6 Best Weighted Blankets for Pain Reviewed
Last Updated: April, 2024
Weighted blankets came into popularity in the year 2000 and have shown to be an effective therapy for various conditions. They are often used for people with anxiety symptoms, autism, mood disorders, panic disorder, and even chronic pain caused by arthritis and migraines.
A weighted blanket is a therapeutic blanket filled with materials such as plastic pellets and glass beads to give the blanket its weight. The weight of the blanket provides deep pressure stimulation, which has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping with stress relief and also pain relief. This type of therapy is also known as deep pressure therapy or DPT. It brings about the same effects as massage therapy and weighted vests that are also known to reduce: acute pain and help with chronic pain relief for conditions like knee pain, back pain, and any other type of physical pain to improve sleep quality.
There are a variety of weighted blankets on the market, and they come in different weights, sizes, and materials. You can find weighted blankets specifically designed for children and adults with special needs like bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders. In this review, we'll look at 5 of the best weighted blankets for pain and how they stack up against each other.
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A Quick Look At Weighted Blankets for Pain
Ghostbed Weighted Blanket
The Ghostbed weighted blanket is also great for those who love to lounge and watch tv while enjoying a drink or some popcorn. Its materials make it soft to the skin and breathable, and it comes in an ideal weight that will relieve pain intensity without suffocating the user. It also comes with a 3-year warranty.
Aricove Weighted Blanket
Are you suffering from back pain? You may want to consider getting yourself an Aricove Weighted Blanket. It works through Deep Pressure Touch therapy, using its weight to facilitate the release of serotonin hormone, which stimulates your body to release oxytocin (a pain-relieving hormone) and melatonin (a sleeping hormone). As such, these blankets work by rebalancing body hormones to a more relaxed and natural state, reducing chronic pain.
Puffy Weighted Blanket
This is the best choice of weighted blankets for couples looking for a deeper pressure feel spread throughout the body, relieving chronic pain intensity. The Puffy weighted blankets come in 3-bed sizes; twin, queen, and king.
These therapeutic blankets are for chronic pain sufferers who prefer an amazingly soft feel on their skin and want to avoid allergens. Its 15 lbs and 20 lbs options come in standard size while the 25 lbs comes in large size, giving users a great variety of choices.
Anchor Weighted blanket
These weighted blankets by PlushBeds are your go-to when looking for size variety. Let's say you're taller or heavier than your partner, but need a blanket that can suit you both and effectively curb chronic pain. Anchor weighted blanket will surely have a suitable size and weight for your situation.
Layla Weighted Blanket
We are calling all cold sleepers to pick this super cozy and warm Layla weighted blanket. It's made of cotton on one side and mink polyester on the other side and comes in 3 option sizes.
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Ghostbed never disappoints when it comes to releasing some great bedding products like mattresses, sheets, and pillows, and they have not disappointed with their weighted blanket either. Their 15 lbs queen size weighted blanket is made of TENCEL cover, which makes the blanket breathable and keeps hot sleepers feeling cool all night long. If you're suffering from any pain, whether mild or severe, the last thing you want to be dealing with is night sweats. Therefore, Ghostbed got you covered (pun intended). The TENCEL Lyocell material also makes the blanket soft to the skin, preventing irritation and worsening or any skin conditions causing pain, such as inflammation.
To give the blanket its weight, Ghostbed has used premium glass beads. One upside to using glass microbeads is that they are eco-friendly. The microbeads are also smooth to prevent the blanket from feeling rough on your skin.
Unlike other brands that seal their weighted blankets with fabric glue, Ghostbed uses a double-stitching mechanism. It's very high quality and helps the beads to stay in place and avoid bunching. They are also stitched into 192 quilted squares to keep the glass microbeads evenly distributed throughout the weighted blanket, promoting pressure through the body. This is also a great feature for weighted blankets for couples.
This light weighted blanket comes in only one size - 15lbs queen size. This is assumed to be the average weight used by most adult sleepers. 15 lbs is neither too light nor too heavy if your body weight is between 120 lbs and 200lbs.
Anyone with a weight below and above the mentioned weights, respectively, should opt for a different blanket option. In fact, Ghostbed doesn't recommend the usage of their blanket by kids or older people below 80lbs in body weight. This is also an ideal option for first-time users trying out the effects of such blankets on the central nervous system.
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The Aricove Weighted Blanket is designed to help teenagers feel calm, comfortable, and secure while also enabling them to fall asleep much faster and sleep for long. It comes with non-toxic micro glass beads and imitates the feeling of a warm, comforting hug.
Distinguished by a breathable construction and innovative design, Aricove is one of the best-weighted blankets for sleepers struggling with pain. Unlike most weighted blankets on the market, which come with a more traditional duvet-style design, Aricove Weighted Blankets boast a layer-on-layer design that ensures an even weight distribution throughout the blanket.
The general rule of thumb for choosing a weighted blanket is to go for one that represents about 10% of your body weight. With the five options (10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 pounds) that Aricove offers, individuals weighing 120 to 160 pounds are sure to find a blanket that offers adequate pressure without feeling excessively hefty. Those who weigh more than 160 pounds may want to consider opting for the 20 pounds alternative.
Aricove offers free shipping to customers living in the contiguous U.S. All their blankets are backed by a 30-night sleep trial, after which you can return them for a full refund if you're not satisfied with their performance.
Read more: Aricove weighted blanket review
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The Puffy weighted blanket comes with a lifetime warranty. Let's pause for a reaction! This is how confident the company is with the quality of their blanket and the benefits it offers. Surely we can't disagree. Their blanket offers the right amount of deep pressure stimulation to help pain sufferers relax and feel cuddled, minimizing tossing and turning and helping them have a deep sleep and wake up feeling well rested. On top of the lifetime warranty, Puffy also offers a 101-night sleep trial. So really, you lose nothing by trying out this product.
As for its construction, it's made of twill cotton on one side of the blanket and plush micro mink on the other side of the blanket. These fabrics help the blanket stay fairly warm and cozy for pain sufferers. The fabrics are also hypoallergenic and non-toxic, making these weighted blankets good for pain sufferers prone to allergies and every user in general. The puffy weighted blanket is conveniently odorless, making it a great option for those who cover themselves to their heads as they sleep. It's breathable, and the cover helps protect the fabric and ceramic beads, maintaining their quality.
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The Nolah team promises to achieve great things with their uses; sleep fast, stay asleep, and reduce stress. When you're experiencing chronic pain, achieving any of the three mentioned things is hard. But with Nolah, you definitely can! Let's first discuss their amazing bamboo fabric that closes the deal!
This light weighted blanket has a double-sided cover made of bamboo fabric. Bamboo fabric is praised for a couple of things.
One is its hypoallergenic nature. This fabric will be your best friend if you're a chronic pain sufferer with allergies or have sensitive skin. It also doesn't have a strong scent that can enhance headaches. It is also very soft to the skin, making it safe for users to turn during the night without feeling rough scratches on their skin.
The cover is also flippable, with the inner side feeling like a comforter and the outside having a more silky texture. As both sides are usable, users can choose and use the side that soothes their skin best.
The bamboo fabric, together with the glass microbead fillers, makes the Nolah weighted blanket very breakable and keeps it feeling fresh for longer. Additionally, the two features also make the blanket heat resistant and good for hot sleepers. Heating up at night can only worsen your pain and make you feel very uncomfortable, ruining a good night's sleep. Hence making this cooling property a game-changer for these weighted blankets.
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You can already tell that our favorite thing about the PlushBeds' Anchor weighted blanket is its size and weight of variety. Unfortunately, most brands release weighted blankets in only one color and only 1 to 3 sizes. Not PlushBeds, though. They went all out and released almost seven different sizes of the same weighted blanket.
Usually, a user is supposed to buy a blanket with a weight that's 10% of their body weight. Now anyone below 150 lbs can enjoy this blanket's adjunctive deep touch pressure 'hug feeling,' thanks to PlushBeds. They go as low as 5lb petite size weighted blankets making them a good option for teens too.
If you're a chronic pain sufferer sleeping with a partner, you can purchase the queen size to keep both of you covered and relaxed throughout the night. Their quilted design and glass beads fill make this even more possible. You'll sleep cool and enjoy a silky soft feel from their microfiber cover that wicks moisture away from your skin. If the chronic pain is causing any high fever, this Anchor weighted blanket will help it cool off, soothe your senses and keep you asleep for longer.
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This super cozy weighted blanket has brought you a product that hugs out your pain and anxiety using its commendable deep touch pressure stimulation. Similar to the other products mentioned in this review, the Layla weighted blanket is filled with glass microbeads that enhance the deep touch pressure sensation and the release of serotonin.
It's one of the best choice blankets for winter nights and for back pain sufferers that prefer to sleep cold. The fabrics make the blanket a bit warm but not too warm to make a cold sleeper sweat.
That said, a heavy sleeper may not find the Layla weighted blanket ideal, and neither would a hot sleeper. An option would be to get a lighter weighted blanket, but that may reduce the deep touch pressure effect on your body and not effectively eliminate chronic pain sensitivity.
While it's machine washable, making it easy to clean, it doesn't come with a cover. This is a personal preference, and personally, I prefer covers because they keep the weighted blanket more durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should buy a weighted blanket?
There are weighted blankets for kids and for adults too. As it has a relaxing deep pressure mechanism, it can be good for people with chronic pain or who are tired from work and need a good night's rest.
Can I wash my weighted blanket?
Different brands make their weighted blankets differently. Some come with a removable cover that can be hand washed or machine washed and dried using a dryer. While others are specifically designed, making them not ideal for machine washing. Such weighted blankets can be spot cleaned. You can only clean the stain spot with detergent and some warm water. You can learn how to care for a weighted blanket here https://thesleepshopinc.com/how-to-care-for-a-weighted-blanket/
What size weighted blanket should I purchase?
The weight of the blanket should typically be 10% of the person's body weight. For example, a person who weighs 150 pounds would use a 15-pound weighted blanket. Make sure the blanket is not too heavy or too light. The weight should also be evenly distributed throughout the blanket.
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What adds weight to these blankets?
While constructing these weighted blankets, some companies use glass beads to fill them up and give them the weight needed. Others use grains like dried rice and beans, sand, pebbles, and many other options.
Can you supplement a duvet with a weighted blanket, or should you use both?
A weighted blanket should be enough for you without adding a duvet on top or underneath it. Unless you live in a cooler climate, a duvet and weighted blanket may be necessary to keep you comfortable. However, if the weighted blanket doesn't come with a removable cover, you can insert it into a duvet cover to keep it clean for longer. In case it gets dirty, all you'll need to do is wash the duvet cover.
Can a weighted blanket really help with chronic pain management?
Yes! They help with chronic pain relief, even when suffering from chronic pain. The pressure released onto your body reduces cortisol as you sleep and increases the feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. Cortisol makes your health condition pronounced, leaving you uncomfortable and giving you a restless night. It's why we love hugs so much, they make us feel better, and the weighted blanket's pressure on your body is like a hug from a good friend.
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How do I get started using a weighted blanket for pain?
Start with a lower-weight blanket and increase the weight gradually over time. Use the blanket for short periods at first and slowly increase the duration as you get used to it. Make sure to place the blanket on top rather than under you for maximum effect. Remember that your sleep habits make a big difference to the effects of a weighted blanket.
How can I maximize pain relief using a weighted blanket?
Using the blanket is only half the job. You can enhance pain relief by first buying the right weighted blanket. Then, before going to bed, you can try doing some yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to relax your nerves. You may also take a warm bath before you sleep to enhance relaxation. To top all that, avoid focusing too much on the chronic pain and focus on good sleep and the hugging blanket.
Can a weighted blanket help with other conditions?
Weighted blankets are effective for various conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and work stress. They may also be helpful for people with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Read more on these and other benefits.
Are weighted blankets safe for use?
Weighted blankets are generally safe, but there are a few things to remember. People with claustrophobia or anxiety may find the blanket's weight too much. Make sure to speak with a doctor before using a weighted blanket if you have any concerns. It also depends on the material used to make the cover of the blanket. Make sure it's hypoallergenic to prevent you from triggering your allergies and attracting dust mites.
Conclusion
While weighted blankets help sleepers feel levels of pain reductions, they are not a remedy to the underlying cause of your pain. Therefore, check in with a medical professional to get a diagnosis and medication. This, together with using a weighted blanket, will double your chances of feeling relief. Tell your physician you'll be using weighted blankets to get their opinion on the same. As you shop for a weighted blanket for pain, keep in mind other needs you may have - like being a hot sleeper or prone to allergies - so that you can choose the right weighted blanket for yourself.