topic Re: Weighted Blankets in Community Chat

Weighted Blankets

Witchy Woman — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:39:46 GMT

I'm probably the last one on earth to learn this.

DH asked me about weighted blankets and suggested they might help him from tossing and turning so much.

He rarely asks me for such things, so, I found one on sale at Belks. This thing was normally $110, but was on a great sale and coupon, so I bought a 12 lb blanket. They had one lighter and one heavier. Cannot imagine that heavier one!

Had no idea that they are filled with tiny glass beads and are not really washable. You can hear the beads shifing around a bit when you fold it.

Since it wasn't that big of an investment, I don't mind, but I'm one that likes to wash things, so I'm glad it wasn't expensive.

DH said he liked it and that's what counts. Lifting the thing off the bed is like lifting weights! I don't know what I thought made them "weighted" but I never imagined glass beads.

Re: Weighted Blankets

henderson — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:44:29 GMT

I don't own one, but I've read that some are machine washable and some have covers that are also washable.

Re: Weighted Blankets

ThinkingOutLoud — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:44:38 GMT

Just fyi - Some come with removable covers that are washable but you might be able to find a separate cover that might be the right size.

Re: Weighted Blankets

MalteseMomma — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:49:57 GMT

My daughter had a bad accident and broke her back and hip.She uses one of these blankets and loves hers and says it really helps with pain.

ONE PRECAUTION, she says.................

If you have a SMALL DOG OR CAT or maybe any dog/cat ,that sleeps with you,it CANNOT GET OUT FROM UNDER THE BLANKET

It is just too heavy.

Re: Weighted Blankets

mizree — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:48:30 GMT

@Witchy Woman you can use a duvet cover that is washable.

Re: Weighted Blankets

Witchy Woman — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:52:05 GMT

@mizree

Yes, never thought of a duvet. Good idea.

I'll have to see if he continues to use it. Although, he's using it on top of a sheet and bedspread, so not touching anything other than fabric.

I have yet to try it, but pretty sure it's not for me.

Re: Weighted Blankets

Suzeecat — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 16:03:53 GMT

One more note to add to the others - it is HOT - there are times I swear it is generating heat! I can't use mine in the warmer months because of this.

Re: Weighted Blankets

Puppy Lips — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 17:03:50 GMT

I also had no idea they are filled with glass beads. I am glad such products are available to help people sleep.

Re: Weighted Blankets

SilleeMee — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 17:14:53 GMT

Some of the weighted blankets I've seen come with a removable washable cover. Sometimes they give you an option to buy one w/o the cover, too, which is usually cheaper. Some of the best prices I've seen are on Groupon dot com. Many have free returns and that's a deal b/c the blankets are heavy, bulky and would cost a lot to ship it back.

Re: Weighted Blankets

patbz — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 17:17:19 GMT

My son has one and put it in washer ( thankfully I retrieved before he put in dryer); took two days for it to dry. A duvet cover is a great idea but another alternative is put it on patio and use diluted dish soap and your hose ( I periodically do this with inexpensive area rugs). Has saved us a ton of cleaning bills over last 25 years!

Re: Weighted Blankets

chrystaltree — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:39:48 GMT

A duvet should work. I bought myself one over a year ago. I bought a 20lb weighted blanket that came with a washable cover. I looked at quite a few and everyone I looked at came with a washable cover. I use it when my neck or back pain kicks in and I can't sleep but I don't want to take pain meds. It works.

Re: Weighted Blankets

50Mickey — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:45:09 GMT

I always think that I would feel claustrophobic with a weighted blanket on my legs. As a child I could never stand it when we were kidding around and someone sat on my legs and I couldn't move them.

Re: Weighted Blankets

foggy! — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 19:40:37 GMT

I haven't used one myself, but our ADHD kids love them. They are able to settle in bed and drift off to sleep. The weight of the blanket and the closer warmth of their body heat seems to give them security. Probably would have been a good investment when they were smaller and traveling in the car so they'd be more calm. I'd reccommend these for anyone with fidgity/restless family members

Re: Weighted Blankets

Kachina624 — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 19:42:18 GMT

@patbz. I find this to be a great way to clean unwashable items, particularly fabric shoes and handbags. I use a hose-end sprayer designed for gardening use. I just add some liquid detergent.

Re: Weighted Blankets

Oznell — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 19:49:44 GMT

@Witchy Woman, my "Blanquil" weighted blanket from the Q has a removable cover for washing; if your hubby decides he wants one permanently, hope you can get one that has the "un-zip" factor for washing.

So glad he is liking it. I've become a bit of a bore with mine, extolling its virtues! It absolutely has helped with insomnia, and I find it has a soothing, tranquillizing effect, at least on me. And, be assured, I was prepared to think the hype was all hokum! Mine is a 15 pound weight which to me does not feel too heavy, although some people are very sensitive to weight on them-- I've always found that "cozy".....

Re: Weighted Blankets

Witchy Woman — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:23:04 GMT

Thanks to all who responded.

The duvet is a perfect idea and, I've used them on comforters, but gave them all away. So cumbersome when using them on a king comforter!

However, this blanket is smaller than a twin, so it should be fine.

@Oznell

15 pounds is quite a load!

This one is just 12 and I have to use both hands to fold and remove from the bed in the morning.

I'm amazed DH likes it. I prefer the warmth of a small down comforter (purchased from QVC years ago). It is almost weightless, but keeps me warm.

I might experiment using his, but, honestly, the idea of being weighted down in bed makes anxious. I don't even like heavy blankets!

Re: Weighted Blankets

MyShadowLove — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:49:33 GMT

@Witchy Woman ...I've been hearing so much about weighted blankets and have been doing some research....The glass beads filler, as well as the type of material such as cotton, help maintain a more cooling temperature for the body so it is a better choice than ones that are filled with plastic pellets.

I'm looking at the Luxome brand which is having a sale right now...I'm just trying to decide what weight to get so I'm keeping a close eye on your thread and all of the replies.

Re: Weighted Blankets

cowboy sam — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:56:00 GMT

I love mine! Also w/ glass beads in it. it is a 25# one and

size is 68"x80" to fit my queen size bed..

some places recommend you go by your weight to orde different sizes of weighted blanket.

By getting a full/queen/king size i can turn over and it stays put and not shift

I am finally getting much needed sleep now and it helps my arthritis in my back and when i have fibro flare ups that causes m. spasms in my feet,ankles,hips and back,etc.

Re: Weighted Blankets

Witchy Woman — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:54:03 GMT

@MyShadowLove

As you saw, the one I bought was 12 lbs, but it feels so much heavier to me. I'm going to try it out one afternoon for a nap to see how it works for me.

I purposely did NOT get a bigger blanket as I thought it might be unwieldy. Judging from the one I got, it would be! It's more of a twin size, but it covers DH well enough that he's cozy.

Hope you find one that works for you! This one was on sale, but the regular price of $110 seemed pricey to me. I think I ended up paying around $30.

Re: Weighted Blankets

meem120 — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 00:42:00 GMT

You usually buy them according to your weight. There should have been a chart somewhere when you bought it. The larger you are the heavier the blanket. Yes. They are great for the ADH kids. My grandson loves his.