How Much Should A Weighted Blanket Weigh?
Weighted blankets have become more popular as an aid to ease insomnia and anxiety.
They work by exerting pressure on the user, not so much to be uncomfortable, but enough to have a soothing effect.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a weighted blanket, it’s important to make sure that it’s not too heavy, as this may have the opposite effect.
By the same token, using one that’s too light won’t deliver the calming effects that you want.
In this post we’ll cover how heavy weighted blankets should be, including how heavy a child’s weighted blanket should be, as well as if there is a maximum limit to these blankets.
What Do Weighted Blankets Do?
Weighted blankets generally contain glass microbeads or plastic pellets that exert pressure on the body.
These pellets are used alongside a kind of padding, which reduces the noise and the feel of the beads moving within the blanket.
Weighted blankets can weigh anywhere from five to 30 pounds, which is a lot heavier compared to typical duvets and comforters.
Some of these blankets have a removable cover for easy cleaning.
Weighted blankets are thought to lower cortisol levels, known as the stress hormone, and increase the production of ‘happy’ hormones, like serotonin and dopamine.
This leads to the user feeling more relaxed, which helps induce sleep.
Bear in mind that these health claims are early in their development and are still being looked into studied further.
How Much Should A Weighted Blanket Weigh?
Generally speaking, a weighted blanket should weigh around ten percent of your body weight, though your ideal weight may differ depending on your preferences.
Favored weights can differ between 5% and 12% of the user’s weight. Try to find a blanket that makes you feel comfortable, but remains safe when you are under it.
You may need to try several weights before finding one that you like.
Remember that weighted blankets may not be advised for anyone with claustrophobia.
Here are some recommended blanket weights for different body weight ranges.
| Body Weight | Weight of Weighted Blanket |
| 50 – 120 pounds | 5 – 12 pounds |
| 60 – 144 pounds | 6 – 14 pounds |
| 75 – 180 pounds | 7 – 18 pounds |
| 85 – 194 pounds | 8 – 19 pounds |
| 100 – 240 pounds | 10 – 24 pounds |
The table above is merely a guideline. Your ideal weighted blanket weight may differ from another person’s.
The fill and material of your blanket can also affect how comfortable it is.
How Much Should A Children’s Weighted Blanket Be?
In most cases, weighted blankets are thought to be safe for children aged above three that weigh a minimum of 50 pounds.
Several bedding manufacturers have begun to make weighted blankets made for children. These tend to weigh 3 – 12 pounds.
Parents should use caution when selecting a weighted children’s blanket. The 10% rule above is best for adults, but this may be too heavy for a young child.
It’s a good idea to ask your family medical provider about what the right weight for your child is.
Once you get this range, it’s best to remain on the lower end of the range for safety.
Is There A Maximum Blanket Weight Limit?
The heaviest weighted blanket you can use, while still using its pressure stimulation benefits, is 35 pounds.
A study found that weighted blankets up to 35 pounds can help induce high-quality sleep.
The average adult can lay beneath blankets of this weight without the pressure affecting heart rate, pulse rate, or blood circulation.
Any blankets that weigh more than this won’t be safe to use, particularly if the user lives with any medical issues, like claustrophobia, mobility problems, or lung conditions.
Why Weighted Blankets Need To Be Under 35 Pounds
It doesn’t matter how much you weigh, or how many people are using the blanket, weighted blankets should not weigh more than 35 pounds.
Here are the reasons why you shouldn’t use weighted blankets that weigh more than this recommended amount.
Rest assured that you’ll still receive the benefits when you opt for a lighter weight.
Discomfort
You won’t be able to avoid this issue. Blankets that weigh more than 35 pounds are likely to be uncomfortable for the following reasons:
- It will increase your body temperature
- It will feel too heavy on top of you, restricting your movement
- It will exert too much force on joints and muscles during the night
It’s important to avoid becoming too hot while you sleep. The optimal temperature for good sleep ranges from 60 to 67°F.
Wearing a heavy blanket which increases your body temperature will interfere with your sleep cycle, which can lead to health issues later on.
It’s Needless
Weighted blanket benefits usually reach their pinnacle when they are ten percent of your body weight.
There’s no point spending more money on blankets that weigh more, or making yourself endure an uncomfortable night’s sleep under a heavy blanket.
Can Be Dangerous
After a certain weight, the heavy blanket may start to affect your blood circulation. It may also prevent you from moving naturally during sleep, which presents a safety hazard.
Safety Precautions
Weighted blankets may be soothing for some, but they can present a safety and health risk to other sleepers.
This is more likely in people that have breathing conditions, as heavy blankets can affect airflow, disturbing breathing as a result.
If you’re thinking about using a weighted blanket, always consult your doctor if you live with any of these conditions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypotension (Low blood pressure)
- Respiratory conditions
Even if you don’t have any serious medical conditions, weighted blankets may feel too restricting and could lead to claustrophobia.
If you’re concerned about these health risks, talk to your physician before deciding to buy one and opt for a lower weight range.
Final Thoughts
Weighted blankets may help soothe anxiety and relieve insomnia, but it’s important to make sure that yours doesn’t weigh too much.
Adults should opt for blankets that are around 10% of their body weight.
Children over three years and fifty pounds may use weighted blankets, but don’t use the 10% rule for them. Ask your family doctor about the best weight for your child and stick to a lower weight range.
Remember that no matter how much you weigh, do not go for blankets that weigh more than 35 pounds, as these come with health and safety risks.
