Weighted blankets are therapeutic tools filled with materials like plastic pellets or glass beads to provide deep pressure stimulation. This deep pressure creates a calming, hug-like sensation intended to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. However, the added weight introduces specific safety considerations. This discussion explores the proper protocols for safe use, medical conditions that prohibit their use, and the distinct risks associated with pediatric application.
Safety Precautions and Proper Sizing
The primary danger for otherwise healthy adults stems from using a blanket that is improperly sized or used incorrectly. The standard guideline for safe adult use is to select a weighted blanket that is approximately 10% of the user’s total body weight. Choosing a blanket significantly heavier than this recommended range increases the likelihood of discomfort and potential health issues.
A blanket that is too heavy can restrict movement, making it difficult for the user to adjust position or remove the blanket quickly. This excessive weight may also lead to unpleasant physical symptoms, such as joint or muscle pain, or even skin irritation.
The density and construction of weighted blankets can trap body heat, which increases the risk of overheating and night sweats. Overheating can be managed by selecting a blanket with a breathable outer material, like cotton or bamboo, and ensuring the weighted fill, such as glass beads, does not retain excessive heat.
It is a non-negotiable safety rule that any user must be able to remove the blanket unassisted at any time. The blanket should never be used to cover the head or face, as this poses a direct risk of suffocation and exacerbates the potential for overheating. Ignoring the 10% weight guideline and violating the rule against covering the head are the most common ways weighted blankets are misused by adults.
Specific Medical Contraindications
For individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions, the inherent pressure and insulation of a weighted blanket can pose a risk. Conditions affecting the respiratory system are a major concern, as the blanket’s pressure on the chest can worsen breathing difficulties. Those with moderate to severe asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) should consult a physician before use.
Circulatory problems present a contraindication because the added weight may interfere with blood flow. People with low blood pressure or peripheral artery disease may experience numbness, tingling, or reduced circulation, necessitating immediate cessation of use. Thermoregulatory disorders also make weighted blankets hazardous due to the heightened risk of overheating. Blankets should also be avoided by individuals with fragile skin or those recovering from recent surgery involving open wounds or sutures.
Pediatric Use and Suffocation Risk
Weighted blankets are not considered safe for use with infants and pose distinct suffocation risks for young children. Health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly advise against using weighted sleep products for babies under 12 months. Infants lack the necessary motor skills to move the blanket off their face or chest, making them highly susceptible to asphyxiation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
This danger extends to toddlers and young children who may lack the physical strength or cognitive ability to free themselves. The general guidance is that a child must be able to independently remove the blanket entirely without assistance before considering its use. For children typically under the age of eight, the risk of becoming trapped or restricted outweighs the potential calming benefits.
If a weighted blanket is utilized for an older child with sensory needs, such as those with autism or ADHD, it must be done under strict adult supervision and guidance from an occupational therapist. The weight calculation for children is often recommended to be closer to 5% of their body weight to minimize risk. Using the blanket for a short, supervised period during a calming routine, rather than for unsupervised overnight sleep, is the safer application.