In the last few years, weighted blankets have become the trend and its sales have skyrocketed. And if you are shopping for it, you’re more likely to have these questions in your mind—how heavy should a weighted blanket be and how to buy the right one?
When it comes to buying a weighted blanket, “weight” is one of the most crucial factors to look into. Selecting the wrong weight can lead to two things:
- Cause discomfort when you sleep
- Make the blanket ineffective in inducing therapeutic benefits
So, how heavy should a weighted blanket be for adults? How heavy should a weighted blanket be for kids, what are the key features that affect a weighted blanket’s weight, and there’s a lot more that we are going to cover today.
What is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is a throw-size blanket, which is filled with some weighted materials like plastic pellets. These are also known as gravity blankets or anxiety blankets, and are designed to be heavy (weighing about 5 – 30 pounds) and made from 6 x 6-inch stitched squares, each filled with tiny glass, poly pellets, or plastic pellets to give a blanket that heaviness it requires..
According to a research published in the HealthMed Journal of the Indiana University, the feeling of a heavy physical pressure not only has calming effects but also helps prevent sleep problems.
A weighted blanket utilizes the principles of DTP (Deep Touch Pressure) or DPS (Deep Pressure Stimulation) to boost relaxation. The deep-touch therapy creates a similar comfort when you swaddle a baby. This, in turn, creates deeper and better restful sleep, easing stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
A weighted blanket comes in different weights and sizes, and can even be used by adults and kids to enhance a sense of calmness in their day-to-day lives.
What is a Weighted Blanket Made of?
A weighted blanket is made any of these materials:
- Poly pellets
- Discs
- Tiny glass
- Polypropylene plastic beads
There are also a few weighted blankets in the market that are made of a soft material like breathable cotton to resemble a typical duvet.
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket be?
Now that you know what weighted blankets are and how they help, you might be wondering, how heavy should a weighted blanket be? Does weight play a crucial role in choosing a weight blanket?
Well, the short answer is yes! If you are thinking of buying a weighted blanket for self use or any of your family members, there are some things to consider.
One of the best ways to determine the weight of the blanket that you should use is to follow a simple rule:
Here’s a useful age-weight table to consider to make sure that you’re using the right weighted blanket:
| Age Group | Person’s weight | Weight of the blanket |
|---|---|---|
| 11 – 13 year olds | 70 – 90 pounds | 5 pounds |
| 5 pounds | 100 – 160 pounds | 10 – 15 pounds |
| 21+ year olds | 165 – 200 pounds | 20 pounds |
| 21+ year olds | More than 200 pounds | 25+ pounds |
Caution: For kids under 10 years, adults with health conditions (such as epilepsy, cardiac conditions, respirator issues, circulatory disorders, sleep apnea or other sleep issues), and elderly adults, should consult a medical physician before using weighted blankets. For any healthy individual, a weighted blanket works fine and might prove to be highly beneficial.
How to Tell if a Weighted Blanket is Too Heavy?
A weighted blanket is too heavy if you do not buy the right size. A weighted blanket that weighs 35 pounds or more should be avoided.
A weighted blanket is too heavy if:
- You feel you can’t move underneath the blanket
- You feel suffocated in it
- You feel as if you’re trapped (claustrophobia)
- You feel restless being covered in it
- You have difficulties in breathing
- You have a hard time sleeping in it
- You feel that the pressure is more
- You feel extremely uncomfortable using it
If you observe any of the above signs, know that the weighted blanket is too heavy and it’s time to replace it with a lighter one.
A weighted blanket is perfect only if:
- You are super comfortable in it.
- You have a good restful sleep.
- You have a sense of calmness.
- You have reduced anxiety and stress levels.
- Your sleep improves, alleviating the symptoms of clinical disorders.
How do Weighted Blankets Work?
Weighted blankets are not a new invention. They have existed for ages and were once used by psychiatry experts for sensory integration therapies.
These blankets are extremely helpful for patients with sensory processing disorders or autism, as it helps them to concentrate on their sensory experiences, improving their behaviour and emotions.
Generally, therapists make use of these weighted blankets to give their patients “a nice, deep touch of pressure” along with conventional treatments.
The sense of deep pressure, that a weighted blanket gives, helps in stimulating the production of two important hormones:
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
These two are also called “feel good” or “happy” neurotransmitters, which the body produces when you’re in joy.
Typically, weighted blankets are used to help alleviate the symptoms of:
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Sensory processing disorder
Factors to Consider When Buying a Weighted Blanket
Wondering how to choose a good weighted blanket? As mentioned earlier, a weighted blanket typically ranges from 5 – 30 pounds. It comes in different weights and sizes, which can be picked based on your body weight.
Ideally, the weight of the blanket should be 10% of the body weight. If you have a smaller frame, go for a weighted blanket that’s light. If you are someone who’s bulkier and workouts on a daily basis, go for a slightly heavy weighted blanket. But if you feel uncomfortable using it, buy a lighter version.
According to a few studies, using a weighted blanket that’s lighter than 10% of the body weight might not help you reap the benefits. It’s vital to use a weighted blanket that’s about 10% of the body weight in order to experience that “deep pressure relief” and have a sense of calmness. It helps you relax and reduces your stress levels.
Having said that, here are a few important things to consider when choosing a weighted blanket:
Weight
This factor is a no-brainer. Most weighted blankets come in a 5-pound increment, ranging from from 5 – 30 lbs. Toddlers and infants shouldn’t use a weighted blanket, as they don’t have the physical capacity to handle its weight.
Ideally for an adult, the weight of the blanket should be 10% of his or her body weight. If you have a smaller frame, go for a weighted blanket that’s light. If you are someone who’s bulkier and workouts on a daily basis, go for a slightly heavy weighted blanket. But if you feel uncomfortable using it, buy a lighter version.
Size
A longer and wider weighted blanket weighs more than a small sized one. While deciding the dimensions of a weighted blanket, ensure that it fits your body size or your bed size. Purchasing a queen-size weighted blanket for a twin or single bed will have the blanket weighed down on the floor.
Cover
A few weighted blankets might not come in removable covers. So check when you buy one. When you purchase a removable cover, it helps in keeping your weighted blanket clean always.
But pay attention to the removable cover’s weight too because it can easily add another 1 – 2 pounds of weight to the blanket. Make sure to choose one that won’t make the weighted blanket too heavy—at least, not to a point where things get uncomfortable when you use it.
If possible, get a removable cover from the same brand because they offer covers which are compatible with the weighted blanket.
Tears or holes in the blanket
Since a weighted blanket is filled with plastic poly pellets or small beads to weigh, even a tiny damage can cause the filler to leak. This filler leaking can result in the blanket to lose all its weight eventually. So when you buy one, check if there are any damages.
Washable
This is another crucial information to look for when buying a weighted blanket. Look for the label to check if it’s easily washable or machine washable. After days of use, your weighted blanket is sure to get dirty and smelly.
Clumped fillers
Fillers in the weighted blanket like rice, sand, beans, or any organic fillers can clump when they are wet. This results in an uneven or irregular weight distribution throughout the blanket. Such weighted blankets need to be handled with care, especially while washing and drying to prevent the fillers from clumping.
BlanQuil Weighted Blankets
Dreamcloud’s BlanQuil is a soft weighted blanket, complete with a removable cover that has been made to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep. These 20lbs mattresses are made from eco-friendly glass beads and plush microfiber. Materials used in the manufacturing of this mattress are:
For Quilted Cover:
- Outer: 100% Polyester Velvet
- Lining: 100% Polyester
- Fill: 100% Polyester Batting
For Inner BlanketCover:
- 100% Cotton
- Filling: Silicon Dioxide Beads
BlanQuil weighted blankets are designed to hug you back and are well-admired for their therapeutic properties. They apply firm touch or pressure to the body, taking care of the following:
- Reduced cortisol levels
- Increased melatonin and serotonin levels
- Deep pressure therapy
- Construction of the BlanQuil Weighted Blankets
BlanQuil Weighted Blankets come with a high-quality removable cover to help you stay cool during summers and warms during winters. Fortunately, both the cover and the blacket are machine washable.
Cover: The Cover of Dreamcloud’s BlanQuil weighted blanket is made of Ultra Plus Micro Fiber where the outer portion is 100% Polyester Velvet, the Lining is 100% Polyester, and the fill is Polyester Batting.
Inner layer: The blanket’s inner layer is made of 100% cotton whereas the filling is of eco-friendly silicon dioxide beads.
Features of BlanQuil Weighted Blankets
Here are some BlanQuil’s noteworthy features that have made them so popular among users:
- Uses deep pressure stimulation: BlanQuil’s weighted blankets are designed to be 8-15% of a person’s body weight. That’s why when you use it, it makes you feel as if you’re being hugged.
- Reduces anxiety and stress levels: A lot of studies have shown that weighted blankets help in increasing the melatonin and serotonin levels.Thus, reducing the stress and anxiety levels in return.
- Puts you in a deep sleep mode: A good and deep sleep enhances relaxation and lessens the body movement. This helps in enabling a deeper and better REM cycle.
- Makes you feel comfortable: The combo of ideal weighted materials and ultra-soft microfiber makes BlanQuil one of the world’s most comfortable weighted blankets you will ever experience.
- Improves sleep quality: The weight of the blanket stimulates the pressure points to optimize the quality of sleep and help you lull into a deep slumber.
How Heavy is a BlanQuil Weighted Blanket?
Dreamcloud’s BlanQuil Weighted Blankets are 20 lbs, especially designed to apply deep pressure therapy and impart a snug-like experience, similar to someone’s warm embrace.
Here are the specifications of BlanQuil’s weighted blankets:
- Weight options: 20 lbs
- Dimensions: 48 x 74 x 1 inches
- Cover: Made of Micro-plush and removable
- Filler: Eco-Friendly micro glass beads
- Machine washable: Yes
