It’s really important to get the weight right for your weighted blanket, so that it gives you maximum calming with none of the discomfort. A good guideline to aim for is 10% of the user’s body weight. However, factors such as your age, your personal preference, and your very important, specific needs. Coming up is a detailed guide to help you best calculate and choose the right weight for you.
1. The 10% Rule is A Great Starting Point
The 10% rule seems to be the most widely recommended guideline for selecting a weighted blanket. It suggests taking a rough starting point around 10% of your body weight, from which you can add up to 1 or 2 pounds, if that works for you. So the simple math for an example would be: if you’re 150 pounds, then go for something in the area of 15 pounds.
This weight relation is going to give you enough pressure to trigger-off something called “Deep Pressure Stimulation” (DPS). This is a kind of tactile sensory input that can be calming and soothing for many people. DPS aids the body in producing serotonin and melatonin. These hormones are involved in the regulation of mood and sleep. The levels of cortisone, the stress hormone, also get reduced at the same time.
2. Weighted Blanket Weight Adjustments for Different Age Groups
Adults: The 10% rule is going to work pretty well for most adults, but some will prefer something a little bit heavier or lighter. That will have a lot to do with their own personal comfort levels. You can take that blanket as a starting point and then compare with those above and below that weight.
Children: For kids you will want to apply a bit more caution. It’s important to make sure that the blanket isn’t too heavy, as a result making it hard for the child to move, or causing them to feel trapped. The 10% rule would suggest that a child weighing 60 pounds should opt for a blanket weighing around 6 pounds. Because of safety concerns it is not recommended to use weighted blankets for children under the age of 2.
Seniors: For elderly individuals, it’s important to consider both body weight and physical strength. Older folks might find a slightly lighter blanket more comfortable, especially if they have conditions like arthritis or reduced muscle strength. A blanket around 7-8% of their body weight would be a sweet spot.
3. Special Considerations for Specific Needs
Neurodivergent Individuals: For people with conditions like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, it is important to get an understanding of how they respond to, and interact with deep pressure. Whereas some might go for a heavier blanket to get a stronger calming effect, others might find more comfort in a lighter blanket. Paying close attention to how they respond to subtle weight adjustments will help with fine-tuning.
Personal Preference: Comfort is highly subjective, and some people might prefer their weighted blanket to be slightly heavier or lighter than the recommended 10%. For example, those who enjoy a snug, cocoon-like feeling might prefer a blanket that’s closer to 12% of their body weight, while others who like a lighter touch might opt for 8%.
Personal Preference: Comfort is a really subjective thing. You’re going to find a range of people preferring their weighted blanket to be slightly heavier or slightly lighter than that recommended 10%. It could be the cocooning 12% for the subtle, yet-present 8%.
4. Testing Weighted Blankets and Adjusting Accordingly
Before you commit to a particular weight, it’s important to test your blanket. Find a company that can offer you a trial period or a good solid return policy. Then you can try-out the blanket in the comfort of your own home, and see how it feels after a few nights. If it’s just right, you can keep it, or make an exchange for a lighter, or heavier one.
5. Practical Considerations
When making your selection, it’s a good idea to think about the size of any blanket in relation to your bed. If the weighted blanket is too big, it could be distributing its weight unevenly. A blanket that’s too little might not be covering you as much as you need it. Most weighted blankets are designed to be smaller than a typical comforter, fitting just the top of the bed without hanging over the sides. This ensures an even weight distribution.
Conclusion
Getting your weighted blanket just right for you is going to be a balance of these guidelines and what feels right for you. The 10% rule is your basic recipe, then your age, physical condition, neurotypicality or neurodivergence, and personal preferences and comfort are the spices that make it exactly to your taste. By taking the time to get it just right, you’ll be maximising the therapeutic benefits of your weighted blanket. How great will you feel, sleeping better, having less anxiety, and overall enhanced well-being?