How safe are weighted blankets?

Weighted blankets are considered safe and harmless for healthy children and adults. The right size and appropriate weight of the blanket can help you and your child fall asleep and stay asleep better at night and wake up refreshed in the morning. However, we advise considering some aspects when using a weighted blanket to find the perfect blanket for you or your child and to minimize possible safety risks.

Why do weighted blankets help?

Sometimes we just need a good hug to feel better. When there are no loved ones nearby to gently hold us, the soothing pressure of a weighted blanket is probably the next best solution. This natural sleep aid mimics the feeling of a hug and causes an increase in the release of the happiness hormone serotonin and the sleep hormone melatonin, which relax body and mind. Given these benefits, it is no surprise that therapy blankets have become a popular aid. But you might also be wondering: Are weighted blankets safe? That is a question we are happy to answer for you.

How heavy are weighted blankets? 

A weighted blanket for an adult weighs between 4 and 12 kg, depending on body weight. The weight of the blanket should be approximately 10% of the user's weight. The weight of the blanket is meant to mimic a therapeutic technique called “Deep-Pressure Stimulation,” which is believed to help the body calm down faster and relax the nervous system.

Are weighted blankets safe for adults?

The answer is: Yes, weighted blankets are safe for healthy adults and can be used in many areas. If you use a blanket that is too heavy, you may feel confined or experience pain in your legs. It is therefore always important that you find the weight of the blanket pleasant and soothing.

Weighted blankets with pre-existing conditions

With the right size, weighted blankets pose no risk for healthy adults. However, if you suffer from one or more pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, or claustrophobia, you should consult your doctor before use. In general, you should feel comfortable with your blanket. If you are unsure whether a weighted blanket is right for you, you can talk to your doctor or our consultants before purchasing a blanket.

Weighted blankets for older adults

Older people often have difficulty sleeping well for various reasons, such as anxiety and illnesses, age-related sleep disorders due to a natural decrease in sleep phases. Fortunately, therapy blankets are a safe and effective way to reduce stress and improve sleep in older adults.

When purchasing your therapy blankets, you should note that older people may prefer a lighter blanket to feel secure and comfortable.

Are weighted blankets suitable for babies and children?

Basically, therapy blankets are also suitable for children. Make sure your child gets a blanket with an appropriate weight. The use of a weighted blanket is not recommended for infants and toddlers under one year old, as the weight is too heavy for them. Additionally, tiny beads or glass pearls can escape from damaged weighted blankets, which small children can choke on. To protect your child from these dangers, you should regularly check your blanket for damage (e.g., after each wash) and keep the blanket out of reach of toddlers. When using the therapy blanket, you should never leave very young children unattended.

Various studies also show that therapy blankets are safe and effective for healthy adults and children from a certain age and body weight.

Have you become curious and want to try a therapy blanket? Sleep with our therapy blankets for 100 days on trial and get ready to revolutionize your sleep.