How to Choose a Weighted Blanket for Adults?

Published: Apr 24, 2022
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
How to Choose a Weighted Blanket for Adults?
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    6 min

    Weighted blankets are helping many people get a great night’s sleep, from famous people to those with various sleep disorders. Many people can’t resist the soothing benefits of a weighted blanket. But, one question that comes up repeatedly is “How to choose a weighted blanket for adults?” That is the subject we cover in this article on selecting a weighted blanket for adults.

    This article will explain what a weighted blanket is, how a weighted blanket for adults helps you, and puts special attention to how you can choose the appropriately weighted blanket for adults.

    A weighted blanket is helpful for adults

    What Is A Weighted Blanket?

    A weighted blanket is a thick blanket with small items that increase its weight. weighted blankets for adults are typically made of plastic pieces or glass beads. They assist in providing relief from stress and provide an aura of calm.

    How Can A Weighted Blanket For Adults Help You?

    A weighted blanket can help people with anxiety and insomnia

    Many people now use weighted blankets for anxiety and insomnia. There are also indications of relief from restless legs, fibromyalgia, and pain. The primary way it works is by deep pressure stimulation.

    Deep pressure simulation is the sensation that you experience when you receive a hug, squeeze, or any other firm, gentle pressure on your body. This pressure stimulation results in the release of tension in your body. You can also accomplish it by using your hands, massage equipment, or even clothing, blanket, or wrap, providing the same pressure. Your brain responds to the sensation of deep pressure stimulation your body feels by increasing the levels of melatonin and serotonin. This stimulation creates an overall feeling of tranquility. In addition, it lowers levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone.

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    Types of Weighted Blankets For Adults

    There are a variety of weighted blankets that are available, such as:

    • Plastic bead weighted blanket.
    • Glass beads, weighted blanket
    • Knitted weighted blanket
    • Duvet-style weighted blanket
    • Ball-bearing weighted blanket

    The objects are tiny. They are uniformly spread over the entire surface. They are internal pockets sewn into squares, so they don’t clump. Heavy filling materials are used in duvet-style weighted blankets, and the dense yarn is used in knitted weighted blankets. Weighted blankets come in various designs, from custom-designed to mass-produced. You can select the material, size, and weight of your weighted blanket based on the manufacturer.

    There are different types of weighted blankets for adults

    Choosing A Weighted Blanket for Adults

    Selecting a weighted blanket for adults that is suited to your requirements could be a difficult job. Be sure to go through the full description of the product and honest reviews from customers. Be aware of the blanket’s fundamental characteristics, including:

    • weight
    • Size
    • filler type
    • Maintenance
    • price.

    Weight

    In the case of adults, it boils down to a mixture of your physical measurements like your weight, regular sleep patterns, and sleep health goals. The most crucial step to take when purchasing a weighted blanket is determining the ideal weight. The general rule of thumb is to select one that is 10 percent of your body weight. Most adult-weighted blankets weigh between 10 and 30 pounds. Adults shouldn’t use children-sized weighted blankets. You must be able to take the blanket on and off you with ease and without assistance. For a weight of 200 pounds, you’ll need 20 pounds of the blanket, and the list goes on. So long as you’re comfortable and warm and cozy, going over the 10% limit is also acceptable.

    Size

    For the blanket to be effective, it must match your body’s size as a guideline; you should choose an appropriate size blanket to fit the length and width of your body to get the maximum impact. The blanket should be able to cover your entire body from the bottom of your chin to your feet but not drop over the edges of your bed to prevent the blanket from slipping over.

    While you can find weighted blankets for adults in typical sizes such as queen and king, they will be smaller than the standard sizes of blankets. So, you get the maximum advantages from the blanket. Large weighted blankets for adults do not work. They will drape over the sides of your bed.

    Filler type

    The fillers in the weighted blanket for adults are responsible for the blanket’s weight. The blankets are constructed by using various types of fillers. But the most sought-after choices are plastic beads, micro glass beads, and ball bearings. They can also use materials like rice, sand, and stones to create cheaper blankets as they are affordable. However, they produce poorly-made weighted blankets which are less durable and uncomfortable. To ensure the most effective distribution of weight, most producers opt for glass beads. They are less heavy than sand particles and offer evenly distributed weight. To hold the filler pieces in place and allow for even weight distribution, some companies include padding made of polyester or cotton to the blankets. Cotton is the best choice because it’s soft and breathable. It’s also natural.

    When it comes to choose, you should be aware of some fundamental
 characteristics

    Ease of Maintenance

    They aren’t as easy to clean as typical blankets. They are large and therefore complex to wash, even with a washer. You likely don’t have the capacity of a washer that can wash a 30-pound blanket. To keep these blankets in better condition for longer, certain manufacturers attach ties to the blankets to ensure You can utilize them with duvet covers. You’ll be able to choose between options with covers that can be removed and which are most convenient and suitable for your needs.

    Price

    Usually, you become skeptical about buying a weighted blanket for adults when you look at the cost; however, some are available at a reasonable cost without losing their quality. The average cost of a perfect weighted blanket for adults is typically between $100-and $250.

    Conclusion

    It can be a challenge to remember all this information. However, it’s worthwhile to sleep how you want. Also, if you need assistance, the Sleep Experts are there to assist you! Most often, this involves the purchase of a new weighted blanket for adults that is ideal for your preferences in comfort and health concerns. It’s a bit challenging and complicated but feasible. Calculate the weight, then consider your body’s shape and height to determine the appropriate size. Then, think about the material. Do you require the blanket to be made of a specific texture or fabric? Also, consider your budget, and be sure to enjoy the latest comfort.

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    About authors
    Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.

    Ackerley R, Badre G, Olausson H. Positive effects of a weighted blanket on insomnia. J Sleep Med Disord. 2015;2(3):1022

    Chen H.-Y., Yang H., Chi H.-J., Chen H.-M. Physiological effects of deep touch pressure on anxiety alleviation: the weighted blanket approach. Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering. 2013;33(5):463–470. doi: 10.5405/jmbe.1043.

    Mullen B, Champagne T, Krishnamurty S, Dickson D, Gao RX. Exploring the safety and therapeutic effects of deep pressure stimulation using a weighted blanket. Occup Ther Ment Health. 2008;24(1):65-89. doi:10.1300/j004v24n01_05

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