What are Bean Bags Filled With?

When most people think of bean bags, some sort of bead filling likely comes to mind. But what you may not realise is just how many different filler for bean bags you have at your fingertips. In fact, beads are actually among the worst options for bean bag stuffing.

So, what are bean bags filled with here at KloudSac? We’ve come up with our own recycled, high-density foam blend. It’s what makes our chairs unlike anything else on the market – more comfortable, more supportive, less noisy, and longer lasting. What more could you ask for?

We’ll cover all the other common fillers for bean bags below, including polystyrene beads, microbeads, and even some natural fillers. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each to help you make the most informed decision.

But why bother when you know our memory foam bean bag is the #1 choice across Australia? Shop today and find the perfect style for your home, office, school, or any other use case imaginable. Feel the difference in our filler for bean bags firsthand!

So, what are bean bags filled with? Most often it will be one of two choices: polystyrene beads or some type of shredded foam insert.

However, there are a few other options to choose from, including microbeads. These days, there are plenty of DIY options for filler for bean bags as well. We’ll highlight all of these below.

Polystyrene Beads

If you go back in the history of bean bags, this is what you’ll find they were filled with. These small, lightweight spheres provide flexibility and make bean bags easy to move.

However, they’re notoriously noisy, flatten quickly, and frequent refills are necessary to maintain shape and comfort. Polystyrene isn’t environmentally friendly either because it’s difficult to recycle and contributes to plastic pollution.

That’s why these days, the gold standard for bean bag stuffing is foam.

Shredded Foam

Shredded foam is a premium filler option used in modern bean bags like KloudSac. You honestly cannot beat the superior support it provides, as it molds to your body for the utmost ergonomic comfort.

Unlike beads, shredded foam is quiet and retains its shape over time, eliminating the need for constant refills. Foam-filled bean bags are also highly durable, making them a better long-term investment.

We’ll talk more about some other filler for bean bags below, but we could end the guide right here – you can’t beat our custom foam blend. Learn more about our most popular products below:

Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny polystyrene pellets often used in smaller bean bags or specialty cushions. While they’re smoother in texture compared to traditional beads, they share similar downsides/

That includes noise and a tendency to lose shape quickly. Their small size makes them more prone to spills, which are a massive headache to clean up.

Beans

Yes, you read correctly – dried beans can be used as a DIY filler if yours is losing shape! While they are readily available and eco-friendly, beans are heavy and lack the flexibility of other materials. They’re not so comfortable, either, and can become very brittle over time.

Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are another unconventional option for filling bean bags. While they mimic the shape and lightweight nature of polystyrene beads, their irregular size can make the bean bag feel lumpy.

More importantly, though, they may compress or crumble under prolonged use. This leads to a less comfortable experience that leaves you wondering if it’s even worth using the bean bag chair.

Rice

Similar to beans, rice is a simple, natural filler used for DIY bean bag projects. While eco-friendly and affordable, rice is heavy and not ideal for larger bean bags. It can also attract pests and absorb moisture, leading to mold or unpleasant odours over time.

Old Clothes

Another really sustainable bean bag stuffing you can try is old clothes or fabric scraps you have laying around with no viable use for. Just be aware that despite repurposing waste, you won’t get the same softness or flexibility as other fillers. Clothes can create uneven lumps, too.

Pillow Stuffing

Pillow stuffing, or polyester fiberfill, is a soft and lightweight option that gives bean bag chairs a plush feel. The only problem is it compresses quickly and doesn’t offer the support or durability of foam. You feel almost as if you’re “swimming” in the stuffing.

Natural Fillers

There are so many other natural filler for bean bags you might be compelled to try – like buckwheat hulls, dried corn, or coconut coir. These materials are biodegradable and sustainable, but they are heavier and less moldable than synthetic options.

Think about it – the whole purpose of a bean bag chair is for a more comfortable, supportive option than traditional beads. Why settle for anything less than the best? We’ll share some tips on choosing among all these options below if you’re still on the fence.

Which Filler for Bean Bags is Best?

So, which bean bag stuffing is ideal for your unique preferences? If we could only choose one of the options listed above, the choice is clear: memory foam, like that in our KloudSacs.

That being said, we recognise that everyone has different needs and goals when filling their bean bag chair – maybe support, comfort, noise, and longevity aren’t the most important things to you. Here’s what you need to consider in choosing the best filler for bean bags:

Support and Comfort

Shredded foam is the undisputed champion for support and comfort. It conforms to your body for a customised seating experience that minimises pressure points.

Polystyrene beads can feel uneven and lose shape as they shift, but foam creates a stable surface that supports your back and posture. Natural fillers like buckwheat hulls offer firmness but may lack the plushness needed for extended lounging.

On the other end of the spectrum, pillow filling is very soft but not supportive in the least bit – you’ll be unable to move once you sink in, which isn’t quite as comfortable as you may assume.

Noise Levels

The noise levels associated with a particular bean bag stuffing are especially important for office bean bags and school bean bags where individuals are trying to focus.

Polystyrene beads and microbeads are notorious for their crunching and rustling sounds, which can disrupt relaxation or concentration. The same is true of beans, packing peanuts, and other DIY approaches.

On the other hand, foam is nearly silent. Whether you’re gaming, watching a movie, or reading, it allows you to move freely without the distracting noise that comes with bead-filled bags.

Longevity

You don’t just want temporary comfort, you want a bean bag chair that stands the test of time. Polystyrene beads compress over time, requiring frequent refills to maintain the bean bag’s shape. This is a hassle that nobody wants to deal with.

Natural fillers like rice or dried beans also degrade over time as they absorb moisture or break down, making them less reliable for long-term use.

In contrast, foam resists flattening and maintains its volume and support for years to come. In fact, our foam-filled bean bag chairs here at KloudSac are backed by a 10-year warranty! They’re an investment that will provide comfort in the long run. Speaking of…

Cost

You know what they say – you get what you pay for. That’s why we want to caution you against choosing your bean bag filler based on price alone. Instead, think about the value you’re getting for the money.

Polystyrene beads are often the cheapest option if affordability is your main concern. Just be aware that their low upfront cost comes with ongoing expenses for refills. You may find yourself paying more in the long run.

Old clothes or pillow stuffing are free, but you’re sacrificing comfort and aesthetics. Natural fillers, depending on the material, often fall in the midrange price-wise but may require special care to avoid issues like mold.

Ultimately, though, foam is the best value. It costs more upfront, sure. But its durability and lack of maintenance – coupled with its unparalleled comfort, support, and quietness – make it worth it in our minds. Thousands of customers agree!

Eco-Friendliness

Sustainability is an important consideration as well. Buckwheat hulls, coco coir, or dried corn are biodegradable but may not offer the same comfort or versatility as foam. Polystyrene beads are the least eco-friendly option given their plastic waste and environmental degradation.

While foam is not inherently biodegradable, we take a different approach from other foam-filled bean bag manufacturers. Our high-quality shredded foam is carefully sourced from recycled materials so you don’t have to worry about its environmental footprint.

Feel the Difference Firsthand With Our Foam Bean Bag Filler!

The choice is clear – the best bean bag stuffing is just a few clicks away here at KloudSac. We’ve redefined comfort with our premium blend of shredded polyurethane foam, crafted to provide unmatched support and durability.

Unlike traditional beads that compress and shift, our foam molds to your body, offering ergonomic support while retaining its shape for years.

It’s quiet too, so you can move freely without the distracting crunch of beads. Still, it delivers a plush yet stable seating experience that elevates relaxation.

We’ve taken all the heavy lifting out of refilling your bag, too, with a protective Innersac that eliminates the hassle of messy refills while keeping the foam secure and intact.

Whether you’re reading, gaming, or lounging, our foam provides an experience traditional fillers can’t match. We ship all across Australia, including but not limited to:

Upgrade your seating today and feel why foam-filled bean bags are the future of relaxation.

Quick Tips on Filling Your Bean Bag

Whether you choose our bean bag stuffing or one of the other options on this list, actually getting your chair ready to enjoy can be stressful. Here are some tips to streamline it:

Work in a Controlled Area: Choose a clean, enclosed space with minimal airflow. Avoid fans or open windows to avoid scattering lightweight fillers like polystyrene beads.
Use a Funnel or Improvised Tool: This makes pouring filler into the bean bag opening much easier and reduces spills. If you don’t have a funnel, stiff cardboard or a large plastic bottle with the bottom cut off works too.
Pour Slowly: Gradually pour the filler, taking breaks to shake and distribute it evenly within the bean bag. Filling too quickly causes clumping or uneven distribution.
Get a Partner’s Help: Ideally one person can hold the bean bag opening securely while the other pours the filler. This minimises spillage and streamlines the whole process.
Stop Before Overfilling: Leave about 10-20% of the bean bag unfilled to allow the filler to shift and conform to your body for optimal comfort.

You can read our more comprehensive guide on how to fill a bean bag if you still have questions. We also have resources on how to wash a bean bag, how to use a bean bag, bean bag chair safety, and more.

Parting Thoughts on the Best Bean Bag Stuffing

So, what are bean bags filled with? We hope this guide has left you with a clear, confident understanding of all the bean bag stuffing options you have at your disposal – and more importantly, which is the filler for bean bag chairs.

While traditional polystyrene beads may seem convenient, they fall short in support, longevity, and environmental impact. The truth is, only one material checks all the boxes – support, comfort, quietness, convenience, and longevity: our memory foam blend.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Experience the difference firsthand today at KloudSac.

What are Bean Bags Filled With? Best Bean Bag Stuffing