What Types of Balloons Can You Fill with Helium?
Any type of balloon can be filled with helium . Balloons vary by material, shape, size and purpose — from small decorative balloons and toys to large parade balloons, weather balloons or airships. As long as the balloon is made of non-porous material it will hold helium. Whether to use helium depends on what you want to do with the balloon. If you are using small balloons to twist into animal shapes, you probably want to use air. If you want the balloon to float, then you should use helium. Weather balloons and airships need to float. The most common balloons that are filled with helium are latex and foil/Mylar party balloons. You want party balloons to float. To float, the volume of the inflated balloon must be large enough relative to its weight to hold enough helium to lift it. Size and shape determine whether the balloon will float and for how long. Round latex balloons inflated to 9 inches or larger will float with helium. Float time for latex balloons is about 8-10 h