Can you add beads to Moon Pod?

Moon Pods have become increasingly popular over the past few years as a way to relax and destress. They are essentially beanbag chairs filled with high-density foam beads that allow you to float comfortably. Some people enjoy adding extra beads to their Moon Pods to maximize comfort and support. However, before adding beads, it’s important to understand if and how this can be done safely.

What are Moon Pods?

Moon Pods were invented by a company called Moon Pod in 2017. They describe their product as “a zero gravity bean bag chair designed to relax the body, decompress the spine, and reduce stress.”

The pods are constructed from high-quality micro suede and feature a double-zippered base. They are filled with a proprietary blend of micro-beads that form around and support your body when you sit or lie down. The beads move and conform to your shape, allowing you to float in a reclined position.

Moon Pods come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. The standard Moon Pod is roughly 4 feet across and can support up to 500 pounds. There are now smaller Moon Pods, oval-shaped designs, and models made specifically for kids.

Benefits of Using a Moon Pod

There are many purported benefits to resting and relaxing in a Moon Pod:

• Relieves stress and anxiety.
• Alleviates muscle tension and pain.
• Improves sleep quality.
• Reduces inflammation in the body.
• Decompresses the spine.
• Enhances mood through relaxation.

The lightweight, cradling feeling of floating in a Moon Pod can induce deep relaxation. Getting into a comfortable reclined position also takes pressure off your back and spine. Many users report that spending time in a Moon Pod gives a pleasant, almost weightless sensation.

Are the Original Beads Enough?

The standard amount of beads that come in a new Moon Pod is engineered to offer an optimal floating and immersion experience for most people under 500 pounds.

The original weight and density of the beads allow your body to sink in while still feeling comfortably supported. The beads envelop your body’s shape while still having enough internal resistance to make you feel immersed and “cradled.”

Most Moon Pod owners are satisfied with the amount of beads that come included with their original purchase. However, some owners do inquire about adding more beads for extra support and comfort.

Reasons People Add More Beads

Here are some of the main reasons Moon Pod owners consider adding extra beads:

• Desire more overall support and resistance
• Want the beads to come up higher around their body
• Looking to fill out empty spaces if beads have shifted
• Want to sink in deeper into the pod
• Weigh over 400 lbs and need extra support
• Want a firmer feel from the beads

Adding beads can customize the experience and feeling of a Moon Pod. Some people enjoy resting in a very dense, tightly packed bean bag. The extra beads may also help the Moon Pod retain its shape better over time.

How Many Additional Beads to Add

If you do want to add beads to your Moon Pod, start with adding approximately 25% more beads than what originally came with it. Here are some bead fill estimates for standard sized Moon Pods:

Moon Pod Size	Original Bead Fill Weight	25% More Beads
Kids Pod	15 lbs	4 lbs
Mini Pod	20 lbs	5 lbs
Original Pod	45 lbs	11 lbs
Big Pod	75 lbs	19 lbs

These are rough estimates – the actual amount can vary based on the fill level of your particular pod. We recommend starting with 25% more beads and adding more gradually if desired.

Too many extra beads can reduce the floaty feeling and make the pod overly firm and less comfortable. The beads may also start shifting around too much inside the pod.

Sourcing Additional Fill

Moon Pod recommends only using the exact same micro-bead fill material that originally comes in their pods. This specialty bead blend is optimized for comfort, support, and durability.

Here are some options for sourcing additional micro-beads for your Moon Pod:

• Contact Moon Pod’s customer service about ordering more beads directly from them.
• Visit a craft store like Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabrics and purchase loose polystyrene filling by the pound.
• Search online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy using the term “micro bead fill” or “craft bead fill.”

The key is finding small, smooth, round plastic beads rather than choppy shredded foam pieces. Try sifting through any beads you purchase to remove debris and ensure a consistent shape and size.

Moon Pod also cautions against using old bean bag chair filler beads, as these may have degraded over time and impact the feel and longevity of your pod.

How to Add More Fill

Once you have acquired additional micro-beads, here are some tips for adding them to your Moon Pod:

• Unzip the base and pour beads directly into the cavity of the pod.
• Reach inside to manually distribute and spread out the beads into empty spaces.
• Add beads gradually until you achieve your desired level of firmness.
• Have someone assist by holding the pod or sitting inside so beads don’t spill out.
• Replace the cover when finished and secure the zipper.

Take your time to add beads incrementally until you get the right sensation. Make sure to fully close the zipper base when done to prevent leaks.

You may need to manually redistribute all the beads again after a few uses to account for settling. Monitor for signs of overfilling like beads pushing out from seams.

Tips for Adding Beads

Here are some additional pointers if you choose to add fill to your Moon Pod:

• Add conservatively – only increase beads by 20-30% at most.
• Use original Moon Pod beads if possible for ideal consistency.
• Distribute new and existing beads thoroughly before re-closing.
• Go slowly to avoid overfilling seams and zippers.
• Don’t exceed 25% more beads for standard Moon Pods.
• Add only 5-10 lbs extra beads for Mini and Kids Pods.
• Be careful of small beads spilling out during the process.
• Inspect zipper and seams afterwards for gaps or issues.
• Periodically redistribute beads as they will settle over time.

Potential Downsides of Adding Fill

While extra beads can provide some benefits, there are also a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

• Can reduce the floaty, weightless sensation.
• Excessive beads make the surface less conforming.
• Overfilled pods lose shape and structure more quickly.
• Too many beads puts stress on zippers and seams.
• Increases risk of ripping seams if beads force out.
• Extra weight makes the pod harder to adjust and position.

Aim to add just enough beads to get your desired sensation without overdoing it. And remember, you can always remove beads if you overfill the pod and need to downsize again.

Other Moon Pod Customization Ideas

Adding extra beads is just one way to customize your Moon Pod experience. Some other ideas include:

• Add a soft cover or blanket for more cushioning
• Use it with a heated mattress pad in colder weather
• Fold and prop up one end to create an inclined recliner
• Add a small neck pillow for extra head and neck support
• Spray light scent or essential oils for aromatherapy
• Place a weighted blanket on top for added pressure

Experiment with different ways to enhance your time in the pod and make it even more relaxing. Just be cautious about adding anything that could shift around or damage the cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about adding beads to Moon Pods:

How many extra beads can I safely add?

We recommend no more than 25% extra beads by weight. Exceeding this risks overfilling seams. Add conservatively, starting with just 5-10 lbs.

Will more beads damage my Moon Pod?

It’s unlikely in moderation, but overfilling can strain seams. Inspect for gaps or tears after adding beads. Avoid forcing zippers and use care when handling.

Should I buy beads from Moon Pod or a craft store?

Moon Pod’s beads will provide the most authentic and consistent fill. But craft store micro-beads work well too if sifted for debris. Avoid old recycled bean bag beads.

How long will it take to add more beads?

Plan on spending 15-30 minutes to carefully pour beads, spread them out, and zip the base closed again. Go slowly to fully distribute into all spaces.

Will a bean bag refill kit work?

It’s not recommended, as the bead shapes and materials may differ from original Moon Pod fill. They could compromise the feeling and longevity.

Can I remove beads if it becomes overfilled?

Yes, just unzip the base and gently scoop out excess beads. Start by removing 10-20% of the fill if the pod feels too firm.

Conclusion

Adding extra micro-beads to your Moon Pod can provide more support and customize the sensations. But take a conservative approach, only increasing original fill levels by 20-25% at most. Source high-quality beads and add them gradually to avoid overfilling issues. With some careful trial and error, beads can enhance comfort without compromising the Moon Pod’s structure. Just monitor for signs of strain and be ready to remove fill if needed. A few extra pounds of beads can fine tune your experience, as long as you exercise moderation.