How to Break in a Bean Bag Chair

Posted by Matt Ressler on January 18, 2025

Bean bag chairs are perfect for family movie nights, curling up with your favorite book, or taking a quick nap. However, when you first unbox yours and it feels firm and uncomfortable, it can be a bit of a letdown. Fortunately, breaking in your bean bag chair is easy. With a few simple steps, you’ll know how to break in a bean bag chair and have it feeling just as it should: soft, supportive, and ready to enjoy.

Why Your New Bean Bag Chair May Feel Firm

If you’ve just unboxed your new bean bag chair and it feels firmer than you expected, don’t panic–it’s totally normal! To make shipping more efficient (and planet-friendly), bean bags are often vacuum-sealed to a fraction of their size. This not only cuts down on packaging waste but also reduces the carbon footprint during transportation.

At CordaRoy’s, we use eco-friendly shredded polyfoam to fill our bean bags because we believe it’s what’s on the inside that matters. Compressed foam feels firm at first because the air pockets inside the foam are temporarily pressed out during the vacuum-sealing process. Without those pockets, the foam feels denser and less flexible. Once the foam is unpacked, it gradually starts to expand as it lets air flow back in.

So, while your bean bag might feel firm on day one, give it a little time to bounce back. Soon, it’ll soften up and become the cozy spot you’ve been dreaming of.

Steps to Make Your Bean Bag Chair Comfortable

When you get something new, it’s natural to feel excited and want to use it right away. However, some things, like bean bag chairs, need a little time and preparation before they’re ready for you to enjoy them to the fullest. Depending on the bean bag size you choose, this process can take anywhere from a couple of days to about a week.

For example, a full-size convertible bean bag chair may be ready to use in just a few days, while a giant bean bag chair with its 7-foot expansion might need a bit more time. If you’d rather not wait, there are a few easy ways to help your chair feel comfortable faster.

Massage the Foam Filling

Once you receive your new bean bag, you might notice that it feels lumpy. If you feel any lumps, it’s just pieces of the shredded polyfoam sticking together after being compressed during shipping. To separate these pieces, all you have to do is give your new chair a quick massage.

You’ll want to press and knead the lumpy areas from outside of the fabric, using your hands to work the foam pieces apart. Think of it like giving your bean bag a gentle workout. The friction helps break up the foam and allows it to spread more evenly inside the chair.

Flip and Fluff the Chair

After you’ve worked some of the foam pieces apart, you might want to try a method called “the flip-and-fluff.” This approach is a quick and easy way to evenly distribute the foam pieces, smooth out any uneven areas, and get it feeling just right. Here’s how to do it:

Start by unzipping the outer cover to give the foam inside more room to breathe.
Lift the chair and give it a few vigorous shakes. This will encourage the air pockets to re-inflate and allow the foam to spread more evenly.
Flip the chair over like a pancake and repeat the shaking on the other side.
While shaking, press and knead the chair from the outside to break apart any stubborn foam clumps.

This process only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference in how your chair feels.

Use the Chair Regularly

There’s no better way to break in new furniture like putting it to good use. Sitting, lounging, or sprawling out on your bean bag chair will naturally soften the foam, helping it conform to your body and evenly distribute the filling. The best part is it doesn’t require any extra effort. Just enjoy your chair as often as you can, and let it do the rest.

If you have a convertible bean bag chair with a bed inside, try taking a quick nap on the inner bed! The more you use your chair, the more comfortable it will become. So go ahead: recline, relax, repeat.

Adjust the Filling if Necessary

Everyone has their own idea of what the perfect bean bag chair feels like. Some prefer a softer, sink-in feel, while others like a firmer, more supportive seat. That’s why CordaRoy’s bean bag chairs are completely adjustable. You’re in control of your comfort.

If your chair isn’t quite hitting the sweet spot, here’s how to adjust the filling:

To Make It Softer:

Unzip the liner using the YKK zipper (which features a child-safe locking slider).
Scoop out some of the foam filling until you reach your desired softness.
Store the extra foam in case you want to add it back later.

To Make It Firmer:

Add more foam filling to your chair using our bean bag foam filler.
Open your foam booster pack, place the desired amount into the lining of your bean bag, and then zip it closed. Then recycle the plastic bag.
Insert the foam into the inner liner and zip it closed.
Gently shake and fluff the chair to evenly distribute the foam.
The bean bag foam filler can take up to 24 hours to expand, so patience is key!

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Comfort

To keep your bean bag chair feeling just as comfortable as the day you unboxed it, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind, including regular maintenance. Don’t worry–it’s not as scary as it sounds. Here are a couple of tips to prevent your chair from going flat.

Unbox Your Bean Bag Chair ASAP

We get it. Life gets busy, and unboxing your new bean bag chair might not be at the top of your to-do list. Unfortunately, leaving it compressed for too long means you could miss out on experiencing the full comfort it’s meant to deliver.

The foam inside of your CordaRoy’s bean bag is compressed for shipping, but it needs to be unpacked to re-expand and regain its shape, preferably within the first four months. If left sealed for too long, the foam may not bounce back the way it’s supposed to, leaving your chair feeling less cozy and inviting.

Even if you’re not ready to use your chair just yet, taking a few minutes to unbox it is well worth it. Don’t let your chair stay stuck in “shipping mode.” The sooner you unbox your chair, the sooner you can kick back and enjoy it.

Rotate and Fluff Regularly

While CordaRoy’s bean bags are made with durable shredded polyfoam that won’t go flat, regular fluffing helps keep the foam evenly distributed. Whether you’re keeping up with maintenance or you’re wondering how to fix a flat bean bag, here’s what you should do to keep your chair looking as good as the day you got it:

Pull the chair toward you and tilt it onto one side.
Use your hands to press and move the foam inside, rotating the chair as you go.
Repeat this process until the foam feels evenly distributed and the chair regains its shape.

Make Your Bean Bag Chair Your Favorite Spot

Breaking in a bean bag chair allows you to create the best spot to relax. With a little effort, you can turn a firm, new chair into the coziest seat in the house. Flipping, fluffing, massaging, and adjusting the filling might seem small, but these steps can really make a difference in how your chair feels.

And believe it or not, this kind of comfort can do more than just feel good. Your space has a direct impact on your mental health, and when it’s cozy and supportive, it can help you recharge and feel more at ease. Taking a few minutes to learn how to break in a bean bag chair ensures your space is set up to bring you the comfort you deserve. So grab your chair, follow these steps, and make it your favorite spot to unwind!