Please Read this Before You Buy a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets have extra weight on them compared to regular sheets. The materials used vary from one manufacturer to another. Weighted blankets have become accessible to people who have health problems that include trouble sleeping and anxiety attacks.

Whatever your reason is towards buying a weighted blanket, here are a few things you need to know before you purchase one:

Are Weighted Blankets Hot? 

In general, weighted blankets are likely to feel warmer than a normal blanket, simply because of the amount of material that goes into making them. But the amount of heat that a one generates on your body will likely depend on the materials from which it is made.

Are Weighted Blankets Noisy?

Although most manufacturers seek to add batting or padding to weighted blankets, they may make some noise when the beads shift as you move about under your blanket. This would depend on the type of filling used to make the blanket, as well as the way the blanket is made. Blankets made with glass beads(such as:YnM Weighted Blanket) are likely to be less noisy, and the padding used will also help to muffle any sound made by the weights.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe?

While weighted blankets are safe for most of the general population, there are some people who should not use a weighted blanket because of the certain risks. First, please never use a weighted blanket to the infants under 2 years old. Also people who should check with their doctor before using a weighted blanket include those with:

• Chronic health conditions
• Circulatory issues
• Breathing or respiration problems
• Issues with temperature regulation
• Menopausal symptoms

Are Weighted Blankets Safe for Toddlers?

Toddlers over the age of two may benefit from the use of a weighted blanket, assuming that it is carefully chosen to have the right amount of weight distribution. A blanket that is too heavy could be detrimental or even dangerous for a small child if they find themselves trapped and unable to move or breathe.

Some people want to use weighted blankets for babies, but this is a very risky endeavor. As babies are still developing their ability to move and breathe properly, a weighted blanket could cause a baby to get trapped underneath and be unable to breathe. For safety purposes any child under the age of two years old should not be exposed to the use of one.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women who are otherwise healthy may find the use of a weighted blanket to be soothing and comfortable, battling against pregnancy woes. Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, pregnancy anxiety and other issues can keep moms-to-be from getting the quality of sleep that they need. It is wise to ask a doctor or midwife in case there are complications to your pregnancy, but for the most part a weighted blanket should be safe and effective for use during pregnancy.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe for Pets?

Pets that experience anxiety may benefit from the use of a weighted blanket in the same way that humans do. Cats who pace in the middle of the night or dogs who whimper during thunderstorms can be particularly upsetting and stressful. Some dogs and cats who appreciate the benefits of the weight may use a small weighted blanket, appropriate for their size.

Are Weighted Blankets Covered By Insurance?

Some insurance companies are beginning to cover the cost of weighted blankets if they are prescribed by a doctor and related to a diagnosed health issue. The same applies to gravity blankets covered by FSA. Of course, all of this depends on each policy and should be researched prior to purchase. The same answer is given when people ask: are weighted blankets are covered by Medicaid? Check with your doctor and insurance provide for more information.

How Are Weighted Blankets Made?

Weighted blankets are more than just that pile of heavy quilts that you used to lie under at your grandma’s house. Weighted blankets are made so that their inner lining is filled with weighted material that is evenly distributed throughout the blanket.

Typically made from a lightweight cotton material on the outside, weighted blankets are filled with some sort of bead or sand, possibly made of plastic, glass beads. The outer shell of fabric should be sewn into smaller ‘pockets’ that each contain some filling. They may also have some sort of batting or padding that is usually made from cotton or polyester. This batting helps to pad the weight and keeps the blanket feeling soft and comfortable so that the pressure is gentle.

Final Thoughts:

Weighted blankets are worth the investment because of the therapeutic benefits, peace of mind, and increased health that they offer. Some people say that their gravity blanket has actually changed their life and they would never try sleeping without one again!