A UK shopper's simple act of sharing her initial doubts about a new furniture purchase online spiralled into an unexpected viral phenomenon, capturing the attention of thousands on social media.
The Sceptical Unboxing That Started It All
Threads user NinjaMama ordered what was advertised as an "oversized lounge sofa" bean bag chair from the online retailer Wayfair. Described as self-inflating, the product promised to transform from a compact package into a plump, comfortable seat. However, upon its arrival on 11 January 2026, the reality was a tightly compressed, shrink-wrapped brick that bore little resemblance to the marketing images.
Feeling both amused and doubtful, NinjaMama posted contrasting photos of the chair in its initial state versus its advertised form. "Apparently, in 72 hours, this is going to become this. I’m skeptical but will keep you all updated," she wrote, intending to share the moment just with family on Facebook.
An Audience Invests in a Chair's Journey
Despite having a modest following, the post quickly gained remarkable traction on Meta's Threads platform. Thousands of users, who she affectionately called "Thriends," began tuning in for updates, turning the chair's inflation into a must-watch event.
"I didn't even mean to post this to Threads!" NinjaMama exclaimed in a follow-up eight hours later. "It was just supposed to go to Facebook, and now here I am... with thousands of people heavily invested in the status of my teeny-tiny chair!"
She provided diligent updates, reporting that while vigorous tapping (as per instructions) didn't seem to help much, the chair had begun to expand on its own. The communal watch continued, with the chair progressing from its unusable, shrivelled form towards something more recognisable over the next day.
A Satisfying Conclusion and Viral Delight
By hour 22, the transformation was complete. "I think I can say that the chair has achieved its advertised form. I am surprised and impressed," NinjaMama announced. She confirmed the corduroy chair and its accompanying footstool were not only puffy but also genuinely comfortable, with memory foam that rebounded well after use.
Reflecting on the experience with Newsweek, she expressed astonishment at the engagement, noting her Threads posts typically receive little attention. The saga concluded around the 48-hour mark, with the shopper declaring the chair very comfortable after a long test sit.
The unexpected journey provided a wave of positive engagement. One relieved user commented, "Whew! We were all hoping it would do its job!" while another joked, "I can sleep sound now. What a journey we’ve all been on!"
NinjaMama summed up the experience for her newfound audience: "Thanks for coming on this journey with me, Thriends. It's been a completely unexpected and much-needed delight."
