Do you know how heavy should your weighted blanket be? Weighted blankets are great, but it’s important to choose the right one. If you get the wrong size or weight, it won’t help with your anxiety and could even make things worse.
There are so many different factors that go into choosing the right weight for your blankets, such as age, size, and sleeping partner(s). We will also be sharing how to choose the correct weighted blanket and who should stay away from weighted blankets.
And don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it seems!
What Is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket, anxiety blanket, or gravity blanket is essentially a duvet made of heavy fillings like glass beads, plastic pellets, or steel shot balls sewn into pockets in the material. The extra weight has been measured so that it can be pressed equally on the body for ultimate comfort and relaxation while sleeping.
They usually weigh around 15 pounds. It is recommended to choose a weighted blanket that will work the best for your body weight, size, and age.
These heavier blankets are believed to create a deep sense of calm and relaxation, reduce anxiety and stress. The pressure of the blanket simulates the feeling of being held or hugged which is often associated with a calming effect for those who suffer from anxiety. This is thought to reduce cortisol levels.
It also works as a natural tranquilizer by increasing serotonin levels and other feel-good hormones which will make the user feel relaxed and even help improve sleep quality.
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be?
The general guideline for a weighted blanket is 10% of your body weight. An adult weighted blanket is usually around 12 to 20 pounds.
Some people prefer removing one to two pounds from their blankets, especially if they are claustrophobic or just started using them.
If you are not sure what comfort level you should choose, the best thing to do is try out different weights at home by using a makeshift scale to see how much pressure you can handle before feeling uncomfortable.
However, the ideal weight for these blankets will vary depending on your personal preference and what feels right to you. The perfect weighted blanket will allow your body to go into a deep restful sleep so that you wake up feeling refreshed. It should be enough to exert deep pressure stimulation but not enough to cause discomfort.
Weighted Blanket Weight Chart
We recommend you choose a blanket that is 10% of your weight. You do need to make sure that this should feel comfortable to you.
This guide is all based on personal experience, not science. To assist you in determining the best weighted blanket for yourself, we’ve created a simple table based on individual body weight and a suitable weighted blanket in pounds.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be for a child?
In general, the 10% rule still applies to children.
A weighted blanket is considered safe in children over 3 years old. There are specific blankets that are made for these age groups. Typically, they weigh 3-12 pounds. Experts recommend the best weight is 10% of total body weight plus one to two pounds.
You can always start with a lighter weight and work upwards until you find out what works best for your child too.
These are popular for kids, as there has been a study that supports weighted blanket in improving sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, you should be aware that they do not show that weighted blanket helps children get to sleep or stay asleep.
Note: A weighted blanket should not be used if your child is under 3 years old. If you are still worried about it, then you should seek advice from your child’s doctor.
How Heavy Should It Be For Older Adults?
You’ve guessed it. The rule of thumb is 10% of your body weight.
As the population ages, more and more people are fighting chronic pain. These blankets can be a helpful addition to your treatment plan for these issues. However, older adults have more medical conditions and health issues. Especially those with respiratory issues should always consult their doctor before buying one.
Does Height Matter?
In selecting a weighted blanket’s weight, height isn’t as important as weight.
Height is more significant in terms of the overall size of the blanket. You’ll want a blanket that will work for your height, just like when picking the size of your bed.
Purchase a blanket that is at least the same size or slightly bigger than you.
What if I am between two weight recommendations?
If you are neither here nor there, do not worry.
Rounding up and adding one to two pounds to your weighted blanket has been suggested by experts. According to one study, more than 10% of your body weight can be quite soothing.
However, bear in mind your body size and what you can tolerate before making a decision. If you’re petite, consider choosing a light-weighted weighted blanket; if you’re bigger, go with something heavier (one to two pounds heavier than the recommended weight).
Can a Weighted Blanket be Too Heavy?
Yes, if you don’t get the correct size, a weighted blanket might be too heavy. A weighted blanket weighing 35 pounds or more should generally be avoided.
The red flags are:
- You are unable to move beneath your blanket
- The blanket feels suffocating
- It is uncomfortable underneath the weight
Choose a lighter blanket instead!
What Size Weighted Blanket Should I Get?
One of the most common questions we get from people is about picking a size of a weighted blanket. Should I get a Queen or a King? Twin?
A weighted blanket that is the same size as your mattress is most ideal. A king-size weighted blanket will fit on a king-size bed. According to Oxford health, it shouldn’t be too big so that it hangs over the edge of the bed. The result of evenly distributed weight for deep touch pressure is lost in blankets that are oversized.
There are different criteria to consider when purchasing the right weighted blanket for a couple.
How to Choose a Weighted Blanket: Easy 4 Steps
It is easy to choose the correct weighted blanket for yourself. Here is a checklist of 4 steps to follow.
- Choose the correct weight
- Choose the correct size
- Choose the filling
- Choose the material
We have mentioned above about choosing the right weight and size. The filling and material are equally as essential aspects of the purchase.
Most fillings on the market consist of Glass Beads. There are other essential ingredients apart from the glass beads, such as plastic poly pellets and steel shot beads. All these materials come in different forms and densities.
The material that a weighted blanket is made out of can make a huge difference. It is important to keep in mind that all materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. Natural materials such as breathable cotton and silk are good for people who prefer to sleep under a blanket that is not too heavy. Some of these blankets are made of soft materials like mink, making the user feel safe and cozy.
Read our comprehensive guide on what weighted blankets are made of and how to choose the best material and filling.
Who should not use a weighted blanket?
Most people can use this heavy blanket without any problems. However, there are a few risks for certain groups of people and those with medical conditions.
This is not an exhaustive list and you should always consult a health professional if you have any concerns about using a weighted blanket.
- Respiratory problems e.g. Sleep Apnea
- Toddlers under 3 years old
- Frail elderly people
- Mental health conditions
Conclusion
The rule of thumb for the correct weighted blanket weight is 10% of your body weight. This applies even if you are old or young. There are exceptions to this rule depending on what weight feels most comfortable to you.
