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This weighted blanket calculator will tell you how heavy should a weighted blanket be for maximum benefit. Read on to find out how to use a weighted blanket, the benefits of sleeping with a weighted blanket, and how to choose a weighted blanket for couples.

What is a weighted blanket (heavy blanket)?

A weighted blanket is simply a heavy blanket. Of course, just like regular blankets, they come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics and sizes. What makes a weighted blanket different is the filling, which can include glass beads, plastic pellets, beads, discs, or flaxseeds. A mixture of one or more of these, along with lighter materials, will give you the perfect weighted blanket weight.

Weighted blanket on a bed

The idea behind the weighted blanket is that it applies gentle pressure to the body like someone is hugging you 🤗 This has a similar result of a technique that therapists use called deep touch pressure (DTP) therapy. DTP involves applying manual hand pressure to the body to treat stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Let's explore the benefits of using a weighted blanket in detail in the next section.

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

Various studies have shown the following benefits of regularly using a weighted blanket:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety;
  • Reduces sensory issues;
  • Reduces restlessness;
  • Helps you stay asleep - if sleeping with a weighted blanket; and
  • Simulates deep touch pressure therapy by merely using a heavy blanket.

A weighted blanket helps your body release endorphins, which make you feel good. DTP also encourages the body to release neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with a sense of well-being and calmness. You get a similar feeling when settling down on a comfy couch or bed or cuddling a loved one. It's a pretty good feeling.

How heavy should a weighted blanket be?

So, how to calculate a weighted blanket weight? It's actually quite simple. Take your weight and divide it by 10 and add 1 to 2 pounds (around a half to one kilogram). For this calculator, we set the extra added weight to 1.5 pounds (680 grams). Writing this as a formula, that's:

weighted blanket weight (lb) = (your weight (lb) / 10) + 1.5 lb

And in metric measurements:

weighted blanket weight (kg) = (your weight (kg) / 10) + 0.68 kg

🙋 If you prefer to use some other units, go to the weight converter.

Let's calculate an example for a person with a body weight of 178 lb (80 kg):

weighted blanket weight (lb) = (178 / 10) + 1.5 = 19.3 lb

weighted blanket weight (kg) = (80 / 10) + 0.68 = 8.68 kg

Naturally, you probably won't be able to buy a weighted blanket of exactly this weight. Just try to get one as close to the ideal weight as possible. So the standard 20 lb weighted blanket would be a great choice in this case.

Are you looking for ideas for your next DIY project? Then our half square triangle calculator may interest you.

Weighted blankets for couples

While traditionally designed for one person, you can now get a weighted blanket for couples who want to use it regularly for sleeping. As long as you are both around the same weight (say within a percentage difference of 25%, you can verify that with our percentage difference calculator), you can use one weighted blanket to cover both of you. If the weight difference is more significant, then it's best to get separate blankets with different weights tailored to each of you.

To calculate the weight of a blanket for a couple, take 7.5 percent of your combined weight as the weighted blanket's weight. In terms of size, try to get one that just covers you both and isn't too big. Otherwise, the weight of the blanket will be spread over a greater area.

The formula for calculating a weighted blanket for couples is:

couple's weighted blanket weight = 0.075 * couple's combined weight

So if you are both 178 pounds, the result of the calculation would be:

couple's weighted blanket weight = 0.075 * (178 lb + 178 lb) = 26.7 lb

How to use a weighted blanket?

So what are weighted blankets used for? You can use them for your regular sleep. Sleeping with a weighted blanket will help you if you have insomnia (a condition where you can't get to sleep). You could also use a weighted blanket at times during the day when you are feeling anxious and want a way to relax. They are also useful for settling down quickly to that refreshing mid-afternoon power nap.

How to use this calculator to find the perfect weighted blanket weight

Our weighted blanket calculator is straightforward to use. First, decide whether you want to calculate the weight of a blanket for yourself, or will share it with your significant other.

If the heavy blanket is just for you, then enter your weight. The ideal weight of your single weighted blanket will then be shown.

For a couple's weighted blanket, enter your and your partner's weights to display the blanket weight for couples. The calculator will warn you if your weights are too different. If you get that warning, then get one weighted blanket each.

Issues to be aware of with weighted blankets

Weighted blankets are not suitable for infants (less than a year old). If children are to use weighted blankets, they should be supervised by an adult at all times and have your healthcare professional's approval.

If you have any medical condition, please check with your healthcare professional to ensure that a weighted blanket will be safe and suitable for you to use.

We wish you great sleep and sweet dreams with your new weighted blanket.

Steven Wooding
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Blanket weight
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