From Amazon to Etsy, there are tons of sellers and manufacturers of weighted blankets in the market. But what weighted blanket should you choose from this sea of options? How heavy should your weighted blanket be? In what size weighted blanket should you get?
What Size Weighted Blanket is Perfect for You?
The weighted blanket weight is not the only factor you need to know when buying a weighted blanket. The size of your weighted blanket is also a deciding factor during your purchase. You need to know if the weighted blanket is too long or too short for you, or if it can cover your whole body. Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the size of your blanket. Different weighted blanket sizes are available if you are a fitful sleeper or if you want to cover a part of your body. So what size weighted blanket should be?
Most companies offer their weighted blanket in three sizes: king size, queen size, and twin size. Other companies have more options though, the teen size, the custom size, and the largest, the California king size. You can notice that they come in sizes similar to regular blankets. However, if you compare them, weighted blankets are smaller than regular blankets by a few inches.
Let’s take a look at each size to help you decide what size weighted blanket you need.
Guide to Choosing What Size Weighted Blanket for You and Your Family
Twin Size
Different manufacturers offer the twin size in a variety of dimensions: 42 inches by 72 inches, 48 inches by 78 inches, and 39 inches by 75 inches. This size is perfect for children sleeping alone in a twin size or single sized mattress. With the twin size, you do not need to worry about your child outgrowing the weighted blanket in no time.
Twin weighted blanket is not just for children though. If you are an adult and you want your weighted blanket to fit your body length exactly, then the twin size is just for you. Also, for couples who sleep together but prefers different weighted blankets, the twin size is a good option.
Teen Size
For parents who find the twin size too big for their children, the teen size is a great alternative. Measuring at 40 inches by 60 inches, it is perfectly sized for children aged 10 and over. This children’s weighted blanket wouldn’t go over the edges of a twin size mattress measuring 38 inches wide by 75 inches long, so you need not worry about the weighted blanket sliding into the floor.
The teen size weighted blanket is also small enough for adults to use as a lap pad. Compared to bigger sized weighted blankets, its small size and light weight make it portable to take to your workplace for use as a lap pad.
Queen Size
Queen size weighted blanket measures 60 inches by 80 inches. If you want a weighted blanket that fits your queen size mattress, this is the size for you. A full queen size weighted blanket would cover you all night especially if you are a fitful sleeper who toss and turn during sleep. This size is also suitable for sharing. For couples who sleep together, if you have the same weighted blanket preferences, choose a queen size weighted blanket.
Don’t choose a weighted blanket queen size if your bed is a single size, twin size, or if it is smaller in dimension than the queen size blanket. Your weighted blanket will be too big for your bed and will fall off to the floor.
King Size
King size weighted blanket has dimensions of 80 inches by 86 inches, perfect for king size mattresses. Again, if you are a fitful sleeper who wants a weighted blanket covering your body all the time, then the weighted comforter king size would make a good option. Just like the queen size, the king size is big enough for sharing with your partner.
King size weighted blanket on a single bed, or a full-size mattress is not the right combination. Your weighted blanket will slide off from your bed in cases like this. The king weighted blanket be used only on king size and California king size mattresses.
Custom Size
Some manufacturers offer custom sized weighted blankets. If a teen, twin, king, or queen size weighted blanket does not fit you, or you can’t find a size that suits your preferences, you can choose the custom size option offered by your manufacturer. Although it comes with a higher price, you can specify the weight, width, and height that fits you best if you go custom size. Additionally, you can also choose your filler and the fabric that will go with your weighted blanket.
Points to Remember When Deciding What Size Weighted Blanket Should Be
- The first thing to consider when deciding what size weighted blanket should be is your body size. Ask someone for help to measure your body width and body height for an accurate measurement. Your weighted blanket should cover you from chin to toe, so that is 9 inches or more subtracted from your height.
- Remember that the parts of the blanket not covering your body are wasted weight. Unlike regular bedding, weighted blankets are designed for your sleep needs. A weighted blanket should fit the length and width of your body for optimal pressure. Getting a size enough to cover your body is, therefore, the best choice.
- When getting a weighted blanket to share with your partner, be sure that both of you are comfortable with the weighted blanket. Consult first your partner and confirm if you have the same preferences for a weighted blanket. Are you both satisfied with the weight? Is it too heavy or too light for you or your partner? Is it long enough to cover both of you from chin to toe? If you decided you can share the same weighted blanket, get the queen, king, or full size weighted blanket.
- For children, it is okay to go up a size from their body size. Children are still growing and getting a weighted blanket size that they will not outgrow quickly is a wise investment. Just make sure that they are comfortable with the weight and can remove the weighted blanket with ease. Do not use a weighted blanket on children without adult supervision.
- If you are going to use the weighted blanket on specific body parts only, for example on your legs or chest, get the smallest weighted blanket size.
- Smaller sized weighted blankets can also be used as lap pads or be draped over your shoulders while you are at work or on the couch reading books or watching TV. Weighted blankets outgrown by your children can be recycled and be used as lap pads.
- Budget-wise, getting a weighted blanket that fits just your body width and height will save you money since it is cheaper compared to bigger sizes. Remember that the bigger the blanket size is, the more expensive it is.
- If you are still not sure about your choice or you are having trouble choosing what size weighted blanket should you get, manufacturers specializing in weighted blankets can help you decide.
- Always consult your occupational therapist or medical experts when using the weighted blanket for medicinal purposes.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Weighted Blanket
Weight
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a weighted blanket is weight. The general guideline is to choose a weighted blanket that is 10% of the user’s weight.
With the right weighted blanket weight, deep touch pressure is induced on the body. The deep touch pressure is the pressure that triggers a chain reaction on the body that results in a calm and relaxed feeling. It is therefore vital to have the right weight for your weighted blanket. A heavy blanket will cause discomfort. On the other hand, a weighted blanket that is too light will not be as effective.
Filler
Fillers are the materials inserted in the pockets of the blanket to weight it down. There are a variety of fillers used by manufacturers, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic poly pellet fillings are a popular choice because they are long lasting. However, the noise it creates when the blanket is moved maybe too much for people who have sensitive hearing. Another popular filler is the micro glass beads which have a consistency similar to the white sand. They are smoother compared to the plastic poly pellets and don’t create lumps on the blanket. However, they can break and tear through the blanket causing leakage. Other fillers used on weighted blankets are stones, grains, and dried beans.
Fabric
There are a variety of fabrics used on weighted blankets that you can choose from depending on what size weighted blanket your preference is and the texture sensitivity. Cotton is hypoallergenic and has excellent temperature control. Flannel and fleece are great for rainy and winter seasons due to their warm nature. Minky and chenille fabrics are has a soft and plush feel and is also great for cold seasons due to they are also warm.
When choosing a fabric, texture sensitivities and allergies should be considered. Otherwise, instead of calming you, the weighted blanket will bring you discomfort.
Temperature Control
One of the things people are worried about when buying a weighted blanket is that it might be too hot because of its weight and thickness. However, most of the weighted blankets make use of fabrics and fillers that are breathable and have excellent temperature control.
If you are prone to overheating during sleep or if you live in a warm climate, choose a weighted blanket with a cotton or bamboo viscose fabric. These fabrics don’t trap heat and help remove moisture away from the body to keep the user fresh throughout the night.
The right weighted blanket filler can also help with temperature control. Quality poly pellet fillers can adopt the room temperature and make the blanket warm or cold. So as long as the room temperature is kept low, the weighted blanket will keep you cool the whole night.
Color
Weighted blankets come in different color and design. If you want a specific color and design for your weighted blanket to match your bedroom style, there are many options to choose from the market. Moreover, if you are tired of the color of your weighted blanket and want to change it, you don’t need to change the whole blanket, you can buy a weighted blanket cover in your desired color.
Cover
Some weighted blankets come with a removable cover while others provide the inner liner. A removable cover is a good option as it keeps the weighted blanket clean and comfortable. If it is time to wash the weighted blanket, you can remove the cover and toss it in the washing machine.
However, there are disadvantages to it though. Removing and reattaching the removable cover to the inner liner is no easy task especially for queen and king size weighted blankets. Another problem is the added weight on the weighted blanket. Some removable covers are too thick and heavy so adding it on the inner liner weight, will make the whole weighted blanket too heavy. It is therefore essential to search for a light cover if your weighted blanket does not come with a removable cover.
Medical Conditions
Not everyone is allowed to use a weighted blanket. You should check with your therapist or health specialist if you or your child is suitable to use a weighted blanket. If you are using a weighted blanket for health reasons, it is recommended that you get your occupational therapist’s prescription.
Do not use a weighted blanket if you have asthma or respiratory disease, a skin condition that can react to the weighted blanket fabric, and claustrophobia.