Best Weighted Blankets In Australia

Yes, several studies on the use of weighted blankets have shown that they can help with anxiety and stress. These blankets can provide relief to adults as well as children, leaving them more relaxed for a good night’s sleep. 

It is worth noting that if you often have sleepless nights, it might be due to raised cortisol levels, a stress hormone. A weighted blanket may bring down the cortisol levels to induce sleep. As the cortisol levels come down, it may also help you deal with bouts of depression or other stress-induced complications. 

The weighted blankets also simulate deep pressure touch (DPT), which is quite similar to the feeling of a loved one hugging you. As a result, users may experience reduced chronic stress and lowered anxiety levels.

Some even believe that the pressure applied by weighted blankets can trigger your body to release feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. Hence, it may lead to an instant mood boost while combating stress and anxiety. 

Overall, a weighted blanket can calm your overactive brain and nervous system by applying pressure to bring down the state of alertness. You can even use the weighted blanket while lounging or watching TV to reduce the day’s stress before going to bed.

Also, remember that choosing weighted blankets based on your own body weight can provide a cocooning effect, limiting too much movement during sleep. Some health practitioners even suggest using weighted blankets to soothe people after they have had a panic attack to decrease the possibility of further episodes. 

Believe it or not, most people are too scared to wash their weighted blankets. We understand that there’s always a fear of losing the glass beads or damaging the washing machine. However, rest assured that renowned brands design their weighted blankets to be machine-washable. 

Having said that, make sure to read the care instructions before you place an order for a weighted blanket. Following the directions will help you to prolong the life of your blanket and limit damages. Needless to say, we prefer to get machine-washable blankets as they are easier to maintain and keep clean, especially in areas with hot summers. 

Another thing to check before starting a wash cycle is the capacity of your washing machine and dryer. That said, some heavy weighted blankets may not get adequately cleaned in the usual household washing machines. In such a case, you’ll need to visit a commercial laundromat to get it washed, but be careful and remember to follow the care instructions. 

Typically, the blankets filled with micro glass beads or that don’t have weights can be machine-washed in a gentle setting and dried at low heat. On the other hand, variants with plastic fillers or premium fabrics may need to be hand-washed and air-dried. 

At home, some people prefer to hand wash the blankets in their bathtubs and air-dry them flat to reduce the possibility of stretching. Here, it is worth noting that you should never line dry a weighted blanket, especially when it’s made of knitted fabric, to prevent sagging and displacement of the weight. Let it sit on a plastic sheet for 48 hours and dry completely, and you may turn it over every four hours to speed up the process. 

Note that dry-clean-only weighted blankets should always be cleaned by a professional cleaner. 

Well, one of the things to remember is that buying a weighted blanket isn’t as simple as picking up the first one you see in a store. Rather, it’s essential to spend time researching weighted blankets to find one that suits your needs. 

The most crucial aspect of choosing a weighted blanket is its weight, which creates the essential pressure to soothe your body. Typically, the weight of a blanket should be at least 10% of your body weight. For instance, if you weigh anywhere between 70 to 80 kg, the blanket should have a weight of 7 or 8 kg. Note that the recommended percentage may vary between 5-12% depending on the brand. 

Another thing to keep in mind while purchasing a weighted blanket is whether you are going to share it with someone. A couple may benefit from getting a blanket that weighs up to 15 kg as both would be able to feel soothed by the deep pressure. Just get a queen size or king size blanket to make sure that the blanket covers your whole body. 

However, if you have known breathing troubles, it might be better to choose a lighter blanket or avoid buying one. Luckily, most brands sell weighted blankets in diverse weight options so that people can pick one to suit their body weight and preferences. 

A great thing about weighted blankets is that they can be used by kids over the age of three who weigh at least 25 kg. You may want to purchase a weighted blanket for kids that usually have a weight of around 2-4.5 kg. It’s also recommended to consult a health practitioner before your child can start using a weighted blanket. 

Are you still confused about how to determine the best weighted blankets? Worry not, as we have gathered some points that will help you pick a comfortable product. But first, we recommend you calculate the ideal weight of a blanket for your body and then check the other features. 

A. Fabric 

One of the key aspects to check in a weighted blanket is the fabric. Most people prefer a breathable cotton fabric or bamboo fabric that allows proper airflow to keep the body adequately cool while sleeping. On that note, avoid synthetic fabrics that are either too thick or lack breathability, as they can make you quite uneasy. 

Many weighted blankets actually come with soft covers to keep the inner blanket clean and provide a more comfortable feel. Apart from the usual cotton cover, some are made of plush, luxurious minky fabric or silk for a cosy sleeping experience. 

B. Fillers 

People are often torn apart by the decision of choosing either glass or plastic beads. We will always suggest glass as it’s more sustainable and long-lasting. But when used properly, plastic pellets can work well, but they are often heaving owing to the larger size of individual pellets. 

Weighted blankets with micro glass beads are thinner and more breathable, but they tend to be costlier than those with plastic fillers. To get an affordable weighted blanket that’s thin and airy, you may even opt for products with a polyester filling. 

Another option that exists is hand woven or knitted blankets. The weight comes from using heavy yet breathable fabrics instead of uncomfortable fillers. These are also relatively easier to care for and can be regularly machine washed. 

C. Cover And Ties 

Most weighted blanket brands recommend the use of a cover to prolong its lifespan. A cover keeps it away from everyday dirt, pet hair, water, spills, or anything else that might ruin the fabric or harm the pellets. 

Even though a cover may not be included with a blanket, it should still have enough ties and loops. These will help you attach a cover to the blanket to keep it from getting too much movement, which can cause the beads to get displaced. 

D. Size 

To get the best results from a weighted blanket, you should stick to individual sizes. The blanket should be able to cover your body neck down to the feet so that the pressure is evenly distributed. 

Just make sure that the blanket isn’t hanging out of the bed, which may lead to sagging or stretching. It even increases the tendency for the blanket to end up on the floor by sliding off your body. The thumb rule is to choose a twin-size blanket for a queen-size bed and a queen-size blanket for a king-size bed. 

When you choose a weighted blanket according to your body weight, it’s absolutely safe to use it every night. This is true for anyone who doesn’t suffer from issues like claustrophobia, respiratory problems, or any chronic ailments. In such cases, you should always consult a doctor before starting to use the weighted blanket. 

Even though it’s okay to use the blanket occasionally, you’ll be able to get most of the sleep-enhancing benefits by using it regularly. Besides, sleeping with a weighted blanket has been especially useful for those with sleep-related troubles or insomnia. 

Using the blanket every night lets you have the benefit of deep pressure stimulation, which can relieve excess stress and feelings of anxiety. Some define the stillness or state of restrictive motion to be like meditation as it sets the mind free and brings down the overactivity of your nervous system. 

Besides, sleeping regularly with a weighted blanket is said to benefit those who have arthritis. The blanket limits the movement of your body, so there’s less tossing and turning, which may reduce discomfort. Similarly, the deep pressure exerted by the blanket on your aching joints or muscles may provide relief from the pain. 

We would like you to note that the initial few days of using a weighted blanket may be a bit uncomfortable. But, you should get used to it within a week. If not, try out other weighted blankets or seek different methods of dealing with your anxiety and stress-related issues. In events when you feel suffocated or have breathing troubles, immediately stop using the blanket.