If you do not know what a bag stuffer, it is something that looks like a pillow that you insert inside your purse to keep it in shape or upright during storage. Bag stuffer comes in many different names, some called it purse shaper while other called it purse stuffer or even purse pillow. Whatever names it is called, it basically serve the same purpose and that is to keep your handbags standing upright, preventing creasing and bending when they are not in use. If your handbag look like the following picture during storage, it is important to get one of these purse shaper.
With a purse stuffer, it will keep it upright like the picture below.
There are different types of bag stuffer and many methods in keeping your handbag stuffed. Some prefer to use pillow case, while others stuff with their handbags with acid free tissue paper. There are also ready-made bag stuffer that are made of PVC (see picture below). This is a “great idea” as these bag stuffers are inflatable and it can be inflated and deflated to the size that you want. Before you jump into buying one, continue reading to see why it is not such a “great idea” afterall.
Why PVC inflatable bag stuffer is BAD and not such a “great idea”
Following are reasons why you should avoid buying such a PVC inflatable bag stuffer or any purse shaper that is made of PVC
- Studies has shown that a PVC shower curtain can release as many as 108 volatile organic chemicals into the air. These chemicals can damage the respiratory system, liver, kidney, central nervous system, and have been connected to diseases such as cancer. Even though no studies have been done to a purse shaper made of PVC and whether it will damage your leather handbag which it is used to keep it in shape during storage, do you really want to take the risk?
- PVC contain phthalates which is banned mostly in European countries, Japan and Mexico.
- The Center for Health, Environment and Justice, a non-profit organization based in New York, calls PVC “one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created”. It is uniquely toxic because of its highly toxic ingredients which readily migrate into the environment during its production, its use, and its disposal.
Alternatively to PVC inflatable purse shaper?
So what are you options if you decide not to use your pvc inflatable purse stuffer? Following are some options
- Stuff you handbag with acid-free tissue paper, these are the same papers that are used to store antiques in the museum
- Used a pillow to stuff your handbag. Look for a old pillow, make sure you use light-colored pillow case, preferably white and 100% cotton to avoid color transfer.