Beads, foam, fibers, or natural materials: the filling makes all the difference between a beanbag that welcomes you softly and one that sags after a few months. This guide will help you choose the right filling for your needs and then fill your beanbag correctly, step by step.
Would you prefer a beanbag that is already filled and ready to use? Browse our large beanbag collection.
Table of contents
- The different filling materials
- Which filling should you choose for your pouf?
- How to fill a pouf in 5 steps
- Filling a Moroccan pouf
- Care and topping up
- More eco-friendly options
- Frequently asked questions
The different filling materials
Each material has its strengths and limitations. The table below summarizes the main ones; the lifespans are estimates that vary depending on the quality of the material and the intensity of use.
| Material | Feel | Durability | Care | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polystyrene beads | Conforms to the body, highly adjustable | Compresses: refill every 2 to 3 years | Easy, not washable | Very lightweight |
| Standard foam | Firm, good support | Good if density ≥ 35 kg/m³ | Cover must be cleaned | Medium |
| Memory foam | Enveloping, distributes weight | Very good | Cover must be cleaned | Heavier |
| Synthetic fibers (polyester) | Soft and plush | Good, needs refluffing | Often washable | Lightweight |
| Natural materials (spelt, kapok, wool) | Natural, breathable | Average, partial replacement | Delicate, sensitive to moisture | Variable |
| Recycled textiles | Firm, dense | Variable | Not washable once in place | Heavy |
Polystyrene beads
This is the most common filling for pear-shaped beanbags. Lightweight and mobile, the beads conform to the body's shape and readjust with every change of position.
- Advantages: lightweight, easy-to-move beanbag, adjustable comfort.
- Disadvantages: they compress over time and need topping up approximately every 2 to 3 years; they make a slight noise when moved.
Standard foam
Affordable and easy to use, it provides good support. For daily use, choose a density of at least 35 kg/m³: below that, the foam may sag quickly.
- Advantages: good support, affordable.
- Disadvantages: limited breathability, loses comfort as it ages if the density is too low.
Memory foam
It precisely conforms to the body and distributes weight, making it very comfortable for long periods of relaxation.
- Advantages: enveloping comfort, excellent shape retention.
- Disadvantages: heavier, more expensive.
Synthetic fibers
Polyester fibers provide a soft, plush feel, similar to a cushion. They are well suited to beanbags that need to remain flexible.
- Advantages: soft, often washable at low temperatures, suitable for people sensitive to dust mites when treated.
- Disadvantages: they compact and need to be aired or refluffed regularly.
Natural materials
Spelt husks, kapok, wool, or cotton: these fillings are breathable and biodegradable. Spelt husks provide firm support that conforms to the body; kapok is very light and soft.
- Advantages: natural, breathable, and comfortable in every season.
- Disadvantages: sensitive to moisture, they need to be aired out and partially replaced.
Recycled textiles
Old clothes, fabric scraps, or towels: an economical solution traditionally used for Moroccan poufs. The result is firm and dense, but heavy.
Which filling should you choose for your pouf?
| Type of pouf | Recommended filling |
|---|---|
| Pear-shaped pouf, giant pouf | Polystyrene beads, optionally mixed with pieces of foam |
| Moroccan pouf, leather pouf | Recycled textiles, foam, or packed beads, for firm support |
| Structured round or square pouf | High-density foam, optionally surrounded by fibres |
| Children's pouf | Foam or fibres, for a lightweight, stable pouf without accessible small beads |
| Pouf for extended relaxation | Memory foam or a blend of foam and fibres |
For a children's pouf, always check that the closure is secure so the child cannot access the filling.
How to fill a pouf in 5 steps
- Prepare the cover. It should be clean and dry. Check the seams and zipper: this is the time to reinforce them if necessary.
- Estimate the amount. Beads are sold by the litre: a small pouf requires a few dozen litres, while an adult pear-shaped pouf requires several hundred. Start with the dimensions of your cover and allow a little extra for adjustments. Our pouf calculator can help you estimate the right volume.
- Fill it gradually. For beads, work with two people in a draft-free room, using a funnel or a cut-off bottle: they are light and easily blown away. For foam or textiles, insert the pieces layer by layer.
- Distribute the filling. Shake and pack down the pouf regularly while filling it to prevent hollow spots or lumps.
- Test and adjust. Sit down: if you touch the floor, add more filling; if the pouf is too hard, remove some. Then close the cover carefully.
Filling a Moroccan pouf
The Moroccan pouf should be quite firm to retain its shape and showcase its embroidery.
- Aim for firmness: Recycled textiles, foam, or well-packed beads provide stable support.
- Fill it in stages: Add the filling gradually to avoid putting strain on the seams and embroidery.
- Shape it carefully: Pack it down regularly while turning the beanbag to achieve a nicely rounded shape.
Care and topping up
- Top it up when needed: beads and fibers settle over time. Add filling as soon as the seat becomes too low.
- Air natural fillings and place the pouf in a dry room to prevent moisture.
- Care for the cover: regular vacuuming and quickly cleaning stains extend its life. Find all our advice in our guide how to easily clean a fabric pouf.
Has your pouf sagged? Our article deflated or flattened pouf: how to restore its shape explains the right steps.
More eco-friendly options
If environmental impact matters to you, there are several options:
- Recycled polystyrene beads, which offer the same comfort as standard beads;
- recycled fibers, for example from plastic bottles;
- natural fillings such as kapok or spelt husks, which are biodegradable;
- reusing textiles, giving old clothes a second life;
- topping up rather than replacing: adding filling extends the life of your pouf.
What if you chose a pouf that is already filled?
Our poufs are delivered filled and ready to use, without the need to handle any beads. Some models arrive compressed for transport: our unpacking guide explains how to restore their volume.
- Our large poufs
- IVORIA, large XXL corduroy pouf
- SYLVA, emerald green corduroy pouf
- All our living room poufs
Frequently asked questions
What can you fill a pouf with?
The most common fillings are polystyrene beads, foam (standard or memory foam), synthetic fibers, natural materials, and recycled textiles. The right choice depends on the type of pouf and the feel you want.
What is the best filling for a pouf?
There is no single best option: beads for a modular pear-shaped beanbag, good-density foam for a structured beanbag, memory foam for enveloping comfort, and textiles for a firm Moroccan pouf.
How long does beanbag filling last?
Beads generally settle and need topping up every 2 to 3 years; good-density foam lasts for several years. Daily use and care make a big difference.
How do you fill a beanbag without getting beads everywhere?
Work in pairs, in a draft-free room, using a funnel or a cut plastic bottle inserted into the cover opening. Keeping a vacuum cleaner nearby will help collect any escaped beads.