Why Do Bean Bags Go Flat? – Easy Fixes & Prevention

It’s a question we’ve all asked at one point or another – usually when we’re trying to plump up our bean bag after sitting in the corner for a few months. But why do bean bags go flat? Is it because the beans are old? Or is there some other explanation? 

This guide will give you all the answers that you are looking for. We have discussed the major reasons for the deflation of bean bag chairs. Furthermore, we have also talked about various solutions that will help you to avoid this issue. Read on to learn more.

Why Do Bean Bag Chairs Go Flat? Here’s the Quick Answer

The short answer is that bean bags go flat because the beans inside them slowly release air. EPS beans, commonly used in bean bag chairs, are about 98% air. So over time, as the beans slowly release air, the bean bag will flatten out.

Why EPS Beans Speed Up The Process?

EPS, or expanded polystyrene, is a type of plastic made of tiny beads. These beads are filled with air, which makes EPS light and buoyant. They also make bean bag chairs more comfortable than ever before.

EPS is often used in packaging material and insulation because it’s lightweight and effective at preventing heat loss. However, EPS is also quite fragile, and the beads can easily break if mishandled.

When you sit on an EPS bean bag chair, the weight of your body crushes the beans inside. This causes the beans to release some of their air, making the beanbag flatten out. Over time, as more and more air is released from the beans, the bean bag will become flattered and damper until it’s barely recognizable.

Reasons Why Bean Bags Deflate

There are several reasons why the beans inside your bean bag might start to deflate. Here are a few of the most common causes:

Reason 1. Beans Inside the Bag Are Settling

One reason bean bags might go flat is that the beans inside the bag are settling. Over time, the beans will settle to the bottom of the bag, which can make the bean bag less comfortable to sit on.

Additionally, suppose you frequently use your bean bag in one particular position (for example, sitting upright). In that case, the beans may settle, making it difficult to maintain that position.

Reason 2. Fabric of the Bag Stretching

The fabric of the bean bag will also stretch over time. This is especially true if you often sit on the bean bag or if it’s in a sunny spot. The heat from the sun can make the fabric expand, causing the beans to flatten out. To prevent this, rotate your bean bag regularly and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Reason 3. Bean Bag Left in a Humid Environment

Bean bags are filled with Styrofoam pellets or memory foam. When left in a humid environment, the bean bag will sweat. The moisture will make the beans stick together and eventually mildew. In extreme cases, your bean bag might even start to rot. To prevent this, store your bean bag in a dry place.

Reason 4. Poorly Made Bean Bags

Some bean bags are poorly made, and the seams are not properly sewn. As a result, the beans inside the bean bag will slowly start to leak out. Over time, this will cause the bean bag to go flat. To avoid this, buy a well-made bean bag from a reputable company.

Reason 5. Using Bean Bag for Other Purposes

Bean bags are not designed to be used as trampolines or chairs. Although they might seem sturdy, they are not made to hold much weight. If you jump on a bean bag, it will most likely break, and the beans will come spilling out.

The same goes for sitting on a bean bag for too long. Eventually, the bean bag will lose its shape and go flat. Whereas original shape of a bean bag is what makes it aesthetically pleasing. So if you want your bean bag to last, use it only for its intended purpose.

Reason 6. Punctures and Leaks

Punctures and leaks are other common reasons why bean bags might go flat. If the bean bag is punctured, the beans will start to leak out.

Additionally, the beans will absorb moisture and swell up if the bean bag is left in a humid environment. over time; this will cause the bean bag to lose its shape and go flat.

How to Stop Bean Bags from Going Flat?

Fortunately, you can do a few things to prolong the life of your bean bag and prevent it from going flat too quickly.

Rotate Your Bean Bag Regularly

One way to prevent your bean bag from going flat is to rotate it regularly. This will help distribute the beans evenly and prevent them from settling into the bottom of the bag. Additionally, it will help prevent the fabric from stretching.

Choose A High-Quality Bean Bag

If you want to prevent your bean bag from going flat, it’s essential to choose a high-quality bean bag. Look for a bean bag made of a durable and supportive fabric, such as denim or leather. Additionally, look for a bean bag filled with high-quality beans, such as polystyrene beads.

Store Your Bean Bag In A Dry Environment

If you’re not using your bean bag, it’s important to store it in a dry environment. Humidity can cause the beans inside the bean bag to swell, which can make the bean bag uncomfortable to sit on.

Additionally, humidity can cause the fabric of the bean bag to mildew or mold, which can also lead to a decrease in comfort.

Avoid Puncturing Your Bean Bag

Finally, it’s important to avoid puncturing your bean bag. If you puncture your bean bag, the beans inside will start to leak out, making the bean bag less comfortable and even damaging your furniture.

Additionally, if you drop your bean bag or otherwise mishandle it, the beans inside may shift in a way that makes the bean bag less comfortable.

Fluffing Your Bean Bag Chair to Make it Great Again

Fluffing your bean bag will make your bean bag get its shape back again. If you fluff its filling, you will be able to make it live for a long time. To fluff your bean bag:

1. First of all, unzip its cover or child-resistant zipper in a secure area. 
2. Once the bean bag is opened, shake it vigorously for two to five minutes while holding it with the opening facing upwards. As you shake it, the bean bag will regain part of its fluffiness.
3. Then close the bean bag.
4. After zipping up the bean bag and turning on its child-resistant feature, sit on it to see if it offers enough support to your body.
5. If not, you can try fluffing it again. However, if that does not work, you will need to refill your bean bag with fresh fillers.

Precaution

Please do not try to cut or rip open a bean bag that does not have a zipper or other type of enclosure. These bean bags are designed to always be closed due to safety reasons.

Also as bean bags are used for various purposes including as beds for pets like dogs and cats, it is important to always keep a close eye on a child or pet and never let them crawl into an open bean bag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Why do bean bags go flat? There are a few reasons why bean bags might go flat. The most common reason is that the beans inside the bean bag settle over time due to air pockets.

Additionally, bean bags can go flat if they are left in a humid environment or if they are punctured. To prevent your bean bag from going flat, rotate it regularly and store it in a dry place. Finally, avoid puncturing your bean bag.