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The Ugg Serene reversible weighted blanket is a throw blanket with a little extra something. This weighted blanket may look like your average soft and comfy blanket from the outside; however, throughout the inside of the blanket, weights have been sewn evenly across the surface that serves to weigh the blanket down. But why is this weight necessary, and why are weighted blankets becoming so popular? Lets have a look.
What Are the Health Benefits of Weighted Blankets?
The concept of weighted blankets is based around a hug or swaddle where the pressure is meant to reduce stress and promote a profound feeling of calm. But this is not just some old wives’ tale; their effectiveness is actually backed up by science!
The reason that it has this effect on your mood is because of deep pressure stimulation, which has an effect on your brain chemistry. The stimulation causes the production of serotonin, which boosts your mood and increases your melatonin which helps you get better sleep and drift off faster. It is also known to reduce the production of cortisol which is the stress hormone. So, on an actual chemical level, these weighted blankets can treat a number of conditions. It is advisable to use a weighted blanket alongside your mental health regime as an extra tool and not as a substitute for recommendations or medications made by a doctor.
Weighted blankets can be used by anybody, but they have been said to be effective for treating side effects of those with mental health issues like insomnia, anxiety, autism, ADHD, and depression. The effect causes a profound sense of safety and security that can calm agitation and soothe anxiety. They may seem like a large investment, but the amount of peace this blanket will bring you, as well as how often you will use it, will make it well worth it.
What Makes a Great Weighted Blanket?
When it comes to the main features that every good weighted blanket should have there are a number of things to take into account. First and foremost you need to consider the size and weight of the blanket. The rule of thumb for a weighted blanket is to buy one that is 10% of your body weight for the best effects. The size will depend on what size your bed is and how many people are going to be sleeping under it. There are a variety of weights and sizes available on the market from most brands so you can get the one that fits you the best.
When it comes to design and appearance they can vary widely with different colors and patterns available to suit certain styles. Very often they will be quilted because this provides convenient pockets for the weights to be sewn into.
What Materials are Weighted Blankets Made from?
Weighted blankets are made from two predominant features; the blanket and the weights. These weights can be made from plastic poly pellets, glass beads, or steel shot beads and are protected by the soft layers that encapsulate them. The blanket portion can generally be made from any fabric that a blanket can be made from that doesn’t have any wide holes like knitted fabrics. They are predominantly made from cotton or polyster.
About the Company
Ugg is a brand that was started in California by an Australian surfer. The brand was pioneered by their signature sheepskin boots with their fluffy, comfortable interior. These boots soon started growing in popularity, and they started being sold all over the world. In 2013 they expanded their product line to include a home goods section which featured many soft textiles like blankets, rugs, pillows, and of course, weighted blankets using the same soft textile that is found inside their trademark shoe.
So with all of that said and all that new knowledge under our belts, let’s have a look at the UGG Serene reversible weighted blanket and see if it’s worth a purchase.
Key Features
Often in the world of weighted blankets, the appearance and finish aren’t as cozy as you would like. This UGG blanket, however, has all of the benefits of a weighted blanket and all of the comforts of UGG‘s signature softness. The reversible design features one striped 100% flannel side, which comes in a variety of colors, with a polyester faux rabbit fur on the reverse in white, between these two layers in a 100% polyester fill. This triple-layer makes the blanket really cozy and snug, as well as having the added benefits of the weighted effect. The weights are distributed evenly across the blanket for the best possible coverage. It measures 50×70″, so it is best suited for one person.
This blanket, with all its features and mental health benefits, comes at a considerable price tag of $99.99. This is a considerable sum, but if you could benefit from the effects of a blanket like this and you enjoy the added tactile element of the faux rabbit fur, then this might be worth the investment. If you use it on a regular basis, your cost per use is going to diminish considerably and make this well worth the money. Take care of this blanket well, and it will last you for years to come.
The one downside to this blanket is actually one of the things that could be considered a benefit; the faux rabbit fur lining. This fabric can get very hot and cause you to sweat when you sleep, especially in a weighted blanket. To remedy this, you can try reversing the blanket, so the flannel is on your skin rather than the hot, soft material.
Pros:
- Reversible
- Soft
- Many color choices
Cons:
- Not machine washable
- Expensive
How to Clean Your UGG Weighted Blanket
Blankets that are 10lb or heavier should not be washed in the washing machine. If you wash your weighted blanket in the washing machine, you will not only be breaking your machine but damaging the blanket too, so this means you should not machine wash these products.
The best way to wash this blanket on an everyday basis is to spot clean using a mild detergent or stain remover and to allow it to air dry; this should prolong the periods between thorough cleans. To deep clean your blanket, you will need to take it to a laundromat to get it dry cleaned; the frequency of this depends entirely on the frequency of your use.
All that said, you should always consult the wash instructions on the tag of your product to ensure that there aren’t any special accommodations to be made.
Other Alternatives to Consider
Luna Adult Weighted Blanket
If you prefer a cotton blanket, then this Luna design might be a good option for you. It is made from 100% Oeko-tex certified cooling cotton that has an innovative seven-layer design that evenly distributes the weighted glass beads across the blanket. This one is 60×80″ and 22lbs, so it is larger and heavier than the UGG design, but this one’s suitability will depend on your weight and height. There are a number of other sizes and weights options available from this brand, however, so you can find the one that suits you best.
The fabric is breathable and available in 22 different color and pattern combinations, so you can choose a blanket that suits your bedroom design to a T; you would never even know that this is not a normal comforter. This brand also comes with a number of accolades, including being named “Best Weighted Blanket” by the New York Times.
This brand is US-designed, and it is a significant saving in comparison with the UGG Serene. The quality is very high, and the design is breathable and reliable, so the decision you will really be making between the two is whether you want to pay extra just to have the fluffy underside.
Pros:
- Many color and size options
- More Affordable
- Breathable
Cons:
- Not reversible
- No fluffy side
Gravity Cooling Blanket: The Weighted Blanket for Sleep
On the more premium side, we have the Gravity Cooling Blanket. Like the UGG blanket, this is polyester, but for more convenience, this Gravity option has a removable, breathable duvet cover that is machine washable. The blanket is held in the cover with a Generation 2 fastening system that will keep the heavy blanket from moving inside it. Unlike the UGG option, however, it does not have an attractive design, and the fabric is not as soft either. These are two important factors to consider when you are spending this much money on a non-essential item.
This blanket is 48×72″, so it is best suited for one person and comes in three different colors, blue, grey, and white. Like the Luna, this one comes in a variety of weights from 15-35lb, so you can find the weight that fits you best. Also, like the other options, this blanket is weighted using glass beads that are secured within the quilted fabric. It is made from a revolutionary material that is designed to wick away moisture to prevent sweating when you sleep so you can sleep peacefully and comfortably.
Although this blanket is breathable and has a removable cover, it is still a very large step up in price in comparison to the UGG Serene. Not only is it more expensive, but it is less attractive and is much less soft.
Pros:
- Variety of sizes and weights
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not attractive
- Limited color options
YnM Weighted Blanket
If you are on a budget but still want to benefit from a weighted blanket, the YnM blanket is a good option for you.
Like the Luna, it has a smart, Oeko-tex certified seven-layer cotton design that spreads glass beads evenly across the surface. The blanket has a quilted design that comes in an astounding 33 different colors and patterns, so you can easily find an affordable weighted blanket that matches your style. The cotton is breathable and prevents you from sweating when you sleep, like the other cotton options, making this one comfortable as well as affordable.
Although it is a cheaper option, the YnM still comes in a range of sizes to fit different body types and bed sizes, so not only will the style match but the size and weight can be tailored just for you.
Pros:
- Wide variety of colors and patterns
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as soft
Conclusion
UGG is a good and cozy design but is it very expensive, and it’s likely you’re paying for the brand name. The finishes are cozy and homey, and the design hides any sign that it might be more than just your average blanket.
That said, there are so many options on the market that are of high quality, most notably the Luna, which might actually be a better choice in the long run as well as saving you money.