Buyers Guide to Purchasing a Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are exactly what they sound like. Blankets that are weighted to a certain amount and provide pressure on the body to create a calming feeling.
These blankets are sometimes called anxiety blankets or sensory blankets and were initially developed to help children with Autism. They are now used widely for a variety of ailments such as anxiety, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and general unease.
But how heavy should a weighted blanket be and what should you expect if you purchase one? Don’t worry – we will cover all of that plus a handy weighted blanket chart.
Here you will learn:
- How weighted blankets work?
- How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
- What size weighted blanket to get?
- Weighted Blanket Chart for Size and Weight
- How to chose a weighted blanket brand?
- Weighted Blanket FAQ
- My Story Buying a Weighted Blanket
This article contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you buy something. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How do weighted blankets work?
Weighted blankets have evenly distributed weight to apply light pressure to the body to promote a calming sensation.
Occupational therapists use weighted blankets in a treatment called sensory integration therapy and deep touch pressure. This therapy helps people with autism pay closer attention to sensory experiences and facilitate self-regulation. (1)
The weight of the blanket helps the user feel grounded and may help those who suffer from insomnia.
One study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders in 2015 studied 31 people with chronic insomnia. They had their sleep tracked with and without the blanket, and 80% of individuals reported better sleep with less time awake in the middle of the night. (2)
Effects on Anxiety
The most extensive research on weighted blankets is in regards to children with Autism and sensory processing disorder. It is suggested that deep touch pressure from weighted blankets may release dopamine and serotonin in the brain. (3)
The release of these neurotransmitters promotes a relaxed and happy feeling. Deep touch pressure may also reduce cortisol levels which lower stress and the fight-or-flight response of anxiety.
Some small studies have been done like the study at the University of Massachusetts that found anxiety-reducing results when testing 32 patients with a 30-pound weighted blanket. The study reported 63% had lower anxiety after use, and 78% preferred the weighted blanket as a calming modality. (4)
There have not been extensive studies done with control groups for anxiety, but the risks or side effects of a weighted blanket for adults is almost non-existent. When it comes to risk-reward, weighted blankets do not pose a threat to adults making them a safe technique to try.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
Weighted blankets should be 10% of your total body weight if you are an adult. (see weighted blanket chart below for examples) The blankets are typically filled with glass pellets or poly plastic pellets.
Adults are recommended to purchase a blanket 10% of their total body.
Glass beads are denser and hold more weight, so they tend to create a less bulky blanket. To each their own. No need to worry about glass beads breaking as they are too small.
What size to get?
To fully experience the weight, fit the blanket to your body rather than to the bed. When the blanket is too big, you do not feel the 10% weight recommended by science.
For instance, I got my mom a queen size blanket, and she typically needs to fold it in half to get the full effect. Buying a larger blanket also allows for different weight experiences and sharing, if that is something of interest to you.
Weighted Blanket Chart
How to chose a weighted blanket brand
There are tons of companies out there selling weighted blankets and claiming they treat all sorts of ailments.
The special needs community has been using weighted blankets since 1999, but the 2017 mainstream boom has pushed this product into the public eye. (5)
When picking a weighted blanket it is essential to keep a few things in mind.
- Order from a credible company with excellent reviews.
- Get a blanket that is 10% of your body weight.
- Pick a size that is suitable for your needs.
- Decide glass beads or poly pellets – personal preference.
My personal favorite blanket is by YnM, you can find it on Amazon here.
Pro tip – get a duvet cover for the blanket as well. These blankets are heavy, and most are pretty impossible to throw in the washer. A duvet cover will keep your weighted blanket safe from spills or any other mess.
Weighted Blanket FAQ
Common questions asked about weighted blankets.
Yes, a weighted blanket should only be around 10% of your total body weight.
For an adult, your weighted blanket should be 10% of your total body weight. If you are in-between available size, round up to the next size.
Most weighted blanket vendors carry a variety of sizes. What is most important is selecting a blanket that is 10% of your total body weight. For example, if you weigh 130 lbs then a 13 lb blanket would be right for you.
For an adult, a weighted blanket that is too heavy may restrict movement and cause discomfort. Always select a blanket that is the correct weight for you.
No, sleeping with a weighted blanket is perfectly safe as long as you are using the recommended weight (10% of total body weight).
My Story Buying a Weighted Blanket
Have you ever had the pleasure of lying under a weighted blanket? Tucked in with the soft pressure that feels like being hugged from all angles. Well, I have, and I have got some news for you… but first the backstory.
My Mom’s anxiety and restless leg syndrome made it difficult for her to fall asleep so this past Christmas I knew exactly what I would get her – a weighted blanket. I wasn’t the only person with this gift in mind for a loved one.
Weighted blankets had been everywhere online, but the price tag shock was serious. The cheapest blanket was over one hundred dollars! Would it be worth it? With that much money on the line, some hardcore research ensued.
A little secret – I had already tried out the weighted blanket at home before wrapping it and heading to my parents for the Holidays. I was eager to try it out.
After all, I couldn’t scroll through Instagram without seeing a sponsored post suggesting I buy one. Let me tell you, it was tough to fold it back up and give it away.
The weighted blanket immediately soothed me. I felt calm and comfortable. No desire to get up or anxiety to solve. I think I laid there for about 30 minutes thinking maybe I keep this gift for myself….before forcing myself to put it back in the box.
For me, the money was well spent. From the first night, my mom used the blanket; she actually fell asleep without restless hours passing by. Since she is the primary owner of this blanket, I let her give me her top pros and cons of her new beloved weighted blanket.
Pros
- Pressure on the body with restless sleep
- Cuddles close to the body and is comforting but not hot (may not be reflective of all brands)
- Feels secure and calming
- Helps with falling to sleep and for longer
Cons
- Heavy to move under at times
- Hard to use with another person
- Required to buy a duvet cover for cleanliness
- Hard to travel with outside the house
This purchase can be confusing at a high price point and lots of marketing surrounding products. It was the right decision for our family, but you have to make the decision for yourself.
Weighted Blankets need more studies to prove claims for general usage among anxiety and stress. The risks are low, and the rewards are possible – now you choose what’s best for you!
Disclaimer: The amazon link in this article is an affiliate link which means chill chief receives a small commission, at no cost to you, if you decide to purchase something on amazon using this link.
