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Weighted blankets are becoming an important item of bedding for people who suffer from anxiety and insomnia. The heavy blankets which have been around for some time now were originally used for behavioral disorders, but are increasingly being obtained by everyday buyers. I take a look at the best weighted blankets on Amazon to help you find the right fit.
While the blankets are becoming popular among people looking for a more restful sleep, there is still a lot of confusion about what makes these blankets so effective and how they work. This can make it hard to know which is the right one for you to buy.
Weighted blankets should be chosen based on the usual factors when buying a comforter such as material, size, and comfort. However, you should also consider things like the weight, the material used inside, heat retention, and washability. These top picks have all been chosen with these factors in mind.
What are Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are just as the name implies, as it is a comforter with added weight inside. The weight is made up of different materials such as glass or plastic beads, chains, or ball bearings. These additions create a much heavier blanket than your average duvet or comforter.
Originally the blankets were used for people with autism, mental health conditions, and dementia. However, lately, they are being used more commonly by people who are simply looking for a new way to relax or to get an improved night’s rest.
The extra weight placed on your body is said to mimic the effects of deep pressure therapy which is a commonly used form of therapy for autism and other mental health problems. Just think of how sleepy and calm you feel after going for a massage, as that is another form of deep pressure therapy.
How Heavy are Weighted Blankets?
Weighted blankets range from five to 40 pounds in weight and it is suggested that you use a blanket that is 10% of your body weight. However, you don’t have to be too precise and anywhere between eight to 12% of your weight should be fine.
Your blanket should be heavy enough for you to feel an almost grounded sensation, but not too heavy that you feel crushed, claustrophobic, or struggle to breathe.
This ideal blanket to body weight ratio will provide you with the ultimate benefits of the blanket without suffocating you or hurting your body in any way. You should also be wary not to buy a blanket that is too large so that it doesn’t hang over the side of the bed. These blankets should only cover your body to provide you with the full effects.
When Should You Use a Weighted Blanket?
When purchasing the right weighted blanket for you, you can use it straight away throughout the night or slowly get your body accustomed to the weight. Either by using it for 30 minutes each night before bed, or placing it over your legs for the first few nights.
Since everybody is different, you are the best judge of how you should start using your blanket. If you don’t feel comfortable sleeping with it on, or if the summer months are just too hot for any extra bedding, you can use the blanket when cuddling up on the couch too.
The effects will still be evident after using the blanket, meaning you can add it to your nighttime routine to help you sleep better without using it throughout the night. If you choose to not cover yourself, even having it rolled up next to you on your bed can help.
Especially if you place it on the edge of your blanket to create a tucked-in feeling. This benefits those who want to make their bed feel like a safe place.
The Benefits of Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets offer several benefits for people who use them, even if you are not suffering from anxiety or insomnia.
Comfort and Safety
The blankets can be viewed like a swaddle used for a newborn. Since they offer comfort and the feeling of safety.
Eases Stress
The act of applying deep pressure stimulation to your body activates your “calming” nervous system while suppressing your “active” nervous system. This relaxes you by slowing your heart rate, improving your circulation, and relaxing your muscles.
Improves Sleep Quality
Deep pressure promotes the release of serotonin which improves your mood. It also increases the production of melatonin, which is the hormone that promotes better sleep.
May Help Chronic Pain
Certain instances of chronic pain can be managed with massage therapy starting with light pressure moving up to deep pressure. The weighted blanket can mimic this pressure as an additional measure while also keeping your body still throughout the night.
Reduces Anxiety
During a study, 63% of participants experienced a reduction in anxiety after using a weighted blanket. The deep pressure effects of the blankets are believed to be the cause of the lowered anxiety.
While weighted blankets are generally safe to use, there are a few things to consider before buying one. While young children can benefit greatly from weighted blankets, it is not advised for toddlers younger than two years old to use a weighted blanket as it can lead to suffocation.
Other risks include asthma, claustrophobia, and obstructive sleep apnea. These usually happen if the blanket is too heavy for the person using it. If you are prone to these conditions you should slowly test your blanket rather than sleeping with it over you the entire night.
How to Choose the Best Weighted Blanket: Main Features
When shopping around for your stress-relieving comforter it is important to consider a few key features. Keeping these considerations in mind will help you choose an effective blanket that will help ease your worries and offer restful sleep.
The Weight
When buying a weighted blanket you must check the weight options available. I have already detailed why it is so important to choose the right weight for your body. Too light and you won’t receive the benefits. Too heavy and you may hurt yourself or feel discomfort.
To avoid disappointment, when searching through blanket options, immediately see if they have a weight option that suits you or the person you are buying for. You should be extra careful of this step when buying a blanket for a young child.
The Size
While the weight of the blanket may be the most important factor, the size is right behind it. Just like any other bedding, weight blankets come in various sizes to fit your bed. If you plan on using it on your bed, you should choose a size that matches your bed size.
Weighted blankets are usually slightly smaller than the size they are labeled as, for instance, a queen-size blanket will not be the same size as your sheets. This is because weighted blankets should fit on the top of the bed without hanging over the edges.
The Material
This feature will be based on your preference and luckily, weighted blankets come in a wide range of materials. This allows you to choose from cotton, Sherpa fleece, and even a knitted cotton and microfiber blend.
Choosing the right material will depend on how sensitive your skin is or if you are allergic to certain materials. It will also depend on whether you are looking for a cozy blanket for cold winters, a blanket with great breathability, or a dual blanket that can be used throughout the year.
The Inner Filler
Weighted blankets contain various materials to create a heavy feel and this type of material inside the blanket may affect your decision. The most commonly used inner filler is glass, plastic, or ceramic beads.
The filler can affect whether the blanket is machine washable and tumble dryer friendly. Since the plastic beads or pellets may melt in warm temperatures. The design of the filler will also affect the quality of the blanket.
If there are compartments stitched into the blanket this allows the filler to be evenly distributed. There is no point in buying a blanket where all the beads fall to one side.
The Washability
Weighted blankets can be tricky to wash, due to their heaviness and the materials inside. You should consider whether you have the capacity to wash certain materials. Some blankets will need to be sent to a dry cleaner to be washed, while others can fit in your washing machine at home.
Find out the care instructions of the weighted blanket before making your decision. You can also read up further to find out how to wash a weighted blanket for additional information.
The 5 Best Weighted Blankets on Amazon
Discover the top choices of premium weighted blankets that all offer the essential features mentioned above. Each pick has been selected with the main features in mind to help you find the right blanket for your needs.
Waowoo Adult Weighted Blanket
My top pick of weighted blankets is the Waowoo Adult Weighted Blanket due to its simple design, range of weights, and evenly distributed glass beads. The blanket is designed with small pockets encasing the beads to ensure the weight is spread out across the blanket.
This blanket is my favorite because it can be used in hot and cold temperatures by simply adding extra blankets on top or using it on its own in summer.
The blanket is machine washable, however, a hand wash is advised followed by air drying. Waowoo does offer a separate duvet cover which makes cleaning a whole lot easier.
The blanket itself is layered with a breathable inner layer and high-quality material to allow your skin to breathe while giving you a soft and comfortable feel.
Pros
- Premium clear glass beads
- Small pockets allow for even weight distribution
- Machine washable
- Waowoo offers 24-hour customer service
- Light breathable fabric
Cons
- Duvet is sold separately
Wemore Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket
There is nothing like a warm cozy blanket and some extra weight to help reduce stress and anxiety and that is exactly what the Wemore Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket offers. The blanket is double-sided with an extra-soft fleece side and a fuzzy sherpa feel on the reverse side. If you are looking for a winter blanket then here is your top choice.
The seven-layered blanket encases ceramic beads that are covered with double-layer polyester to prevent noise when the beads move around. These pockets of beads are then wrapped in sherpa and fleece to provide ultimate comfort and a noise-free sleep.
The blanket is said to be stitched with accuracy by placing three stitches per centimeter to keep every thread in place. This careful stitching means that your bed won’t look messy with loose pieces of fluff. However, people seem to be experiencing beads falling through the fabric in some places after a few washes.
Pros
- Double-sided blanket
- Soft and warm fleece lining
- Multiple color options
- The beads are covered in material to prevent noise
Cons
- The material seems to be too thin
- Probably not a good summer blanket
YnM Weighted Blanket
If you are looking for a brand of weighted blankets to buy for the entire family, or you just like a good range of choices then the YnM Weighted Blanket should be your pick. There are over 40 color options to choose from which include various patterns too. The blankets also come in various size and weight combinations.
You can find the right blanket for your child, yourself, and your partner with the YnM range. The brand is well-known as one of the leading brands for weighted blankets meaning you will be getting a quality comforter from the brand.
The glass beads are encased in small compartments to evenly distribute the beads while the seven-layered blanket offers breathable fabric. This is another good choice for a versatile blanket that can be used in both hot and cold weather.
Pros
- Several color and pattern options
- Size and weight options suitable for children and adults
- Well-known weighted blanket brand
- Suitable for hot and cold weather
Cons
- The weight distribution seems to reduce overtime
- The thin material isn’t suitable for a washing machine
Syrinx Weighted Blanket for Kids
Buying a weighted blanket for your child can be a nerve-wracking task. Luckily the Syrinx Weighted Blanket for Kids is designed for little ones to offer peaceful sleep. Hopefully, some peace of mind for the parents too.
The range offers five and seven-pound options for children as well as heavier blankets up to 25 pounds for adults too. There are also four color options to choose from including dark grey, light blue and pink, and carbon grey.
The blanket offers the same pocket design as the previous options on the list with glass beads evenly distributed throughout the blanket. The blanket boasts a six-layered design for added breathability and is suited for hot and cold weather.
Pros
- Offers weight options for kids
- Color options
- Glass beads used for weight
- Small pockets to evenly distribute the beads
Cons
- Not the best for hot sleepers
- The exchange process is not simple
YnM Knitted Weighted Blanket
Another one from YnM since it is a top brand in the weighted blanket space. This YnM Knitted Weighted Blanket is the ultimate solution for hot sleepers. The threaded material offers ventilation from the loops between the woven material. This design will help you relax without the added heat of the other weighted blankets.
Not only does the knitted shape prevent heat from getting trapped, but it also does not contain beads. This solves the problem of beads leaking through thin fabric. The large yarn is filled with 100% hollow fiber to provide a sturdy blanket.
The blankets are hand-made to ensure premium quality for every blanket produced. The threaded material also results in a perfect distribution of weight across the blanket. No more beads falling to one side creating an overly heavy blanket.
Pros
- Hand-made blankets
- Unmovable even weight distribution
- Promotes good airflow
- Machine washable
- Several color options to choose from
Cons
- It won’t keep you warm in cold temperatures
- It is more expensive than the other options
The Last Tuck
Weighted blankets are versatile items that don’t need to be used on the bed only, you can also use them as a comforter on the couch. In the same breath, you don’t always need to cover your entire body with the blanket if you are claustrophobic. You can put it over your legs during the night which is also helpful for restless leg syndrome.
The grounding feeling that is produced from this form of deep pressure therapy can help you relax within minutes of cuddling under the blanket. It truly feels like a soft hug the whole time you are under it. I have a blanket myself and can attest to the blanket’s ability to improve sleep and reduce anxiety even after a few minutes of using it.