Marketing experts share some valuable advice when buying weighted blankets to hopefully educate consumers on what they should be looking to find the right one.
Weighted blankets are popular items for their ability to treat and manage anxiety, insomnia, and stress. However, they are also pretty expensive compared to standard blankets. Most weighted blankets cost $100 or more, which is a steep price for a product that most people buy online. If you’ve ever purchased an item online, you will know that the main downside is that you won’t be able to try the thing first before purchasing it.
That’s why if you’re looking to buy a pricey item such as a weighted blanket, you’ll need to learn to consider some key factors. Fortunately, several experts have your back as they share some valuable tips when buying weighted blankets.
The Ideal Weight for Your Weighted Blanket
According to Sarah Mitroff of CNet.com, “the general rule of thumb when it comes to the weight of your heavy blanket is by choosing one that’s ten per cent of your current body weight. Anything heavier would be too much, and anything lighter would feel like nothing.”
So, for instance, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should get a 16-pound weighted blanket. If you’re 220 pounds, a 20- to 22-pound weighted blanket is a perfect choice, and so on. However, most adult weighted blankets have a fixed weight range of 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds. Weighted blankets for kids are much lighter, starting at around five pounds. If your weight is in between these sizes — for instance, you weigh 120 pounds — It’s best to size up. So if you’re an adult who weighs 120 pounds, the best option would be to go for a 25-pound blanket.
Plastic Pellets or Glass Beads?
When you look for weighted blankets online, you’ll notice that most of them use either glass beads or plastic pellets. Glass beads are heavier than plastic and are usually the same size as grains of sand. Since they are smaller, they take up less space in the blanket, making the finish thinner.
Plastic pellets, on the other hand, are lighter. But since they are a bit bigger, the blanket will appear bulkier. They also take up more space in the blanket, with the finish looking thicker. However, there’s no clear-cut winner of the two options. It all boils down to personal preference. The main features about them are that glass beads are heavier and thinner, while plastic pellets are lighter yet bulkier.
Fixed or Removable Cover?
As most people may have already guessed, weighted blankets are challenging to wash because of their weight. For blankets that are ten pounds and above, it’s best to wash them using a commercial washer/dryer.
If you prefer washing your blanket, you can choose the one that has a removable cover. That way, all you need to wash is the cover without having to deal with the heavy components.
The Ideal Size
Finally, we have the question, “what is the ideal size for your weighted blanket?” Rachel Green and Wendy Rhodes of WeightedBlanketGuides.com have a simple answer: “It should cover your body from the neck down, without having a lot left over.”
