Why do bean bags go flat? It has been a common question nowadays. Every bean bag chair owner knows the frustration of having their bean bag collapse after prolonged use. Bean bag manufacturers created their products with your comfort in mind.
However, a bean bag chair will eventually lose shape and become unusable with consistent use. This article discusses the common causes of bean bags falling and their solutions.
Why do Bean Bags Go Flat?
Before knowing the reason for deflating the bean bag, you must know what is inside the bean bag. Beads of expanded polystyrene (EPS), a close relative of Styrofoam, are typically used to stuff bean bags. Virgin beads made specifically for stuffing bean bags are used in high-quality ones. These beads include multiple air pockets, which are compressed during use and cause the beads to shrink. The furniture’s ergonomics and comfort are diminished due to the compression, and the beanbag has a flatter appearance.
Why do Bean Bags deflate?
Extended polystyrene (EPS) beans, a substance very similar to Styrofoam, are used to stuff in bean bags. EPS beans are just air. These beans must include numerous air spaces to sit on for extended periods. Unfortunately, this also implies that they will eventually get significantly smaller due to the air being squeezed out after many uses. When you sit on them for long periods, the air pockets get emptied, and the beans shrink and become compacted, causing problems. This compression issue makes your bean bag look flat and reduces its comfort and ergonomics. A high-quality bean bag should endure for at least three years without flattening.
Factors that Will Boost the Deflation
Filler Material
They stuffed most bean bags with beads made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). Similar to Styrofoam, EPS is a polystyrene foam. Virgin beads made specifically for stuffing bean bags are used in high-quality ones.
These beads include multiple air pockets, which are compressed during use and cause the beads to shrink. The beanbag’s flat appearance is the result of its compression.
However, if you replace the filler with something stiff, your bean bag will retain its shape for much longer. However, this will make the bean bag chair a lot less cozy. Filling your bean bag with rice will keep it from flattening out. A bean bag chair with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam would be more comfortable.
Usage
When used repeatedly, bean bags eventually deflate. The beads’ air will slowly escape as time passes. Many first-time owners of beanbag chairs are disappointed to find that their cushions have flattened out after only a few months of frequent use. What was a fluffy, soft, and comfortable chair has become a flat disc around considerably less than its original size.
But this happens with every bean bag stuffed with the standard polystyrene beads. However, if you use shredded foam, your bean bag may eventually become flat and squeezed like shredded foam.
Your kid’s regular use of the bean bag will cause it to lose air pressure. Kids frequently tend to jump onto the bean bag as they feel a toy they can play with. Thus, they jump on the beanbag. The bean bag chair is a popular toy in most households with children. However, this may drastically shorten the useful life of your bean bags since they will lose their air much sooner than they otherwise would. Your bean bag will lose perspective faster if you use it frequently and vigorously. And will rapidly lose its inflated status.
Bean Bag Cover
Unfortunately, some bean bag manufacturers use zippers that are only standard length, which prevents the inner liner from being inserted into the bean bag cover once it has been filled. Your bean bag may flatten if the product has a long zipper and you supply an inner liner before inserting it into the cover.
The shape of the Bean Bag
Bean bag chairs that are partially circular present a unique challenge when aligning the inner liner with the outer cover. Since it is secured, it will not wiggle around.
The beans will be unable to move freely within the bean bag, leaving you with an unsupportive seat and the inevitable flattening of the beanbag.
Products
It is conceivable for a machine-washable or dry-cleanable bean bag to lose its shape prematurely if you did not expressly request one with an inside liner. If the fabric of your heavy-duty outdoor bean bag is washable in a washing machine, it will quickly retain its shape and become useful.
Movement of Bean Bag
Also, Bean bag chairs are the only furniture besides plastic patio chairs that are easily moveable. This portability makes them excellent for flats, the poolside, and other outdoor locations. There are several other reasons why recycled polystyrene is a terrible choice for stuffing.
It is typically very noisy when sitting or shifting your posture since the uneven pieces rub against each other and shift awkwardly in the cover. These beads could harm your bean bag. The particles disintegrate into tiny shards that get caught in the zip fastener.
Size of the Bean Bag
Each size of bean bag requires a unique number of beans. Polystyrene beads, which most stores use, are measured in liters rather than gallons. The bean bag chair is more likely to flatten out after being used repeatedly by a more significant individual.
Recycled Beads
Eco-beads, also known as recycled beads, are popular among those who want to show their support for the environment without breaking the bank. Polystyrene that has been broken down into smaller pieces or crushed into a powder is the main component of this recycled material.
Some fragments are roughly pill-shaped, but the vast majority are simply oddly shaped chunks of polystyrene that are highly pliable but not sturdy. Beads made from recyclable materials are another factor; they were never intended to be used in beanbag chairs. These are the leading causes of why bean bags lose their shape so quickly. You will need to refill your bean bag if it deflates. Let’s look at some information that will help you prolong the life of your bean bag and avoid reducing it.
Compression of shredded memory foam
They’re stuffed with dense, shredded memory foam that molds to your body for optimal comfort. Shredded into little blocks, this foam cushions you and allows you to shape your chair. Bean bag chairs’ ability to keep their form depends partly on the quality of the shredded foam used to fill them.
Thin-layer memory foam is more easily damaged than thick-layer foam, and this deterioration can eventually flatten your seats. They can flex to your weight with enough strength to make you feel more at ease. They’re dense, too, so there’s less possibility that anything will get broken.
However, the persistent weight of the chairs will eventually break down these shredded blocks and cause them to shrink. You should avoid laying heavy things on them to keep their flexibility and durability for as long as possible.
When a heavier person sits on them for an extended period, the foam compresses and loses its supporting shape, and the seats become flat.
Having no inside covers
The inside covers of certain bean bag chairs are costly, but they add a layer of protection. It’s created out of breathable mesh fabric and is crucial for supplying and boosting the fort.
Others would rather spend the extra money on something other than a bean bag chair with an inside lining. As a result, the absence of inner covers will be significant in rendering the chairs horizontal.
Some low-grade furniture needs this coverage. Thus their quality plays a part in determining the stability and consistency of your chairs. They shield the interior substance and beads from moisture and are hence waterproof. They protect the natural fillings from insects, which can otherwise flatten the fluffy seats. These are useful because they prevent the documents from becoming flat and are helpful for longer.
Damage to heat and water-resistant fillers
High-end bean bag chairs’ fillings can withstand heat and moisture, making them ideal for outdoor use. Using fillers with high resistance to heat is beneficial since it prevents the chairs from overheating. Because they insulate against your body heat, you can use them to reduce perspiration.
However, without heat-resistant additives, the beads would melt, and the chairs would collapse, making them unusable even in the winter. Similarly, many are stuffed with water-resistant fillers, so you may wear them even in the rain and be dry. If the fill is not water-resistant, the beads will disintegrate when wet. Damage to the bean bag beads will have a similar effect, flattening the chair, and is therefore preventable.
What should I do for my flat Bean Bag?
The worst possible scenario is your bean bag becoming deflated. The bean bag that welcomed you home from a long workday will no longer be available. Adding more stuffing is the only way to fix a deflated bean bag. A flat bean bag can be filled with a variety of materials. Commercially available bean bag fillings include expanded polystyrene beads, or you can use old clothes or beans.
You can restore the original feel of your bean bag after it has deflated by filling it with EPS beads or another similar material. You can use old clothes or beans to stuff your bean bag if you’re concerned about the environment or don’t have the money to buy different commercial fillers. However, it will not replace the feeling of security you once experienced. You can begin refilling your bean bag after you have all the necessary filters.
Fill Up That Flaccid Bean Bag
Refilling your flat bean bag is easier than you would think. Following the correct procedures for refilling can be done without any hassle. Our comprehensive instructions for re-stuffing a bean bag are available here.
You’ll need help getting started, so hire an assistant. Find a reliable person who will stand by you. Then, look for an appropriate location for this refilling task. Air movement from a fan or window might disperse your EPS beads, making the refilling process more complicated than it needs to be.
A vacuum and a funnel are required to regulate the filling added to the bean bag. The bean bag features a child-lock zipper, so get a safety pin to open it. You can now depart.
Now, with the help of a friend, correctly unzip the safety zipper and empty your bean bag. For further instructions, refer to the Bean Bag Expert’s refilling guide. When you’re done using the bean bag, save the used stuffing in a separate bin.
Then, after removing the old filler, replace it with the new fill in the bean bag using our instructions. After cleaning, secure the zipper back up with the safety pin and run the vacuum over your workspace to remove any remaining microparticles. Your bean bag’s original shape may only be restored for a few days. Some fillings need time to “puff up” before being used. The duration is unrelated to the type of filler used. One week is the absolute quickest estimate.
Reusing Previous Material
When it’s time to re-stuff your bean bag, save the old stuffing in a separate container. If the bean bag filling was expanded polystyrene (EPS) or another synthetic substance, you could not just dispose of it in the trash.
EPS beads aren’t naturally biodegradable. Thus they have to be recycled in the right way. Reusing them is the most straightforward option. If not, take them to a facility equipped to recycle them.
How to stop bean bags from falling flat?
If your bean bag chair has flattened out on you, you can first “fluff” it. To “Fluff” your bean bag, follow the four easy steps below.
1. To get to the filling of your bean bag, unzip the child-proof cover. Do this securely, far from any curious pets or children, as the bean filling can cause serious harm if swallowed or inhaled. There may be a second layer of fabric within your bean bag; this is the inner liner. If so, you can throw it away because your EPS beans are safely ensconced in the inner lining. If the stuffing is sloppy, you’ll want to pour it into a trash bag with extreme caution. Take advantage of having the beans out and give your bean bag cover a thorough cleaning as instructed. It’s the perfect time for maintenance.
2. Once your bean bag is opened, hold it with the opening facing upwards, and give it a good fluff. Put the stuffing back into the bean bag if you took it out and put it in a trash bag. If that doesn’t work, give the bean bag a good shake for a few minutes. The beans’ air pockets will be refilled by the activation, restoring their former shape.
3. To ensure the bean bag chair is still fluffy after being closed, open it up and look at it. Also, test it out to see if it comfortably supports your back as needed. If not, go back to Step 2 and give fluffing it another shot.
4. Put the cover back on, replacing the filling in the bean bag’s shell. Rest easy on your bean bag chair; your work here is done. Even if your bean bag chair still looks excellent after this process, you should repeat it regularly. You can protect your bean bag from flattening and looking worn by fluffing it every time you clean it. If it’s too late and your bean bag has collapsed, you can try reviving it by fluffing it. The air pockets in the filler of your bean bag may be revitalized by the stimulation, making it look and feel like new.
Why should I Refill a Flat Bean Bag Chair with EPS beans?
When your bean bag deflates, the only solution is to replace it whole, which is inconvenient. When your bean bag’s filling wears out, you can return it with fresh filling, often expanded polystyrene (EPS) beans.
As was previously stated, the primary advantages of bean bag chairs filled with EPS are:
• They’re lightweight, so your bean bag can be used for various purposes.
The rigidity ensures they will retain their form for at least five years.
• Both high and low temperatures do not affect them.
EPS beans are not biodegradable but may be recycled and reused in many ways. These include selling them, donating them to local recycling centers, using them in arts and crafts, and even using them as soil fillers in the bottom of pot plants. If you need to replenish your bean bag, I suggest using virgin (i.e., never-before-used) beads rather than recycled ones.
What is the lifespan of a bean bag chair?
In general, a bean bag will serve you well for about five years before it has to be replaced, though this can vary depending on how often you use it and the quality. This is because they weigh very little and keep their form even after sitting in for several hours. Bean bags can last for a long time partly because they resist wear and tear and may be left out in the elements without fear of damage. There are various options for repurposing your bean bag when the time comes to replace it.
- Instead of removing your bean bag and replacing it with a new one, you can refill it with new beads, an ingenious technique to make it last longer and save money.
- You may recycle the beads from your bean bag by using them in arts and crafts or as soil for your plants.
- It came with a lifetime guarantee if you bought a high-quality bean bag.
- We suggest looking for a bean bag that includes one of these, as it will ensure that you are covered in the event of a malfunction and may receive a free replacement or repair.
- We recommend buying bean bags that offer a lifetime warranty if you plan on using them frequently. However, if you are buying a bean bag for a child or as a decorative item, security may be less critical.
Conclusion
Now it is clear why bean bags go flat. Bean bags often have expanded polystyrene (EPS) beans as their stuffing. These are more pleasant to sit on because they have several air pockets. But eventually, the air pockets get emptied, causing compression issues and making your bean bag look and feel flat. Even if your bean bag is pristine, you should “fluff” it regularly to keep it from flattening. To do this, unzip your bean bag and give it a good shake to release the compressed air in the beans.
This technique can also be used on a deflated bean bag to revitalize it; with any luck, this will succeed. However, there comes a time when you can only repair a flat bean bag by completely replacing all the beans with new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all bean bags go flat?
Thankfully, not all bean bags deflate, but others rapidly lose shape. It’s a common misperception that more expensive bean bags will retain their shape for a longer. This is not always the case, though, as inexpensive bean bags will contain their fluff for years.
How to fluff up a bean bag chair?
If your bean bag chair has flattened out, there is an easy way to revive it: just refill it.
- Unzip the child-proof cover to reveal the bean bag’s interior surface for re-filling.
- Now that you can access many possibilities, you may begin plumping up your favorite chair.
- After filling it, give the chair a good shake to ensure the contents are spread out. See if it looks like it has grown back to its average size now.
- You can always do it again if you are happier with the first fill. After you’ve completed the preceding steps, you can close the zipper on your bean bag cover.
Is there a trick to refilling a bean bag?
Completely unzip the cover of the beanbag and securely hold either end of the zip to create a large aperture through which the beans can be poured. DO NOT force the zipper by pulling on lots of the seams.
Why are bean bags expensive?
Bean bags with a higher price tag typically have a more durable cover and plusher stuffing, ensuring years of enjoyable use. Bean bags include polystyrene beads as their standard stuffing. The size of the bean bag is also an issue to think about.
Do bean bags expire?
The shelf life of beans stored in standard polyethylene (food-grade) bags is at least one year. Colder storage temperatures extend the life of most stored foods. They have a shelf life of 10 years or more when packaged.
How do you make a bean bag expand faster?
You won’t believe how rapidly it returns to its natural form after being deformed. The polyfoam in your bean bag may not reach its full size for several days. The procedure can be sped up by using your hands to smooth out the lumps on the chair’s exterior.