How To Choose a Weighted Blanket: 5 Questions to Ask

How To Choose a Weighted Blanket: 5 Questions to Ask

A weighted blanket is a heavy blanket- usually between 10 and 20 pounds- that uses deep touch pressure to produce a calming effect when placed on the body. Weighted blankets- also known as “anxiety blankets” or “gravity blankets,” boast several health benefits, including helping people fall asleep faster, easing symptoms of restless leg syndrome, decreasing nervous system activity, increasing serotonin, and easing symptoms of anxiety.

Before buying a weighted blanket, there are crucial questions you should ask yourself. Read our guide below to learn how to choose a weighted blanket for you or someone else.

Who Are You Buying it For?

Before you purchase a weighted blanket, you should consider who you’re buying it for. It is for a child? Your mother? Yourself? A couple? This will help you determine which size and weight you should get.

Weighted Blankets for Children

If you’re buying a weighted blanket for a child, take note of their size, weight, and age. Weighted blankets should not be used for children under two years of age and a doctor should be consulted if you’re buying a blanket for a kid that is under five years of age.

Weighted Blankets for Couples

If you’re picking out a weighted blanket for a couple or for yourself and your sleeping partner, it’s important to note any height and weight differences. If you and your partner are around the same height and weight, picking one out should be pretty easy.

However, if for example, you weigh 130 pounds and your partner weighs 200 pounds, the weighted blanket you choose may be too heavy for you and too light for your partner. Also, note your heights and the size of your bed. The weighted blanket should be able to cover each of your bodies entirely, but should not hang over the side of the mattress.

Weighted Blanket for Adults

Buying a weighted blanket for adults is relatively easy. Just make sure to note their weight, height, and the size of their bed. This will help you pick out the correct weighted blanket.

How Heavy Should Your Weighted Blanket Be?

It’s recommended to buy a weighted blanket that is 10 percent of your body weight or 10 percent of the person’s weight who you are buying it for. This ensures that the weighted blanket is the right weight for your body and will provide you with the best benefits.

Weighted Blanket Weight for Adults

Weighted blankets for adults should be 10 percent of their body weight. Usually, the typical range of weight for adults is 12 to 20 pounds.

You get the idea. If you fall between two recommendations, round up by adding one to two pounds or consult the blanket manufacturer.

Weighted Blanket Weight for Couples

Choosing a weighted blanket weight for couples is a bit trickier. Instead of 10 percent, look for a weighted blanket that is 7.5 percent of their combined body weight.

If you’re in between sizes, round up or consult the blanket manufacturer.

Weighted Blanket Weight for Children

When buying a weighted blanket for a child, the general guideline is 10 percent of their body weight, plus one to two pounds.

Generally, weighted blankets that are 12-25 pounds are too heavy. Always check with a pediatrician beforehand if you are unsure.

What Size Weighted Blanket Should You Get?

Once you know the weight of the weighted blanket you’re looking for, it’s time to choose the correct size. You want the weighted blanket to cover the body entirely, but it shouldn’t be so big that it drapes off the side of the bed.

Generally, you should choose a weighted blanket that is similar to the size of the mattress you or the person you are buying it for to sleep on. For example, if you sleep on a twin or full size mattress, you should buy a weighted blanket that has similar dimensions. The same thing goes for a full or queen mattress.

Which Filling Should You Get?

The fillers inside of a weighted blanket are largely what contributes to its weight. The blankets are made with several different types of fillers. However, the most popular options are plastic poly pellets, micro glass beads, and steel shot beads.

weighted blankets can be filled with plastic poly pellets, micro glass beads, and steel shot beads

Plastic poly pellets: This material is made from 100% polypropylene and is considered to be completely safe, non-toxic, and safe to wash. Plastic poly pellets are considered one of the “cheaper” weighted blanket fillers.

Micro glass beads: Micro glass beads are an eco-friendly alternative to poly pellets. They are hypoallergenic and machine washable.

Steel shot beads: These beads are larger and heavier than glass beads and they are extremely durable. Because of their size, it takes fewer beads to achieve the desired weight- making them a cost-effective option.

Choosing which filling you like will come down to personal preference. The JHU weighted blanket is filled with micro glass beads and polyester batting. We recommend looking for quality weighted blankets — like the JHU weighted blanket- that are made with quilted channels that keep the filling in place so weight is evenly distributed.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe?

If you’ve chosen the correct weight and size, weighted blankets are generally safe. However, there are a few instances where these blankets can pose a risk.

Weighted blankets should not be used on children who are less than 20 pounds or under the age of two.

Weighted blankets are not safe for children with breathing problems, epilepsy, blood circulation problems, or heart problems.

Weighted blankets should not be used for people with underlying health issues such as sleep apnea, claustrophobia, asthma, chronic health conditions, or other breathing problems.

A good rule of thumb for children: If they aren’t able to remove the weighted blanket on their own, it is probably unsuitable for them.  For older adults or adults with underlying health issues, always contact your doctor beforehand to make sure a weighted blanket is right for you.

How to Pick the Best Weighted Blanket for You

Weighted blankets are like being hugged all night long. They make a great gift for anyone with sleep problems or anxiety.

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for a weighted blanket is weight.  If you’re an adult, make sure you choose a blanket that is 10 percent of your body weight. If you’re shopping for a child, it’s recommended to find a weighted blanket that is 10 percent of their body weight, plus one to two pounds. Always contact your blanket manufacturer or doctor if you are unsure if a weight blanket is right for you.