Doing a little background research on the different types of fillings of bean bags will help you make a more educated purchase when buying your next bean bag, helping you to obtain a even more comfortable and fun 'beanie'. Let's take a look at the different types of fillings for these little wonders:
The traditional bean bag is usually stuffed with polystyrene beads that ensure that light and comfortable feeling when sitting on one. The capability of these beans is that it resists compression and the pressure when seated on it and molds to the shape of your own physique and movements of your body. Many would know that in this 'recipe' lies the secret of comfort that is provided with a good quality bean bag!
Bean Bag Chair Beans
Now you might ask how polystyrene beads are constructed. Years back a company named Dow manufactured the first batch of polystyrene beads, or more commonly known as Styrofoam. To make large blocks of the polystyrene, plastics are mixed with various other chemicals, which produce an expandable resin, called EPS. This product is then subjected to heat, which causes it to turn into very light and durable beads, which are used for the bean bag filling.
In manufacturing the Styrofoam beans, the plastics that are used, comes in two types, recycled or virgin. The beauty of bean bag filling is that recycled products like plastic drinking bottles can be used to fill the bag. Contrary to belief, there isn't a huge difference between the qualities of virgin or recycled beads. The only difference is the source of materials used in the manufacturing. An age old debate is still going about which one of the beads are more comfortable and can withstand the most wear and tear, but in the end, it is dictated by everyone's own preference.
Since there are new inventions of all sorts everyday, a new type of bean bag filling has seen the light. Made from high density foam, it conforms easily to a body's shape and returns to its original shape when not in use. Some manufacturers of bean bags are experimenting with combining Styrofoam beads with tiny bits and pieces of foam, in the hope of creating the ultimate in comfort for bean bag enthusiasts.