7 Ways to Make Your Bean Bags More Comfortable (Our Favorite Tips and Tricks)
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Bean Bags are hands down one of my favorite piece of furniture. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love my couch and bed (can I even call myself a homebody if I don’t?)
But as I’ve learned from buying bean bags online, it can be challenging to figure out how a bean bag feels until you’ve filled it with your chosen filling, zipped it up, fluffed it to your desired level, and physically sat on it.
And then, you might find that it’s not quite up to your liking. Maybe it’s too firm or too soft, or doesn’t have as much support as you’d like it to. Maybe it sinks too much, or not enough. We all have different preferences and body types, and custom-made furniture isn’t accessible to all of us.
Here are seven ways you can make your existing bean bags comfortable.
1. Change Your Filling
Now I get that filling a bean bag can be a logistical nightmare and a half. In some cases, you might need assistance from others. But if you’re experiencing significant discomfort with your current bean bags, it’s probably because you haven’t chosen the right filling.Â
Filling plays a significant role in a bean bag’s comfort level. Traditional EPP or EPS beads, for example, are much more lightweight and give that ‘sinking’ feeling that I personally love with bean bags. On the other hand, shredded memory foam feels much more cushioned and supportive and are great if you want more of a sofa-like experience.
If you’ve got a foam bean bag but feel like it’s too firm for you, you might want to switch to beads. Is it a logistical hassle? A little bit, but I think the payoff is completely worth it—particularly if you intend spend long periods sitting (or lounging) on it.
2. Add or Remove Fillings
In addition to what you fill your bean bag with, how much you fill your bean bag with your chosen filling can also make a difference.
Generally, the firmer and more supportive you want your bean bag to be, the more filling you want. Conversely, if you want a softer finish, you’ll want to remove fillings until it’s soft enough. Remember, it’s always better to remove fillings gradually. You don’t want to take out too much only to have to go through the logistical challenge of adding more in.
When adding or removing filling, choose an open area like a tiled floor or bathtub so that you can easily remove any stray fillings (trust me, there will be). I’ve made the mistake of doing it on carpet, and the cleanup was a LOT of hassle…to say the least.
3. Get an Ottoman or Footrest
Sometimes, comfort means being able to lie down or putting your feet up.
Elevating your legs while sitting in your bean bag can also help improve circulation and reduce any back strain you might have.
This is where adding an ottoman or footrest can help. Alternatively, you can use a stack of large, firm pillows as a makeshift footrest. This way, you can modify the height of your foot support depending on your mood.
4. Get a Neck Pillow
If neck and head support is what you’re after, adding a head pillow to your bean bag can significantly enhance your comfort.
Before choosing a pillow, consider what kind of support you’re after. For example, you can opt for a square-shaped bean bag pillow for more uniform support or a curved pillow that wraps around your neck for more targeted support.
5. Invest in a Backrest
If you’re looking for more support in the back department, consider investing in a backrest that gives your bean bag a sofa-like feel.
These days, many popular bean bag brands typically offer it as an add-on or accessory. Moon Pod has one called Crescent, while Yogibo offers Yogibo Support. Both products are designed to confirm to your back and provide an ergonomic experience.
Related: Our top ergonomic bean bags
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can use it as a back rest for any other furniture, or even as a lap desk for your laptop when you’re lounging and working at the same time.
6. Fluff it Regularly
This is something that bean bag manufacturers often recommend, yet many probably don’t do enough of. And that’s fluffing your bean bag regularly.
Over time, bean bags tend to flatten due to constant use and weight pressure, making them less comfortable and enjoyable. By fluffing it, you’ll redistribute the filling inside, and your bean bag will be back to its cozy and original shape.
To fluff your bean bag properly, start by removing the outer cover. This will give you more freedom to maneuver the bean bag and get to the filling. Next, give your bean bag a good shake and rotate it towards different sides so that you distribute the fillings evenly. You might have to shake it several times to achieve your desired fluffiness.
Now, it’s worth noting that fluffing won’t fix severely deflated bean bags, which might require additional filler or a completely new one. However, making fluffing a part of your bean bag maintenance routine can go a long way in keeping it comfortable.
7. Add Sheets or Throw Pillows
I don’t know what it is about sheets or throw pillows, but adding these to any furniture can change the comfort level from 80 percent to 120.
My parents did this to their L-shaped couch (they already had throw pillows, but then they decided to put sheets around it), and I kid you not, now every time I visit them and plop myself on this couch, it takes every ounce of me not to have a nap right then and there.
I have to admit I haven’t tried this trick with my bean bag because I primarily use it as a place to work when I’m sick of my desk (and I don’t exactly want to fall asleep on my bean bag when I’m writing or editing articles). However, if I were using it primarily for relaxation, this is definitely something I will try out.