What is the best weight for a weighted blanket?
For safety reasons, a weighted blanket should be around 7 to 10 per cent of your body weight. So if you’re 70kg, a 7kg weighted blanket is plenty. A weighted blanket should only be used by an individual who can move it off themselves freely, which is why special care should be taken if kids use a weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets aren’t suitable for everyone – such as young children under 22.5kg or anyone pregnant or with strength and mobility issues. Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, sleep apnoea, low blood pressure or circulation issues should also avoid weighted blankets. If you’re unsure whether a weighted blanket is right for you or your family, consult your GP for advice.
Which weighted blanket should I choose?
Once you’ve chosen the ideal weight for your frame, you can decide on which colour, material and finish to go for. You can find options for winter and summer that have warming or cooling effects including those designed to regulate your body temperature. Choose from faux fur, velvet, knitted or quilted finishes in fabrics such as polyester, bamboo or organic materials. It might be a good idea to match your weighted blanket to your existing sofa or bedroom pillows.
“While duvets are usually filled with feathers or synthetic down, weighted blankets often contain weight-adding materials that deliver deep pressure stimulation,” says sleep expert and psychologist Dr Lindsay Browning. “These gravity blankets have pockets filled with materials such as glass beads, plastic pellets or chains that are evenly distributed across the blanket so they don’t clump but spread out to create an even surface.”
What is the best weighted blanket for adults?
Once you’ve chosen which size you need, next think about which material you prefer. While many of them are similar in style with sober grey finishes, you can find weighted blankets in varying sizes and weights and stylish colourways. In this test, the Kamara Switch came up top for me mainly due to its hypoallergenic organic cotton finish and washable cover, while I rate the Simba Orbit as a great value buy for its luxurious, balanced and even design. I’d also recommend the Aeyla Mela weighted blanket as a comfortable and breathable option.
What is the best weighted blanket for anxiety?
To experience deep pressure therapy from a weighted blanket and ensure you’re using one safely, it’s recommended that you choose a weighted blanket that is around 7 to 10 per cent of your bodyweight. Too light and you won’t reap the benefits, but go too heavy and you may feel trapped.
How to choose the best weighted blanket?
Once you’ve established what weight you need, decide what you are using the blanket for – if it’s for warmth when you’re sitting on the sofa there are a lot of luxurious and fluffy designs to choose from – if it’s to ground you as you sleep you may want to opt for a slimmer, less bulky design. For convenience, look for weighted blankets that come with removable covers, which makes them easy to wash – and breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics that are going to enhance your living space.
How heavy are weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets range in weight anywhere between 3kg to 12kg. You can also find them in single, double and king size versions. I found the majority of them quite cumbersome and hard to fold away and store. You should be able to lift the blanket yourself freely when using it and if not, then you should choose a lighter one.
“It’s important not to go too heavy when choosing a weighted blanket as the wrong weight can restrict breathing or cause overheating, especially in young children or elderly who may struggle to remove the blanket,” says Dr Lindsay Browning.
Are weighted blankets different from duvets?
“Unlike duvets, which focus on comfort and temperature regulation by keeping the sleeper warm or cool through the night, weighted blankets are designed to provide gentle pressure,” says Dr Lindsay Browning.
Can I sleep with a weighted blanket?
“While weighted blankets can be very relaxing to use on the sofa or before bed, in many cases it is not advisable to sleep with a weighted blanket on all night,” says occupational therapist Kim Griffin of GriffinOT who has helped write a guide on weighted blankets for Royal College of Occupational Therapists. “This includes for children and also adults who experience any difficulties with their breathing. When children are using the blanket, the blanket should fit on top of their bed, and never be tucked into the sides.
“If children fall asleep with their blanket on, it should be removed by their caregiver once they are asleep. For adults, it is recommended that the blanket is only covering the bottom half of their body so they can breathe freely. While there are anecdotal reports that weighted blankets help with sleep, this is not supported by existing research evidence, therefore weighted blankets should be used with caution at night.”