Weighted blankets are perfect bedding accessories in winter. Above all, they add warmth and, of course, provide additional comfort. Sudden weather changes happen in December. But, for instance, solar idyll is turning to rain showers or snowstorms. As a result, it might make us feel nervous or anxious. Fortunately, some accessories reduce stress. So, what are weighted blankets filled with? Select the product that meets your sleeping needs. Apart from its weight and size, consider fabric and filler type.
Seasonal Sleep Issues
December is a busy time. Students study hard, preparing to landmark exams. Wage-earners overwork, experiencing stresses in the offices. Shopping for Christmas gifts might be also stressful. How to pick a weighted blanket when you are so busy? Black Friday rush can be more heart-pounding than a marathon.
Thus, in winter, you might suffer from:
- tiredness;
- appetite changes;
- weight gain;
- oversleeping.
ADAA Association strives to improve quality of life. It informs that 40 million adult US residents suffer from anxiety disorders. Fortunately, a good solution exists. Perfect Christmas gifts – best blankets for winter. Give them to your kid, mother, husband, or boyfriend. Online shopping is easy and time-saving. Just select top-quality products that are made of premium materials.
What Should Weighted Blankets Be Filled with?
Gravity blankets are throw-size pieces of cloth. They look like normal comforters. These bedding covering items consist of several layers of fabric and batting. They grant us essential comfort and warmth in winter.
Gravity items include different materials that make them heavier. They are filled with small pellets. Common weighted blanket filler options are:
- Glass micro-beads.
- PVC discs.
- Polypropylene pellets.
These tiny particles look like sand. Firstly, they are hypoallergenic, non-hazardous, safe to touch. Secondly, they are non-toxic, and, moreover, approved by the FDA. Most importantly, pellets are non-irritating. If they contact your skin or your dog ingests them occasionally, they cause no harm. Additionally, tiny filler particles are evenly distributed across the whole blanket’s area. But still, filler materials are dissimilar.
What Are Weighted Blankets Weighted with?
Above all, being pet-safe, they non-toxic and, besides, machine-washable. Moreover, filler materials differ by size, weight, and durability. Let’s compare their basic properties.
What is the best filling for weighted blankets?
| Material | Melting point, °F | Density, lb/ft3 |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | 1450 | 388 |
| Sand (dry) | 3110 | 100 |
| PVC | 600 | 54 |
| PP | 340 | 56 |
Are all weighted blankets filled with beads? Quite naturally, there are a lot of other solutions. Plastic pellets are commonly used. This filler type is safe, non-toxic. Material is flexible, easy to shape. It lets manufacturers produce round pellets that are various by sizes. These blankets contour your body perfectly well. They are also quite affordable. However, they might be a bit lumpy and make some noise.
Benefits of Glass Microbeads
I would still recommend you using glass beads for weighted blanket. This kind of filler is:
- high-end;
- environmentally-friendly;
- dryer-safe;
- heavy-weight;
- smooth by texture.
Blankets, filled with glass micro-beads are beneficial. They are thinner and smoother than plastic-filled ones. These accessories are also more durable and easier to maintain. Sometimes, organic sand is used as a filler. It’s easy-to-get and inexpensive. However, it might clump. So, washing and drying these blankets is rather complicated.
Can a Weighted Blanket be too Heavy?
Experts and sleep psychologists advise using these blankets as prophylactic tools. For example, Doctor LynelleSchneeberg recommends them for preschool children. How heavy should a weighted blanket be for a child? She advises to use the basic formula to calculate the weight. That is, 10% of your body weight.
When you buy a blanket for your child, will you add 1-2 pounds? This bedding accessory may be uncomfortable. Take into account his or her health state and personal sleep preferences.
Standard weights for weighted blanket are 5, 8, 10 and 12 pounds. 15 and 20 pounds characterize twin and queen-size, heavy-weight accessories. Above all, personal feel is only experience-based. Are you a hot sleeper? Consequently, in summer, a weighted blanket could be too warm. Just pay attention to the fabrics and layers.
What Material is Inside a Weighted Blanket?
I would not advise you to sew this bedding accessory by yourself. It’s quite complicated. Every weighted blanket includes from 2 to 7 layers. Quite naturally, multi-layered items and warm and heavy, suiting winter season. Do you live in a northern state, like Alaska, Michigan or North Dakota? It would be a suitable choice.
Anyway, a weighted blanket consists of 3 essential parts:
- Outer layer.
- Inner lining.
- Filler.
Outer layer is soft and breathable. Do you know, what is the best fabric for weighted blanket? Quite naturally, cotton benefits hot sleepers. It’s organic, hypoallergenic and environment-friendly. Minky fabric suits your winter sleeping needs. Polyester is durable and shrink-resistant.
Inner layer consists of more durable fabrics. It is made of cotton or polyester, including warm padding. It’s cushioned to provide your comfort and secure the filler. Top-quality items are stitched with multiple seams to hold tiny filler particles.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket with Beads?
Is your gravity blanket machine-washable? If so, don’t wash your blanket often. These accessories are heavy-duty, well-built, but not completely foolproof. Removable outer layer is a beneficial feature. It’s attached to the inner fabric by multiple clasps. They secure it, preventing bunching up.
So, removable layer or duvet cover for weighted blanket is washed separately. It’s lightweight and easy to maintain. If you still have to wash the inner part with filler, use:
- cold water;
- gentle cycle;
- mild detergent;
- commercial-size washing machine.
Read washing instructions thoroughly. Fabric and filler type matters. Does your blanket weigh more than 15 lbs.? It might be excessive for our home washing machine.
General Impression
Selecting a weighted blanket, pay attention to its materials. Weight and size matter. This choice is intuitive. Fabrics and fillers are important. Thus, plastic pellets are felt cooler. But they are more difficult to dry. Cotton is preferable in summer. Minty fabric lets you sleep warm in winter. Removable layers are always beneficial, as it’s handy. So, consider your sleeping needs and take it easy.
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