I'd love to hear options. I remember sitting in one during college and thinking it was THE most comfortable chair EVER. I would also love to see a modern, minimal interpretation.

Jacobson's Egg chair gives you the same cozy enclosed feeling. (you'd need to add pillows maybe for equal softness)

I was just in Dane Decor this past weekend and the Luna chairs from there are very comfortable and update the look of a papasan chair a bit. Here is the link to that line: http://www.danedecor.com/prod_pdfs/Luna_Chair.pdf

Honestly, the "Stressless" chairs from there are quite possibly the most comfortable chairs I have ever sat in (and they fully recline for optimal napping), although they are quite a departure from the papasan look you may be going for.

Arne Jacobsen's Egg chair looks cozy, but the foam's pretty hard. You would definitely need to add pillows to cushion it. Another mid century alternative would be Eero Saarinen's Womb chair (with ottoman). A great chair for reading picture books to your kid. Both chairs are very well made, but way overpriced.

A more contemporary alternative might be Ligne Roset's Pumpkin chair (http://www.ligne-roset-usa.com/Products/living/armchairs/Pumpkin_1509.aspx)

I second the womb chair suggestion if you have the money.

If you love its comfort so much, who cares if it's not the sexiest piece of furniture on earth? Maybe just paint the base and get an interesting pattern.

LOVE the pumpkin chair! Thanks Platypus! I'm going to a showroom to try that sucker out!

Why do you need/want to replace it?

A Butterfly Chair.

http://www.butterflychairs.com/

http://www.simplyslater.com/

http://www.circa50.com/butterflychairs.html

If you want one that's super-luxurious, get one with a leather cover.

You might try the Ikea Lunna. I have one. It's tres comfy.

are papasans good for your back?

thanks for that luna chair link. i was in a mid century consignment store over the weekend and they had one of these, and it was super comfortable. i ended up not getting it because it was a little low for me, but now i can stop wondering where it came from.

the thayer coggin weedz chair is pretty comfortable/round. i think they might be discontinued but maybe you could find them on ebay

I Love Papa San chairs! It all depends on what aesthetic you're looking for.

if you like the papasan chair, keep it! i admit it's a bit college-student-esque, but i have a black one that i love. i bought it when i got married. :) and it's always the first seat to be taken when we have company. just make sure the rest of your decor is NOT college-student-esque, and it'll be fine.

p.s. i was also informed my my dad, who lived in Japan for many years, that what we call papasan chairs are actually mamasan chairs...papasan chairs are more like sofas and about twice as high. i don't know if that's true or not... :)

I've been struggling with exactly this question. I have two Papasans in a sun room and want to replace them with something sleeker. I did try the Jacobson Egg chair, but it's not comfy (although gorgeous) and the price is insane. I've been considering Ikea's Tirup chair. It's not as cushy, but it is comfy:

http://www.furniturestoreblog.com/2008/07/02/ikea_tirup_leather_swivel_chair.html

I had one when I was younger. Instead of replacing it I painted the wood a high-gloss black and covered the wood joinings with black and white polka-dot ribbon. Then covered the cushion with bright white fabric- it looked very 60s chic which matched my retro living room. A bit of fabric and paint goes a long way :)

As another chair constructed from a big pillow, Target's Stockholm Chair might be worth considering.

(http://www.target.com/dp/B000E7TSYS/187-6416580-6173405)

So many good recommendations.

I guess the reason why I'm looking for an alternative is:
a) I bought it in college and it looks outdated.
b) I'm 29 and 1/2.
c) My husband doesn't like it.
d) I'm not a big fan of rattan.
e) I don't like how it shifts all the time, and sometimes I fall off the pedestal.

I think the Luna chair looks like a good bad assuming it isn't super expensive. I'll be checking that one out since I love lounge chairs and don't yet have the scratch to buy my ultimate, the Eames lounge.

I sat in this chair at Dania Furniture and fell in love with it!
http://www.daniafurniture.com/home_living_sofas_fabric/item/1745
Two people can sit in it comfortable too for cozy TV watching.

How about a "dish chair"? Looks like its more stable than a papasan. http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=15385578&navAction=jump&navCount=33