How to Choose a Weighted Blanket

The weighted blanket is considered a therapeutic tool that provides many benefits regarding overall health, alleviating the symptoms of some physical and mental conditions, providing comfort and sound sleep. Amongst the myriad of advantages, not any side-effects or disadvantages are reported from the use of a weighted blanket. However, there are some cases of users reporting discomfort and negative experience after trying to sleep with a weighted blanket. 

It is scientifically proven that additional weight, when placed onto the body, has very beneficial effects on humans as well as animals.

In order to choose the right weighted blanket for your specific needs and preferences, there are several factors to consider. 

Choosing the Right Weight

When purchasing a blanket, one must take into consideration that it is intended for personal use only. With this in mind, the choice starts by selecting the right weight according to one’s specific bodyweight. 

The general recommendation is to choose a blanket that weighs 8 to 12 percent of your body weight. If you fall between 15 lbs and 20 lbs, we would recommend starting with the lighter Baloo blanket. However, there are several other factors that may affect your decision. 

Your Sleeping Position Also Helps You Decide

Some people are side-sleepers, and some sleep on their back or stomach. Depending on your common sleeping position, you can choose between the lighter or heavier version of the weighted blanket.

Side sleepers should go for a lighter 15lb weighted blanket, as it lands on the hips, joints, shoulders and might cause soreness in these particular body parts. 

Back or stomach sleepers can take the most of the benefits of the heavier 20lb weighted blanket.

Choose the Right Fabric for Your Weighted Blanket

Another thing that your weighted blanket must provide is maximum comfort. As regular blankets, weighted blankets can be manufactured with different fabrics. We recommend a 100% cotton-made blanket.

First of all, cotton is a completely safe material that is important for one’s health. Even more importantly, the fabric offers gentle skin touch and immense comfort. Baloo cotton blankets should be chosen by people with PTSD, as well as sensory or physical sensitivity. In fact, every person that seeks a soothing comforter will benefit from the cotton-made blanket. No other material will provide the maximum benefit a weighted blanket offers. 

Choose a Cotton Weighted Blanket to Control the Body Temperature

In some cases, the weighted blanket will affect the body’s heat during sleep. Moreover, the additional weight might bring additional heat when the body is wrapped with a weighted blanket. Hot sleepers that wouldn’t like the heat of the blanket should choose a cool blanket. 

Weighted blankets that are made from cotton are usually cool blankets. Moreover, cotton is a breathable material that allows for constant airflow and results in constant body temperature. The ability to not increase the body heath makes the Baloo cotton blanket feel cool and comfortable. Even though it is highly recommended for hot sleepers, it is also preferred as a blanket for anxiety and for any other type of sleeper. 

 

Choose a Durable and Easy-to-Maintain Weighted Blanket

With the additional weight come additional difficulties when it comes to washing and storing a weighted blanket. You should always choose a quality manufactured weighted blanket and natural materials. Our Baloo Living weighted blankets are easy to maintain, as they can be washed in a washing machine and dried in a dryer. The quality materials make them usable years-round without losing their shape and utility.

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