Bean Bag Beans

Bean bags are a popular and trendy choice for many people, being versatile and providing a different level of comfort compared to normal chairs. They also act as a great way for you to relax and unwind. But with so many different types of bean bag fillers available, it can be tough to know which one is the best. So that’s why in this article, go over the different types of bean bag beans, and give you the answer to what is the best filler for a bean bag.

What are Bean Bags?

Bean Bag Beans

Bean bags are bags made for sitting and are filled with various types of pellets, beads or beans.


Before we go into what is the best filler for a bean bag, let’s understand what a bean bag is. Bean bags are a type of bag that is large and used for seating, filled with small pellets, beads or beans. The shape of a bean bag is determined mainly by the shape of the cover which contains the filling. The type of filling and material used for the cover also determines how well they hold their shape.


There are also many different types of bean bag chair covers and bean bag fillings, ranging from natural to synthetic materials. Bean bags are designed to provide comfort through their ability to conform to the shape of your body, with soft filling to help you feel relaxed.

Why Do People Use Bean Bags?

Bean Bag Beans

A big reason for the popularity of bean bags is their comfort.


There are a few reasons why people use bean bags. The first and biggest reason is that they’re very comfortable. Because they’re stuffed with many pieces of filling instead of one solid piece of material, bean bags adapt to the shape of your body. This unique ability to contour to different body shapes also helps to make people feel cocooned, almost like getting a warm hug. 


Another reason for their popularity is how they can be used for a variety of purposes. Bean bags work great being used as chairs, sofas, and even as beds. And to fit each purpose, people are also able to customise what filling is used for their bean bags and how much of it is stuffed inside the cover. More bean bag filling gives them a more firm density, whilst less filling gives a softer and more form fitting feel.


Many people also love bean bags for their convenience. The fillings of a bean bags, like beans or foam, are in general made up of mostly air. This makes it quick and easy for people to move around their bean bags to different places around the house or office. 


We’ve also found that they offer people a look and novelty that adds a unique charm that other furniture can’t. The ability for the filling to be comfortable and conform means that bean bags can come in many different shapes and sizes. Designers and manufacturers of bean bags get to make creative furniture that otherwise would not be possible, catering to a plethora of different interior styles.

What are the Different Types of Bean Bag Fillers?

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

bean bag refill

Polystyrene beans are the most common and affordable type of bean bag filling.


Although there a number of different bean bag fillings available, the most popular today is expanded polystyrene, or EPS for short. This type of bean bag refill is lightweight, durable, and affordable. It resists wear and tear well, which can be a problem considering the bean bag beans rub against each other a large amount when sat on. 


Polystyrene beads also hold up well against heat and moisture, making them great for outdoor bean bags and those in humid conditions where mold and mildew can become an issue. However, they’re not as comfortable as other fillings due to having limited softness and less ability to conform to your body. Polystyrene beans for bean bags can also be noisy when you move or sit on them. 

Shredded Foam

bean bag refill

Shredded foam is a step up in comfort for your bean bags


The next most popular type, and one of the best answers for what is the best filler for a bean bag, is shredded foam. Shredded foam is more comfortable compared to EPS beads, with it being softer and better able to contour to your body shape. 


Another advantage of using shredded foam is that they provide a greater level of cushioning, relieving more pressure from pressure points. And what’s more is that shredded foam is recyclable, making it not only more comfortable for longer periods of time, but also better for the environment.

Natural Latex

bean bag refill

Natural latex has superior performance, comfort, and is also eco friendly


Made from the sap of rubber trees, natural latex is another great answer to the question of what is the best filler for a bean bag. Not only is this natural filler comfortable, lightweight and durable, it’s also the ultimate choice for those that are environmentally conscious. This is because natural latex is recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable all at the same time. 


The material also has superior performance, being more responsive and quick to conform to your body. And to top it all off, natural latex filling is breathable, making it great for hot climates and use in large bean bags that wrap around more of your body.

Which Bean Bag Beans is Right for You?

bean bag beans

What type of bean bag filler is right for you depends on a variety of factors and what you’ll use the bean bag for.


The answer to what is the best filler for a bean bag comes down to a number of personal factors. As a more affordable option, EPS beans for bean bag are the way to go. However, for more comfort, shredded foam and natural latex are the best options. 


And for those that are looking for an eco friendly filling, natural latex is the best choice. However, all 3 can be combined into your bean bag so that you get a balance of all the unique properties of each type of filling.

Get the Best Filler for a Bean Bag Based on Your Needs Today!

So what is the best filler for a bean bag? This depends on a few things, but natural latex and shredded foam are our recommended picks. You can also experiment with different types of fillers to find the one that you like best, with it being possible to also combine different types of filling together. And to find the best quality bean bag fillers, browse our range online today!