How to pick a weighted blanket in the UK under £100 in 2022
What is a weighted blanket? Used for therapeutic purposes, weighted blankets are valued for their ability to ease stress and anxiety. When compared to traditional blankets, this type of bed clothing is much heavier and weighs from 2.5 kg to 13 kg.
Such a blanket is made with weighted material — most commonly glass or plastic pellets — and a removable cover. Weighted blankets are based on the same concept as hug machines invented by animal scientist Temple Grandin to calm hypersensitive people.
Scientific studies | Deep pressure therapy
Weighted blankets deliver deep pressure therapy that offers multiple benefits. According to the Sleep Foundation, this therapy leads to a surge in dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that stabilizes our mood and makes us happier. More importantly, at nighttime, the brain converts serotonin into the major sleep hormone — melatonin.
Dopamine is another beneficial neurotransmitter known as the “feel-good” hormone. Apart from providing a calming effect, weighted blankets make it harder for you to move, meaning you are less likely to disturb yourself during sleep.
Scientific studies have confirmed that the use of such blankets leads to a decrease in movements and, as a result, improves sleep. “A weighted blanket may aid in reducing insomnia through altered tactile inputs, thus may provide an innovative, non-pharmacological approach and complementary tool to improve sleep quality,” says an article published by Swedish scientists. Additionally, weighted blankets have the ability to improve a person’s social interactions in the daytime because you feel more secure and have better sleep at night.
And finally, deep pressure therapy, and weighted blankets in particular, are especially advisable for people with certain disorders. Dr Cristina Cusin from Harvard Medical School says that such blankets have been used for kids with autism or behavioural disturbances for a long time and is “one of the sensory tools commonly used in psychiatric units”. Weighted blankets have some downsides, though. They are pricey, messier to clean, and can get too hot.
How weighted blankets differ | Types of fillers
Weighted blankets differ by type of fillers: glass microbeads, plastic poly pellets, pebbles, steel balls, organic grains, or sand filling.
- Micro-glass beads are the best choice used in the majority of high-end weighted blankets. They are smooth, eco-friendly, cool to the touch, and fully hypoallergenic. While being heavier than other filler types, blankets with micro-glass beads are thinner and less bulky.
- Plastic poly pellets are made from polypropylene and have the advantage of being easy to shape, something that makes them a great choice for those who want the blanket contour to the body.
- Steel shot beads are allergen-free, do not collect dirt, and never wear out.
- Sand is the least common type of filler as it does not disperse evenly throughout the blanket. What makes sand a preferable option for some people is its lower price.
In our view, the optimal choice is the 125 x 180 cm blanket with a weight of 6 kg. The blanket is really heavy but in a good way! Breathable and comfortable, this blanket has equally stitched pockets for better weight distribution. The product should be hand washed as it is too heavy for a washing machine.
Fabric
Weighted blankets are available in different types based on the fabric used: chenille, mink, cotton, or fleece.
- Minky blankets are silky to the touch and are ideal for people with a colder body temperature.
- Chenille blankets are the softest and most comfortable of all types, while fleece-weighted blankets have the advantage of being very durable.
- The cotton option will suit anyone but is especially known for being highly breathable. This type of material efficiently dissipates body heat and is recommended for people with sensory disorders.
