How to Choose the Right Beanbag Filling (and Why It Matters)

Why Beanbag Filling Matters More Than You Think

When people shop for a premium beanbag, they often focus on the cover — the fabric, the colour, the size. But experienced owners know the real comfort secret lies inside: the filling. Get it wrong, and your beautiful beanbag becomes flat and uncomfortable within months. Get it right, and you have years of luxurious lounging ahead of you.

In this guide, we break down the most common beanbag filling types, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

The 3 Main Types of Beanbag Filling

1. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Beads

EPS beads are the classic beanbag filling — the little white pellets that most people picture. They're lightweight, affordable, and mould easily to your body shape.

• Pros: Lightweight, affordable, moulds to body, widely available as a refill
• Cons: Compress and break down over time, lose volume after 1–2 years of heavy use, not the most environmentally friendly option
• Best for: Kids' beanbags, occasional-use seating, budget-conscious buyers

2. Memory Foam

Shredded memory foam is the premium alternative to EPS beads. It conforms slowly to your body shape, providing orthopaedic-level support and a much longer lifespan.

• Pros: Superior comfort, maintains shape far longer, excellent for back support
• Cons: Heavier than EPS, higher upfront cost, less easy to adjust the firmness
• Best for: Adults using it as primary seating, people with back issues, premium setups

3. Mixed / Hybrid Filling

Some high-end beanbags combine EPS beads with shredded foam for a balance of lightweight flexibility and lasting structure. This is increasingly the choice of premium brands for adult seating.

• Pros: Best of both worlds — light yet durable, comfortable from day one and for years to come
• Cons: Harder to top up with standard EPS refills
• Best for: Living room beanbag chairs, luxury loungers, everyday adult use

How Much Filling Do You Actually Need?

A common mistake is underfilling a beanbag. A well-filled beanbag should hold its shape when you sit in it, not collapse completely flat. As a general rule:

• Kids' beanbag (small): 100–200 litres of EPS beads
• Adult beanbag chair: 200–300 litres
• XXL beanbag / beanbag couch: 400–600+ litres

Always check the manufacturer's recommended fill volume and top up every 12–18 months as beads naturally compress.

When Should You Replace or Top Up the Filling?

You'll know it's time to add filling when:

• The beanbag no longer holds its shape after sitting
• You feel the floor through the bottom when sitting
• The cover looks wrinkled or deflated even when empty

Refilling is straightforward — most quality beanbags come with a double-zip safety closure to make this mess-free and easy.

Choosing Filling for Indoor vs. Outdoor Beanbags

If you have an outdoor beanbag, filling choice is even more important. EPS beads can absorb moisture if the cover is damaged, leading to mould. Look for beanbags with water-resistant inner liners and covers rated for outdoor use. For outdoor use, a tightly woven EPS bead is preferable to foam, which can retain water.

Explore Our Premium Beanbag Range

Whether you're looking for a compact kids' beanbag or a sprawling XXL beanbag, our collection is designed with long-lasting comfort in mind. Browse our full range of beanbag chairs, beanbag couches, and leather beanbags — and don't forget our beanbag accessories including premium refill options.

Have a question about the right filling for your specific beanbag? Get in touch with our team — we're happy to help you find the perfect setup.