The Difference Between Helium and Air Filled Balloons

Even though most people know there is a difference between helium and air filled balloons, when asked what those differences mean, few companies explain. If you are interested in purchasing helium or air filled balloons for decorations and want to make sure that you get the right kind, the information provided will help.

The simple answer is that one type of balloon is filled with helium and the other air. The balloon itself is actually the same. However, as you can see from the information listed below, there are many additional differences.

• Lasting Time – If you have decided on balloon decorations and get stuck on the question, “How long do latex helium balloons last?” you need to worry about that, since latex balloons filled with helium without the Hi-Float treatment inside will usually last about 8 to 10 hours. Helium-filled foil or Mylar balloons will stay afloat for about three to four days. In fact, there are certain balloon brands that will stay inflated up to three weeks. However, when taken outdoors, the float time can diminish greatly as the heat increases the rate at which the helium escapes. Balloons inflated with air can last much longer. This is because the helium molecule is very small and easily escapes the balloon material.
• Cost – Typically, balloons filled with helium are more expensive than those filled with air, but considering they float, they are a worthwhile investment. Air-filled balloons do not float.
• Messages, Graphics, and Designs – One similarity between the two types of balloons is that both can be can be enhanced with written messages, graphics, and designs. However, while Mylar (foil) balloons filled with helium come in unique shapes like dinosaurs, animals, characters, and so on, there are limitations to the shapes available for latex balloons. Especially for children’s parties, helium-filled Mylar balloons are a big hit.
• Refilling – As long as you consider reusable items and hesitate in selecting mylar vs latex balloons, keep in mind balloons refilling functions. Latex balloons that are tied off and filled with air cannot be refilled. In comparison, helium Mylar balloons can be refilled with more helium once they start to deflate.
• Substance – Unlike balloons filled with air, helium balloons are filled with an odorless, colorless, and tasteless natural gas.
• Density – Because helium is lighter than air, balloons filled with this gas can float.

Helium and air balloons: pros and cons

Contrary to popular belief, the composition of inflatable balloons will be enjoyable not only for a child. A wide variety of shapes and colors allows you to use the balloon composition for decorating any event. Throwing a noisy party, organizers often doubt which ones to choose: helium balloons vs air balloons.

Balloons filled with helium are trendy today. We use them to decorate homes, street scenes, and for marketing event venues. You can make a beautiful bouquet for greeting a child or a declaration of love to a girl. The main disadvantage is their price, but several benefits can make you pick up helium balloons.

• Helium is entirely harmless for humans and nature. This gas is non-toxic and non-explosive. Thus, parents may give balloons filled with it to children.
• Unlike air-filled balloons, helium balloons can float for a day to weeks. The duration of the flight depends on the material. For example, latex gas percolates through faster, and foil models hold it inside longer.
• Any balloon is suitable for helium filling: round and long latex, fancy foil balloons. They differ in size, shape, color, and texture. You can choose the best decor or gift for any celebration.
• It's not necessary to arrange a firework show to impress your guests. It's much cheaper to release helium balloons into the sky. The ceremony is romantic and stunning. All people gathered will be spellbound as they look at the light balloons and make wishes.

There are situations when the balloons are not critical or unnecessary. For example, if you need to create an arch or a decorative composition of balloons. Then, it is enough to get a pump, filling the balloons with air.

Best ways to use helium balloons

Today, helium balloons are favorites of parties of any scale, allowing you to create a light airy decor — beautiful compositions rushing up into the sky can decorate any party venue! We offer you some ideas that can help you create masterpieces from the ordinary helium balloons!

For example, you can print photos on your helium balloons — this will help you perfectly decorate your Valentine's Day party, wedding, or marriage anniversary. Also, such a décor will focus the attention of the guests on the heroes of the occasion.

Also, you can create tender compositions from helium balloons of delicate shades for such romantic celebrations. For this, do the following:

• wrap your inflatable items in snow-white translucent tulle;
• tie balloon necks with a multi-colored ribbon, creating a semblance of beautiful curly skirts from tulle;
• glue a bud of fresh flowers and a sprig of greenery to the tied knot.

You can attach wishes for lovers printed on small cards to ribbons hanging from balloons as well.

Glittering helium inflatables are the perfect solution for a New Year's Eve or Christmas party with its unique, cozy atmosphere. To create magical compositions, you will need high-quality helium inflatables, glue, and glitter.

Making this décor is quite simple:

• fill two bowls with glitter and glue and inflate your balloons with helium;
• now, all you have to do is dip them first in glue and then in glitter, turning them into a work of art;
• then, wait for the glue to dry and simply tie pieces of ribbon of different colors and lengths to the balls, arranging your compositions in different areas of the hall or tying them to tables.

3D helium balloon figures are another hot party balloons favorite, but the traditional way of creating them can take a lot of time and effort. But still, there is a way to make unique compositions easier!

To do this, inflate helium balloons of different sizes and colors, connect them together in bundles using double-sided tape, attach them to colorful ribbons and tie them to weights in different parts of your ceremonial hall (you can place compositions at different heights – this way, it looks even more advantageous)! If you want to emphasize the theme of your celebration, decorate the tops of the compositions with themed foil balloons. Believe us, your guests will be impressed by such a bright airy decor!

Where is it best to use air balloons?

It’s not so challenging to decorate a room with balloons. For example, you can just hang them up in a chaotic order. But you will hardly ever surprise guests with this decoration. Is it possible to repeat the designers' work with your own hands? Let's leave refined shapes to the professionals, but you can try to make a simple decor yourself.

Arch

You can make an arch without a frame, for example, by stringing a few helium balloons on a fishing line. But frame structures look much more spectacular.

Fill balloons with air and fix them to the base. You may choose one color, but two or three shades look better. Then, connect the balloons in a spiral or focus on one color, for example, white, and then dilute it with blue. To make your balloons hold their shape longer, fill them with air, not helium.

Garlands

It is best to decorate with improvised fruit for children's and themed celebrations. Instead of helium balloons, it is better to take air-filled balloons and hang them on a fishing line as a garland. For example, if you have a summer party outdoor, you may create fruit or vegetable garlands. If you want to make a watermelon, draw light lines on a green balloon.

For strawberries, red balloons will do with black dots painted in black. Besides, you need to attach leaves made from paper to the tail. Hang all the fruit in random order on a fishing line.

Bouquets

If you like balloon bouquets, you may create them for yourself, even at home. For example, for anniversaries, you can make a bouquet of hearts. You will need a set of balloons in the shape of tiny hearts, a bunch of twisting balloons, and a basket. Blow up hearts and stems, connect them, and put the bouquet in the basket.

Choosing the Perfect Helium or Air Filled Balloons for Decorations

Both types of balloons, air-filled and helium, have their advantages and disadvantages - it all depends on your idea, budget, and time you have to get all things done.

But no matter what type of balloons you opt for, you can choose from a stunning variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and designs! This is what makes inflatables an indispensable element for decorating any celebration - date, wedding, birthday, grad party, kids celebration, retirement party, or just a long-awaited vacation!