This is a sponsored post with Sweet Zzz mattress. All opinions are my own.
I first heard about weighted blankets when I was studying early childhood education in college, around 2009 or 2010. At that time-weighted blankets were discussed as a calming tool for children with autism and/or sensory processing disorder. At least, that’s the only time I had ever heard of them being discussed, and they were talked about alongside weighted vests, sensory swings and similar items that most people without a special needs child just aren’t familiar with. Outside of the special-needs world, they just didn’t seem to be a thing yet. So a few years ago when I started to see weighted blankets discussed in more mainstream ways, I was surprised but intrigued. Certainly, sensory input isn’t just something that those with special needs can find calming or appealing so it made sense to me, I was just surprised it had become more mainstream. I also realized I was a little interested in trying one for myself! I was particularly interested because many felt they could help people with anxiety. I’ve always been a nervous-nelly and was officially diagnosed with generalized anxiety when I was 13. I was in therapy or a few years to learn some basic coping techniques and I think I manage pretty well most of the time, but I still am always open to trying new things that may help further. It’s always nice to have some extra tools in your toolbox, right?
While my interest in weighted blankets is primarily for anxiety, they are believed to help with a wide range of conditions. These include but are not limited to autism, sensory processing disorder, fibromyalgia pain, ADHD, restlessness, PTSD, panic disorder, insomnia or sleep quality trouble, or it can be used for pain relief. Even those without any particular diagnosis or symptoms will likely find that weighted blankets make them feel calmer. Most of us could benefit from adding more calmness to our lives. The world today can be stressful and fast-paced, so having an easy way to feel even a little bit calmer can be really nice.
I tried a weighted blanket last year and it was sort of a mixed experience. I got a 15-pound blanket that was just a really basic cotton material on the outside that wasn’t soft. It was white at first and stained very easily. I found that the 15-pound blanket would feel good at first, but if I fell asleep under the blanket I’d wake up with aches and pains because it was so heavy that I wouldn’t roll over or move at night so I’d basically be frozen in one position all night and would wake up stiff. I think it was too heavy for me but also that the weight wasn’t as well distributed. I also found myself waking up feeling too hot or even sweaty in the middle of the night which is not typical for me. That blanket had “cells” within the blanket to somewhat help distribute the beads, but they still all fell to the bottom of each cell so there were clumps of beads in each square of the blanket. So in a nutshell, I did find that the pressure felt good, but it was too heavy and caused me pain, while also making me overheat at night, it wasn’t soft to the touch and it stained easily. I quit using it after a couple of weeks.
When I found the Sweet Zzz mattress weighted blanket I thought it would be a better option than my previous weighted blanket had been. The throw blanket size is available in just 10 pounds so I thought it might be a better weight for me, and I’m only 5’1 so it’s a reasonable size for me as well. It has a really soft exterior. It is 100% organic bamboo and cotton cover. The top layer feels like a baby blanket it’s so soft! I don’t think that photos do justice in showing how soft and fluffy the top side is. It’s a very nice feeling blanket. I was immediately impressed with the feeling of this blanket. It felt like one I’d want to cuddle up with because it’s so cozy and that helps me to relax in itself! The weight felt better to me as well. It’s heavy enough to feel the pressure from the weight, but it’s not so heavy that it makes it hard to roll over or reposition underneath it. I feel that the weight stays more evenly distributed than my last weighted blanket. I’ve also found that it isn’t too warm an this is because it has temperature regulation. I love that it’s made with eco-friendly materials. The company has great values as well. They offer no hassle, no questions returns, they are an environmentally conscious company, they are a 1% for the planet member, they are involved with a food bank program and cancer-fighting program. It’s always nice to know that making a useful purchase also does good in the world for others.
The blanket is made with a 7-layer design that allows the glass beads (used for weight) to make no noise and to stay in place. Almost every weighted blanket will say the weight is distributed, but this really is very well distributed compared to the other blanket I tried in the past. Also, the glass beeds are very small so it doesn’t at all feel like having glass in the blanket. The beads are so small that I can’t grasp a single bead through the blanket, they’re seem smaller in size than the pellets you would find in Beanie baby toy because I can’t separate individual glass beads. It really just feels like a somewhat thick, heavy blanket instead of a blanket that has glass beads in it because the beads are so well distributed that it just feels like it’s a natural part of the blanket material instead of something trapped between the layers. I can see why the Sweet Zzz weighted blanket was rated #1 for 2020. It is very well made, with organic materials and is so cozy to use. It can be used by kids or adults. They offer a throw size or a queen sized blanket. Mine is a throw size and I find it to be ideal for cuddling, lounging or sleeping. It’s a bit longer than most throw blankets. This is 48×72 while many throw blankets would be 50×60 inches. Even though I am short (5’1 or 61 inches) I like that this blanket is a bit longer because it gives me space to wrap my feet in the bottom and keep them cozy!
If you or a loved one has been curious about trying an organic weighted blanket, or has tried a weighted blanket before that was low quality or poorly distributed weight, I’d definitely recommend this one. I’ve been enjoying it a lot so far. There is free shipping and returns and a 100-night risk-free trial so you have nothing to lose! It even comes with a 5-year warranty.
Deal alert! Click any Sweet Zzz link in this blog post and then use the code EMILYREVIEWS2 and you’ll get 35% off of select items at Sweet Zzz mattress! Shipping is free on their website which makes it an even better deal!
Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
This is what I was afraid of. The blanket being too heavy or too hot. I would like to try one in the future and think, probably, this throw might be best.
I have not tried a weighted blanket yet but this one sounds good to me. I think having one that has some heaviness to it but isn’t overwhelming would be right for me.
My friends have told me about weighted blankets being too heavy. I really want one but feel I may need to go with the 10 lb. I appreciate your honest review.
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Helga
This is what I was afraid of. The blanket being too heavy or too hot. I would like to try one in the future and think, probably, this throw might be best.