A note of caution: Weighted blankets shouldn’t be used by anyone who can’t move freely beneath the weight. Even though they're sometimes used as a therapeutic tool for kids, it's important to first speak with a medical professional, like a child's pediatrician, before trying it out. Deep pressure stimulation can also come from garments such as weighted vests. One study also reported psychiatric assistance dogs often provide deep pressure stimulation to help owners. Where to find a weighted blanket and how much they cost The blanket is machine-washable, ideally in front-loading washers on a delicate, cool water cycle. Due to the chunky knit, the product should not be hung to dry. Instead, place the blanket on a flat surface or tumble dry on a low setting for two or three cycles. Besides the result of the Emma Hug in-house test, the following are the public studies explaining how weighted blankets can help improve sleep in various ways: Also note that some weighted blankets are designed to be used with a duvet cover, while others are not. Which you choose comes down to personal preference (including appearance), but keep in mind that it's easier to wash just the duvet cover on a regular basis than it is to regularly launder a heavy blanket.

We didn’t like: The cover doesn’t come as standard, so if you’d like one, you’ll have to shell out extra. For additional information on washing and drying a weighted blanket, feel free to take a look at ourin-depth weighted blanket washing guide. Conclusion Newer versions sometimes swerve the beaded inners entirely, instead creating heaviness by layering up cotton into a weave. This makes it easier to wash, and they can look a little cuter when hung over your sofa arm or bed, too. Do weighted blankets work? When it comes to the material of the weighted blanket itself, there are two things to take note of – the padding and the filling.If you've never tried a weighted blanket before, you may be wondering if it's for you. We asked sleep expert James Wilson (aka The Sleep Geek) to share his advice. Machine wash, not dry:Some weighted blankets can be washed in a machine as a whole, but should be air dried rather than machine dried. Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for children who are at 3 years of age or older and weigh at least 50 pounds. When selecting a blanket for a child, it’s wise to follow the “10 percent rule” or err on the lower side. An excessively heavy blanket can pose an injury risk for children, even if they are 3 or older. However, according to manufacturers, weighted blankets shouldn’t be used for toddlers under 2 years old, as it may increase the risk of suffocation. Always consult your pediatrician before trying a weighted blanket for your child.

We might not buy a weighted blanket with the chief criteria being looks, but if we’re to happily use it often, it must suit the interiors of our home and match our tastes. If grey is your thing, most of the weighted blanket market has you covered, but for those who love a bit of colour or prints, Karmara is the brand for you. Mazza, M. G., De Lorenzo, R., Conte, C., Poletti, S., Vai, B., Bollettini, I., . . . Benedetti, F. (2020). Anxiety and depression in COVID-19 survivors: Role of inflammatory and clinical predictors. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 594-600. Chunky knit weighted blankets have gained popularity because they look more upscale yet deliver the same benefits. This one from Bearaby is entirely made of fabric (no bead fills) and is a blend of cotton and Tencel lyocell, a super soft fiber that's both smooth and cooling. Our testers agreed, highlighting the appearance, softness and cooling capabilities as their favorite aspects. One described it as having "the right amount of weight and warmth, without ever feeling too heavy or hot," while another added, "It’s not too heavy, and it’s easy to move around my bed. I sleep so well under it." A 2016 study experimented with using weighted blankets on participants undergoing wisdom tooth extraction. The weighted blanket participants experienced lower anxiety symptoms than the control group.With a soft duvet cover made from polyester microfiber, this weighted blanket offers a very plush and fleecy feel. The cover is removable, and can be washed and dried at home. Grid-stitching ensures uniform weight distribution. For added stability, the inner blanket is equipped with corner ties and elastic buttons that secure it to the duvet cover and prevent uncomfortable bunching. Gravity Blanket offers seven cover colors, ranging from neutrals to bold blue, purple, and yellow. The inner blanket should only be hand-washed and air-dried. There are no research studies on the use of weighted blankets for osteoarthritis. However, one s tudy utilizing massage therapy may provide a link. Researchers have studied the effectiveness of weighted blankets in the alleviation of physical and emotional symptoms. Although more research is needed, results have so far indicated there may be benefits for a number of conditions. Anxiety