Can a Weighted Blanket Be Too Heavy?

A weighted blanket is a type of therapy blanket that uses deep pressure touch to provide calming and relaxing effects.

Weighted blankets can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and ease symptoms of autism and other sensory processing disorders.

But what happens if a weighted blanket is too heavy?

Can it actually cause more harm than good?

Can a weighted blanket be too heavy?

Yes, a weighted blanket can be too heavy if the weight of the blanket exceeds the recommended weight guidelines. We recommend avoiding weighted blankets that are more than 30 pounds, as they can be overly restrictive and cause additional health problems such as overheating and the feeling of being suffocated by the weighted blanket.

Our Tip: To make sure the blanket is not too heavy, you should select a blanket that is 10% of your body weight plus one pound.

This will ensure that you are comfortable and able to move freely while being hugged by the weight. If you find that the blanket is too heavy, you should opt for a lighter blanket to ensure that you are able to sleep soundly and peacefully.

What happens if a weighted blanket is too heavy?

If a weighted blanket is too heavy, it can cause a number of negative effects. These include feeling suffocated and trapped underneath the blanket, as well as difficulty breathing and sleeping. It can also cause an increase in anxiety and stress, as well as an increase in chronic back pain, such as muscle and joint pain.

Additionally, it can restrict circulation and cause a “burning” or “electric shock” sensation in the feet, which can further interrupt a good night’s sleep.

Consequences of a Weighted Blanket That is Too Light

The consequences of sleeping with a weighted blanket that is too light can include: increased anxiety, decreased sleep quality, increased restlessness during sleep, and difficulty sleeping. It means that you will not sleep better than before.

But there are also many deep pressure calming activities you can do to relax muscles and joints by providing input to the proprioceptive and sensory systems.

How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket be?

The weight of the blanket should be around ten percent of your body weight plus one pound, though some people and manufacturers may recommend getting a blanket that’s heavier than this.

If you are frail, elderly, or have certain health conditions, you may want to opt for a lighter blanket. The weight of the blanket should be just heavy enough to provide comfort and relaxation, but never too uncomfortable.

How to Tell if a Weighted Blanket is Too Heavy?

How do you tell if a weighted blanket is too heavy?

1. Pay attention to your body’s reaction to the weight of the blanket. If you feel suffocated, trapped while using the blanket, then it is too heavy.
2. Consider whether you are comfortable in the blanket. It should feel like a comforting hug after a stressful day of work. If you feel suffocated, restricted, claustrophobic, then the blanket is too heavy.
3. Consider what kind of sleep you are getting when using the blanket. If you are having a hard time sleeping or cannot get a good night’s rest, then the blanket is too light.
4. Use the rule of thumb to decide on the weight of the blanket. Generally, a weighted blanket should weigh 10 percent of your total body weight plus one pound.

What to consider when choosing a weighted blanket?

1. Weight

When choosing a weighted blanket, it is important to consider the weight factor. The recommended weight for a weighted blanket is usually 10% of your body weight plus one pound. However, this is not a hard and fast rule as people’s body types and needs may vary.

For people who experience insomnia, nightly sleep issues, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic stress, low moods, a heavier blanket (20 pounds or more) is recommended as it offers the greatest benefits. For milder issues, a 15 to 20-pound blanket is more suitable.

2. Size

The size of the blanket should be based on your body type and personal needs, as well as the size of your bed. Common sizes for weighted blankets include 36″ x 48″, 41″ x 60″, 48″ x 72″, 60″ x 80″, and 80″ x 87″. Throw blankets will still fit if you are taller, but larger blankets like queen or king size blankets may be too big if you are shorter or not sharing with someone else.

3. Material

When deciding on a weighted blanket, consider the material of the blanket itself, as well as the filling. The blanket can be made of soft flannel, cotton, linen, bamboo, rayon, and other materials.

The filling can be made of glass, plastic, pebbles, grains, steel beads, sand, or microfiber beads. Plastic poly pellets are the most common filling used, but they may give off an odor and the weight is not evenly distributed. Glass beads have greater breathability and more evenly distribute the weight and heat, allowing for deep sleep without needing a heavier weight.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that the pellets are suitable for machine washing/drying as not all poly pellets are rated for a high temperature.

Homemade blankets can also be made with weighted material, such as grains, sand, rice, plastic beads, beans, or aquarium stones. However, DIY weighted blankets may have a higher risk of the beads leaking due to burst stitches and the weight can distribute unevenly.

Is a 20 lb weighted blanket too heavy?

It depends. If you find that the blanket is too heavy for you, you may experience difficulty moving and even trouble falling asleep. You may also feel suffocated, restricted.

From our own experience at Corala blanket, for an average person who is looking for a blanket to provide comfort and relaxation, a 15 pound blanket should be sufficient.

However, for people who experience chronic stress and insomnia, a 20 pound or heavier blanket may be necessary to experience the full benefits.

What Is The Ideal Weight For A Weighted Blanket For Children?

The ideal weight for a weighted blanket for children is typically determined by following the 10% rule – meaning that the blanket should be 10% of the child’s body weight. For example, a child who is 50 lbs. should have a weighted blanket that is 5 lbs.

It is important to note that weighted blankets are not recommended for children under the age of 3 or those who weigh less than 50 lbs. as they can restrict their movement and potentially their breathing.

Studies have also evaluated the effectiveness of weighted blankets in improving sleep problems for children with autism spectrum disorder and while participants enjoyed the blankets, they did not help them fall asleep faster or stay asleep during the night.

How to Choose the Perfect Blanket for You

When shopping for a weighted blanket, it is important to consider not just your weight, but also your body size and personal needs. To cover your body completely with a weighted blanket, place the weighted blanket on your bed, making sure it covers your entire body.

Step 1: Determine your body type and personal needs.

Step 2: Consider the material of the blanket, weight, filling, and cover material.

Step 3: Choose the weight of the blanket. Start with a lower weight if you’re not sure, so it doesn’t feel too heavy.

Step 4: Consider the size of the blanket. If you are tall, you may need a queen or king size, while if you are shorter, a throw blanket will work.

Step 5: Determine the 10% rule for weighted blankets. This means that the weight of the blanket should be 10% of your body weight.

Step 6: Look for a blanket that is machine washable and a duvet cover is available.

For example, if you are 6’3″ and 170 pounds, you would choose a 20-pound weighted blanket, and look for a duvet cover with at least four ties that is made of a breathable fabric like bamboo or cotton.

Once you have chosen the weight, you should consider the size. Most weighted blankets are 10, 15, 20 or 25 pounds for adults, and lighter for kids. If your weight is in between sizes, it is best to size up.

Once you have the cover and the blanket, secure the tabs of the blanket to the ties of the cover. Place the blanket on your bed, ensuring that it covers your entire body.

Make sure it fits your bed size. Purchasing a queen-size weighted blanket for a twin or single bed will have the blanket weighed down on the floor. But remember, a weighted blanket is much smaller than a traditional blanket and isn’t designed to be tucked in or draped over the edges of the bed.

Following these steps will help you find the perfect weighted blanket for your size and needs.

How big should your weighted blanket be?

Generally, twin size weighted blankets are best suited for use on the couch while relaxing or for children and smaller adults to sleep alone; full size blankets are suitable for teens and single adults; queen size is ideal for single sleepers and couples, and king size is best for couples.

A twin size blanket is usually sufficient to cover from the neck down, but for kids consider a child’s weighted blanket with a smaller size and weight.

Make sure the weighted blanket doesn’t hang over the sides of the bed to avoid it slipping off during the night.

FAQs

What is a weighted blanket?

A weighted blanket is a throw-size blanket filled with weighted materials, such as plastic pellets, glass beads, poly pellets, or sand. It is designed to provide a calming effect through Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) or Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), which simulates the feeling of being hugged or held. It is like a self hug, all night long. Yes, you can use your weighted blanket all night long!

These blankets typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, and come in different sizes and fabrics. Weighted blankets are often recommended for people with sleep problems, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder.

What are the potential risks of using a weighted blanket regarding weight?

Using a weighted blanket that is too heavy can pose a serious risk to your health. It can lead to suffocation, chronic pain, and overheating. Additionally, it can increase the risk of seizures for people with epilepsy and also make breathing difficult, especially for those with respiratory or circulatory disorders.

It is important to talk to your doctor before using a weighted blanket, especially if you have low blood pressure, a respiratory disorder, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea.