Bean bags are a favorite for comfy seating in many homes. They're a nice change from regular chairs and sofas. Bean bags are great because they change shape to fit your body, making them cozy and relaxing. But, what's inside the bean bag is really important. Many people wonder why bean bags go flat over time. The answer is often the type and quality of the filling. The filling you choose affects how comfy, durable, and eco-friendly the bean bag is. In this article, we'll talk about the different types of bean bag fillings, what to think about when choosing a filling, and how these fillings affect the environment. By the end, you'll know what the best thing to fill bean bags with is and how to fill a bean bag. Let's get started and learn about bean bag fillings!
The Best Filling for Bean Bags
When it comes to filling bean bags, you have a few choices. Each filling is different, so it's important to think about what you like and need. Here are three popular types of bean bag fillings:
A. Polystyrene Beads
Polystyrene beads, also called EPS (expanded polystyrene) beads, are a common filling for bean bags. These tiny beads are light and very comfy. They change shape to fit your body, which is great for relaxing. Polystyrene beads also keep you warm in cold weather.
One good thing about polystyrene beads is that they don't cost much. They're cheaper than other fillings, making them a popular choice for affordable bean bag chairs. But, these beads can get flat over time, so you might need to add more to keep the bean bag comfy.
Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is another thermoplastic polymer used to fill bean bags, but it's more common in Asia than in the U.S. and Europe. EPP beads are better than EPS beads and other fillings in some ways. EPP foam is strong and lasts long, but it's also flexible.
When EPP is crushed, it goes back to its original shape. This means the beads can be squeezed without losing their cushioning. EPP beads also don't lose their volume as fast as EPS beads and don't smell as much. The main problem with EPP beads is that they catch fire easily and break down when they're exposed to oxygen. EPP is used in other things, like plastic furniture.
B. Shredded Memory Foam
Shredded memory foam is another good filling for bean bags. Memory foam is very comfy because it molds to your body and takes pressure off your joints. The shredded form lets air flow better and keeps the foam from clumping together, so it stays comfy for a long time.
One of the best things about shredded memory foam is that it lasts a long time. Unlike polystyrene beads, memory foam keeps its shape. This means you won't have to refill the bean bag as often, which saves you time. But, shredded memory foam can cost more than other fillings.
C. Microfiber or Polyester Fiberfill
Microfiber or polyester fiberfill is a good choice for bean bag fillings because it's versatile and eco-friendly. This filling is made from soft, light, and hypoallergenic synthetic fibers. Microfiber or polyester fiberfill feels soft and comfy, which is great for relaxing.
One of the best things about microfiber or polyester fiberfill is that it's cheap. It usually costs less than polystyrene beads or shredded memory foam. Also, this filling is easy to clean because you can wash it in a machine or clean it with a cloth.
But, microfiber or polyester fiberfill can get flat over time, which makes the bean bag less supportive. You can fluff it up to keep it in shape.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bean Bag Fillings
When you're picking a filling for your bean bag, there are a few things to think about. Each filling is different, and knowing these things will help you choose what's best for you.
A. Comfort and Support
One of the main things to think about is how comfy the filling is. Polystyrene beads are light and change shape to fit your body, so they're very comfy.
Shredded memory foam is more supportive. It molds to your body and takes pressure off, which is good if you like a firmer seat.
Microfiber or polyester fiberfill isn't as firm as memory foam, but it's still soft and comfy. Some people really like how it feels.
B. Durability and Longevity
How long the filling lasts is also important. Polystyrene beads are light and strong. They last a long time and keep their shape even after you use them a lot.
Shredded memory foam might lose some of its shape over time, but good memory foam can stay in shape for a long time.
Microfiber or polyester fiberfill might get flat and less supportive over time. You can fluff it up to make it last longer.
C. Cost-Effectiveness
The price of the filling is also important. Polystyrene beads are usually the cheapest, which is good if you don't want to spend a lot. You can easily replace them if you need to.
Shredded memory foam costs more than polystyrene beads, but it's worth the money because it's comfy and lasts a long time.
Microfiber or polyester fiberfill is in the middle in terms of price. It's a good choice if you want something that's affordable and comfy.
The best filling for your bean bag depends on what you like, how much you want to spend, and what you want in terms of comfort, support, durability, and price.
Thinking about these things will help you choose a filling that's right for you and makes your bean bag comfy.
Environmental Impact of Bean Bag Fillings
When you're choosing a filling for your bean bag, it's not just about comfort. It's also important to think about how the filling affects the environment. This part will talk about the environmental effects of different bean bag fillings.
A. Recyclability
One thing to think about is whether the filling can be recycled. Polystyrene beads, which are often used in bean bags, are hard to recycle. They're light and can easily become litter if they're not thrown away properly. Some recycling places might take polystyrene, but it's not common.
Shredded memory foam and microfiber or polyester fiberfill are usually easier to recycle. They can be used to make new products, which means they don't end up in landfills. But, it depends on where you live whether you can recycle these materials.
B. Biodegradability
Whether the filling breaks down naturally is also important. Polystyrene beads don't break down and can stay in the environment for hundreds of years. They can be harmful to animals, especially sea animals, because they might eat them.
Shredded memory foam and microfiber or polyester fiberfill are usually biodegradable to some extent. They might take longer to break down than natural materials, but they're not as harmful as polystyrene beads.
C. Sustainability
More and more people are thinking about sustainability when they buy things. For bean bag fillings, there are sustainable options. Some companies now sell fillings made from recycled materials or natural fibers like organic cotton or hemp.
By choosing sustainable fillings, you can help the environment. These fillings often have labels that show they're eco-friendly, which makes it easier to choose.
Sustainable bean bag fillings might cost more, so you'll need to compare your options based on what you care about and how much you want to spend.
In conclusion, it's important to think about the environmental impact of bean bag fillings. Polystyrene beads might be comfy, but they're not good for the environment. Shredded memory foam and microfiber or polyester fiberfill are better, but there's still room for improvement. Choosing sustainable options can help protect the environment.
Conclusion
In the end, the best filling for your bean bag depends on what you like and what's important to you. Polystyrene beads, shredded memory foam, and microfiber or polyester fiberfill are all good choices.
Polystyrene beads are light and comfy. They also last a long time and don't cost much. But, they can lose shape and aren't the best for the environment.
Shredded memory foam is very comfy and supportive. It molds to your body and lasts longer than polystyrene beads. But, it can cost more and might not be the best if you want a light filling.
If you care about the environment, microfiber or polyester fiberfill is a good choice. These fillings are often made from recycled materials. They're also soft, but they might not be as supportive as polystyrene beads or memory foam.
When you're choosing a filling, think about comfort, support, how long it lasts, and how much it costs. Also, think about how the filling affects the environment.
Polystyrene beads might be the cheapest, but they're not the most sustainable. Shredded memory foam and microfiber or polyester fiberfill are comfier and better for the environment.
The best filling for your bean bag is what you like best. Think about the things we talked about in this article and choose what's best for you, your budget, and the environment.
So, whether you choose polystyrene beads, shredded memory foam, or microfiber or polyester fiberfill, you can be sure you're filling your bean bag with a good option. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your comfy and eco-friendly bean bag!