Bean bags don’t suddenly wear out — they gradually lose volume as the filling compresses. Over time you may notice you’re sitting lower than before, support feels reduced, or the shape isn’t holding as firmly as it once did.
In most cases, the solution isn’t replacing the chair. It’s simply refilling it.
This complete guide explains when to refill a bean bag, how much filling you need, the different types available, when to fully replace beans instead of topping up, how to remove filling safely, how to prevent static, and how to clean up spills properly.
Quick answer: To refill a bean bag without making a mess, work in a closed room, use a drop sheet, tape a funnel or cardboard tube to the inner liner opening, pour slowly, then seal and vacuum.
How much filling do you need? Most adult bean bags use 100L–400L of filling depending on size. A typical top-up is 25L–100L.
- Small (kids): 15L–40L top-up
- Medium: 25L–75L top-up
- Large: 40L–100L top-up
- XL / Lounger: 60L–200L top-up
When Does a Bean Bag Need Refilling?
Flattening happens gradually. Signs it’s time for a top-up include:
- You sink too low: Your hips drop close to the floor.
- Loss of structure: The chair no longer holds its shape when empty.
- Reduced back support: The upper section collapses behind you.
- Fabric pooling: Extra material gathers because internal volume has reduced.
Most modern bean bag chairs use expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads, which naturally compress over time. This is normal wear — not a defect.
Why Bean Bags Go Flat
EPS Bead Compression
EPS beads are tiny air-filled spheres. With repeated use, the trapped air gradually escapes and beads compress. Heat and heavy daily use accelerate this process.
Higher-density beads generally maintain structure longer than low-density fill.
Foam Breakdown
Some oversized loungers and structured seating use shredded foam instead of beads. Foam doesn’t compress evenly — it may form soft pockets or break down into smaller fragments over time.
If your bean bag feels uneven rather than evenly flat, foam degradation may be the cause.
Top-Up or Full Replacement?
Not every flat bean bag needs a complete empty-and-refill. Here’s how to tell the difference.
A Simple Top-Up Is Usually Enough If:
- The flattening feels even throughout.
- The beads still feel round and intact.
- Support improves temporarily after shaking and redistributing.
Consider Full Replacement If:
- Beads feel powdery, dusty, or noticeably shrunken.
- There’s a build-up of bead dust inside the liner.
- The bean bag still feels unsupportive after adding more filling.
- The filling is several years old and the bean bag is used daily.
Most quality EPS fillings last between 1–3 years depending on usage and exposure to heat. Outdoor use can shorten that timeframe, especially in hot conditions.
How Much Filling Do I Need?
One of the most common questions is: How many bags of beans do I need to fill a bean bag?
The answer depends on your bean bag’s size and how much volume it has lost. Use this as a practical guide:
| Bean Bag Size | Total Capacity | Light Top-Up | Heavy Refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (kids) | 60–80L | 15–20L | 30–40L |
| Medium | 100–150L | 25–40L | 50–75L |
| Large | 150–200L | 40–60L | 75–100L |
| XL / Lounger | 200–400L+ | 60–100L | 100–200L |
Direct answer: Most standard adult bean bags require 100L–400L of filling depending on the design and size.
If you’re unsure, check your product’s listed volume specifications on its product page.
Types of Bean Bag Filling
Standard EPS Beads
The most common option. Lightweight, mouldable, and ideal for most indoor seating.
- Classic “sink-in” comfort
- Easy to handle and refill
- Suitable for most designs
High-Density EPS
Compresses more slowly and provides firmer long-term support. Often preferred for high-use environments.
Shredded Memory Foam
Heavier and more structured than beads. Popular in oversized loungers or sofa-style designs, especially if you prefer firmer support.
Organic or Natural Fill Options
Buckwheat hulls and recycled textile blends are sometimes marketed as “organic” alternatives. They can work well in smaller cushions or niche designs, but they behave very differently from EPS.
Compared with EPS beads:
- They are significantly heavier.
- They do not mould as fluidly to body shape.
- They may not suit large lounge bean bags (weight becomes impractical).
- They can compact differently over time, changing the feel.
For large seating designs, EPS remains the most practical and lightweight option.
How to Refill a Bean Bag (Without Making a Mess)
Refilling is simple — but rushing causes chaos. Static electricity can make EPS beads cling to everything. Preparation is the difference between a clean refill and a room full of runaway beads.
Refill Checklist (Do This First)
- Close windows, turn off fans, and keep pets/kids away.
- Lay a drop sheet under the bean bag and around your work area.
- Wear cotton (synthetics increase static).
- Have a vacuum ready for cleanup.
- Use a funnel or cardboard tube and tape it securely.
What You’ll Need
- Correct type and amount of filling
- Large funnel or cardboard tube
- Masking tape
- Drop sheet or plastic sheet
- Vacuum cleaner
- A second person (recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Eliminate airflow. Close windows and doors, and turn off fans.
- Set up your work zone. Lay down a drop sheet in a contained area.
- Open the zipper carefully. Some bean bags use child-safety locks that may require a paperclip.
- Find the inner liner. If your bean bag has an inner liner, open that (not the outer cover).
- Attach your funnel/tube. Insert it into the liner opening and tape it securely to reduce spills.
- Pour slowly. Add filling gradually and pause to let it settle.
- Test the feel. Close temporarily and do a quick sit test. Add more if needed.
- Seal properly. Close the inner liner first, then the outer cover.
- Clean up. Fold the drop sheet inward and vacuum thoroughly.
Safety note: EPS beads are a choking hazard. Keep children and pets away during refilling, and vacuum thoroughly afterwards.
How to Remove Beans from a Bean Bag
You may want to remove filling if you’re washing a removable cover, replacing old beads, or switching filling types.
- Lay down a drop sheet.
- Prepare a large sealed container or heavy-duty bag.
- Insert a funnel into the container opening.
- Slowly guide beads into the container and seal immediately.
Work slowly — rushing causes spills and increases static.
How to Pick Up Spilled Bean Bag Beans
If beads escape, don’t panic — use the right method and you’ll get them under control quickly.
- Vacuum immediately: The sooner you vacuum, the less static spread you’ll get.
- Stocking trick: Stretch a stocking over the vacuum nozzle and secure it with a rubber band. Beads collect on the stocking instead of going into the machine.
- Sticky tape: Wrap tape around your hand (sticky side out) to pick up clusters.
- Damp cloth: A slightly damp cloth helps reduce static cling and gathers stray beads.
Never wash EPS beads down a drain.
How to Reduce Static When Refilling
Static electricity makes beads cling to hands, clothing, and surfaces. These steps help keep it under control:
- Work in moderate humidity if possible (very dry air increases static).
- Wear cotton clothing and avoid synthetics.
- Avoid carpeted rooms.
- Lightly mist your hands (not the beads).
- Use an anti-static spray in the room if necessary.
- Touch a grounded metal surface before handling beads.
How to Make Your Bean Bag Last Longer
- Fluff weekly: Shake and redistribute filling to prevent uneven compression.
- Rotate regularly: Spread wear across the whole bag.
- Avoid prolonged direct sun: Heat accelerates compression and material ageing.
- Follow care instructions: Different fabrics require specific cleaning methods.
If seams are failing or fabric has stretched significantly beyond normal use, it may be time to explore a new model from our range of bean bag chairs designed for durability and long-term comfort.
Refilling is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your seating — and when done properly, it restores comfort quickly and affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I refill a bean bag without making a mess?
Refill in a closed room with no airflow, lay down a drop sheet, tape a funnel or cardboard tube to the inner liner opening, pour slowly, then seal the liner and vacuum the area.
How many bags of beans do I need to fill a bean bag?
It depends on size. Most adult bean bags use 100L–400L total. If you’re topping up, many people need 25L–100L depending on how flat the bean bag feels.
How often should you replace bean bag filling?
Most EPS filling lasts around 1–3 years depending on use and heat exposure. Top-ups restore comfort, but if beads feel powdery, very shrunken, or support doesn’t improve after refilling, a full replacement may be needed.
Why is my bean bag still flat after refilling?
This can happen if the existing filling is very old, beads have broken down, or the cover has stretched significantly. Add small amounts incrementally, redistribute filling thoroughly, and reassess. If support still doesn’t improve, a full replacement of filling may be required.
How do I remove bean bag beans safely?
Use a large sealed bag or container and a funnel. Work slowly with airflow off, and seal the container immediately to reduce static and prevent spills.
How do I clean up spilled bean bag beads?
Vacuum immediately. For safer collection, stretch a stocking over the vacuum nozzle secured with a rubber band so beads collect on the stocking rather than entering the machine. Sticky tape also works for small clusters.
How do I stop static when refilling a bean bag?
Wear cotton, avoid carpet, work in moderate humidity, lightly mist hands (not beads), touch a grounded metal surface before handling filling, and consider anti-static spray in the room.
What’s the best filling for a bean bag?
For large seating, EPS is usually the most practical because it’s lightweight and moulds to the body. Foam feels more structured but is heavier. Natural fills can be much heavier and may not suit large loungers.
