As mentioned before a weighted blanket is made by filling a blanket with various small objects such as plastic pellets, glass beads or discs. To add weight to the blanket for needed sleep benefits. When it comes to choosing a weighted blanket, the materials used to make it matter a lot.
The materials used, dictate whether the blanket is washable or not. They dictate whether you sleep hot or cold. They can interfere with your sleep if you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to noise.
So, what are the best materials to use in a weighted blanket? Let’s look at the three most common infillings and outer lining fabrics.
Poly Plastic Pellets: are commonly used. They are good but can be a bit rough and produce a bit of noise. So, you want to avoid this if you have auditory or sensory problems.
Glass beads : are much smoother than plastic pellets, they resemble fake sugar in appearance. They are heavier than plastic pellets. Their smooth texture helps them spread out evenly. Glass beads are more silent than plastic.
Steel shot beads: these are heated smooth round steel beads. They are heavier than glass beads and less likely to spill through the seams. They are easy to wash, but just like plastic pellets, they can be a bit noisy.
Cover Fabric
Flat or Dot Minky: This is a plushy soft fabric commonly used in blankets. It’s good for people with sensory issues. It helps minimize the roughness of the inner fillings of the blanket. The main drawback of this fabric is its lack of breathability. If you sleep warm, you want to avoid a weighted blanket featuring only this fabric.
Cotton or Wool :This is the other commonly used weighted blanket cover fabric. Cotton is smooth and more breathable than Minky. It’s, therefore, a great choice for people who tend to sleep warm, or in warm regions. Cotton fabric is also good for people who are sensitive to touch.
There are other materials used in making weighted blankets, such as sand, dehydrated foods, and flannel or Bamboo fabric as covers.
- Sand is a cheap option but also less durable and a nightmare to wash.
- Dehydrated food is not a good choice at all. When washed, it would become soggy. A weighted blanket made of dehydrated food is also susceptible to mold and bacteria.
- Flannel is a good material for outer lining, it’s a bridge between cotton and mink.
- Bamboo is a great cooling material for its moisture-wicking abilities.
Weigh your options, but ensure you choose the best material for your weighted blanket, to enjoy its full benefits. Also, ensure your weighted blanket comes with a removable cover, for easy washing.