How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be? A Calculator, Chart, and Guide
One of the most common questions we are asked is “How heavy should a weighted blanket be?” The answer, of course, is different from person to person. Your size and preferences matter, and so does whether or not you’re sharing your weighted blanket with a partner.
In this article, we’ll help you quickly find the ideal blanket size for you using our handy calculator and a weighted blanket weight chart.
We’ll also talk about what professionals recommend, the weight limits you should keep in mind, and a few other aspects of weighted blankets to take into consideration while you’re shopping.
By the way, if you’re just here for the calculator or the chart, check out the best weighted blankets out there, in our totally unbiased opinion, after you’re done finding your size!
At a glance:
Weighted Blanket Weight Calculator
This isn’t high school algebra: there’s no shame in using a calculator to make sure you’re getting the right weighted blanket for you.
We’ve done the hard work for you and built this calculator according to the best practices for choosing the ideal weight for a weighted blanket.
Weighted Blanket Calculator |
|
How To Use This Calculator
Simply choose pounds or kilograms, whether or not you’re sharing the weighted blanket with someone, enter each person's body weight, and voilà: the calculator will give you the ideal blanket weight for you!
Keep in mind: this calculator follows the general rule that a weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight. Depending on the recommended blanket weight, you may have to round down or up to match the selection of weighted blankets on the market.
You might notice that the recommendation tops out at 35 lbs or 15.88 kg: this is because that’s pretty much the most that weighted blankets weigh. A heavier blanket likely won't help you get a good night's sleep.
Weighted Blanket Weight Chart
Of course, if you’re really in a hurry, nothing beats a chart in terms of speed! Take a quick glance at this chart, find your body weight range, match it to the weighted blanket sizes on the left side, and you’re all set!
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be: Professional Recommendations
First things first: If you’re purchasing a weighted blanket upon the advice of a doctor, occupational therapist, or other medical professional as part of your therapy for insomnia, sleep apnea, or another issue, make sure you ask them what an appropriate weight is for you.
Better yet, ask if your doctor or occupational therapist has an adult weighted blanket you can try. Many therapists keep a set of these weighted blankets on hand to give deep touch pressure for their clients.
Doing a “test drive” with a weighted blanket can help you get a feel for it and decide what weight will suit you best. You’ll also be able to consider:
- What type of removable cover you prefer
- What style gives you the best rest
- Which combination has the biggest calming effect
What if you’re simply buying a weighted blanket on your own accord? How do you figure out how heavy a weighted blanket should be?
As we mentioned previously, the ideal weighted blanket weight is roughly 10% of your body weight. Most weighted blankets come in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate a range of body weights.
If you’re not sure what works best for you, we recommend rounding down and opting for the lighter weighted blanket.
Note: Check out our articles on the best cooling and standard weighted blankets for more info.
Blanket Weight: Is There a Maximum Limit?
Weighted blankets work by providing deep pressure therapy. The moderate weight, like a soft, relaxing hug, helps you fall asleep. The average adult can lie under most weighted blankets without having their blood circulation, heart rate, or pulse rate affected.
A soft weighted blanket will do more than help you fall asleep and banish insomnia. It can help with restless leg syndrome, pain disorders, and ADHD. It can also reduce cortisol levels to ease stress and reduce tension.
Thirty-five pounds is the heaviest weighted blanket that will still provide the benefits of deep pressure stimulation. A heavier blanket than that may not be safe to use, especially if you have underlying medical conditions like lung disorders, mobility issues, or claustrophobia.
Why You Should Stay Under 35 Pounds
While it’s important to find the perfect weighted blanket weight for you no matter your size, 35 pounds is the maximum your weighted blanket should weigh.
There are a few reasons to make sure your weighted blanket doesn’t exceed the recommended weight, including comfort and safety concerns.
1. It Can Be Uncomfortable
There is no getting around this. A blanket heavier than 35 pounds is more likely to cause discomfort because:
- It will place too much pressure on your joints throughout the night
- It will make you feel restricted
- The blanket begins to cause your body temperature to rise
Sleep.org recommends staying cool during sleep. The temperature for optimal sleep should be between 60 to 67 degrees. When you introduce a heavy weighted blanket that makes your body temperature rise, you can disrupt your sleep cycle.
2. It's Unnecessary
The various benefits of weighted blankets typically peak when blankets reach 10% of your body weight. There’s no added benefit to forcing yourself to endure an entire night of sleep under a weighted blanket that’s too heavy.
3. It Can Be Dangerous
When you sleep under a weighted blanket that’s much too heavy, you begin to restrict your body's blood circulation and movement throughout the night.
How To Choose the Best Weighted Blankets for Adults
Beyond just weight, if you’re ready to shop for a weighted blanket to help you relieve stress, anxiety, and better sleep, you should also consider filling and cover material.
Single People
Twin-sized Hush Blankets measure a standard 60 x 80 inches and generally cover a single user perfectly. If you have a full-size mattress, take a look above to see whether a twin or queen is the right size for you.
For two people, you could even order two twin-sized blankets so no one fights over the covers. At the end of the day, the goal is to distribute the weight evenly between you and your partner so you can enjoy calming, relaxing sleep.
Couples
If you decide to share, get a weight that works for everyone. Queen and king-size blankets from Hush drape over the sides of the bed, so the weight is spread over a larger surface area and over both sleepers.
Purchase a queen size (80x87) or king size (90x90) depending on your combined bodyweight and mattress size. If you are both around 150 pounds, the 30-pound blankets will be perfect for you both to share.
Note: You can also go with a weighted throw blanket. These provide both comfort and accessibility outside the bedroom. Plus, they go with most home decor.
Weighted Fill
Consider the fill you are using. Many weighted blankets use glass beads which have greater breathability and more even weight distribution than polyfill, plastic pellets or microbeads.
Weighted blankets with glass sand filling, on the other hand, go even further than glass beads in making sure weight is evenly distributed, for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Cover Material
There are many different kinds of covers for weighted blankets, including:
- Minky
- Microfiber
- Quilted cotton
Others prefer bamboo or soft cotton for an organic cooling cover.
Many weighted blankets and blanket covers are machine washable, and you can even find hypoallergenic removable duvet covers.
We offer a 2-in-1 blanket bundle that gives you the option of changing the outer blanket from classic to cooling while using the same inner weight. This helps you transition from season to season with the same blanket.
Get the Sleep You Need With Hush Blankets
The question, “How heavy should a weighted blanket be to get restful sleep?” is best answered with both medical advice and personal preference. But keep in mind that your blanket should be around 10% of your body weight and no more than 35 pounds.
A weighted blanket can help with sleep disorders, a restless nervous system, young children or adults on the autism spectrum, and anyone who just wants more (and better) shut-eye.
What are you waiting for? Purchase your high quality Hush Blanket now, and let the comfort and relaxation of your weighted blanket whisk you off to easy sleep.