Molded <a href="http://www.globaleps.com/znzs.html">polystyrene beads</a>Expanded Polystyrene foam, also known as MEPS is the most common foam board insulation material. Together with Extruded Expanded Polystyrene (XEPS) foam, they are the most used materials derived from polystyrene that are used in the production of insulating boards.The process of "pre-expansion" consists of heating the raw, unexpanded polystyrene beads, commonly using steam, or as is the case with beads used for high density foams, using hot air. This process takes place in a vessel where an "agitator" stops the beads from fusing and because the expanded beads become lighter, the constant movement makes the expanded beads exit trough the top of the vessel. The pre-expansion" makes the beads become up to three percent less dense and gives them a smooth surface. After they are expanded, the beads are allowed to "age" for at least 24 hours in special mesh containers, letting the air cool the beads and increase their hardness.The next step is feeding the expanded beads into a mold shaped as desired and pumping low pressure steam or hot air into the mold in such a way that it gets between them, expanding the beads event more and making them "stick" together, <a href="http://www.globaleps.com/zncp.html">sandwich panel</a>taking the shape of the mold.Third, think of how you will use the chair. If the chair is to be used for reading, sitting up playing games or anything upright a pear-shaped chair is going to be the best solution. If you are planning on lounging, watching TV or just prefer being horizontal, the round foam filled chairs will be ideal.Fourth, think of what you want to pay. In general, foam filled chairs tend to be slightly less expensive than polystyrene bead filled chairs. Part of the reason for this is foam is much less expensive to ship so is cheaper overall. Also, foam chunks are the waste materials from furniture production so are less expensive to source out.The only argument against polystyrene beads is their shiftiness. You constantly have to get up and reposition the chair so that you are supported by the beads. The only argument against foam filler is that it can feel hard. After sitting on foam for awhile, it compresses and loses its softness. To regain the softness, you have to get up and toss the chair around. Either way you are getting up to reposition the chair.Maybe the best of both worlds is choosing a combination of both foam filling and polystyrene bead filling. A couple of companies sell a mixture of foam chunks and polystyrene beads. It is called Royal Mix or Superfill. With the combination of the two fill types you get the best chair - it has the supportiveness of the foam and the shiftiness of the beads. The combined fill makes the perfect bean bag chair: supportive, soft, comfy and cozy.In the end, the filler makes the chair. <a href="http://www.globaleps.com/zncp.html">rockwool sandwich panel line</a>Choose the type of fill that best matches your lifestyle. Some people love the shiftiness of the polystyrene beads while others love the support of the foam. The final decision comes down to personal preference and what best matches your needs.Tricia Treherne is passionate about bean bag chairs. Her goal is to make homes in Canada and the United States more comfortable. As an educator, Ms. Treherne believes in educating people about the products in the marketplace so that people can make informed decisions.
