to know more before buying. It is important to do research before buying any.
This guide is solely dedicated to our readers who want to know which one is better filling. All of these are recommended by us as everyone’s need is different.
Choose best for yourself and let us know which one is your favorite and must-have.
Should we make a detailed guide and where to buy each filling?
Let us know in the comments.
