A guide to choosing the right weighted blanket

Weighted blanket is a heavy-weight and thick blanket but the weight should be according to the person who intends to use it. The weighted blankets help you overcome anxiety and stress. They increase the production of oxytocin in the brain relaxing the people having sensory disorders. The science that underlies the concept of weighted blankets is the deep touch pressure. The weighted blankets provide pressure to the body such that increasing the release of serotonin by the body which is a chemical promoting relaxation in the body.

Things to consider in deciding to buy a weighted blanket:

Firstly, it is important to consider the fabric of the blanket. Everyone prefers a different fabric. It depends on your choice. Soft cotton and minky dotted fabrics are some fabrics used for making blankets. If you don’t have a particular choice for fabric or you are not aware of different types of fabrics, you should take a look at customer reviews regarding different fabrics and then choose. Choosing the right fabric is very important as firstly, that’s one of the things that makes blankets differ and secondly, if you have sensory problems, then the fabric you buy would definitely affect your experience.

The weight of the blanket is the main factor influencing your choice. Too much weight can be suffocating. Many companies use materials that are safe such as glass beads so that the weight of the blanker is lowered down and some of them use rice as well.

After this, you will want to know the reasons for an even weight of a blanket. It is very comfortable if the blanket is evenly weighted but if it is not, one side can be over weighted and other not at all. This can be the case if beads are used. All the beads can shift to one side and this becomes highly uncomfortable. Pockets can be stitched to solve this problem and let the weight spread evenly.

Lastly, you need to be sure the blanket you are buying is washable at home or you would have to take it to a machine washer. This depends on the fabric used and the seller can guide you regarding this.

The best weighted blanket for you should be specific to your weight. The ideal weight of the blanket is 10% of the user’s body weight, according to Fish and LeMond. But since it won’t be appropriate for children and senior adults, the formula is modified to 10% of their body weight with an addition of one or two pounds for them. It won’t be comfortable for you if you feel trapped under a heavy blanket and it might even suffocate you. You should in that case seek a lighter blanket. But even though, you should not buy a blanket that is lighter than 10% of your weight as that will not be that beneficial for you.

A blanket of 10% your body weight can help in reducing your stress giving you a hugging feeling and providing comfort. It provides you with a relaxing sleep allowing you to calm down and you feel rested completely.

The correct temperature

The temperature is crucial. It is important that the blanket provides you with the perfect temperature of your needs. The fabrics used in the blankets made by weighting comforts are of three types and can provide you with the optimal temperature be it cool, warm or normal. They do not have poly-fill but weight beads inside of them.

COOLMAX (for hot sleepers)

If you are a hot sleeper, meaning if you get all sweaty at night then the CoolMax blanket will be perfect for you. The fabric used in CoolMax is made such that it wipes away all the moisture and body heat, helping the sleeper in not getting too warm at night. These blankets are 76"long and 55" wide and are sold in weights of 15, 20 and 25 pounds.

FLANNEL (for the cold-natured)

Some people however are the opposite, they always feel cold. For these people Flannel blankets are appropriate as it gives them extra warmth with extra weight. These blankets are extremely cozy and can keep you warm throughout the night.

Quilting Fabric

Having filled with hundred percent quality cotton, the Quilting fabric is the best for people who feel neither too hot nor too cold. They are extremely comforting available in pewter, aqua and blue chambray colors. They provide a comfortable weight allowing people to reduce their stress and relax.

Hannah Edmonds is a creative and enthusiastic freelance writer who has been loving this gig for 8 years now. Her personal mission is to encourage a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life experience for people through her writing.