Weighted blankets are proven to be therapeutic whether it be for kids or adults.
There are more to these than what meets the eye. We will explain in this article what weighted blankets for adults do and why you should get one. By the end of this article, you’ll have a shopping guide for those too.
For those of you who are not familiar with weighted blankets at all, here is a short description.
Weighted blankets look just like regular blankets, except that they aren’t. They are filled with plastic or glass beads to create pressure and touch simulation on the user’s body.
Best Weighted Blankets for Adults – Updated reviews in 2018
We are about to share a list of weighted blankets that have worked fantastically for adults. You will get to weigh the pros and cons of each product. More importantly, you will know what to expect from a high-quality weighted blanket for teens/adults.
Blanket 1. Calmforter Premium Weighted Blanket
The Calmforter premium is an XL weighted blanket and weights 12lbs.
It looks really appealing and luxurious. The fabric comes in four color choices and feels smooth.
The blanket wears dotted texture pattern on one side of the cover for the user to grab it in the case of fidgeting. The cover comes off which means washing it is less of a hassle.
The XL blanket has a 62″ x 80″ dimension. We would recommend it for adults since it is a full sized blanket.
Its Evenflow technology makes sure that pressure is evenly distributed around the blanket.
If you are an adult with a body structure on the smaller side, you can adjust the dimensions by folding the blanket. That way, you are able to use only portions of the blanket.
The only cons will be the blanket not being portable enough for travels. We would recommend you get it because it is supposed to feel like a cozy full body hug!
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Blanket 2. YnM Weighted Blankets For Adults
YnM weighted blankets can be a delightful addition to your bedtime atmosphere. What sets these blankets apart from its competitors is its sand pellet filling. Plastic or glass pellets are fine but some may still want to avoid feeling the solid form of the pellets. The sand pellets give these blankets more delicacy and flexibility.
The inner cotton layer combined with the sand pellets and soft microfiber filling make the blanket as squishy as one can hope for.
These blankets come in many sizes and weight variants. Just go to their website and pick the most suitable one. There are separately sold duvet covers available. Along with the cover, the inner weighted layer is washable and dryable as well.
The only downside to this amazing blanket is that it can get a bit too warm at times due to its sand pellet filling. Use air conditioning or take off the cover to adjust the temperature.
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Blanket 3. SensaCalm Therapeutic Adult Weighted Blanket
SensaCalm therapeutic weighted blankets have won the hearts of many users. The brand is renowned throughout the market for its incredibly effective products.
It follows the minimum weight guideline so that you can add to the default weight if you like. These blankets come in a range of weight variants depending on the user’s weight – from 12 lb blankets for 90 lb users to 18 lb blankets for 150 lb users.
Let’s quickly go over the features of this model. The blanket’s 100% cotton fabric accommodates poly pellets and Hypoallergenic fiberfill. It feels endearingly soft and the stitching looks solid. The 38” x 72” seems just right for the average adult.
The weight is evenly distributed across the blanket for maintaining consistency of the deep pressure. Four color and texture variants are available for this blanket. The cover is adaptable to washing and drying.
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Blanket 4. Large Weighted Blanket By Sensory Goods
The Sensory Goods anxiety blanket line looks minimalistic with its fleece and flannel fabric. You won’t be able to separate it from regular blankets by just looking at it. The blanket earns a point for its discrete appearance.
It has a wide variety of weight and sizes are available. The 9 lb to 19 lb variants of this blanket is most suitable for adults. Sensory Goods has used glass beads in this one to weigh it down.
However, the Sensory Good weighted blankets do not give off the deluxe vibe, unlike the models previously discussed. Though the fabric feels soft, the blanket overall does not feel fluffy enough. The blanket applies pressure evenly across the whole surface area and fulfills its therapeutic purpose well.
But if you would rather prefer a weighted blanket that you can practically cuddle with, we suggest you let this one go.
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Blanket 5. Creature Commforts TM Weighted Sensory Blanket
The Creature Commforts weighted blankets come in a washable polyester duvet. The ultra-plush minky fabric of the cover makes the blanket feel pleasant to touch and to drape around. The top side of the cover has a nice bumpy texture for sensory input. The most intriguing feature of this blanket is its organic filling.
These blankets are filled with fine millet grains which provide comfortable sensory stimulation and flexibility. The millets are sewn into 5”x5” pockets for even distribution. The blanket does not get hot even after using for long periods of time due to its breathable materials.
The Creature Comforts weighted blanket has a better value for money, compared to the other options discussed in this article.
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Blanket 6. Premium Weighted Blanket By InYard
The premium weighted blanket by InYard has a clean cut comfortable look about it. The fabric used on the front is fleece and on the back is flannel.
It’s cover made of cotton and flannel for superior sensory input. It is hand washable.
There are two variants available for adults – 41” x 61” (10 lbs) and 41” x 72” (15 lbs).
Hypoallergenic plastic poly pellets are sewn into 6’ x 6’ pockets. This premium blanket also comes at a very reasonable price.
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Blanket 7. Full Bed Weighted Blanket By Lifetime Sensory Solutions
Lifetime Sensory Solutions has made a weighted blanket sized for double beds but with different weights. It means that even if you want a lighter blanket, the size does not get proportionally smaller.
You still get to have a full sized blanket to share with a partner or to enjoy solely across your whole bed. This is a rare feature among weighted blankets. The convenience is noteworthy.
These come in five weight variants ranging from 10 lb to 30 lb.
The cotton fabric and breathable sateen cover allows it to be used in both hot and cold days.
Poly pellets are sewn into pockets and spread evenly across the blanket.
The only con would be that the blanket is to be machine washed and dried. It can be a hassle for some.
Yet the blanket feels of premium quality and comfort. It is worth the few extra bucks and we would definitely recommend you get it.
Shop now at Amazon.comWhy should you get a Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets gently apply pressure on our body. This pressure causes our brains to release several neurotransmitters and hormones.
Is that a good thing?
Definitely! You will be surprised to find out in how many ways a weighted blanket can improve our lives.
In this segment, we will explore the effects of these on our minds and bodies.
# Insomnia:
The deep pressure touch stimulation provided by weighted blankets produces Serotonin – which naturally converts to Melatonin. Melatonin regulates sleep and establishes control over wake cycles. If you’re an adult who is not getting enough sleep, a weighted blanket is the non-drug way to go. Lack of sleep can cause frequent irritability and tiredness. It becomes hard to stay task-oriented throughout the day. The use of these blankets has helped hundreds of chronic Insomniacs to have better rest and productivity.
# ADHD:
ADHD is widely associated with low Serotonin in the body. Since weighted blankets boost Serotonin levels, they can be used to treat ADHD. The pressure we receive from underneath a weighted blanket stabilizes our nervous system and provides a sense of calm. Studies show that it improves our ability to concentrate. People with ADHD, who use weighted blankets, have been known to have a better hold on their attention while performing tasks.
# Anxiety:
An increase of Serotonin in the body is known to be reversely proportional to anxiety. An increase in the Serotonin levels in the brain will result in reduced anxiety. Weighted blankets also contribute to reducing Cortisol levels in the body, which is known as ‘the stress hormone’. Bipolar disorder and Obsessive compulsive disorder too can be dialed down a few levels with the use of weighted blankets.
# Autism Spectrum Disorder:
People with various forms of Autism have a slow development of cognitive ability. Using weighted blankets helps lift up their mood, increase appetite and improve memory. Thanks to Serotonin, they also feel calmer throughout the day. Weighted blankets are great tools to ease people with ASD into new atmospheres and activities.
# Fibromyalgia:
By applying pressure on the joints, muscles and ligaments of our body, weighted blankets help relieve chronic pain and joint stiffness – which are some of the main symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
# PTSD:
People tend to fall into this disorder immediately after experiencing a traumatic event. The symptoms include Insomnia, high-stress levels and anxiety. Apart from elevating Serotonin, deep pressure touch stimulation also brings down the level of Cortisol in our brains. Cortisol is known as ‘the stress hormone’. Weighted blankets reduce stress and anxiety, making the daily struggles of a PTSD patient easier.
Weighted blankets can be used for relieving restless leg syndrome and fidgeting. Actually, these blankets have been proven miraculously effective in many different scenarios. From relieving menstruation pain to coping with depression, the context of using a weighted blanket is vast.
There are several more behavioral and sensory processing disorders that can be treated with weighted blanket therapy. Weighted blankets can benefit sufferers of these disorders, adult or child, to take a few steps toward a better state of mind and body.
How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket for Adults?
Getting a weighted blanket is not as simple as shopping for a regular blanket, since they are used for a different purpose.
Yes, the fabric matters but the size and weight are crucial factors while choosing a best weighted blanket for adults. The size is not meant to fit the bedspread. It is meant to cover a single body.
If you get a weighted blanket that is so small that it doesn’t cover your whole body, the effect will be limited, if any at all. If you get an over sized weighted blanket, it will unnecessarily cost more and slide down from the bed from time to time. You cannot get a blanket that’s too heavy on your body. You cannot get a blanket that is too light to have an impact either.
Choosing the right weight and size will depend completely on the user’s weight and body structure. Many therapists recommend a general measurement method – a weight that is 5% to 10% of the user’s weight and an additional pound or two.
Some customization may be required in case of larger and skinnier adults. Best is to consult a physiologist or therapist before buying a weighted blanket for adults. The duration of using should be instructed by a professional too.
Final Words
Even if you do not identify with one of the disorders, you can use and enjoy weighted blankets as well as a mean of comfort.
Remember to consult a professional before ordering one because you want to get the weight right. One caution to abide by every time you use a weighted blanket is to never cover your head with it.
Slide under a weighted blanket, let it wrap you into a snuggly hug as you sleep and enjoy everything it has to offer.
So, Did you find the best anxiety blanket for you? Let me know through comments.
Blog Comments
L.J
November 28, 2017 at 2:30 am
I bought a Sensory Goods blanket, and yes, while not premium feeling in any way, it is great quality and I’m happy with my decision! Sometimes I do wish that it had some polyfill to make it fluffy, but I think that I can just get a pretty fluffy duvet cover or something. Maybe a minky one.
Carlos Moore
December 9, 2017 at 7:23 am
Of course, you can get a fluffy cover for your sensory goods young adult weighted blanket. However, by your comment above I get that you are not very fond of glazing blankets. Hey, why don’t you check out the adult weighted blanket by ynm? This one is pretty fluffy while keeping everything simple.