Jaxx Bean Bag Chairs - Great Value or a Big Waste of Money?

Just recently I posted a few things on a social media site. The reaction I got was very surprising. I got comments like, this is $30 worth of materials, you can win these at a carnival with a good ball throw, as well as others. All the comments were negative and indicated the writers thought the product was cheap and worthless.

I was quite surprised by the comments because I know the Jaxx product and I know the superior quality of these bean bag chairs. It made me think, though, and I wondered if others shared this mindset and thought Jaxx bean bags were over expensive crap.

I can understand the thinking. As in any product, there is good quality and poor quality. When it comes to bean bag chairs, there are some half decent quality bean bags that are less expensive but they are few and far between. Truly if you are paying less than $100 for a bean bag chair these days, you are getting a relatively low quality chair that will last for a short period of time. I have had many customers tell me they purchased a $30 bean bag chair and the seams broke or the stuffing went flat or it wasn't comfortable. This is fairly normal. In general, these bean bag chairs are mast produced off-shore and there is little regard to quality.

Interestingly, this is where the Jaxx Bean Bags stand out. They are produced by a manufacturer that cares about quality, that cares about sourcing materials locally as much as possible, that cares about their ecological footprint. They are a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council which is a group of furniture manufacturers working to make the industry more sustainable.

In their own words, "Making designer bean bags and furniture is great, but doing what we can to protect the world we live in is even better. It gives us a certain sense of accomplishment we’re very proud of."

Further to that, Jaxx Bean Bags are priced competitively. They are not the cheapest bean bags around nor are they the most expensive. They are more of a mid-range price in the bean bag market. The saying, "You get more than what you pay for" is true with Jaxx. You are paying for a bean bag chair that has high quality foam filling, a nylon liner and an upholstery grade cover. The materials that go into making Jaxx bean bags are the same materials that go into making traditional furniture. You are getting value when you buy a Jaxx bean bag chair - a high quality bean bag for a fair price.

When it comes to bean bag chairs, it seems to me you want to buy yourself a very good bean bag chair that will last for years, will never need refilling and will be safe for use in your home.

To me, this is most important thing: you want a bean bag chair that is safe for your kids, for your pets and for you! On top of that, you want a bean bag that is comfortable and will provide the lounging experience you are searching for.

Jaxx Bean Bags do exactly that.  The ECO foam filler is safe for use in your home. It is shredded foam that is repurposed foam from off cuts in the furniture industry. It is the same foam you would find in any sofa cushion in any furniture store. The foam is multi-density which offers a super comfy yet supportive seat.

The rip-stop liners are nylon and are water resistant. They stand up very well to wear and tear and contain the foam so that it does not end up all over the place. Having a nylon cover is great because the cover can slide over it easily which makes the bean bag that much more comfortable. As well, the liners stand up to wear and tear quite well.

The covers are made from either microsuede or US made Cone denim. The microsuede is upholstery quality and is made to last. The fabric stands up very well over time looking like new for years. It is easy to wipe up spills with a damp cloth but when necessary you can throw the entire cover in the washing machine and dryer and it comes up beautifully. The Cone Denim is one of the last denims to be made in the United States. It is a beautiful fabric and definitely stands the test of time.

I understand the thinking that bean bags are cheap and throw away. It is because there are a lot of them that really are low quality. We have worked with many bean bag manufacturers and have had some who used to make their own product go off shore. We no longer work with these companies because quality dropped considerably. The quality of the materials that went into the bean bag chairs was poor and it showed in the product.

As it turns out, Jaxx Bean Bags are the exception to the rule. They stick with high quality: the fabrics, the foam, the workmanship, all are well above average. We like knowing where the product we sell comes from. We like supporting local manufacturers who actually make a super comfortable and affordable bean bag chair. We like offering bean bag chairs that are safe for use in your home. We like selling comfort to you and your family!

So for those people who feel Jaxx bean bags aren't good enough or are too expensive, we're sorry for you. You are missing out. You're missing out on a uniquely comfortable lounging experience.

What to Look for When Choosing a Bean Bag Chair

Bean Bag Chairs are a great way to dress up any room. They are great in a child's room as the perfect support for the gamer or as a nest for the reader in your family.

Bean Bag Chairs work great as extra seating in your family room, they can be easily stored in a closet and pulled out when the kids have friends over or when you host a party.

Sitting in a bean bag chair is a cozy nest for your guests and is much nicer for lounging than sitting in a hard chair.

Fabric

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With the wide variety of bean bags available on the market, there are a wide variety of fabrics available. Vinyl is very common in bean bag chairs, although some people feel that vinyl is too sticky and not as comfortable as fabric bean bag chairs.

Vinyl is easy to wipe up and keep clean which is a definite advantage. When selecting vinyl ensure the fabric uses lead-free vinyl inks.

Other bean bags come in leather, microsuede, denim and cotton. If possible when choosing a fabric, look for a bean bag chair that has a liner so that the cover can be removed and washed periodically.

Regardless of the fabric you prefer, look for a high quality fabric. The fabric should use lead-free vinyl inks and stand up to wear and tear as they are pushed and pulled in all directions.

Since they sit on the floor the fabric must be durable and stand up to wear and tear so the bean bag will last for many years. The seams should be double stitched for added strength as you do not want the bean bag chair to spring a leak.

The bean bag should come with locking zippers ensuring children are kept safe from being able to open the bag and ingest the fill or suffocate from climbing inside.

Size

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When looking for a bean bag chair, look at the shape that best suits your needs.

Bean bag chairs with a pear shaped design offer better back support because they are taller and cover more of your body.

The flatter pancake shaped bean bag chair works great for two people or as a coffee table substitute.

Some bean bag chairs are designed specifically for children; they are smaller and adjust better to small bodies.

Look at shape and dimensions of the chair when making your choice to ensure they meet your needs.

Some bean bag chairs are moldable and can be shaped to suit your lounging needs.

If you need diversity in your seating then you'd be better off choosing an adjustable bean bag.

If you want extra seating or want to replace a traditional furniture piece in your home, then going with a standard bean bag in the best size for your space, is going to be ideal.


Fill

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When choosing the fill for your bean bag chair think about how you prefer to lounge. Different types of fill create a different lounging experience.

Polystyrene beads are light and make the chair really easy to move around. When you sit on polystyrene beads the seat is firm and supportive. The beads will shift around you.

The drawback to polystyrene beads is they flatten over time and you will have to re-fill the bean bag.

Shredded polyturethane foam fill is quite popular as a fill type because it lasts for so long.

It does not break down and keeps your bean bag comfortable for many years without the need to refill.

The shredded foam is soft and lets you sink into the chair yet provides a good amount of support.

For those wanting to avoid chemicals in their home, there is natural latex foam which is shredded foam from the Rubber tree.

It is all natural and resists mold, mildew and dust mites.

The challenge with latex foam is its density. A lot of latex foam fill is required to fill a bean bag chair. As a result, the chair is heavy and the cover and seams are at risk of splitting.

Generally, only small bean bags will be filled with latex foam because of this.

Finally, there is Superfill.

Superfill is a combination of a polystyrene beads and polyurethane foam.

Superfill is a great combo fill giving you the lightness of the polystyrene beads and the softness of the shredded foam.





Design

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The greatest thing about Bean Bag Chairs is the range of designs available for an affordable price. You can select just about any design and fabric you want.

When designing a room in your home you can use the bean bag pattern as a guide to build the rest of the room or use the bean bag chair as a highlight.

When trying to determine which bean bag chair is the best one for you, ask yourself how you like to lounge. How will you use the chair? Reading? Watching TV? Gaming?

Each of these activities will have you sitting in a different position and you want to ensure that the bean bag you choose matches how you want to use it.

Choosing the Best Jaxx Junior for Your Child.

Which is the Best Jaxx Junior Chair for My Child?

Trying to decide which chair to buy? Use the suggestions below to help make the decision that best suits your needs.

All of these chairs come with either soft and supple microsuede covers or Cone Denim and are machine washable and dryable. They stand up very well over time and withstand rigorous use. They come with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty so you can feel confident in your purchase.


Jaxx Club Junior

The Jaxx Club Junior is a nice chair for smaller children, up to about age 8 or so. It is a square pyramid in shape and has 8 pounds of foam fill. It is large enough and has enough fill to support bodies up to around 50 pounds.

As shown in the picture, two small children can sit side by side in the Jaxx Club Jr.

It is a great chair as it can easily be moved from the bedroom, to playroom, to media room. It has an easy carry handle at the top so kids can drag it where they need it.

Wherever your child goes, the chair can go.






Jaxx Pillow Sak Junior

The Jaxx Pillow Sak Jr is a miniature version of its big brother. It has all the same awesomeness in a smaller package. Measuring almost 3 feet by 4 feet and having 10 pounds of foam fill make this a terrific bean bag for kids.

Have a child who likes to flip, flop and twist?

The Pillow Sak Jr is a great chair for those who can't sit still. They can fold it, twist it, smoosh it; whatever they want to make it comfortable for them.

As a flat floor pillow, the Pillow Sak Jr makes a terrific mattress for sleepovers. It is great for playing games on the floor. No more sore knees when playing with your kids. Get down and get comfy at their level.

If you lean the bean bag up against a wall it makes a great spot to hang out to play video games, to read, or to chill with friends. Add some throw pillows and you've got a great lounging nest - it would be excellent under a loft bed. Great homework spot.




Jaxx Cocoon Junior

The Jaxx Cocoon Junior is a large round crash pad. It measures 4 feet across and is filled with 18 pounds of foam fill. It is a super versatile chair and ideal for kids of all ages.

Leave it flat and kids can stretch out for nap time, they can play on the floor or use it for an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Short on space? Lean the Cocoon Jr up against a wall, in the back of a closet, behind a sofa and it is out of your way but easy to access if you want it.

Turn it on its side and the Jaxx Cocoon Jr. enfolds your child in a comfy cocoon. It provides great back support for reading, watching TV, gaming, or just hanging out.

This chair is a great size and will even hold small adults. The Cocoon Jr. will hold its shape even after you get up so you can use it as a chair or as a floor pillow.





Jaxx Lounger Junior

The Jaxx Lounger Junior is a miniature version of the adult lounger. It is ideal for those kids who like to stretch out to watch TV or read a book.

It measures 4 feet long by 2 feet deep and 2 feet tall. It is a good sized lounger with 18 pounds of foam fill.

The Jaxx Lounger Jr. will support kids of all ages. Adults can hang in the Lounger Jr as well without sinking to the floor.

It can be made into a chair by folding it and leaning it up against a wall.

You could also put it up against a wall, toss on some throw cushions and have a cozy lounge spot with back support.

Not that kids sit still for long, but the other great thing about the Jaxx Lounger Jr. is that up to 3 small children can sit side by side at the same time.

Kids can stretch out lengthwise or they can sit upright. They can burrow in and get back support or can perch right on top. There are lots of options with this great lounger. It makes a great napping spot too.

Last Weekend to Shop for Christmas in Canada

What to Look for in a Bean Bag Chair

Bean bag chairs are generally not sold in retail stores, at least not the really good quality ones. For the most part, if you want to buy a bean bag chair you have to shop online and purchase sight unseen. This is a scary prospect as you are spending a fair amount of money on an untested product at an unknown website. Returns are a hassle and can be quite expensive.

So before making a purchase ask yourself the following questions to ensure you end up with a bean bag chair that is going to work for you and your family.

• Does the bean bag chair come with a warranty?
  Does the manufacturer stand behind the quality of the bean bag chair? There are bean bags on the market with no warranties, 30 day, 1 year, 3 year, 5 year and lifetime warranties. The warranty should be clearly stated and you should be able to easily contact the company if necessary.


• Does the bean bag chair come with a removable, washable cover?
  Further to that, can you actually get the cover off the bean bag? If you have a removable cover but cannot get it off the chair it doesn’t do you a lot of good. Not being able to remove the cover limits the life of your chair. Even with spot cleaning the cover will only stay clean for so long. Eventually you will want to wash the cover and if you cannot remove it, you will likely want to get rid of the chair, with the end result of you wasting your money.


• What is the bean bag chair filled with?
  Polystyrene bead fill is great as they make the chair light and easy to move around; however, they break down over time and you have to refill your bean bag. This can be quite costly and it is not always easy to find polystyrene beads in Canada at a good price. Polyurethane foam fill is great because it is super soft and comfy and it never breaks down so your bean bag never needs to be refilled. It is heavier though which can make moving the chair around more difficult. Look for eco foam fill that is non-carcinogenic and safe for home use.


• Is the bean bag chair constructed of high quality materials?
  Check out the quality of the materials that the bean bag is made from. Request swatch samples; make sure that you are satisfied with the durability of the fabric. Upholstery or furniture grade fabrics that are stain resistant are the best because they are going to stand the test of time and they are soft and supple. They are more likely to stand up to wear and tear and to look nice in your home for many years. Avoid cheaper fabrics that may tear or stain easily.


• Is the bean bag big enough?
  Choosing the right sized chair can be a challenge, especially as the dimensions are often given in a range of units. If you only have circumference to go by, phone or email the company and get length, width and height. Circumference is not a useful measurement for determining if the bean bag chair is going to work for you. The biggest factor when determining size is the person’s height (and weight). The taller you are the bigger bean bag you need to get the most support and comfortable seating position. This is true for kids as well – age is not always a good determining factor for choosing a bean bag. Measure your space and then use chalk to mark out the space the chair will occupy in the room. Having a bean bag is great unless it is too big or too small for you or the space.


• Is the bean bag comfortable?
  The most important thing in the end is that you like sitting and lounging in your bean bag chair. Look at the size and shape of the bean bag and try to match one to how you want to use it. If you like gaming, you want a chair that will support a more upright seating position. If you like to snuggle and watch movies, you want a bean bag chair or lounger that will support your whole body. Also, check your living space ahead of time and ensure that the chair you buy will fit the space you have. The way you want to use the chair really determines which chair is the best for you.


• Is the Bean Bag Chair Safe for Your Home?
  What is the bean bag made up of? What is it filled with? Does the manufacturer comply with California Technical Bulletin 117? Is the fill carcinogenic and will it off gas chemicals into your home? Does it have a child-safe zipper? These are important considerations when purchasing any furniture for your home. Find a safe bean bag from a manufacturer that cares about your health and the environment.


• Does the company you are buying it from respond to your queries?
  If you are unsure about what you are buying, phone or email the company. They should respond in a timely manner. Ask questions; be sure about what you are ordering. When buying online, mistake can be expensive. Take the time to be sure before you place your order and you are more likely to end up with a bean bag that will fit into your home for many years.