If you've searched for "memory foam bean bags" you've probably seen two different things: bean bags marketed as memory foam products, and bean bags that can be filled with memory foam. Understanding the difference matters before you buy — and so does understanding how memory foam compares to the alternatives as a bean bag filling.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what a memory foam bean bag actually is, how memory foam performs as a filling compared to EPS beans and shredded rubber, which bean bag styles suit memory foam best, and where to source it in Australia.
What is a memory foam bean bag?
The term "memory foam bean bag" is used two ways in the market:
1. Bean bags filled with shredded memory foam — a standard bean bag cover filled with pieces of shredded polyurethane memory foam rather than EPS (polystyrene) beads. The foam conforms to the body's shape and returns slowly when pressure is released — the same effect as a memory foam mattress, just in a flexible cover.
2. Bean bags marketed as memory foam products — some manufacturers use "memory foam" as a marketing term for any soft-fill bean bag, which can be misleading. If you're specifically after the slow-recovery feel of genuine memory foam, check the filling specification before buying.
Most quality bean bags — including all of ours — ship without filling, which means you choose the filling type yourself. This is actually the better approach: it lets you control the firmness, the weight, and the feel of the finished bean bag rather than being locked into a manufacturer's choice.
Memory foam vs EPS beans vs shredded rubber — how do they compare?
There are three main filling options for bean bags, each with distinct characteristics. Here's an honest comparison:
EPS (expanded polystyrene) beads
The original and most widely used bean bag filling. Small, lightweight polystyrene beads that shift freely inside the cover, allowing the bean bag to conform to any position instantly. EPS beads are:
- Lightweight — a fully filled large bean bag with EPS beads is still easy to move
- Instantly responsive — the beads shift immediately when you change position
- Inexpensive — the most affordable filling option by volume
- Widely available — available at Kmart, Target, and online retailers across Australia
- Compressible over time — EPS beads break down and compress with use, requiring top-up every 6–18 months depending on use frequency
EPS beads suit most bean bag use cases and are our general recommendation for everyday indoor and outdoor use. For specific quantities and sourcing advice, see our bean bag filling guide.
Memory foam (shredded)
Shredded polyurethane memory foam provides a distinctly different feel from EPS beads — slower to respond, more supportive under sustained pressure, and with a denser, more structured feel:
- Excellent body support — memory foam distributes weight evenly and maintains support for extended periods, making it a good choice for people who use their bean bag as their primary seating for long stretches
- Slow recovery — the foam returns to its original shape gradually rather than instantly, giving a sink-in feel that many people find very comfortable
- Heavier — shredded memory foam is significantly heavier than EPS beads for the same volume, making a memory foam-filled bean bag harder to move
- More expensive — memory foam costs considerably more per litre than EPS beads
- Better shape retention — memory foam doesn't compress and degrade the way EPS beads do, so the bean bag maintains its feel for longer without top-ups
- Less suitable for outdoor use — memory foam absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry, making it unsuitable for outdoor or pool bean bags
Memory foam filling is best suited to indoor bean bags used as primary seating — particularly for people who prioritise support and firmness over portability.
Shredded rubber
Recycled shredded rubber — often from tyres — is a durable, eco-friendly filling option with a firmer, more resilient feel than either EPS or memory foam:
- Very durable — rubber doesn't compress or degrade with use, making it the longest-lasting filling option
- Firm feel — provides more resistance than EPS or memory foam, which suits users who want structured support rather than a sink-in feel
- Heavy — the heaviest filling option, making the finished bean bag difficult to move
- Eco-friendly — a good option for buyers who prioritise sustainability
- Odour — some shredded rubber products have a rubber smell, particularly when new
Which filling suits which use case?
| Use case | Recommended filling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General everyday indoor use | EPS beads | Lightweight, comfortable, easy to move, affordable |
| Primary seating for long periods | Memory foam | Better sustained support, slower recovery, more structured feel |
| Outdoor & pool use | EPS beads | Memory foam absorbs moisture — EPS drains and dries quickly |
| Kids' rooms & playrooms | EPS beads | Lightweight enough for children to move, affordable to top up |
| Sensory use | Memory foam or EPS | Memory foam for firm deep pressure; EPS for softer, more enveloping feel |
| Maximum durability | Shredded rubber | Doesn't compress or degrade over time |
| Eco-conscious buyers | Shredded rubber | Recycled material, very long lifespan |
Which bean bags suit memory foam filling best
Not all bean bag shapes work equally well with memory foam. Because memory foam is heavier and less fluid than EPS beads, it suits structured shapes better than round or loose-form styles:
- Chair-style bean bags — styles with a defined back and seat structure hold their shape well with memory foam filling and provide the postural support that makes memory foam most effective. Our Coco, Bella, and Cocoon styles are well-suited to memory foam if a firmer, more structured feel is your priority.
- Larger adult sizes — the weight of memory foam is less of a problem in a larger bean bag that stays in one place. For bean bags you plan to move regularly, EPS beads are the better choice.
- Indoor-only use — memory foam's moisture sensitivity means it should only be used in indoor bean bags in dry environments. Never use memory foam filling in outdoor or pool bean bags.
How much memory foam do you need
Memory foam is denser than EPS beads, so you need less by volume to achieve the same fill level. As a general guide:
- A standard adult bean bag (90–100cm) typically requires 100–150 litres of shredded memory foam
- A large adult bean bag (120cm+) typically requires 150–200 litres
- A kids' bean bag (60–80cm) typically requires 50–80 litres
These are starting points — the right amount depends on your preferred firmness. Start with slightly less than the estimated amount, sit in the bean bag, and add more until you reach your preferred feel. For a full guide to filling quantities across all filling types, see our bean bag filling guide.
Where to buy memory foam bean bag filling in Australia
Shredded memory foam for bean bag filling is available from:
- Specialty foam suppliers — foam and upholstery suppliers in most major Australian cities sell shredded memory foam by the bag or cubic metre. Search for "foam suppliers [your city]" for local options.
- Online retailers — Amazon Australia and specialist bedding/foam retailers stock shredded memory foam in various quantities.
- Bean bag filling specialists — several Australian online retailers sell shredded memory foam specifically for bean bag use, often with quantity guides.
When buying, look for CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, which confirms it's free from harmful chemicals — relevant if the bean bag will be used by children.
Care and maintenance for memory foam-filled bean bags
Memory foam filling requires slightly different care than EPS-filled bean bags:
- Keep it dry — memory foam absorbs moisture and is slow to dry. If the bean bag gets wet, remove the cover and allow the foam to air dry completely before replacing. Never use a memory foam-filled bean bag outdoors or near water.
- Clean the cover, not the foam — remove the cover for cleaning rather than attempting to clean the foam directly. Most of our bean bag covers are removable for cleaning.
- Rotate occasionally — like a mattress, rotating the bean bag occasionally helps distribute wear in the foam evenly and extends its life.
- Storage — if storing the bean bag for an extended period, store in a dry, ventilated space. Compressed storage for long periods can affect the foam's ability to fully recover.
For general bean bag care advice, read our bean bag cleaning guide.
Is a memory foam bean bag right for you?
Memory foam filling is the right choice if you want a bean bag that provides firm, structured support for extended sitting and you don't need to move it regularly. It's not the right choice for outdoor use, kids' rooms where the bean bag gets dragged around the house, or poolside settings.
For most everyday uses — and particularly for bean bags that need to work both indoors and outdoors — EPS beads remain the more practical choice. But if you're after the specific slow-recovery, body-conforming support of memory foam in a bean bag format, styles like the Coco, Bella, and Cocoon filled with shredded memory foam deliver exactly that.
Browse our full bean bag chairs range to find a style suited to memory foam filling, or read our complete bean bag filling guide for a detailed comparison of all filling types and quantities.
