How to Choose The Best Weighted Throw Blanket

Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that weigh between five and thirty pounds and offer people the sensation of getting gently hugged as they sleep. Many people use weighted blankets to get a better night’s sleep and to combat anxiety, muscle pain and even improve mood.

The highest quality weighted throw blankets come with 100% cotton insert filled with glass beads. Duvets also come in many styles and materials, including bamboo silk.

Before deciding on a purchase, it’s important to understand the benefits of a weighted blanket and how to choose the right one for you.

The Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets provide people with a better night’s sleep. That’s a big deal in terms of maintaining proper health. No less an expert than Tom Brady, the famous quarterback who is still playing at an exceptional level in his 40s, uses a special blanket at night to get better rest and recover better from workouts. He credits getting good sleep as one of the most important aspects of staying healthy.

Weighted blankets don’t absorb body heat like Brady’s blanket does, but it does have the extra weight to provide a snug feeling when you lie in bed. For some, it’s like a gentle embrace that helps them sleep better. The weighted blanket mimics deep pressure stimulation, a therapeutic technique that uses pressure to relax the nervous system.

People who benefit from a weighted blanket include those diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, sleep disorders and chronic pain.

"The quality, effectiveness, and workmanship in the Go2 combo is vastly superior to others I have tried. The Go2 blanket is sturdy and its sewing distributes weight comfortably and smoothly over the body. The stitching is strong and even and the fabric on both the weighted insert and the cover is luxurious. I would recommend the Go2 weighted blanket over any others I have seen (I am a special needs mom and have seen many)"

How To Choose The Right Weighted Blanket

The main question is what weight you want with your blanket. A good rule of thumb is to choose a blanket weight that is about 5% to 10% of your body weight. You also want a blanket that fits well with your bed size.

Most adults can use a blanket that ranges from 12 pounds to 30 pounds. A younger child can typically use blankets that weigh from five to 15 pounds, while an older adult might feel most comfortable in the lighter, three-pound to eight-pound range.

Ultimately, it’s a personal choice. Some may prefer more weight, some less. But if you have a slight frame, it’s best to go lighter. If you’re a person who works out often, try a bit more weight.

It should be noted that while weighted blankets are considered safe, they should not be used with children under the age of three or adults with obstructive sleep apnea, asthma or claustrophobia.

Bed Size and Proper Care

Your height is not as big of a factor in picking the right weighted blanket as your weight. However, make sure that you are comfortably covered and that the blanket fits snugly on your bed.

You want a duvet that is easy to take off and machine wash. Never wash the weighted blanket insert in your home washing machine. Instead, it should only be dry cleaned.

A high-quality weighted blanket can lead to a better night of sleep, which means better health for you. Once you find the right weight for your body and the dimensions of your bed, it can truly become a life changer.