Bean bags have steadily gained popularity as a mainstay in many homes, prized for their laid-back and cozy seating alternatives ideal for unwinding. Nevertheless, like any piece of furniture, bean bags require routine upkeep to maintain their comfort and extend their lifespan.
This leaves many users wondering: How often do you change beans in a bean bag? Understanding the elements that influence how frequently you need to refresh the filling and recognizing the telltale signs of when it's time to do so are important for effective maintenance. Whether it's stationed in your workplace or serves as a staple in your home's communal areas, understanding the need for timely bean replacement is key to keeping your beloved bean bag in prime condition.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bean Bag Beans
Bean bags are the epitome of casual comfort, perfect for lounging and adding a relaxed vibe to any space. However, to maintain their comfort and aesthetics, it’s important to keep the beans fresh.
Over time, bean bags can lose their shape, support, and even start to smell. Recognizing the signs that it's time to replace your bean bag beans and learning how to replace the beans in your bean bag chair can ensure that your cozy spot remains both inviting and functional.
1. Your Bean Bag is Flat
If your once fluffy bean bag now resembles a pancake, it's a clear sign that the beans have been compressed beyond revival. Frequent use and age can cause the beans to break down, reducing their ability to bounce back to their original shape. This is especially true for bean bags filled with fillers like expanded polystyrene beads, or EPS beads.
A flat bean bag not only loses its aesthetic appeal but also its comfort. Fortunately, you can fix a flat bean bag by refilling it with fresh beans.
2. No More Support
A good bean bag should mold to your body, offering a snug and supportive nook. If you find yourself sinking too deeply into your bean bag, struggling to get out, or if it feels as though you're practically sitting on the floor, it's time for a refill. Lack of support from your bean bag means that the internal beans have lost their volume and cushioning effect. This not only affects comfort but can also lead to poor posture and back discomfort.
Sitting in a chair that fails to provide adequate support can strain the muscles and ligaments in your back, leading to discomfort and long-term issues with spinal alignment. In the short term, you might experience stiffness and pain after sitting for prolonged periods. Over time, poor sitting habits can contribute to more significant back problems and even exacerbate existing conditions.
By refreshing the beans in your bean bag, you can ensure that your chair continues to prove the necessary support to your back and neck. This is important for anyone who spends considerable time seated, whether you’re working from home, gaming, or relaxing.
3. Smell
Bean bags can absorb odors over time, from pet smells to spills and everything in between. Fabrics, especially those that are porous, can trap odors, making your comfortable spot less inviting. If your bean bag starts to emit an unpleasant odor that airing out or surface cleaning cannot resolve, it may be time to consider changing the beans.
Odors trapped in a bean bag are not just unpleasant—they can also contribute to a less healthy environment in your home. Persistent smells can be a sign of mildew, bacteria, or other allergens building up within the bean bag, particularly if it has been exposed to moisture. These types of conditions can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues, making it important to address them as soon as possible.
How Long Do Beans in a Bean Bag Last?
The lifespan of beans in a bean bag can vary depending on the type of beans used and how frequently the bean bag is utilized. Generally, high-quality virgin beads can last longer than lower-quality beans. However, this timeframe can shorten with heavier usage or environmental factors such as humidity and temperature fluctuations.
To extend the life of your bean bag beans, it's essential to regularly rotate and fluff the bag to evenly distribute the wear and prevent the beans from becoming too compressed. Keeping the bean bag away from direct sunlight and moisture can also help preserve the integrity of the beans for a longer period.
Should I Remove Old Beans From a Bean Bag?
When it's time to add fresh beans to your bean bag, it's recommended to remove the old beans first. This not only prevents the mixing of old, possibly degraded beans with new ones but also allows you to check the interior of the bean bag for any damage or wear that might need repair.
Removing old beans can be a bit messy, so it’s advisable to do this in an area where cleanup will be easy. It's also a good opportunity to clean the bean bag cover if it's removable and washable. Replacing old beans with new ones is an effective way to restore the bean bag's comfort, support, and shape, ensuring it continues to serve as a cozy spot in your home.
Benefits of a Polyfoam Bean Bag
If you don’t want to frequently change out the beans in your standard bean bag and want something that is more durable and supportive, a bean bag filled with polyfoam is a great option. Polyfoam is a high-quality foam material that is designed to bounce back to its original shape, providing consistent comfort without the need for regular refilling.
In fact, this is the same foam that CordaRoy’s uses in our bean bag chairs. Designed with functionality and comfort in mind, our chairs are filled with premium polyfoam that adapts to your body, providing exceptional support and comfort. This makes them perfect for long hours of sitting, whether you’re working from home, watching a movie, or simply just relaxing.
The resilient nature of polyfoam also means less frequent refills, making it a cost effective and low-maintenance option for your home decor. If your bean bag is looking flat or does not provide the support it once did, a simple flip and fluff can help return your chair to its former glory. Another option is to buy a foam booster pack that will help make your CordaRoy’s chair fluffy again!
Furthermore, our bean bag chairs feature a unique convertible design that can transition from a plush chair to a bed, offering an added layer of versatility. This is especially useful for homes that frequently accommodate guests or for those looking for multi-functional furniture that saves space while enhancing comfort.
Opting for a polyfoam bean bag like the ones from CordaRoy’s not only elevates your home’s aesthetic but also provides a durable, comfortable, and versatile seating option that stands the test of time.
Sources:
Ergonomics for Prolonged Sitting | UCLA Health
A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home | United States Environmental Protection Agency
