A Complete Guide To Buying a Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets, also known as gravity blankets, are not a new concept. Those blankets are usually filled with small pellets that weigh between four to twenty pounds. The purpose of these is to provide comfort and pressure relief. They are designed to improve blood circulation, reduce anxiety, and help you fall asleep faster.
Still, picking the right one is not as easy as it might seem. Oddly enough, the main issue with these products is that they are available in a vast array of options and sizes. For example, some blankets come with inbuilt heaters, while some are made of only cotton. On top of that, you also need to consider your budget and the weight of the blanket you want.
Below, you will find everything you need to know about buying a cooling weighted blanket. These tips will help you choose the most suitable blanket for your needs. Read on and find one that will give you the most comfort and relaxation!
Why Should You Buy a Weighted Blanket?
We all have our habits while sleeping. Some of us can’t fall asleep without a pillow, and others need to be in complete darkness. Similarly, some people are prone to tossing and turning all night, while others cannot fall asleep if their room is too cold. All of these things are fine, but if they start to affect the quality of your sleep — it’s high time you do something about it. Investing in a weighted blanket might be the solution to your sleeping problem.
Weighted blankets are specifically designed to provide comfort and pressure relief. They work similarly to deep pressure stimulation — a technique used to relax the nervous system. A weighted blanket can reduce your stress levels and make you feel incredibly calm and peaceful by applying gentle pressure. This feeling can help you drop annoying habits that prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.
How To Pick the Right Weighted Blanket?
The choice of a blanket is very personal. Some people prefer to have a lightweight blanket, while others need a heavy one. Ultimately, the perfect weight for a blanket depends on your body and what exactly you are looking for in a weighted blanket.
As a general rule, a blanket for a single adult should weigh about 10 percent of your body weight to provide the best possible results, so if your body weight is around 120 pounds, you might want to purchase a blanket that weighs about 12 pounds. For couples, the blanket should weigh about 7.5 percent of the combined body weight.
It is essential to underline that this is only a rule of thumb. If you are looking for a blanket that will address all of your needs, you will probably need to test multiple blankets before finding the one that suits you.
What Is the Right Size for Me?
A weighted blanket can vary from twin size to king size. So to pick the right one for you, just measure the regular blanket you use; then, you can get a weighted one that is the same size or a bit bigger. Many brands offer multiple size options to choose from, often varying by a few inches in each direction.
Which Filler To Choose?
There are different filters that you can use to stuff a weighted blanket. Here are the most common types:
Glass Beads
The first type of filler is glass beads. These beads may not be the most affordable option, but they have the heaviest feel. They will also feel much smoother inside your blanket than other kinds of fillers. However, the problem with them is that they tend to make noise when the blanket is shaken or sat on.
Plastic Pellets
The second filler is plastic pellets. These pellets are very similar to glass beads, but they tend to be lighter and make less noise than glass beads do. Still, they may make your blanket feel lumpy, which is a significant turn-off for some people.
Sand
Sand is probably the most affordable filler to use, but it does not provide odour resistance similar to plastic pellets or glass beads. It is also less durable, as it tends to get lumpy and fall out of the blanket. Furthermore, it doesn’t spread out as easily as glass beads or plastic pellets.
Are There Any Safety Concerns?
Weighted blankets can pose a risk for people with respiratory issues. If you have asthma or another lung disease, it is better to consult your doctor before using a weighted blanket. Nevertheless, these are frequently recommended for kids with sensory sensitivities and autism.
Needless to say, children below the age of two should not be allowed to use a weighted blanket. For older children, it is essential to use extra caution when using a weighted blanket, as they can pose a suffocation hazard. Also, parents should make sure that their children do not play or sleep under adult size blankets, as they are not weighted according to their body mass.
To Sum Up
Weighted blankets are a niche product, but they are slowly growing in popularity. Many people need additional pressure on their bodies and prefer to have one over the usual quilt.
With that being said, before buying a weighted blanket, you should do some research to find out what the best blanket for your needs is. Don’t forget to take into consideration your budget and size requirements.
After you have found the right one, you will notice that you will feel more relaxed and well-rested in the morning. So, if you feel like this is the best solution to your sleeping issues, go ahead and buy a weighted blanket and start sleeping better!
