What is inside a bean bag chair? This question is on the air nowadays. The bean bag chair is a vast fabric bag filled with polystyrene beans invented by Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini, and Franco Teodoro. Being a phenomenon of the postwar era, Italian modernism took heavy inspiration from the technological advances of the time. Production methods expanded after World War II with modern machinery and materials like polystyrene.
Consumers liked the idea of mass-produced items made within a reasonable price range. As a result, a sea change in the design and production industries became necessary. Bean bag chairs are some revolutionary inventions of them. In this article, we will give a detailed answer to the question as well other necessary information about bean bag chairs.
What is a bean bag chair?
It is a specialized chair that conforms to your body, relieving pressure on your spine. A person’s hips, back, neck, shoulders, and head are all supported by a beanbag chair’s design. In addition to promoting better posture, this also alleviates muscle discomfort.
What is inside a bean bag chair?
What is inside a bean bag chair? Inside a bean bag chair, the standard filling material used since the 1970s is expanded polystyrene (EPS). Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly material commonly used as a bean bag filler. beads, foam filling, and memory foam are some options available today.
Virgin mid-sized beans made of expanded polystyrene are typically used to fill bean bags. By “virgin,” we mean never-before-used bean bags. A higher-end label will use more premium ingredients. The quality beans used in Wilson & Dorset Shaggy Bean Bags are both smaller than average bean bag filler and recyclable. The air content in high-quality beads is lower. Thus, they are less likely to flatten and compress under pressure. Invest in a high-quality bean bag and fill it to maintain its form, appearance, and comfort for a long time.
Types of Bean Bag Refill
Polyfoam
Manufacturers use polyurethane foam, or polyfoam, as a bean bag filler which is more well-known as the foam that pole vaulters land on. They stuffed all convertible bean bag chairs and high-quality footstools that can turn any bean bag chair into a recliner with polyfoam. They chopped polyfoam into irregular shapes to provide full-body comfort and support.
On the inside, they use high-quality zippers that lock in the closed position to protect small children. Substituting a paperclip for the zipper’s handle allows adults easy access to the cushioning material. Further, they take great care to ensure that our foam doesn’t harm the environment by using any toxic materials in its production. It also emits a few volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (less than 0.5 parts per million) for better air quality inside. You can have peace of mind knowing that our polyfoam is harmless to children and beneficial to the planet.
Microbeads
Polyethene (a type of plastic) micro-beads range from 10 micrometers to 1 millimeter. These tiny pellets were once widely utilized in beanbag chairs, but they threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health because they frequently find their way into our rivers.
Thus, microbead products have been restricted in various areas of the United States. The weight of micro-beads is negligible. They’re readily crushed by sitting on them, sending fragments flying like popcorn. This is not only inconvenient but also a waste of beads. If you’re on the market for a new bean bag or another piece of furniture, read the label carefully to ensure it doesn’t contain micro-beads.
Natural Filler
Natural resources such as beans, rice, and grain are frequently used to fill bean bags. Bean bags packed with raw materials tend to be heavier than synthetic ones. Insects may also find their way inside the bags, and the bags’ natural fibers may eventually deteriorate. They put several factories off utilizing natural fillers because of this. Some people, however, are willing to put up with these drawbacks to enjoy the environmental friendliness and low cost of bean bags filled with natural materials.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Expanded polystyrene, or EPS, is a stiff plastic manufactured from several identical styrene units. They widely use EPS as a cushioning material in shipping and transportation. EPS beads come in various sizes and are lightweight and durable enough to keep their form for years.
Furthermore, EPS beads are heat and moisture-resistant, making them an excellent choice for usage in bean bag chairs. Researchers consider styrene, which is used to create EPS beads, to be a carcinogen, and the tiny beads themselves pose a choking hazard.
Expanded Polypropylene (EPP)
Bean bag stuffing often consists of EPP, or expanded polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer. Despite its rugged exterior, EPP foam is surprisingly resilient. It quickly recovers after being crushed or deformed, restoring its original form and dimensions.
Unfortunately, the EPP is highly flammable and dangerous because of its susceptibility to heat and fire. EPP also degrades when exposed to oxygen. Yet, like EPS, EPP is inexpensive and straightforward to manufacture, making it a favorite among manufacturers of lower-quality bean bags.
Outer Covering Materials of bean bag chairs
Faux Leather
Our faux leather bean bags are a classy alternative to our real leather ones without the hefty price tag. We made them from a high-strength, fire-retardant Vinyl fabric. When a jam sandwich or muddy paw print inevitably goes onto the beanbag, you can wipe it off.
Cotton
They constructed cotton bean bags from 100% cotton drill, which is of an upholstery grade. They excel at just about everything! The cotton is so cozy and comfortable that you’ll never want to get off of it at home. Being so tough, it works great for bean bags in busy public spaces.
Corduroy
It’s incredibly plush, accommodating, and long-lasting, making it a fantastic buy. Furthermore, it is straightforward to clean.
Faux Suede
They make faux suede bean bags look and feel precisely like genuine suede but without the hassle of regular upkeep or the risk of permanent stains. In cold weather, you can rest assured that the faux suede is incredibly comfortable and will keep you toasty. Furthermore, the fabric has a distinct grain that becomes apparent when rubbed in one direction, revealing a different texture and color tone than when rubbed in the other.
Faux Fur
We have included fire-resistant faux fur in all of our fake fur bean bags. These bean bags are the epitome of chic and luxurious, lending a touch of softness and sensuality to any room they’re placed in.
Whether you’re in the mood to relax in one of our long pile plain faux fur bean bags or inject some life into your space with one of our short pile products featuring festive designs like animal prints, the choice is yours!
Real Leather
Genuine leather represents luxury and comfort, crafted from the finest soft-grain Italian leather hides. Because of its organic origins, the grain and other surface characteristics will naturally vary. Natural flaws give your furniture its stamp, even though every hide is inspected thoroughly before shipment.
Luxury Chenille
The sumptuously soft and fashionable upholstery-grade woven fabric that goes into our Luxury Chenille bean bags is the pinnacle of class. Luxury Chenille bean bags are custom-made just for you, and the warm neutral colors mean they’ll look great in any room of the house.
Designer Velvet
The velvet fabric used in bean bags is of the highest quality, giving them a great look and feel. These bean bags are equally at home in a trendy wine bar as they are in a fashionista’s living room.
What is the best thing to fill bean bags with?
A high-quality bean bag can be an excellent seating alternative for reading or watching television. Nevertheless, I’m still determining what would make the most comfortable bean bag filling. 100% risk-free polyurethane foam would be the ideal option by that criterion. It conforms to your body perfectly and offers lots of support, so you can sit for hours without feeling uncomfortable. In addition to being eco-friendly, it is also stored in a child-proof liner with secure zippers.
To top it all off, they cut this foam into random bits so that our convertible bean bags are pleasant for sitting and sleeping. Our adjustable bean bag mattresses offer supreme comfort all night thanks to the foam parts that allow them to move freely within the cover. Thus, polyfoam is the ideal option for stuffing your bean bag chair.
How much filler do you need?
How much is bean bag filling needed? The store at which you plan to indulge in a brand new, plush bean bag should be able to advise you on the ideal amount of fill for your bean bag. Frequently, they will have some on hand, or they will recommend a particular brand, so be sure to enquire. The number of polystyrene beads (EPS), microbeads, or memory foam you’ll need may vary depending on the size of the bean bag you’re filling. You should also consider the bean bag’s dimensions, shape, fill level, and firmness. Don’t stress if you end up with too much fluff. You will eventually need to restock your bean bag, so having some extra is not a waste.
What is the best way to fill bean bags?
- Locate a corner of the room (or the bathtub) where any spills may be confined and cleaned up quickly. It’s far simpler to tidy up a nook than the rest of the space.
- Take an assistant to assist you in opening the bean bag. If you don’t have anywhere to put the bean bag down flat, you can use “bull clips” to attach it to the end of a table, desk, or breakfast bench and keep it open that way. You’ll have a much simpler time if you raise the bean bag’s opening by clipping it off the floor.
- Open the corner of the 100-liter bag of filler and pour it into the bean bag as if you were pouring water from a large jug. Lightweight beans will travel quickly. You can easily regulate the bean flow by cutting off only the corner.
- When the contents of your bean bag are swiftly expanding and the top is nearly covered, zip it shut.
- To readjust your bean bag, simply zip it back up.
- Give the bean bag a good shake. Before adding any more filling, ensure the bean bag is plump in all its crevices. This process may need to be repeated for more substantial bean bags.
- When the bean bag isn’t complete, you can open it up and push the cloth out to make an extra place for the beans. “push” the fabric to the side to fit additional beans within.
- Open the bean bag once more to finish filling it, pouring the final batch of beans slowly until they reach the very top.
- After readjusting your bean bag, fill it up to the brim.
How do I add beans to my bean bag?
You should refill your bean bag when it starts to lose form and seem flat. Don’t remove the old beads or pellets from the bean bag; just add the new stuffing. Most bean bags feature a zip that can be opened to reveal a funnel into which new beads or pellets can be poured. You may use a plastic storage container to make scooping and pouring easier. It’s a task for two people.
How to maintain and Clean my Bean Bag Chair
Keeping a bean bag in good repair is crucial to maintaining its attractive appearance and comfortable feel. In that regard, the following advice may be helpful:
- Don’t get in on the pillow battles by wielding your bean bag as a weapon. The pillow user not only has the upper hand in this scenario, but a prolonged altercation could cause the pillow to become deformed or even shattered. Similarly, a bean bag is not an ideal landing pad for you or your children as you train for a career in professional wrestling. Kids love to run and jump on their new furniture, but it’s not a good idea because it can cause permanent damage.
- Keep an eye out for knives, pencils, and keys. These are the usual suspects in the puncturing of our homemade bean bags. Bean bag upkeep includes keeping it free of dust. Shake your bean bag occasionally, wipe it down with a damp cloth, and always keep it covered when unused. If you’re reclining in the garden, it’s a good idea to dress so that you don’t ruin your clothes with sweat. If you want to extend your tan, you should do the same. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth if you start to sweat excessively; They build our outdoor models for such an emergency!
- Put away the iron and leave the bean bag as-is. Although some may be tempted to use a hot iron on their bean bags to remove every last wrinkle, this is not recommended. Bean bags have creases because they’re meant to be sat on, not worn.
- Please keep your bean bag out of the water. We can’t stress this enough: submerging it in water will guarantee its destruction; it is not a floating device. One should always go with a rubber ring.
- A wet sponge can spot-clean a bean bag’s surface as a general rule. Your bean bag’s material will dictate the method you employ to fill it (more on this below).
- Never put your bean bag cover through the washing machine or use a dry cleaner since doing so could ruin it or cause it to shrink. Cleaning bean bags with bleach chemicals can ruin them.
Cleaning Bean bag chair
There are sturdier textiles out there. The material and color of your bean bag will determine its cleaning requirements mainly. From easy-care cotton to faux suede and leather, we’ve highlighted the best ways to clean each bean bag fabric type. Here is how to clean a bean bag Chair,
Purifying Cotton and Sturdier Fabrics
Cotton, corduroy, indoor/outdoor fabric, and similar, more robust materials make cleaning bean bags a breeze. Cleaning your bean bag is easiest if you do it in small sections using a moist towel and soapy water. While cleaning a place, use soft, circular motions. Scrubbing stubborn stains with a wet, soft-bristled toothbrush and following up with a dry cloth will do the trick.
A Leather Bean Bag chair
Both genuine synthetic and leather bean bag chairs benefit from regular cleanings to avoid the accumulation of grime. If you discover any marks on these items that refuse to come off with a damp cloth or wet wipe, try using warm, soapy water instead.
Bean bag chairs with imitation suede fabric
Lightly brushing with a suede eraser and metallic suede brush is the best method for cleaning faux suede bean bags and removing any remaining markings with a slightly damp terry towel. Instead of scrubbing, use a soft blotting motion. Next, let the faux suede air dry so you can determine whether extra cleaning is necessary.
Chenille and velvet
Bean bags made from plush luxury fabrics like chenille or velvet are the epitome of relaxation, but they require special care while washing. It’s better, to begin with, a cloth dampened with water alone. Spot-clean the area by gently dabbing or blotting with a damp towel. If you want to know if this worked, you’ll have to wait until the fabric is entirely dry. If water alone isn’t doing the trick for cleaning a spot on a bean bag made from delicate fabric, try adding two drops of washing-up liquid to the water and giving it another gentle blotting. Don’t do anything that might tear or stretch the fabric.
What are the safety precautions for using a bean bag chair?
Sharp corners or dangerous things like stone or brick fireplaces can easily puncture or tear the outside fabric of bean bag chairs. Place the bean bag on a plush carpet or another similar surface. When someone sits down, you don’t want it to move around. Never sleep in a bean bag.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to the question, “What is inside a bean bag chair?” They can stuff bean bags with everything from EPS, EPP, microbeads, natural filler, and polyfoam. In the end, though, how you choose to furnish your new prized possession is a matter of taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between recycled and virgin beads?
These two beads may share some similarities in appearance, but they have some key distinctions. Natural beads are spherical and smooth, so they will move about when you sit on a bean bag. It’s nicer to sit on the bean bag like this. They outlast recycled beads in both strength and longevity. Beads made from recycled materials are solid particles. Their shapes are awry and only last briefly as new beads.
Virgin beads, unlike recycled beads, are of superior quality and will last longer. They have the look and firmness of Styrofoam but weigh much less. Because of their moisture resistance, EPS beads have a longer lifespan than other fill options. These beads are soft and supple and quite insulating against the cold.
Can you wash bean bags with beans in them?
Yes. You can wash bean bags without having to empty them first If you want to clean it safely, you should consult the manufacturer’s instructions first. The sort of filler used in a bean bag dramatically affects the ease of cleaning and the possibility of doing so without removing the beans.
We can clean a bean bag filled with beans in several different ways. They washed the first in a machine, while the hand does the second. When deciding how to clean your bean bag, you should examine the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to see if it can be machine washed and dried. The bean bag comes with an attached tag that outlines these rules.
Why do bean bags go flat?
Your bean bag chair may start to seem deflated and lose shape after some time. What was once complete and relaxing is now a squishy puddle. The more you sit on your bean bag chair, the more the filling flattens as they squeezed out the air. Remember that premium beans are denser and more compact than regular beans because they are smaller. Investing in the highest quality filler you can afford will ensure your bean bag remains plump and pleasant for the most extended time.