by The demand for weighted blankets in fast few years has diminished even though their benefits are still debatable. However, many users still claim that weighted blankets help in reducing anxiety and, sometimes, help relieve insomnia. It all comes down to the material used and which is more breathable.
The older versions had ball bearings, plastic pellets, and other materials that made them heavier. Some new versions use open-knit designs to make them more breathable. The typical weight of a good quality blanket should be between 5-30 lbs or have a total weight of 10% of the person using them.
Let’s find out all you need to know about 50 lb weighted blankets.
Our 2 favorite 50 lb Weighted Blankets
It helps in promoting a relaxed and all-night calm sleep without interruptions.
Designed differently from other weighted blankets, HomeSmart’s 50lbs weighted blanket has a higher thread count of 400TC cotton fabric. In addition, HomeSmart works with dedication to providing one of the best high-quality weighted blankets.
Organic Cotton guarantees the blankets would be free from harmful chemicals and dyes. This prevents putting their customers’ lives in environmental hazards.
Although higher in weight, these blankets have a higher thread count of 400TC. In addition, the blanket ensures that it can closely press the sleepers; they don’t find a more comfortable and softer blanket elsewhere.
HomeSmart prefers Innovation in their products. Therefore, they have combined seven premium layers of materials. This little Innovation helps to distribute the blanket weight evenly by covering every body part of the sleeper and the whole bed as a weighted blanket.
Since the blanket uses Organic Cotton fabric, they feel safer and keep your skin protected without causing any irritations or allergies when worn. Another advantage is they feel more breathable compared to regular Cotton, as the fibers are much longer.
With a weighted blanket, there is always a chance of inner-filling or fabric fraying. However, HomeSmart understands this small yet meaningful issue. They have doubled the stitching strength to ensure the blanket is firmly sewn together to overcome it.
From kids to adults, they offer a weight range of 5-50 lbs. There are ten different colors to choose from with four material types: Cotton, Bamboo (check 6 amazing bamboo weighted blankets), Mink, and Sherpa/Fleece. Even there is a wide range of duvet cover options to choose from. The blankets can accommodate two adults at a time and are wider in space.
Heavy blankets are usually machine washable on gentle wash settings. You must wash the HomeSmart blanket in the machine, by following the care instructions, instead of hand washing with a low-tumble dry. The blankets can last for years as they are durable and the material used is long-lasting.
Get a good comfortable sleep as someone is hugging you.
Don’t worry; despite being a weighted blanket, The TOGADADA blankets are still soft and comfortable enough to make you feel as though they hug or hold you while sleeping.
The TOGADADA modern-designed weighted blankets use safe cotton and are free of harmful chemicals. It uses certified OKEO-TEX cotton, odorless and environmentally friendly without toxic materials, and high-quality glass beads weaved in the blanket’s fibers.
The glass beads have an equal distribution in each compartment, preventing them from fraying due to overload. Next, they have a firm sewing technology to lock the glass beads and prevent them from dispersing around due to movements. It keeps the shape of the blanket in its original form for years.
To provide an ideal temperature in all seasons, the blanket uses highly breathable cotton fibers with extra yet small glass beads to ensure uninterrupted sleep. However, in general, you must choose a blanket that weighs between 8% -12% of your body weight. This way, it won’t exert extra weight or pressure on your body and become a burden.
The weighted blankets are machine-washable but with gentle, slow settings. Since they are a bit high in weight, dry them out with spot clean or dry clean to save them from being ruined. Furthermore, do not remove the duvet cover and wash it with the blanket for protection and ease.
How Heavy A Weighted Blanket Should Be?
Generally speaking, 15-20 Lbs or a blanket of about 10% of a person’s body weight is ideal. But then again, it even depends on the sleepers too about what weight they like. It can vary from one person to another. Therefore, give preference to a blanket that feels comfortable to sleep on and makes you feel safe once underneath.
So, to determine which weight is best for your blanket choice, try lying down under different weighted blankets to know which the best in weight and safety is. For example, there may be better options than a weighted blanket of about 45-50 lbs for sleepers who feel claustrophobic (also check the heaviest weighted blankets).
Is Weighted Blanket Safe to Use?
Since all things have their pros and cons in terms of health same implies to weighted blankets. These blankets provide comfort and relaxation at the right level of expectation. But at the same time, they have some safety and health risk factors to consider, especially for people who already have difficulty breathing.
There may be better choices than these blankets as the heavyweight may become a hurdle in better airflow and breathability, posing a life threat. In addition, people already suffer from other chronic health situations like permanent low blood pressure, type-II diabetes, Respiratory disorders, etc. Therefore, they should first consult a doctor before choosing a weighted blanket.
Besides that, as a normal sleeper, we recommend consulting a physician before using a weighted blanket.
What Should You Consider Before Buying A Weighted Blanket?
Just make sure to consider the below few things before buying one.
Weight
As the name suggests, the blankets have more weight than the normal ones. So, as the general rule goes, try looking for one about 10% of your body size if you only use it when lying on a couch watching a movie. In that case, look for a normal-weight blanket.
But if the plan is to use it every day at sleep, try with a weighted blanket to enjoy a comfortable and healthy rest.
Material
The weighted blankets mostly use soft materials like different qualities of Cotton, fleece, microfibers, or Tencel yarn to provide maximum comfort. The softness of the materials contributes to providing a soothing effect, giving the hug-like feeling these weighted blankets are famous for.
Filling
If you want the gold-standard weighted blanket, try going with one that has tiny glass beads in its filling. These fillings feel like sand grains and do not make any sound inside when a blanket when you move them around.
However, despite being an environmentally sound choice, they are expensive and heavy, requiring fewer amounts of filling.
Cooling
Many weighted blankets have cooling characteristics to accommodate a cool sleep for hot sleepers. However, if you are a hot sleeper, try Tencel Yarn instead of fleece and cotton. The Tencel yarns are comparatively more moisture-wicking fabric and breathable, allowing better airflow to become cooler.
What Size Weighted Blanket Should I Get?
As mentioned above a couple of times, an ideal weight choice for a weighted blanket should be 10% of your body weight. However, you can add a pound or two to this general formula for children or older sleepers. However, if you feel difficulty rolling or feel trapped under a weighted blanket, try using one that has lightweight instead.
This general 10% weight theory is parallel to your body weight because it can give you a hug-like feeling that a weighted blanket should provide. This would further lead to a sense of calmness, reducing stress and ultimately providing interrupted sleep for body growth. The right size when fitting your body full can even help to relieve anxiety too.
Who Shouldn’t Use A Weighted Blanket?
People with certain medical conditions like breathing issues, Asthma, chronic respiratory, low blood pressure and type-II diabetes, or other similar conditions should avoid using weighted blankets. If the situation isn’t chronic and just mild symptoms, or there are no health issues. Still, you must consult a physician first to be certain about your usage.
There can be some health factors you may not know, and the physician can make you aware of them as a safe side. Next, you should prevent weighted blankets for children younger than 2 years. This is because they may struggle to breathe under it, which can be dangerous.
However, some weighted blankets are best suitable for children. Try them out instead for your children less than 2 years.
Can You Dry A Weighted Blanket?
Yes, you can dry weighted blankets but with care. First, you can choose to dry them both ways. Either you can try the air dry, where you have to lay the weighted blanket open on a stack. Leave it there and shake it evenly to ensure the fill inside remains balanced and does not disperse inside to lose its shape.
Secondly, if you wish to use a dryer, try with low or medium settings and avoid fast spinning. Once it’s dried, remove it instantly and spread it out. Before the next use, the blanket should be fully dry; otherwise, it may cause discomfort and breathing issues.
Is It Ok To Sleep At One Side With Weighted Blanket?
The best sleeping position is one that can make you feel comfortable. However, for weighted blankets, the best side to sleep with is the back side for the best results. The reason is that it can help cover all your body by exerting even pressure on the body.
Sleeping on your side is an option without any consequences. However, this way, you may not have your whole body covered with the blanket. It is best you can try out different sleeping positions with the weighted blanket on to see which side suits you the best.
How Long Does It Take for A Weighted Blanket to Work?
There is no fixed limit on the time required to get used to a weighted blanket. Getting used to the weighted blankets usually takes a week or two. However, it may take three weeks for a sleeper to enjoy a weighted blanket’s benefits fully.
Some sleepers even find 4 weeks as the final time duration they took to develop a full habit of using them. Therefore, keep that in mind and do not give up on them that easily before passing on your final judgment or rejecting them.
Are There Any Advantages of A Weighted Blanket?
Once you have gotten used to the weighted blanket, it can offer multiple benefits. Although it has many benefits, let’s start with sleep improvement; it gives extra warmth that promotes healthy sleep and overall well-being. The next one is the most vital: boosting concentration and mood.
A weighted blanket offers an uninterrupted peaceful sleep. Your mind and whole body will get the rest it needs. It even helps pregnant women who have difficulties due to their belly weighing down. A lot goes through your mind thinking about pregnancy. But a blanket capable of putting you to sleep fast with utmost comfort can help reduce the thought plaguing your mind.
What Is the Right Weight for a 50 lb Weighted Blanket?
Choosing the right weight for a weighted blanket is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. While 50 lbs may work for some individuals, it’s essential to consider your body weight. Ideally, a weighted blanket should be around 10% of your body weight. So, for a 50 lb weighted blanket to be ideal, you would need to weigh approximately 500 lbs. For most people, a 50 lb blanket would likely be too heavy and uncomfortable.
Are There Any Benefits to Using a Heavier 50 lb Weighted Blanket?
A 50 lb weighted blanket may offer unique benefits to certain individuals, such as those who prefer deep pressure therapy or have specific sensory needs. Heavier blankets can provide a more profound sense of comfort and security. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or occupational therapist to determine if a 50 lb blanket is suitable for your specific needs and whether it poses any risks.
What Are the Alternatives to a 50 lb Weighted Blanket?
If a 50 lb weighted blanket doesn’t align with your needs or body weight, there are alternative options available. You can choose a weighted blanket that better matches the recommended 10% of your body weight, which is typically more comfortable. Additionally, you can explore different materials, such as cooling fabrics, to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep without excessive weight. It’s essential to prioritize your comfort and well-being when selecting a weighted blanket.
Conclusion
A weighted blanket can always be a good option to consider unless you don’t have any serious health concerns. Whether it’s just about watching your favorite shows with sitting on a couch or relieving anxiety, the weighted blankets will never disappoint. No matter what use you want to take out of them. Try using the right weight, 10% of your total body weight, to avoid health issues.
50 lb Weighted Blanket FAQs
Is A 50 lb Weighted Blanket Too Heavy?
For some people, 50 lbs can be too much as a blanket. But generally speaking, you must avoid any blanket above the weight limit of 35 lbs. This can make it difficult to move under the blanket, along with breathing issues.
What Happens If You Sleep With A Weighted Blanket That Is too Heavy?
It’s not like there is a compulsion for something bad to happen when taking a weighted blanket above you. However, if you have asthma or other breathing issues, you may find it difficult to breathe under them. Moreover, other severe health issues can become a serious threat. Therefore, always use them under the supervision of your medical supervisor in such situations.
Can A Weighted Blanket Hurt You If It’s too Heavy?
Yes, if you cannot handle them, they can cause breathing issues by restricting the airflow. A blanket above 50 lbs can make your body temperature rise. Therefore, you need to be careful in using them.
Can You Use 2 Weighted Blankets?
One blanket can sometimes be difficult to handle and cause health issues. But surprisingly, for some people, two blankets can be good to reduce their anxiety and depression by stimulating their additional deep touch.
Why Do Weighted Blankets Have Loops?
Typically weighted blankets have 6-8 loops, which helps to lock and hold them down to keep them flat and secured in their shape without creating a bunch.