Weighted blankets use pellets or beads to apply therapeutic Deep Pressure Stimulation, often associated with reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality. However, consumers should explore the potential drawbacks before purchasing one. These negatives range from significant health risks to everyday inconveniences.
Safety Concerns and Contraindications
The most serious drawbacks relate to physical safety, making weighted blankets unsuitable for certain populations. The use of weighted blankets by infants, toddlers, and small children is strongly discouraged due to the risk of suffocation or entrapment. A small child may lack the muscle strength or cognitive ability to remove the blanket if it shifts over their face. For all users, the blanket weight should never exceed 10% of the individual’s body weight, as excessive weight can restrict movement and cause discomfort.
Individuals with specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use, as the added pressure can exacerbate symptoms. The weight pressing on the chest may interfere with respiration, making the blankets ill-suited for people with severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or obstructive sleep apnea. Similarly, those with poor circulation, peripheral neuropathy, or Type 2 diabetes may find the pressure restricts blood flow, leading to numbness or tingling in the limbs.
Mobility is another factor that dictates safe use, as the user must be able to independently remove the blanket. People with physical disabilities, those recovering from surgery, or the frail elderly may struggle to push the blanket off.
Practicality and Maintenance Challenges
Weighted blankets present several logistical challenges that complicate ownership, starting with cleaning. Due to their significant weight, often ranging from 10 to 30 pounds, larger blankets can damage standard residential washing machines and dryers. This often necessitates professional cleaning or tedious spot cleaning, which is inconvenient for regular maintenance.
The density of the materials also makes them cumbersome for daily life and travel. Moving a heavy blanket between a bed and a sofa can be a chore, and packing one for transport takes up considerable luggage space and weight. Furthermore, weighted blankets represent a substantial financial investment, often costing significantly more than traditional bedding.
Over time, durability can become a concern, particularly with lower-quality products. The small glass beads or plastic pellets that provide the weight can sometimes leak through seams if the stitching is not robust. Uneven weight distribution, caused by the filler material shifting within the quilted pockets, can also render the blanket less effective.
Sensory and Comfort Issues
While intended to be comforting, the subjective sensory experience of a weighted blanket can be negative for some users. A frequently cited complaint is overheating, as the dense fabric and filler materials tend to trap body heat. This can cause discomfort and lead to restless sleep, particularly for individuals prone to night sweats or those living in warmer climates.
For others, the sensation of being held down can trigger feelings of distress rather than calm. People with claustrophobia or generalized anxiety may feel trapped or restricted by the weight, which can increase their anxiety levels. The unfamiliar pressure may even cause or worsen insomnia for some, disrupting their sleep cycle instead of promoting relaxation.
The filler material itself can also create sensory drawbacks, as the pellets or beads may shift and create a subtle, disruptive noise as the user moves. Choosing the wrong weight is a common mistake. A blanket that is too heavy can create joint or muscle discomfort, while one that is too light fails to deliver the deep pressure required for the calming effect.