Sleep Health
Published February 4, 2022
9 min7 Types of Blankets for Comfortable Sleep
Whether it’s a breezy summer night or a chilly winter day, all we need is a blanket to make us feel cozy and relaxed in bed after a hectic day. While we think of blankets as a piece of linen that exis
Table of contents
Different Types Of BlanketsDuvetComforterQuiltThrow BlanketCoverletWeighted BlanketElectric BlanketDifferent Types of Blanket Materials
Whether it’s a breezy summer night or a chilly winter day, all we need is a blanket to make us feel cozy and relaxed in bed after a hectic day. While we think of blankets as a piece of linen that exists to keep us warm, there are a variety of blankets that serve different purposes.If you are on a hunt for the best blankets, you are at the right place. However, the best blanket for a kid might not be the same for an adult. And the best one for summers would certainly not be the same for winters. Based on the benefits they offer, we will cover a few most popular types of blankets in this article.
Different Types Of Blankets
From a coverlet to a comforter and everything in between, below are different types of blankets with pros and cons to help you evaluate the ideal one for you.Duvet
A duvet is like a blanket with a few differences in thickness, warmth, and softness. It is generally more thick and soft. A duvet has two pieces, an outer cover and an insert whereas a comforter is just one piece. And since it comes with an outer case, it’s warmer than a comforter which is used without one.Moreover, it comes in various sizes (check out the size guide), making it ideal for every bed.Pros- It is easy to clean as you can change the cover
- You can opt for a variety of colors, fabrics, patterns, and designs for the cover
- Perfect for cold weather or surroundings
- Highly durable
- The filling can be bunched together
- It cannot be used without a cover
Comforter
A comforter is made using two large fabrics stitched together to form a pouch and filled with feathers, polyfill, or cotton. Most commonly, a comforter comes with a blend of polyester and cotton covering.It is one of the most common types of blankets. It varies in softness based on the filling and fabric used.Pros- It is soft and keeps you warm
- It is lightweight
- Looks stylish
- It can be used with duvet covers
- Not ideal for summers
- Not suitable for machine-washing
Quilt
A quilt is made up of small and multiple colorful fabrics stitched together to make a 3-layer piece. While the top and bottom layers are of a fabric, it is stuffed with cotton, wool, or polyester in the middle, providing warmth.Since quilts are also made from cotton, you can use them in summer or light winters.Because of its unique stitching pattern and the availability in various sizes, fabrics, and designs, you can give your room a distinct touch by adding some of your favorite ones. Pros- It is cooler than comforters
- It can be carried easily while traveling
- Not easy to clean at home, dry-cleaning is required.
Throw Blanket
A throw blanket is an easy-to-use, lightweight blanket that is used for decorative purposes. It generally acts as a light cover over beds and sofas.Although throw blankets can be made from various materials, mostly those are made using light ones. Apart from using them for decoration purposes at home, you can carry them for picnics and feel funky.Pros- Ideal for wrapping around yourself while relaxing any time of the day
- Light in weight and easy to carry on trips
- Can groom your room
- Don’t give much warmth
- It can’t be used by multiple people at a time
Coverlet
This one type of blanket is purely used for decorative purposes rather than to keep you warm. It is usually put on the top of your bed over other blankets that keep you warm. The sides of the covering can be tucked in or left hanging down a few inches to the box spring.Pros- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Adds elegance to the bed and room
- It can be washed easily
- It doesn’t provide warmth.
Weighted Blanket
As the name suggests, weighted blankets are bulky as they are filled with heavy materials like plastic pellets or glass beads. They are also known by the name gravity blankets and are used by therapists for their patients. These blankets give a soothing feel to people who wish to improve their sleep quality by not tossing and turning around.Occupational therapists use weighted blankets to reduce anxiety , depression, and other similar disorders in their patients.Pros- Helps with sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome
- Improves mental health by reducing stress and anxiety
- Help ADHD patients focus and stay calm
- It helps children with autism
- Not easy to carry while traveling
- Cleaning isn’t effortless
Electric Blanket
Made with heavy wiring material, electric blankets are a popular choice for chilled winters. The blanket’s temperature can be controlled using a remote and made warmer and cooler based on the requirements. Since they use a wiring system to provide excessive heat, there are certain hazards like fire or current. To prevent the same, they are made of polyester and acrylic material.You shouldn’t leave this blanket plugged in when you aren’t using it. Moreover, you should try to check for damages in the fire and replace them as soon as possiblePros- A great choice for excessive winters
- Relieves pain
- Help you sleep better by improving your mood
- Can cause accidents - fires and burns
