How to Choose a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are helpful for people who struggle to sleep. They are designed to provide deep touch pressure to the body, which assists you in falling asleep faster and experiencing a deep, relaxing slumber.

There are many options in the market, and which one to choose might be confusing. But this comprehensive guide will help you pick the best weighted blanket for your needs. Continue reading to learn more.

Before Buying a Weighted Blanket

Here are some things to ask yourself before purchasing a weighted blanket -

Who Are You Buying It For?

Ask yourself who will be using the blanket. Different people have different needs. Think about their age, size, and preferences. Knowing who you buy it for will help you choose the right weight and size.

Kids

If you are buying weighted blankets for kids, make sure to get one that is about 10% of their body weight. Do not buy a weighted blanket that is too heavy for them, as it might lead to unrestful sleep and body aches. 

Kids can benefit from these blankets as it helps them relax and fall asleep. If your child is suffering from anxiety-related sleep problems, then give this blanket a try! They come in different sizes, cute colours and designs to make your little one’s bedtime more fun.

Adults

We recommend buying a weighted blanket 10% of your body weight for adults too. If you want some more pressure, you can add in an extra 2-3 lbs. Get a size that covers you from chin to foot. You do not want the blanket to droop off the sides of the bed.

Elderly

For older adults, purchase a lighter weighted blanket. It should be around 5-10% of their body weight to ensure it is snug and not too restrictive. 

Weighted blankets help the elderly improve sleep and ease anxiety disorders. Weighted blankets also help older adults who deal with chronic pain. In a study by the Journal of Pain, researchers discovered that patients with chronic pain who used weighted blankets reported feeling less discomfort. 

Buying Guide for a Weighted Blanket

Weight

Finding the right weight for your needs is the first step towards having the optimal weighted blanket. 

The recommended blanket weight should be 10% of your body weight. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, a 15-pound blanket would be the right choice.

The market has many options, ranging from 10,15,20, 25 or 30 pounds. Here’s a chart to help you understand how heavy your blanket should be according to your body weight-

15lb	you weigh less than 160 lb
20lb	you weigh more than 160 lb
30lb+	you are sharing with a partner

Size

Wondering what size weighted blanket you should get? We have the answers you’re looking for!

Ensure the weighted blanket covers the whole body without spilling over the sides of the bed. There are three standard sizes for weighted blankets: king, queen, and twin. Custom, teen, and California king sizes are also available. Keep in mind that weighted blankets for adults and children, sold as regular blankets, are, for practical reasons, smaller than standard ones.

If you have a Queen bed, we recommend the queen-size weighted blanket. However, if you want to increase the amount of pressure you feel on you per square inch, then opt for the next smallest size. For example, if you have a Queen mattress but want to enhance the deep touch pressure stimulation, buy the Twin weighted blanket.

Fabric

Care for your weighted blanket varies with its fabric. While some are suitable for machine washing and drying, others only allow for the cover to be machine washed, and a few require dry cleaning. Always refer to the specific care instructions provided.

If you're worried about stains or fur from pets, you should get a weighted blanket with a removable cover.

You should also consider whether the fabric is breathable for the summer months. For example, while Minky provides a cozier and warmer feel in the winter, cotton is the cooler option. 

The Breeze Cooling Weighted Blanket from Gravid offers the best cooling and cozy sleep experience! The Breeze Blanket is made of Tencel, a naturally cooling, breathable fabric that efficiently wicks away sweat to keep you comfortable and sweat-free all night. 

Filler Type

Most weighted blankets have either glass beads or plastic poly pellets. Plastic poly pellets are made from polypropylene and are said to be a safe plastic. 

Poly pellets are non-toxic and cost-effective. You can also wash them. Fabrics that work well with this filler type are fleece and minky fabrics.

Glass beads, on the other hand, are heavier than plastic poly pellets. They also occupy less room inside the blanket due to their small size compared to plastic pellets. 

These beads are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic pellets and are also hypoallergenic. It is a great choice for those with auditory and sensory sensitivities.  

We recommend getting the blanket with glass bead filler if you want a superior texture. Plastic poly pellets will be the right choice if you have a low budget. 

Another filler option is sand. It is quite inexpensive and is easily available. However, there are some disadvantages to it. It can clump and create an uneven distribution of weight in the blanket. It can also leak out from the blanket. 

Only get this if you have a tight budget. Washing a blanket with sand fillers can ruin its structure and be unusable for some days since it takes a lot of time to dry.

Price

The cost of weighted blankets differs according to their size, fabric and the type of blanket filler. 

The cost of weighted blankets varies greatly, from $30 to $350. This includes homemade blankets found on craft websites, children's options, adult-designed blankets, blankets from big-box retailers, and finely made premium weighted blankets, among others.

Take advantage of Gravid's New Year’s sale—enjoy a $100 discount on all purchases, free shipping, and rest easy with a money-back guarantee. Shop now to upgrade your comfort level with Gravid!

Ease of Cleaning 

Ease of cleaning will largely depend on what material was used as filling, as well as the ability to remove and machine wash the outer cover. Some blankets will need to be hand washed, while others can simply be put into the washing machine. Be sure to check the manufacturer's guide before you purchase your weighted blanket.

The Gravid weighted blanket (and outer removable covers) can be washed in your machine on a cool, gentle cycle with a small amount of liquid detergent. Tumble dry on a cool setting until slightly damp, and hang to complete the drying process.

Warranty

When considering the purchase of a weighted blanket, it's important to pay close attention to the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A warranty is not just a safety net; it's a sign of the manufacturer's confidence in their product.

Most reputable brands will offer a warranty that covers any defects in materials or workmanship, typically ranging from one to five years. Some may even offer a trial period during which you can return the blanket if it doesn't meet your expectations. This can be especially important for weighted blankets, as the right one for you depends on personal factors like weight preference and fabric sensitivity.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe?

There are many advantages to using a weighted blanket. But it's important to be mindful of any possible risks involved. Misusing or selecting a weighted blanket incorrectly can lead to problems like breathing difficulties or circulation problems.

The filling used in these blankets should be carefully inspected since they may present a choking hazard, particularly for little children. It's critical to choose an appropriate weight, adhere to usage restrictions, and when in doubt, seek advice from medical professionals or experts in the field to guarantee a safe and ideal experience. 

When adding weighted blankets to your routine, always prioritize safety for a well-rounded and rewarding experience.

FAQS

How do weighted blankets work?

Weighted blankets use deep touch pressure stimulation to promote the release of serotonin and melatonin, which can improve sleep and reduce anxiety.

Who can benefit from using a weighted blanket?

Weighted blankets are beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety, insomnia, sensory processing disorders, or anyone seeking a sense of comfort and relaxation.

How do I clean a weighted blanket?

Check the manufacturer's care instructions, but many weighted blankets come with removable covers that can be machine-washed. The inner blanket may require spot cleaning.

Are there different types of weighted blanket fillings?

Yes, common fillings include glass beads, plastic pellets, or a combination of materials. Consider your preferences and any sensitivities when choosing.

Why Choose Gravid’s Weighted Blankets?

Weighted blankets have several benefits - from offering deep sleep, improving mood, and helping with autism spectrum disorder, to reducing pain, relieving PTSD disorder and many more.

Thus, you should invest in a good-quality weighted blanket. Ensure that the fillers are evenly distributed; size, budget, weight, and personal preference are other important factors when buying a weighted blanket. 

To get the most comfortable sleep, choose Gravid. It is considered one of the best-weighted blankets with superior materials and cutting-edge design. Our blankets are made of environment-friendly Tencel Lyocell, which is softer than cotton and hypoallergenic. 

Try Gravid to boost your sleep quality now!