A weighted blanket provides deep pressure stimulation (DPS), mimicking a firm, comforting hug. This pressure helps calm the nervous system, shifting the body from a stressed “fight or flight” state toward a relaxed “rest and digest” mode. The gentle, consistent weight encourages the release of neurotransmitters associated with mood stabilization and relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and reducing anxiety. Selecting the right blanket for a couple is challenging because it must accommodate two distinct bodies and preferences. The primary concern is calculating a single weight that is effective for both users without being too restrictive or too light.
The Standard 10% Weight Rule
The foundational principle for choosing a weighted blanket is the guideline that the blanket should weigh approximately 10% of the user’s body weight. This recommendation is designed to provide sufficient deep touch pressure to stimulate the proprioceptive system without creating a feeling of being trapped or overly restricted. For example, an individual weighing 150 pounds would typically select a blanket weighing 15 pounds to maximize the calming benefits. The goal is to ensure the weight is substantial enough to deliver the sensory input that triggers the body’s relaxation response. Going too far below this threshold may result in a blanket that feels like a regular comforter, negating the therapeutic pressure.
How to Calculate Combined Weight
When two people share a weighted blanket, the calculation moves beyond the single-user 10% rule. Simply averaging the weights is ineffective, and relying only on the heavier person’s weight may be unsafe for the lighter partner. The most common recommendation for couples sharing one blanket is to base the blanket weight on approximately 7.5% to 10% of their combined body weight.
The most precise approach involves calculating 10% of each person’s weight and then summing those two figures to determine the ideal total blanket weight. For instance, if one partner weighs 180 pounds (18-pound ideal) and the other weighs 130 pounds (13-pound ideal), the calculated total weight is 31 pounds. Since blankets are sold in standard increments, this couple would then look for the closest available weight, likely a 30-pound blanket.
Some manufacturers suggest using a slightly lower percentage, such as 7.5% of the combined weight, to mitigate the risk of the blanket feeling too heavy for the lighter person or when the blanket is not perfectly centered. Using the 7.5% calculation on the same couple (310 pounds combined) would suggest a blanket around 23 to 24 pounds. Ultimately, the calculated total serves as the starting point, which must be rounded to the nearest available product weight. It is generally safer to round down than up.
Choosing the Right Physical Size
The physical size of a weighted blanket for a couple is just as important as the weight, as the blanket must be sized to the bed, not just the two users. Unlike a weighted blanket for a single person, which is typically sized only to cover the body without overhang, a couple’s blanket must cover the entire sleeping area. For those sharing a Queen-sized mattress, a Queen-sized weighted blanket is necessary to ensure adequate coverage and even weight distribution across both people.
The blanket must cover the entire surface of the bed so that both partners receive the deep pressure stimulation. If the blanket is too small, one person may end up pulling the majority of the weight onto their side, leaving the other partner with less pressure. A blanket that hangs excessively over the sides can cause the weight to pull the entire blanket off the bed, which is why weighted blankets for couples are designed to rest predominantly on the top of the mattress. King-sized mattresses require a King-sized weighted blanket to match the dimensions, which often range from 76 inches by 80 inches.
When Individual Preferences Conflict
The greatest challenge for couples is reconciling differing preferences for both weight and temperature, making a shared blanket a compromise rather than an optimal solution. If one partner prefers a much heavier blanket than the other, the calculated combined weight may feel too light for the heavier person or too heavy for the lighter person. This discrepancy often leads to one or both partners not receiving the full therapeutic benefit.
A practical solution to this conflict is for the couple to use two separate, individual weighted blankets on the same bed, often two Twin-sized blankets. This allows each person to select a blanket weight that is precisely 10% of their body weight, ensuring personalized deep pressure stimulation. Using separate blankets also permits individual choice regarding material, where one partner might choose a breathable cotton while the other selects a warmer fleece fabric. This approach eliminates the weight-distribution problem and allows for better temperature regulation, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness for both people.