What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is just a heavier blanket!
While found to be helpful for people with problems such as or autism, many adults, teenagers, and children can benefit from the therapeutic effects of a weighted blanket. Indeed, as the benefits of weighted blankets have become better understood, it is clear that they can be used simply as a way to wind down from day-to-day stress, or to help improve sleep. Others find them helpful to use in the evening, especially when they are feeling anxious. Some people use them during meditation to help with grounding. Others use them in the car to provide a calming influence. A number of people report a decrease in the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Those who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD state that they feel more grounded and focused with the weight on them. Those who are grieving have reported comfort in using a weighted blanket.
Is this for everyone? No – there are some who report no specific effects or benefits from the use of a weighted item. Some find the weight to be oppressive and feel claustrophobic with it on their bodies. In addition, weighted blankets are not intended for young children, and should only be used with children as recommended by an occupational therapist, doctor, or other health care professional. For all, the person using the weighted product needs to be strong enough to remove the item, and those with circulatory and respiratory problems should confirm with their doctor that it is safe to use one. Weighted blankets are never to be used as a restraint.
How heavy should your weighted blanket be?
There are general guidelines around the appropriate amount of weight for a weighted blanket. The general suggestion is that the weighted blanket should be approximately 10% of a person’s body weight. Thus, a 150 lb. person would use a 15 lb. weighted blanket. The problem with this recommendation is that there is not a recommendation regarding the size or dimensions of the blanket. Additionally, the guideline for weighted lap pads is 2-5% of a person’s body weight (again, with no regard to the dimensions of the product).
Typically, a popular size of blanket is similar to the size of a king pillow case (20×30″) and weighs anywhere from 6 to 9 lbs. A similarly popular size is 8″ inches wide and approximately 34″ long. This shape is suited for wrapping around the shoulders or waist. These typically weigh around 3-5 lbs. Both of these styles of weighted items are much heavier per square inch than the typical weighted blanket sold online. However, they produce similar and significant results without the cumbersome size and cost of the larger weighted blankets.
What is in our weighted blankets?
Fabrics used are typically 100% cotton sheeting. Each comes with a removable and washable cover. Unlike many weighted blankets online, we do not use plastic pellets, and prefer a more natural filling (e.g., flax seeds, which provide a smooth feel in addition to providing weight). Other weighted items are made with Sandtasktik (Registered) Sand (nontoxic) or rice if a cooler weighted product is preferred.
How are our blankets made?
Our weighted blankets are sewn by hand, in Canada, and with lots of love!
Feel free to send us an inquiry at [email protected] and we would love to set you up with your own mini weighted blanket!