Weighted blankets have been in use for quite some time, but recently they have become very popular because they seem to be extremely helpful to people with anxiety disorders and those experiencing high levels of anxiety on a daily basis.
In the past, these blankets were frequently used to help people with special needs. For example people with sensory processing disorders, ADHD and autism have gained a great deal of relief from the use of weighted blankets. Additionally, war veterans and others experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by traumatic events have found relief through the use of weighted blankets. Today, we know that people with sleeping problems and everyday, garden-variety levels of anxiety can also benefit greatly from their use.
What is a Weighted Blanket?
These blankets are specially designed to be heavier than standard blankets. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and weights to be used by people of all ages and sizes. Many different companies offer these blankets in many different materials and with a good number of features. For this reason, no matter what your needs you can surely find a weighted blanket that is just right for you.
Anxiety Blanket Reviews
1. Platinum Health Premium Weighted Blanket
Platinum Health has been on the forefront manufacturing premium weighted blankets for adults and kids. And even though they only manufacture one size, one weight only- they do it really well.
They claim that their weighted blankets are the best in the market, and there’s no denying it. In fact, they are so popular on the web as well as on Amazon. They boast a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars after over 700 reviews which is really impressive.
Platinum Health weighted blankets look really nice; they are not like regular therapeutic products. Their designs are not only trendy but also colorful. They come in seven different colors including blue, green, purple, pink, mint, cream and coffee.
The outer cover is silky smooth on one side while the other side has unique SensaCool dot system that helps increase sensitivity. Unlike other weighted blankets that look noticeably lumpy on the inside, Platinum Health has a completely uniform look because the entire weighting system is perfectly hidden inside the covers.
Aside from that, it has a 2-part construction for easy washing with the outer cover easily zipping apart so you can remove the weights and wash the outer part alone. This means there’s no need for you to wait forever for the blanket to dry. It won’t also deteriorate quickly due to repeated washing.
Bottom line- it’s minimalist in style, but extra comforting and durable. If you have anxiety, insomnia or sleep apnea, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a budget-friendly solution for you thanks to Platinum Health weighted blanket.
2. Hypnoser Weighted Blanket
Hypnoser is yet another low-budget 100% breathable cotton weighted blanket that is perfectly engineered to relax your nerves and relieve stress by stimulating a feeling of being held or hugged.
The inner filling is made of hypo-allergenic, non-toxic glass beads which are sewn to a medium size and evenly distributed inside the blanket. The glass beads don’t move around ensuring your enjoy smooth uninterrupted sleep.
Unlike regular blankets which might overheat, the Hypnoser is made of breathable cotton which ensures proper air circulation especially during summer when the temperatures are high. It also comes with a removable cover for easy machine washing on low gentle setting.
Other than that, it has a beautiful dark grey color and weighs 4 lbs. The cost is also affordable and there is a 30 days trial period on every purchase. If you’re thinking of buying a weighted blanket to help you with stress, anxiety, PTSD or insomnia, you won’t go wrong with Hypnoser.
3. Sonno Zona Weighted Blanket
The Sonno Zona is undoubtedly one of the best hypoallergenic weighted blankets for kids and adults alike. It is extra-comforting and therapeutic and is perfect for those struggling with sleep issues.
This blanket comes with a 60 by 80 size dimension and is made of 100% breathable cotton. One side of the cover is made of tiny textured dots for sensitivity while the other side has a silky smooth Cashmere-like texture.
Its even stitching is made to prevent the weighted blanket from looking lumpy and uneven under the covers. Though the inner side contains sand-like beads, they are sewn securely in quilted design making the blanket extremely breathable.
You’ll be thrilled to know that it comes with both cover and blanket. The cover is duvet style with a flexible zip close and security ties inside. The good thing is that it is machine washable ensuring easy hygiene and longevity of the blanket.
The Sonno Zona is a tried-and-tested weight compression solution for improved sleep as it offers a drug-free therapy for putting an end to any sleep related issues. It is ideal for people with autism, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, restless leg syndrome and even those recovering from traumatic events.
4. Amy Garden Heavy Blanket
For those people who experience severe discomfort at night, restless leg syndrome or struggle with anxiety and insomnia, the Amy Garden weighted blanket might just be all that you need to finally enjoy a good night’s rest.
The Amy Garden heavy blanket comes with 100% premium cotton and its compartments are filled with non-toxic hypoallergenic odourless glass pellets which are evenly distributed in each of its 7 layers.
There are 3 layers on each side around the glass pellets, 2 layers are thick while 1 layer is made of breathable fabric. The thick layer means that glass beads won’t penetrate and the blanket won’t look uneven.
This model measures 48 by 72 inches and comes in three beautiful colors- navy, grey and light grey to complement all home decors. It weighs around 15 lbs, and is perfect for people weighing 140 to 150 lbs. Aside from that, it has a great machine washable outer cover which makes it a breeze to clean.
This blanket is ideal for people who get extremely restless at night, talk in their sleep, or have recently been through traumatic events.
5. Kpblis Weighted Blanket
Kpblis weighted blanket was specially made for people struggling with stress, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
It comes in a luxurious fabric and design and has a dimension of 48 by 72 inches. The inner layer is filled with high quality glass pellets sewn in using advanced quilting techniques to prevent quilting cracking and glass pellet leakage.
The Kpblis is well-ventilated, and brings so much comfort to its users. It is ideal for short naps on the couch as well as sleeping comfortably at the end of a tiresome day.
This blanket is actually one of the few weighted models that are scientifically developed to help alleviate sleep problems and promote restful sleep. It is a comforting blanket and can put an end to all sensory sleep disorders, stress, ADHD, autism, and insomnia.
6. Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket
The Quility weighted blanket is specially designed for kids who experience sleep problems. It is made of 100% cotton and comes with a soft duvet cover that is removable and washable.
The Quility is comes filled with non-toxic hypoallergenic glass pellets which are well sewn and evenly distributed inside the blanket. To prevent the glass pellets from leaking, the blanket has an additional two layers of microfiber inside, which are also breathable and help regulate temperatures at night. This feature makes it perfect for when the temperatures are too high such as during summer.
The outer part of the blanket is as smooth as silk on one side, while the other side has textured dots appropriate for people with restless fingers and hands. This means it is ideal for kids who are sensory dependent as well as those who don’t require extra sensory pressure.
It measures 41 by 60 inches and weighs 10 lbs. This weight is known to trigger the release of a relaxation hormone that helps improve your kid’s mood and help them sleep much better at night while combating anxiety, and any other sleep related issues.
7. DensityComfort Premium Adult Weighted Blanket
DensityComfort makes it to our top list of weighted blankets, and for good reason. First off, this blanket comes designed with amazing technology to help improve both your mood and sleep.
Secondly, it is perfect for both adults and kids with autism. It uses deep pressure stimulation to make you feel as though you are being hugged for a deeper sense of calmness and security.
These blankets are made of 100% cotton and its compartments are filled with glass beads for weight, mainly because they are smoother than poly beads. They are also manufactured to be more secure, with 6 loops to hold the inner weight in place when placed into any duvet cover of the same size.
Unlike other brands which have fewer loops and let the blanket slide inconveniently inside the covers, DensityComfort is held securely in place making it look evenly smooth and comfortable.
It has a size dimension of 48 by 72 inches or 60 by 80 inches. There are also smaller sizes for kids -36 by 48 inch blankets (for kids weighing 5lbs.) and 41 by 60 inch blankets (for kids weighing 10 lbs.)
DensityComfort is perfect for those suffering from anxiety, ADHD spectrum disorder, restless leg syndrome, stress, autism, sleep apnea, insomnia and even war veterans who are struggling to cope with the traumatic events they encountered.
8. Cuddlebug Weighted Blanket for Adults and Kids
If you find it hard falling asleep every night, tossing and turning in bed, or dealing with stress, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, or PTSD, then you may want to give Cuddlebug weighted blanket a try.
This 100% premium cotton blanket with non-toxic glass beads which are evenly distributed inside, allows the extra weight of the blanket to calm your nerves thus helping you sleep faster, and even improves the quality of your sleep while helping you cope with autism, sensory disorders and stress.
It is odorless, hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Two people can comfortably share this blanket and it is also perfect for any season. During summer, the breathable cotton layers provide air circulation and during winter they wrap you in warmth.
Ideal for most, this 15lbs. 48 by 72 inches blanket is perfect for both kids and adults as far as 6 feet 6 inches tall. It however, does not come with its duvet cover, but rest assured that it is machine washable on low setting and therefore cleaning it isn’t much of a task.
9. Weighted Idea Weighted Blanket for Kids
If you think your kid needs a weighted blanket, this is just the cheapest most effective blanket you need to purchase. It is made of 100% cotton and comes with a soft outer cover that can be removed and washed. This feature makes it ideal for summer seasons.
The inside cover is filled with non-toxic, hypoallergenic glass pellets that are well sewn into the blanket.
The weight of this blanket naturally relaxes your nerves and relives stress by stimulating a feeling of being hugged. This improves your kid’s mood and helps them sleep faster and better.
Besides helping improve sleep, it is also recommended for kids struggling with anxiety and those recovering from traumatic events.
Why Do Weighted Blankets Work to Calm Anxiety?
The science behind the efficacy of weighted blankets is called Deep Touch Pressure (DTP). This is consistent, gentle pressure applied to the whole body.
There are a number of ways to accomplish DTP. These include:
Anything that provides firm, secure pressure can be used. DTP is the concept utilized by Temple Grandin, a woman who resolved her own autism by recognizing the calming influence of a cattle chute on calves brought in from the prairie for veterinary attention. As a young, autistic girl, she designed her own version of this mechanism as a way of calming her own anxiety, and it worked! She was able to get her symptoms under control and go on to college and a successful career.
DTP Increases Serotonin Levels And Promotes Calm
Seratonin is a neurotransmitter/hormone produced in the mid-brain. It works in concert with other hormones in the body to regulate heart rate and blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Increased serotonin calms your mind and body and improves your mood.
Increased levels of serotonin also promote satisfying sleep because serotonin and melatonin (which regulates the body's sleep/wake signals) work together. Higher levels of serotonin lead to more melatonin activity.
DTP Decreases Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. When you are under stress or experiencing high levels of anxiety, more cortisol is produced. Excessive levels of cortisol lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and a wide variety of other stress-related conditions. Using a weighted blanket decreases cortisol production and promotes better sleep, improved mood and an overall increase in well-being.
Use of a Weighted Blanket Calms the Central Nervous System (CNS)
One DTP study conducted on people who have anxiety related to dental procedures found that use of a weighted blanket reduces CNS activity. Specifically, it has positive effects on the vagus nerve which plays a part in regulating blood pressure and heart rate.
These findings were borne out by another study which determined that about a third of the study participants using weighted blankets experienced reduced CNS activity. Specifically, blood pressure and heart rate were lowered.
Two-thirds of the study participants said that the use of the weighted blanket helped them feel less anxious. There was some overlap between these two groups. Overall, nearly 80% of the study participants said that they liked using the weighted blanket as a way of relieving symptoms of anxiety.
Sleep Better With a Weighted Blanket
Naturally, anxious people tend not to sleep well. Anxiety can cause rapid breathing, tachycardia, racing thoughts, night sweats and more uncomfortable and distressing symptoms. The DTP effect of a weighted blanket provides a sense of safety and security. It helps reduce physical movement and allows the person to sink into a more comfortable, deep sleep.
This effect is constant, across the board. No matter what the cause of anxiety (e.g. ADHD, PTSD, OCD, autism, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, bipolar disorder, etc.) use of a weighted blanket is a simple, drug free way to encourage satisfying, restorative sleep.
How do you Know Which Weighted Blanket will Work for you?
It's kind of important to choose the right weighted blanket right from the get-go because these blankets do tend to be a bit pricey. The good news is, they also tend to be very well made and should give many years of comfortable use. Here are some questions to consider when shopping for a weighted blanket:
- 1How heavy should it be? Generally speaking, you'll want a blanket that weighs a little over ten percent of your body weight. Divide your total body weight by ten, then add a couple of pounds. That's the weight of blanket you should consider. So, if you weigh 100 pounds, your blanket should weigh 12 or 13 pounds.
- 2What size blanket is right for a child? Blankets come in all sizes and weights. For example, if you want to buy a blanket for a child who weighs 60 pounds, you should look for a blanket that weighs 6-8 pounds.
- 3What kind of filling is best? There are a number of choices in fillings for weighted blankets. If you want a natural, organic material, you may want a blanket filled with barley, rice or some other natural material. If you have food allergies, you may want a blanket filled with a synthetic material, such as glass beads and cotton combined.
- 4How is the filling distributed? This is an important question. A good weighted blanket has the filling evenly distributed in small individual compartments so that the whole blanket weighs the same all over. Some types are just divided in half or quarters. This arrangement causes all the filling to slide around and distribute weight unevenly. This defeats the whole purpose of the blanket.
- 5What's the best style of weighted blanket? This really depends on your circumstances. Some blankets are washable, and some come with a removable cover that can be washed. If you are a continent adult who does not have a dog or cat sleeping with you, you may not need to wash your top cover very often. If the weighted blanket is for a kid or an incontinent adult, a waterproof blanket with a removable, washable cover would be a better choice.
- 6How big should the blanket be? This sort of blanket should be smaller than the rest of your bedding. You don't want it to hang off the sides of your bed. It just needs to cover you. You may want it to measure the same as the surface of your bed. If you share a bed, you may want it to be half the size of the surface of your bed so that it covers you and not your sleeping partner.
Here is a good Gravity Blanket review that provides some smart tips and ideas. Note that when the presenter mentions “pasta”, she doesn’t mean the food! Pasta is the name of her pet dog!