You might be one of the 54% of people who believe furniture should last 20 years or more, but unfortunately, that’s rarely the case, especially when it comes to softer furniture like bean bag chairs. Over time, the filling inside your bean bag starts to compress, move, and lose volume.
The good news? Unlike a sagging couch or a lumpy old mattress, a bean bag chair can be brought back to life in just a few minutes with the right refill. If yours is feeling flat, here’s a quick breakdown of how to fix it:
Quick 5-Step Refill Guide
1. Prepare your space – Lay down a tarp or sheet and get your foam ready.
2. Unzip the inner liner – Use a paperclip to open the childproof zipper if needed.
3. Add new foam – Pour it in gradually, testing firmness as you go.
4. Zip it up and flip – Reseal the liner and shake the chair to distribute the fill.
5. Relax and enjoy – Your bean bag is back in action!</li>
Signs Your Bean Bag Needs to be Refilled
A bean bag won’t outright tell you when it needs help, but the clues are pretty easy to spot if you pay attention. Here are a few signs it’s time for a refill:
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It feels flat or lumpy. You can try flipping and fluffing the chair to redistribute the foam, but if it still feels deflated, it’s time to top it off with a refiller.
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It doesn’t spring back. A good bean bag should regain its shape after you get up. If it’s staying squished, it needs more support.
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It smells funky. If spills, pet accidents, or general wear have left lingering odors that no amount of baking soda can conquer, the filler may need to be replaced.
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It no longer feels supportive. Sinking straight to the floor or feeling uneven pressure can mean the filling has broken down too much.
If you’re also noticing back or neck strain, your bean bag may not be supporting you ergonomically. Ergonomic furniture supports posture and prevents discomfort and potential health issues later down the line.
Why Do Bean Bag Chairs Go Flat?
Even the best bean bag chairs lose their pep over time, and that’s normal! Here’s why:
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Daily use causes the filler to compress. Just like any soft material, repeated pressure wears it down.
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Body weight and movement make the foam move around and settle, which can create uneven areas.
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Low-quality fillers like microbeads break down faster and lose their shape more quickly.
What is the Best Filler for Bean Bags?
Not all fillers are created equal. The type of material inside of your bean bag affects how long it lasts, how supportive it is, and even how environmentally friendly it is.
Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS)
Expanded polystyrene beads (EPS) are commonly used in bean bag chairs, mostly because they’re cheap, lightweight, and easy to move. However, they flatten quickly, create static, and spill everywhere if the bag rips.
They’re also harmful to the planet. In fact, EPS beads are slow to degrade and very difficult to recycle. If sustainability matters to you, you might need to consider another filler.
Natural Fillers
Some bean bags use eco-friendly materials like:
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Rice
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Beans
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Buckwheat hulls
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Packing peanuts
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Recycled fabric or old clothes
These options are better for the environment, but they’re heavier, more expensive, and not as soft or moldable. If you’re going for comfort and adjustability, these fillers will fall short every time.
Shredded Polyfoam
Shredded polyfoam is what cordaroys uses in our bean bag chairs due to its long-term comfort and durability. Our shredded polyfoam is:
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The same high-density foam used in pole vaulting landing mats
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Randomly cut for better airflow and even distribution
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Supportive without being stiff
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Safe for kids
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Made without harmful flame retardants or heavy metals
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Low in VOC emissions, meaning it’s better for indoor air quality
Best of all, it doesn’t collapse like beads, and because you can add or remove foam with our foam booster packs as needed, it’s fully customizable to your comfort level.
How Long Do Bean Bags Last?
It depends on the filler type and how often you use it. Cheaper bean bags filled with EPS beads may last a few years before deflating. High-quality bean bags like cordaroys, however, can last 15+ years with regular TLC.
That being said, your cover might show wear faster, especially in homes with pets, kids, and frequent guests. Fortunately, our covers are removable and machine-washable, so you can refresh your bean bag and keep it looking as good as the day you bought it. We also offer over 200 cover styles to match any space.
How Often Should You Refill a Bean Bag?
There’s no single answer, but here’s a general guideline for EPS beads:
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Light use (office or reading nook): Refill every 3-4 years
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Moderate use (living room, guests): Refill every 1-2 years
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Heavy use (kids, gaming, pets): Refill every 6-12 months
To get more life out of each refill, flip and fluff your bean bag every few months. If comfort does not improve, it may be time to upgrade to a cordaroys
Keep Your Bean Bag Feeling Like New With cordaroys!
At cordaroys, we believe comfort should never be complicated. Our convertible bean bag chairs are built to last with premium shredded foam that adjusts to you. Whether you like your chair to be soft, firm, or somewhere in between, you’re in control.
Need a refresh? Just unzip, refill, and relax. It’s that simple!
10 Household Items With Actual Expiration Dates | Elle Decor
Expanded Polystyrene, friend or foe? | BioPlaster
