Weighted Blanket FAQ’s

We get it. Making the decision to buy a weighted blanket can be a big one, and there’s sure to be some questions that need to be answered before clicking that buy button. So let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding weighted blankets.

What is a Weighted Blanket?

While covered more thoroughly in our article “What are Weighted Blankets”, a quick summary of weighted blankets is that they are blankets with weights (typically beads or pellets) inserted into them to help provide a therapeutic tool. Weighted blankets can help with multiple mental illness issues from anxiety to autism to PTSD, and can also help with insomnia or other issues.

Where to Buy Weighted Blankets

For the best deals, you can buy weighted blankets right here at Sleepforceblankets.com . We strive to constantly provide the best prices while also maintaining high quality standards to ensure that the investment you put into your weighted blanket will have wonderful returns for your health, and may help you focus, thus making you more productive.

How Much Weight Should be in a Weighted Blanket?

So, how heavy should a weighted blanket be? Of course one of the most important factors of weighted blankets are weight and weight distribution. As a general rule, the weight of the blanket should be about 10% of the weight of the person. In terms of distribution, the weight should be as evenly placed as possible, as it the case with our SleepForce blankets.

Do Weighted Blankets Work?

In very many cases, Weighted Blankets can help with both physical and mental issues. In fact, in several studies the efficacy of weighted blankets as been tested, including (Mullen et al, 2006) which investigated the claims about weighted blankets to find over half of individuals felt less anxiety after use, and nearly 4 in 5 used it as the preferred method of calming down after a heightened sensory state. These claims are backed by (Chen et al, 2011), who show physiological evidence backing the positive effects of weighted blankets, and while (Gringas et al, 2014) showed only insignificant evidence backing the case for autistic children having less wakeful nights, it was shown to be preferred greatly by both parents and children alike, and has potential as a tool to ease “meltdowns”. How do weighted blankets work? Check out the Benefits of a Weighted Blanket section for more information.

Benefits of a Weighted Blanket

This topic is more thoroughly covered in our article titled “Weighted Blanket Benefits” , but as a general understanding, the weighted blanket can help dampen the effects of sensory overstimulation and reduce the “fight or flight” response within the body. The increased parasympathetic nervous response (also called “rest and digest”) can bring a feeling of calm and focus to individuals who typically suffer from anxiety or stress disorders. This is done through what is termed Deep touch pressure, which is similar to hugging or stroking, or in the more infantile stages of life, swaddling or cradling. Past positive associations, as well as biological mechanisms can contribute to multiple benefits of using a weighted blanket, from decreased stress to increased focus.

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

When washing a weighted blanket, weight is again a major deciding factor. If you have a blanket under 10 pounds, or have a very strong washer, 15 pounds, then using a washing machine may be just fine and hanging the blanket to dry is the best choice. If any heavier, then going to a Dry Cleaner and having the blanket occasionally washed, about once every few months. For more details, check out our article on how to wash your weighted blanket.

What Size Weighted Blanket Should You Buy?

This is mostly up to your personal preference and your ideal use. Our blankets are all 48″ x 72″ size. Our research has shown this is the ideal dimension for versatile uses (sitting, lying down, across the lap… etc)

What are Weighted Blankets Used For?

Weighted blankets are used for a wide range of physical and mental health issues, as well as just general comfort and a feeling of well-being. Among the most common uses of weighted blankets is to use it to help relieve insomnia, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, some positive symptoms of Autism or Asperger’s, restless leg syndrome, PTSD, and general stress responses that are just too much for the person. In general, any sensory processing disorders tend to benefit from the use of weighted blankets as it helps promote a parasympathetic nervous response.

Are Weighted Blankets Hot?

This is one of the issues that many new buyers are worried about, but needn’t be. For the most part, weighted blankets can keep you warm but as a result of their design can also regulate heat fairly well. Due to the beads, retained heat is balanced, with excess being able to leave the blanket without you overheating. That being said, if you are naturally a very warm person, perhaps shedding a sheet layer while you sleep may not be the worst idea. Most people report that when using the weighted blanket, it feels like a soft, warm hug, which is not suffocating or too hot in the slightest.

Why are Weighted Blankets So Expensive?

In short, weighted blankets are so expensive because they are both time and resource intensive products to make. As a general rule, a weighted blanket can take someone at least 40 hours when you take into account finding resources, getting your stitching down, getting your fill patterns correct and everything else. In terms of expense, due to volume purchases of materials, we can often produce blankets with higher quality and cheaper prices than most could find themselves, not to mention there’s no potential for a critical error which would cause a full re-do.

Are Weighted Blankets Worth It?

For many, the initial cost of a weighted blanket is worth it. In fact, quite a few customers have stated that their life, or the life of their child improved greatly in the course of less than a week. Whether it’s something to help you sleep better or a tool to handle panic attacks or meltdowns, the fact of the matter is this can easily be a daily use item that can last years, making the day-to-day cost pennies in a fast manner.

Does a Weighted Blanket Help with Restless Leg Syndrome

While covered in more detail in the article “Weighted Blankets for Restless Leg Syndrome”, in quick summary, weighted blankets can help settle some of the more aggravating symptoms of RLS. However, every RLS patient is a little different, so testing how you respond to weight on your legs is a key step to determining if weighted blankets help. If you are the sort that cannot stand weight or fabric on your legs, then the weighted blanket probably would not be your best bet. However, if weight is soothing to you, then a weighted blanket could be perfect for settling down your legs for some restful sleep.

How to Use a Weighted Blanket

There is no real wrong way to use a weighted blanket. Need to just sit down and have it over your lap to help you focus and feel better? No problem. Want to keep it on your bed so you can get a restful nights sleep? Go for it. Do you want to drape it around your shoulders so it feels like you’re in a constant hug? Whatever you need to do to feel better, the weighted blanket can feasible be used for. Do keep noted though, weighted blankets should never be used as a method of restraint. For anxiety, shoulder draping or wrapping yourself into what is commonly termed a “burrito” is a comforting choice for many, while for restless leg syndrome, laying the blanket over your legs doubled up can be ideal. For insomnia, gently laying your weighted blanket over your normal bed sheets can help with a more result night’s sleep, and for those who suffer from Autism or Asperger’s, lying under the blanket or sitting upright with the blanket draped around them may be the better choice. Lastly, for those suffering from a lot of stress, relief can be had with whatever you determine to be most comfortable, and can be combined with heat packs to relax neck and shoulder muscles.

What is Weighted Blanket Therapy

First developed as a coping tool for acute mental health patients in 1999 by Tina Champagne, M.Ed., OTR/L, weighted blanket therapy has since been used as a method to offer self-controlled and fully individualized care by helping settle patients into reality, to help form coping skills, and to allow patients to actively prevent negative responses to stress or changes in environment. It is often used as part of a multi-sensory, multimodal therapy which includes dynamic strategies to increase the health of the user. To these ends, the blanket itself is used as a means of increasing a parasympathetic nervous response, to help center sensory states (mostly around the feeling of the fabric, the warmth of the blanket, and the weight which feels like a hug) and is a means to be more “in control” of one’s own emotions and responses. This will be covered much more extensively in the article “Weighted Blanket Benefits”.

How Heavy are Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets are generally made in weights in accordance to the wearer. In most cases, the blankets are around 10% the weight of the individual plus a pound or two. As a result, most buyers will find blankets somewhere between 7 and 25 pounds dependent on the needs of the user.

Does Medicaid or Insurance Cover Weighted Blankets

As is the case with anything insurance related: It depends. If you can find a provider who believes the weighted blanket to be a medical necessity for you or key to a mental health treatment program, then there is a good case for at the very least reimbursement if not outright coverage.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe?

For most people, weighted blankets are as safe as standard blankets, and are heavier but not so heavy as to impede movement or breathing throughout the night. That being said, checking in with your physical therapist or doctor could be advised if you have any worries about potential safety issues. Also be sure to check the question “Who Shouldn’t Use a Weighted Blanket?” For more information on groups that may want to avoid the use of weighted blankets.

What is Inside Weighted Blankets?

The inner filling of our blankets are made from natural glass pellets. The premium quality pellets are not only the best for weight distribution but also one of the safest filler options available for weighted blankets.

What Materials are Weighted Blankets Made Of?

Our weighted blankets are made of pure cotton and the luxurious, silky soft Minky fabric, which is as soft as real mink fur, without the issues of animal cruelty. Many report that the blanket feels like a wonderful mix of mink and cashmere, which is great for calming down individuals who need it, or helping others get the sleep they need.

Who Shouldn’t Use a Weighted Blanket?

While weighted blankets are typically very safe, there are certain groups of people that probably shouldn’t have one in their possession. Those with circulatory issues should avoid weighted blankets, as should those with general respiratory issues (COPD, Asthma, etc), and those who suffer from diabetes. If you have any questions about potential issues between your health issues and the use of a weighted blanket, it is recommended you ask your physician or physical therapist.