Basic guide on balloons with helium and float table

How long does a helium balloon last in the air? This is the question that is repeated the most among our clients at La Fiesta de Olivia. At this time, helium balloons are an essential element in our birthday parties, weddings, First Communions or Baptisms. It does not occur to us to organize a celebration without including even a helium balloon . This is where the question that is repeated over and over again comes in. How long will my inflated helium balloon last? In this post we give you our advice and we explain a little more about our experience with balloons and how long they last floating in the air.

What is helium and tips on how to handle it yourself

First of all we have to take into account that helium is a noble gas, which weighs less than air and that is why we get our balloons float. The most important thing is that it is NOT a toxic gas, but even so, several recommendations must be taken into account for its correct use.

disposable helium cylinders

Currently you can buy practical disposable helium bottles so that you can inflate your balloons at home. It is important to take into account that the gas sold in these helium cylinders It does not have the same quality as the professional gas that we use in the store or at our events, since it is a gas with a lower density.

You should store them in a safe, cool and dry place out of the reach of the little ones. They have to be away from light and close them well once it has been used. If our helium cylinder is defective, you have to take it outside so that the gas comes out correctly and then always throw it away at the clean point or yellow container in your city. It is very important not to try to open or manipulate the helium bottle. .

It is also important to stress that helium should not be inhaled. Everything and not being a toxic gas can cause respiratory problems, which is why it should only be used to inflate our balloons.

we inflate the balloon

The time has come to inflate our balloon with helium and doing so is very simple, but we must do it carefully. Helium balloons are delicate objects and must be treated with great care.

Step by step we inflate a balloon with helium:

1. We have to open the helium bottle by turning the key at the top.

2. We will insert the rubber nozzle of the helium bottle inside the neck of our latex balloon or the inflation valve of our Foil balloon.

3. Lightly press down on the rubber nozzle so that the gas comes out and inflate it to the size indicated by the manufacturer. This point is very important

4. Once it is swollen to our desired size, we carefully remove the balloon. If the balloon is made of latex, we make a knot and tie a string. If it is made of Polyamide, it will be closed by means of the self-closing valve and we will put a rope in the area indicated by the manufacturer.

It is advisable to do it in a well-ventilated space. Once we have finished, we will carefully close the valve and save. It is important not to use cylinders that are not in good condition and never handle them near the fire.

The best-known types of balloons possible to inflate with helium

Polyamide, Foil, Mylar or metallic balloons

This type of balloons can be inflated with air or helium. Although the most normal thing is that they are inflated with helium to achieve the flying effect.

The vast majority of these balloons have an inflation valve. Through this valve you must insert the nozzle of your helium cylinder or a straw to blow on, if you want to blow it up with air. This inflation valve is self-closing and prevents air from escaping once filled.

Foil balloons come in different sizes and shapes. From the classic numbers and letters in various sizes to unicorns , dinosaurs , balloons of various shapes , drawings, stars or one of our favorites... the totally round and metallic Orbit or ORBZ balloons . Brutal all!

As it is a non-porous metallic layer, we will make our balloons last more days inflated, approximately an average of 5 to 8 days in perfect condition. It is important to prevent the balloon from coming into contact with sunlight or heat sources. If the gas inside gets hot, our balloon will burst.

One important thing to note: This balloon is NOT biodegradable or Eco-friendly. You must make sure to dispose of it in the indicated container.

100% Biodegradable Latex Balloons

Perhaps it is the best known balloon by all. In order to inflate your latex balloon with helium, the balloon will have to be a minimum of 25 cm in diameter and make sure it is of good quality to prevent it from bursting once it is inflated.

There are latex balloons of many sizes, textures and colors. Smooth , giant latex balloons, balloons printed with messages , satin or pearlescent, metallic, transparent, with a Chrome- type steel finish, etc... This balloon is perfect for decorating and making it special and unique. You can put confetti inside , decorate it with paper tails , fabric or even garlands of vegetation.

All the Latex balloons that we sell in our La Fiesta de Olivia shop are of the best quality on the market, Ecofriendly since they are 100% Biodegradable and burst in one piece, making them safer for children.

The 100% natural biodegradable latex is a porous material and for this reason the helium escapes gradually and ends up deflating.

In our store we use the best quality balloons, professional high-load helium and we apply a long-lasting natural gel called Hi-Float to all the walls of the balloon, sealing it and preventing the pore from opening so easily.

Important! On the market you will find many types of balloons, with different finishes and with better or worse material qualities. It is very important that you buy compatible balloons to be able to inflate it with helium.

How much helium do I need to inflate a balloon and how much will it float?

At the moment you can find helium cylinders disposable so you can inflate the balloons from home. To make it easier to calculate the amount of helium you will need, we leave you this table with indicative values. Please note that the numbers in this table may vary depending on size, material or balloon maker. We hope it helps you for your next party!