For better sleep, to reduce stress, or to revel in the constant feeling of a snug hug, get yourself a weighted blanket.
There are so many kinds of weighted blankets, and you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. If you’re thinking about getting a weighted blanket but don’t know where to start, look no further. Here’s the complete guide on how to choose a weighted blanket.
Why You Need a Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are all the rage and for good reason. They fill a void for many people that simple bedding can’t.
The principle is the same as a baby swaddle. The pressure and immersion are comforting and relaxing on a physiological level. Cosiness brings a feeling of ease that can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and calm the nervous system. It also improves general sleep quality.
Not everyone finds weighted blankets comforting, but they can be helpful to people who struggle with:
- Poor sleep
- Mental anguish
- Sensory disorders
- Stress
People with autism, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia can benefit greatly, but so can the average person looking for more comfort. But don’t buy weighted blankets over 15kg as this can cause breathing problems.
How To Choose a Weighted Blanket
Choosing a weighted blanket may seem complex, but it’s a cinch once you know what you’re looking for. Here’s how to choose a weighted blanket that’s right for you.
Size
In general, you want to buy a blanket that matches the size of your bed. If you have a queen or single, buy that size.
You want to match the size of the blanket to the size of the bed accurately because it makes getting in and out of bed easier. If you’ve ever slept with an abundance of blankets or oversized duvets, you know that the extra size and weight can impede your ability to get out of bed. The same issue only intensifies with a weighted blanket.
If the blanket is too large, the weight can make it difficult to move if you need to get up in a hurry and can even make you feel trapped. If you’re getting a weighted blanket to help with anxiety, you should avoid making yourself feel trapped with an oversized blanket.
Additionally, if you sleep with a partner, you may want to consider buying two smaller blankets to reap the maximum benefits. This option allows you both to get types and weights you’re more comfortable with, but you also won’t have a gap in the middle where the blanket bridges.
Weight
Not all weighted blankets are equal, as some weigh much more than others. Trying to figure out how heavy your blanket should be can sound tricky at first, but most people choose one between 5% and 12% of their body weight. Although, 10% is a great place to start.
For example, if you weigh 65kg, you would want a 6.5kg blanket. If you weigh 52kg, pick a 5.2kg blanket, and so on. If you find you don’t need something as heavy, you may choose something that’s only 5% of your body weight. So, at 52kg, you would need a 2.6kg blanket.
If you have children, remember that it’s dangerous to put a weighted blanket on an infant. To be safe, don’t let any kid less than double the blanket’s weight under it, and don’t let kids use it regularly without consulting a doctor first.
For couples looking to share a blanket, if you are around the same weight, you can use the 10% rule. So if you’re 80kg and your partner is 75kg, use 10% of your partner’s weight. If you and your partner differ significantly in weight, say 55kg and 73kg, you’ll want to add your weights and buy a blanket that’s about 7.5% of the total weight.
The Australian average for couples is 157kg, so, in that case, you’d want a blanket of around 11.8kg.
Material
Material is a critical consideration when looking to buy a weighted blanket. Material dictates how a blanket will feel, but also:
- How much heat it will retain
- How easy it is to wash
- How durable it is
Cotton
Cotton is ideal if you’re looking for a material that regulates heat well and washes easily. Cotton is a natural fibre and very durable. It can come in any texture, from stiff denim to soft flannel.
There are many varieties of cotton, and also many cotton alternatives, like modal, that are more environmentally friendly.
Polyester
Polyester is a cheap and durable material. It’s inorganic and made of plastic, so it can get quite hot and doesn’t breathe well. It washes easily and comes in varying levels of water resistance.
Some people find polyester irritating on their skin and too hot for bedding. Since it’s also not environmentally friendly, it may not be the best option.
Satin
Satin is a perfect alternative if you need something smooth and soft that won’t irritate your skin. Satin is a type of weave that can be organic or inorganic. Historic satin was silk, but most are nylon or polyester nowadays.
Whatever the material, satin is generally more expensive. It can also have the same issues as polyester, depending on how it gets manufactured. A silk-satin blend is the best material option, but it’s extremely expensive compared to fabrics like cotton.
Wool
Weighted blankets, especially those without filling, can be made of wool. Be sure to check what type of yarn it uses, as some will be polyester instead.
Filler
One of the biggest choices to make when picking a weighted blanket is choosing what filler you want. Each has its own merits, and it mostly comes down to preference. Some blankets don’t even have filler.
Glass Beads
Micro glass beads are a high-end blanket filling. They’re safe, waterproof, and won’t cause skin irritation. They also weigh more than most other fillers of the same size. Additionally, glass is less harmful to the environment than plastic pellets.
Due to their heavier weight, you need fewer glass beads to achieve the same weight. So the blanket can be thinner and less bulky than other kinds.
Thanks to the properties of glass, cooling weighted blankets often use glass beads.
Polymer Pellets
Polymer or plastic poly pellets are granular plastic beads made of a synthetic polymer. They’re cheap, easy to make and are a common filler for weighted blankets. You may also find them in items like bean bag chairs and Beanie Babies.
A benefit of poly pellets is that they’re non-toxic and machine washable. They are also affordable and mould well to the shape of your body.
In rare cases, poly pellets may cause issues for people with certain skin sensitivities. This material can also rustle when shaken, but overall it’s safe and quiet. Blankets with batting and pellets won’t make any noise and will have a softer overall feel.
Steel Shots
Larger and heavier than glass, steel shots are less likely to slip through seams and require less to fill a blanket. They’re also one of the most durable fillings, and you can clean them in your washing machine. They have various benefits, including:
- Won’t attract allergens
- Are safe
- Don’t irritate the skin
Without additional batting, steel shot is the noisiest filler, but they’re relatively cheap and quite heavy.
Organic Grain
Rice, beans, barley, and seeds are sometimes used to fill weighted blankets. Depending on the grain, the following components may be impacted:
- The material’s texture
- The weight
- The noise level
Some people experience allergic reactions and rashes from grain-filled blankets.
The main benefit of grain filler is that it’s extremely cheap. But washing this type of blanket can deteriorate the filling and spark mould growth.
Sand
Though rare, there are weighted blankets filled with sand. Sand can’t be washed unless it’s sealed in waterproof pouches, and if it’s not well packed it’ll make a mess.
Sand has a comfortable and even weight, and it doesn’t cost much. Some people think that this filler makes the blanket too heavy.
No Filler
Some weighted blankets don’t use any filler. The weight comes from the outer materials and the way it’s woven. These blankets tend to be quite thick as it has to fit a lot of material in each area. They’re often wool or polyester and have a fairly open weave.
No-filler weighted blankets are great options for those who don’t want to risk any filler spilling out. Alternatively, this option works for people who don’t like the look or feel of a quilted blanket. With the correct type of yarn, you can hand knit your own no-filler weighted blanket.
Final Thoughts
Weighted blankets are the ticket to restful sleep for so many people. It’s the ideal product to have ready after a stressful day at work or an episode of sensory overload. But, many people wonder how to choose a weighted blanket that’s right for them.
By paying attention to weight, filler, durability, and price, you can find the perfect weighted blanket to enhance your sleep.
