Heaviest Weighted Blanket – The Ultimate Guide
A good night’s sleep helps you stabilize blood pressure and increases blood circulation. The heaviest weighted blanket options can certainly assist in helping you rest better at any point of time day or night. Additionally, it also aids several neurological disorders, such as autism and anxiety, which means finding every possibility to rest better at night becoming the essential goal.
According to healthcare experts, a weighted blanket can relieve stress levels and help you fall and stay asleep till the morning light. For instance, a study reveals that 80% of its participants who opted for a weighted blanket could sleep uninterruptedly with improved anxiety and stress-relieving effects.
The hype for weighted blankets is tangible as they have seen a significant surge in demand due to their calming body effects. Several manufacturers have racked millions on their Kickstarter campaigns and ads about weighted blankets going viral on social media.
So what is a weighted blanket? What are the things you need to consider before purchasing a weighted blanket? How heavy is the heaviest weighted blanket? Which is the heaviest weighted blanket on the market? If you consider buying a weighted blanket to get rid of your stress and anxiety and get a good night’s sleep, you’re in the right place for additional insight and clarification.
This guide will help you understand how weighted blankets work and how they help you relieve sleep anxiety. Our guide also includes a detailed buying guide about what you need to consider before buying a weighted blanket.
So without further delay, let’s help you achieve a cozier bit of sleep.
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is similar to traditional blankets but has extra weight to help users manage their sensory-related symptoms, including adults and children with autism. According to therapists, weighted blankets can offer other health benefits and are worth considering.
These individual pockets resemble a patchwork quilt, allowing even distribution of weight throughout the blanket. This even distribution stimulates pressure points, which help in calming your nervous system. Additionally, weighted blankets can also help your body to sleep comfortably and more quickly.
Weighted blankets are also responsible for improving the production of “happy hormones” or serotonin. This chemical is responsible for producing melatonin, which is one of the primary ingredients for comfortable sleep. Additionally, this chemical also ensures that your body maintains a good circadian rhythm.
What are the benefits of using a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets can help your body get the correct amount of rest and sleep. The technique behind using weighted blankets draws inspiration from deep pressure stimulation. This technique uses controlled and firm pressure to persuade calmness while sleeping.
Among heaviest weighted blanket benefits consider the following:
- Security and comfort – Weighted blankets induce a sense of security, which helps people fall asleep more quickly. Additionally, they provide a cozy and snug feel that promotes comfort and calmness.
- Ease soothe and stress anxiety – Weighted blankets can help you manage your anxiety levels by eliminating stressful thoughts while sleeping. According to healthcare experts, many people suffer from sleep disorders due to anxiety, and opting for a weighted blanket is the perfect solution.
- Calming nervous system – Stress, unstable heart rate, and anxiety are some of the products of an overactive nervous system. Since weighted blankets distribute an even amount of pressure and weight, they help your nervous system by promoting relaxation and calmness. A calm nervous system will encourage better sleep and other health benefits.
- Improves sleep quality – As we mentioned earlier, weighted blankets boost the production of “happy hormones” or serotonin. This chemical is responsible for promoting calmness and better sleep. Additionally, the deep pressure stimulation used by weighted blankets reduces stress hormones or cortisol and increases the production of melatonin to improve sleep quality.
What are the things you need to consider before purchasing a weighted blanket?
It would be best to consider several things before choosing a weighted blanket. For instance, a weighted blanket meant for couples might not comply with solo sleepers. Likewise, a queen-sized weighted blanket might become overwhelming for kids.
To help you find the correct pick, we have pointed out some crucial things that you need to consider before purchasing a weighted blanket.
Weight
Before opting for a weighted blanket, consumers must first ask themselves, “What should be the ideal weight of their heaviest weighted blanket according to their body proportions?”
One of the standard rules followed while considering weighted blankets is to select a weighted blanket that is 10% of your body weight. However, you can choose as per your needs and consider this rule as a starting guide.
Weighted blankets provide comfort and security, which means that it is not necessarily crucial to follow the 10% rule. If you feel that your chosen weighted blanket is too heavy, you can consider a different option. Additionally, an uncomfortable weighted blanket can cause counterproductive results, so it is better to avoid it.
However, you will also have to keep in mind that a weighted blanket should be heavy enough for it to stimulate deep pressure points. It would be best to start with the 10% rule and adjust the weight as per your requirements.
Size
You can get some of the best heaviest weighted blanket options in different dimensions and sizes. Additionally, you can customize their size as per your requirements. Like the 10% rule, we also have a starting point to check your size – Chin to Feet. This rule will help you find the right size irrespective of the bed’s dimensions.
The idea behind following this rule is simple – You shop according to your body dimensions and not by your bed size. The blanket should be wide enough to cover the user comfortably, and the length has to extend from the chin to the feet.
However, different people have different sleeping priorities, and size may not play a spoilsport for them. For instance, some people prefer to sleep, leaving their legs exposed or out of the blanket, while others cover their lower body parts.
Irrespective of the situation, weighted blankets can provide the same stimulation and calm your nervous system. Additionally, it improves circulation in your body and also aids Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms. It would be best to evaluate your sleeping preference and choose a weighted blanket that suits your sleeping style.
Thickness
Since weighted blankets have stitched individual pockets, they are thicker than traditional blankets. The density and thickness also vary owing to the type of weights and fabric used in their construction. For instance, some weighted blankets use pellets as their fillers, while others use rice or beads.
This feature affects the thickness, and each of them varies in proportion. However, the types of fillers don’t affect the performance, and you will reap all the same mind and body benefits despite having different fillers.
If you are a hot sleeper and want a cooling blanket, you can consider some of the better heaviest weighted blanket options with a cotton or bamboo cover and choose glass beads as fillers. However, covers may add some thickness to your weighted blanket, and it would be best to consider this fact before purchasing.
For singles or couples
A weighted blanket can work its magic only if both individuals feel comfortable with the blanket’s size and weight. For instance, if your partner has a shorter body than yours, he or she may adapt well to the thickness and weight of the weighted blanket.
Since a weighted blanket stimulates calmness and reduces anxiety, a blanket meant for a 6-foot tall adult may not be ideal for a 4-foot tall kid. Likewise, an adult will reap not benefits if he shares a child’s weighted blanket while sleeping.
Additionally, the bed size plays a significant part if you are choosing a weighted blanket for couples. Some people prefer to sleep in a big-sized bed, such as a king or queen-sized bed. While beds don’t interfere much with the size of a weighted blanket, the sleep pattern may incur some discomforts.
It is always beneficial to choose a weighted blanket that compliments similar body dimensions of a given couple. This informational insight can assist in calculating the average weight as one considers their purchase helping one to make a more informed decision in the “couple” conversation.
What are the safety concerns related to weighted blankets?
Although weighted blankets provide various mind and body benefits, you need to adhere to some safety precautions when using them. These concerns are more crucial if you have an individual with health issues or have young children.
Here are the safety precautions you need to follow:
- Never use weighted blankets if you have children weighing less than 20 pounds.
- Never force your children to use weighted blankets. If a child cannot administer a weighted blanket independently, it can lead to some negative consequences. Additionally, forcing them to use a weighted blanket can cause anxiety and promote sleep disorders and insomnia.
- If your child requires special care, a weighted blanket may not be the ideal option.
- Check that your child can move freely before falling asleep.
- A weighted blanket should not exceed more than two pounds of the recommended blanket weight. You can use the 10% rule to evaluate your child’s body weight to get the perfect match.
- Elderly adults also require extra attention while sleeping with weighted blankets. It would be best to choose a weighted blanket that older adults can maneuver independently.
- People suffering from health issues, such as weak legs and arms, also require attention. The weight of the blanket may put additional pressure on the affected area, worsening the situation. It would be best to opt for the 10% rule to choose weighted blankets for people with health issues.
How do you choose a weighted blanket for kids?
Although there are many options for the heaviest weighted blanket available on the market, choosing the right one for your kids can be tricky. However, you can use the 10% rule to get a starting figure and then adding one or two pounds depending on the requirement.
Like adults, your primary concern should be buying a weighted blanket that fits the child and not their bed. Wider blankets can become heavy and may incur body discomforts or reduce maneuverability. Children also possess the same sleeping habit as adults and prefer different covering styles.
Additionally, you will also want to take specific considerations if your child suffers from health issues. Like we mentioned earlier, you must never force a child to use a weighted blanket. It can make them anxious and promote counterproductive results.
The best solution is to give your child to adjust with a weighted blanket. Additionally, you can also arrange short intervals before giving them a weighted blanket during bedtime. These short engagements will help them familiarize themselves with the product and use weighted blankets properly.
It would be best to evaluate your child’s needs before purchasing a weighted blanket.
Weighted blanket weight chart (Adults, children, and older adults)
We have provided a weight chart to help you understand better.
Weight chart (Adults)
- 120lbs = 12lbs blanket
- 130lbs = 13lbs blanket
- 140lbs = 14lbs blanket
- 150lbs = 15lbs blanket
- 160lbs = 16lbs blanket
- 170lbs = 17lbs blanket
- 180lbs = 18lbs blanket
- 190lbs = 19lbs blanket
- 200lbs = 20lbs blanket
However, if you feel you are not comfortable with the weight, you can opt for a heavier blanket. Likewise, you can opt for a lighter one, but you might lose some benefits by choosing a more lightweight blanket.
Weight chart (Kids)
You can also use the 10% rule to get your ideal weighted blanket for children.
As mentioned earlier, choosing a weighted blanket for children can be tricky, as it can incur negative consequences and body discomforts. You have to evaluate your child’s sleeping preference to get an ideal pick.
Here is the weight chart for children
- 20lbs = 3 to 4 pounds blanket
- 30lbs = 4 to 5 pounds blanket
- 40lbs = 5 to 6 pounds blanket
- 50lbs = 6 to 7 pounds blanket
- 60lbs = 7 to 8 pounds blanket
- 70lbs = 8 to 9 pounds blanket
- 80lbs = 9 to 10 pounds blanket
- 90lbs = 10 to 11 pounds blanket
Children below 20 pounds must refrain from using weighted blankets. Since weighted blankets may become uncomfortable and heavy for infants, you may face negative consequences or body discomforts. It would be best to consult a healthcare expert before purchasing a weighted blanket for infants.
Weight chart (older adults)
You can follow similar guidelines as children’s to purchase a weighted blanket for older people. The concept is to start with 10% of your body weight. After that, you can add one or two pounds according to your requirements.
Respiratory problems are common with older people, which means choosing an unsuitable weighted blanket can incur severe consequences. Additionally, other health issues, including sleep apnea, may also be harmful to older adults. It would be best to consult a healthcare expert or doctor before purchasing a weighted blanket for older adults.
Here is the weight chart for older adults
- 100lbs = 11 to 12 pounds blanket
- 110lbs = 12 to 13 pounds blanket
- 120lbs = 13 to 14 pounds blanket
- 130lbs = 14 to 15 pounds blanket
- 140lbs = 15 to 16 pounds blanket
- 150lbs = 16 to 17 pounds blanket
- 160lbs = 18 to 19 pounds blanket
The above chart is for representation, and the actual figures may vary depending upon your health condition. However, you will reap the same benefits if you choose your ideal blanket weight.
What is the heaviest weighted blanket?
A 30-pound weighted blanket is one of the weighted blanket heaviest offerings, which may not be ideal for consumers unless you have a significant body size. However, you can customize your weighted blanket as per your requirements, and we recommend consulting a doctor to reduce body discomforts.
Are weighted blankets safe?
Weighted blankets offer several health benefits and promote a better sleep cycle. They can reduce stress, improve other sleep disorders, and help you calm your nervous system. If you follow the 10% rule and stick to an ideal weight and size, you will reap many benefits from your weighted blanket.
However, it would be best to consult a healthcare expert before purchasing a weighted blanket.
Adding a weighted blanket to your sleep routine can reap many health benefits. It helps you to treat insomnia, reduces stress, and keeps your nervous system calm. Additionally, the fact that you can customize weighted blankets as per your requirements makes them a must have product for every home.