Selecting an weighted blanket for an individual require that the person consider several different factors related to the blanket. The factor to consider include the size of the blanket, the weight of the blanket, and the type of fill materials that is used within the blanket. Weighted blankets is often used to provide deep pressure stimulation to the body.
If the size of the blanket are incorrect, however, the blanket may not provide the deep pressure stimulation that the individual requires. For instance, many individual purchase weighted blankets according to the size of there bed. The blanket should cover the body of the individual, though, not the entire bed.
How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket
If the blanket that is purchased is too large for the individual, though, it may pull on the body when the blanket is resting on the bed, preventing the blanket from distributing its weight even throughout the body. Consequently, the blanket should be one that fit flush against the body to ensure that the deep pressure stimulation is distributed evenly to each part of the body. In addition to the size of the blanket, the weight of the blanket is another factor that must be considered when selecting a blanket for an individual.
One method for determining the weight that should be used for a weighted blanket is the 10% rule. The 10% rule state that the weight of the blanket should be approximately 10% of the body weight of the individual use the blanket. For instance, an individual that weighs 150 pounds should have a blanket that weighs approximately 15 pound.
The 10% rule is just a starting point, though, and the individual can adjust the weight of the blanket according to the preference of the individual. For instance, individuals that tend to sleep well with alot of heat may prefer blankets that are more lighter in weight than individuals that do not sleep as warmly; similarly, individuals that experience anxiety may prefer blankets that is heavier in weight than individuals that do not have anxiety. The type of fill material that is used within the blanket can also impact the blankets performance and how the blanket feel to the individual using the blanket.
Fill materials that are common for weighted blankets include glass microbeads, plastic pellets, and steel beads. Glass microbeads is common because the beads provide an even distribution of the weight of the blanket and are quiet while the individual is sleeping and moving in their sleep. Plastic pellets are an alternative to glass microbeads and are often less expensive to purchase, but may create a rustling sound within the blanket as the individual move.
Steel beads are another type of material that can be used in blankets and are known to be very dense; this density allow blankets to be thin in weight and cool to the touch while the individual sleeps. A series of stitched pocket that hold the fill material provides the weight of the blanket. The number of pockets into which the fill material is stitched should be high to ensure that the weight of the blanket remain even throughout the sleeping individual.
Finally, other factors to consider when purchasing a weighted blanket include how the blanket should be maintained and used. Blankets should be covered with a duvet cover that match the size of the blanket and has corner ties to ensure that the blanket does not shift during sleep. If laundering the blanket, a front-loading washing machine should be used to prevent damage to the beads that fill the blanket.
You should air-dry the blanket to prevent any potential damage to the blanket or the beads. Finally, safety should always be considered when using weighted blankets. Individuals with limited mobility or breathing issues should consult a doctor prior to using weighted blankets due to the inability of those individuals to move the blanket while asleep.
