How to Fill a Bean Bag – The Bath Tub Method (No Mess, No Stress)

🏠 A Foam4U Guide to Comfort That Lasts

Bean bags look simple enough — just a cover full of beads, right? But anyone who’s tried refilling one knows it can turn into a static-charged snowstorm in seconds. Whether you’re topping up a tired bean bag or filling one from scratch, doing it the Foam4U way keeps things clean, contained, and comfortable.

⚪ What’s Inside a Bean Bag?

Most modern bean bags are filled with EPS (expanded polystyrene) beads — tiny, lightweight spheres that roll and shift easily. Unlike foam or foam crumb, these beads don’t compress under pressure — they move.

When you sit down, the beads roll out of the way to make space for you, spreading your weight evenly. But they don’t spring back like foam. Once you get up, the filling stays where it settled until you plump or shake the bag to redistribute it.

That’s why bean bags feel soft and mouldable but never “bouncy” like foam.

👉 Shop Poly Beads: 10³ Cubic Feet of Poly Beads – Perfect for Bean Bag Refills, Loungers & More

🛁 The Smart Way to Fill a Bean Bag — The Bath Tub Method

Here’s a trick that’ll save you from chasing static-charged beads across the room for a week: fill your bean bag in the bath (yes, really).

Make sure the plug’s in, the surface is dry, and you’ve got some elbow room. The high sides of the bath keep stray beads contained — they’ll roll down into the bottom instead of floating into oblivion.

Then follow these steps:

Grab a helper — one person holds the bag open while the other pours.
Use a funnel (or roll a bit of cardboard into one).
Pour slowly and steadily, checking firmness as you go.
When full, zip it shut and give it a good plump to even the filling out.

💡 Pro Tip: Rub a dryer sheet around the funnel or mist the bath lightly with water to reduce static — it’ll keep those little white escape artists under control.

🛋️ How Much Filling Do You Need?

The amount depends on your bean bag’s size and style. Here’s a rough guide:

Bean Bag Type	Approximate Volume
Small / Kids	150–200 litres
Medium	250–300 litres
Large / Adult	350–400 litres
XL Lounger / Gaming	450–600 litres

Your 10 ft³ (≈283 litres) pack will usually fill a small bean bag completely, or top up a medium or large one depending on how tired it’s become.

If it feels too firm, remove some beads. Too slouchy? Add a bit more. Finding that sweet spot takes a little trial and error.

🎯 How Full Should You Fill a Bean Bag?

It’s tempting to pour in every last bead until it’s perfectly round — but resist the urge. A properly filled bean bag should only be around 80–85% full.

That bit of spare space is what makes it comfortable. The beads need room to move and flow around your body when you sit.
If you overfill, it becomes hard and awkward with no give. Too little, and you’ll sink into the floor.

Think of it like this:

At 80–85% full, the beads can shift freely and mould to your shape.
At 100% full, there’s no movement — it feels like sitting on a bouncy medicine ball.

Start at roughly 80%, test it, and adjust until it feels right.

💡 Pro Tip: Once filled, zip it up and give it a few shakes and squeezes to help the beads settle evenly before use.

Recommended Fill: Around 80–85% of total capacity.

Our 10³ cubic feet (≈283 litres) pack is perfect for filling a small bean bag to the ideal comfort level or topping up larger ones to restore shape and support.

🔁 Maintaining Shape and Comfort

Unlike foam, bean bag beads don’t squash — they just move. Over time, friction between them can make them slightly smaller, leading to that saggy look and feel.

Keep yours comfy by:

Plumping regularly — shake or roll to even the filling out.
Topping up every 6–12 months, depending on use.
Storing indoors — moisture and cold can affect both the cover and static charge.

A quick top-up with fresh beads can make an old bean bag feel brand-new again.

👉 Refill now with: Foam4U Poly Beads – 10³ Cubic Feet Bulk Pack

🧠 Foam vs. Beads – The Key Difference

Feature	Foam	Poly Beads
Feel	Supportive & structured	Free-flowing & mouldable
Reaction to weight	Compresses & rebounds	Moves & redistributes
Maintenance	Keeps shape	Needs plumping
Longevity	Long-lasting	Requires top-ups
Ideal for	Seat cushions, mattresses	Bean bags, loungers

Foam cushions give firm, structured support. Bean bags give flexible comfort — they rely on movement, not compression.
The beads don’t flatten like foam crumb, but they do need an occasional plump or top-up to stay perfectly full.

🧽 Final Thoughts

Filling a bean bag isn’t rocket science — it just takes patience, preparation, and the right materials. Do it in the bath, keep it around 80% full, and you’ll have a bean bag that’s soft, shapely, and ready to lounge on.

At Foam4U, our 10³ cubic feet poly bead refill packs are clean, consistent, and free-flowing — ideal for new projects or bringing tired bean bags back to life.

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