What Is The Right Weight and Size Weighted Blanket For You?

By DreamCatcher tm Weighted Blankets

A weighted blanket is an important investment in health care, for both the person using the blanket and those who care for them. It is very important to consider some major points when purchasing a weighted blanket so that it will work properly for the user.

Major points to Consider

1. Goal to accomplish: Is the blanket to be used as a calming tool , for sleep or both.

2. The Correct Size For The User

3. The Correct Weight  For The User

4. The Correct Fabric Types For The User

5. Use of Safe Weighting Materials

6. Quality Blanket Construction,  Durability, & Practicality

8. Reasonable Blanket Cost

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GOAL TO ACCOMPLISH

In deciding what to purchase the first thing to determine is what goal you want to accomplish with your weighted blanket.

If you need a blanket to be used as a calming tool in the car, watching TV, at school, in church, etc. The appropriate size would be a Lap blanket (34" x 43")or a Wrap blanket (43" x 52").

If you need a blanket for better sleep, the size you choose will depend on the height of the person using the blanket and or the bed size. It is very important to note that a weighted sleep blanket should be made to fit on the top of the mattress only and not hang over the sides of the bed when using with smaller children. This guideline does not apply with older children , teens and adults.

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CORRECT SIZE

A child under 40" in height can use a Wrap blanket (43" x 52) or a Crib/Toddler Blanket (36" x 52") for sleep.

Once a height of 40" in height is reached, a Twin size (43" x 75)should be considered to give the young user plenty of growing room.

Twin size (43" x 75) Full size (54" x 75"), Queen Size (60" x 80"), King Size (76" x 80") are all very popular sizes for teens, young adults and older adults,  and once again are made to fit on the top of the mattress. King size blankets have been a favorite with couples. All of these blankets can also be made in both Extra Long and Super Long Lengths at DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets.

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CORRECT WEIGHT

Research shows the industry standard formula that most OT's or Occupational Therapists use to determine the starting weight for a blanket is to use 10% of the body weight and add one pound. For example a 100 pound person would start with an 11 pound blanket. This is the starting weight and many personal variables can factor in to that equation. They include, size of blanket and proprioceptive input needs of the user. DreamCatcher staff is highly experienced in answering any questions as to fitting  the right weight and size to the person using the blanket. We also suggest to get your OT's suggestion if available.

CORRECT FABRIC   

Fabric type is one area that is often overlooked when purchasing a weighted blanket. It is important to choose a blanket that is sensory comfortable to the user, and easily done with so many combinations available . In some cases that is a cotton/cotton for those that overheat easily. Many like a cotton/flannel combination, for a softer feel. A cotton /fleece combination makes a very soft blanket however because fleece does not breathe as easily as cotton and flannel  and should be avoided for those that overheat easily. Using fleece on both sides of a blanket will make it very warm and possibly uncomfortable and unusable for the user. Satin edging or a washable satin backing also makes a nice blanket for those that crave a smooth "cool" feel.

Certain individuals may need either fire retardant fabrics or 100% certified organic fabrics.

Fabric print is also very important. There is no limit to prints, patterns and colors available for weighted blankets. Don't settle for just a few choices in prints. IF  the print, pattern and / or color is something the user will like, in addition to it's texture and feel,  they are  much more apt to use and request it.

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CORRECT WEIGHTING MATERIAL

High Quality Polypropylene pellets are the only weighting material found on the market today that are both effective, durable and SAFE.

Never purchase a blanket filed with such materials such as corn, rice, beans, sand, stone, aquarium gravel or stone, clay, popcorn, steel balls or shot, etc. Each of these types of materials should never  be used in any type of weighted product, as they render the product unsafe to use.

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CORRECT BLANKET CONSTRUCTION, DURABILITY & PRACTICALITY

It is very important to purchase blankets that have multiple layers of cotton fabric in their construction for durability.

1. Poly fill should never be used in a weighted product for a few reasons. First of all the poly fil , in connection with a weighting material , tends to break apart and bunch up over time and repeated washings. Secondly, poly fil , is polyester, doesn't breathe and can easily overheat the user .

2. It is also important to purchase a blanket that has poly pellets "quilted"  into the layers of fabric for an easily  machine washable and dryable, no fuss blanket.

 3. A blanket constructed  with a smooth side is much more comfortable and preferred by sensory sensitive individuals, than  those that have two quilted sides.

4. Always choose a blanket with the weighting material evenly distributed. It is not recommended to concentrate weight in one specific area over another. Blankets that concentrate weight in one specific area ,prove to be ineffective in achieving the desired proprioceptive input, in addition to causing dicomfort to the user.

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BLANKET COST

Blanket cost is a major factor to consider with your blanket purchase. Removable weight blankets or blankets providing blanket covers are very expensive compared to those with unremovable weights and are often less effective and difficult to maintain.

It is important to consider weighting material in cost as well. When comparing the same size blanket, a polypropylene pellet filled blanket will probably be more expensive than one filled with stones. But without a doubt, the poly pellet filled blanket is far superior than one filled with stone and will cost you less in the long run.

. Compare carefully.

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