Can i fill ordinary balloons with helium?

Question

Or do they have to be specifically for helium?

Answer 1

All balloons are filled with helium that is why they float.

Answer 2

Yeah you can I have done it many a time

Answer 3

Latex balloons can be filled with helium but it won't stay in them for long.  The reason that the balloons you normally buy are made of mylar is because they want them to keep the helium inside for a week or more.

Answer 4

Your "plain Jane" balloon will do. Most balloons that you see at weddings and big parties, are normal ones filled with helium.

Answer 5

Absolutely!

Answer 6

Ordinary balloons will hold helium but not for long.  It is a monatomic gas and leaks right through the rubber because it's atoms are so small.  You can see the balloon getting smaller.  (I have tried this.)

What you want are Mylar balloons which are more resistant to the passage of helium.  Also you should get "balloon gas", which is a mixture of helium and nitrogen, air or other gas in proportions calculated to give balloons a bit of lift. It's probably cheaper than straight helium too.  

The other gas keeps the balloons inflated and may help to prevent the helium escaping through the skin of the balloon by partially blocking the tiny holes in it.

Answer 7

No any old baloon will do.....so broom off to tescos and buy packs of them!!

Answer 8

I think you can. We were gonna get some done for a do before be they cost a pretty penny so we left it!

Answer 9

yes u can..... god don't people no how to use Google these days