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Original poster

Anyone bought/used a weighted blanket?

17 replies

clary · 15/01/2021 21:45

I keep reading about these and was wondering if anyone can give me the benefit of their experience Obviously all the websites are full of quotes saying how marvellous they are.

DD is struggling with anxiety, may have ASC, and is finding it hard to sleep. If this would help her I would gladly spend £50--80 on it (seems to be the going rate) - but are they effective or just a faddy waste of money? Many thanks.

OP posts:
trilbydoll · 15/01/2021 21:47

I don't think you know without trying. DD wouldn't really give ours a chance although to be fair it was summer. She's also got a stretchy blanket that wraps right round her and the mattress but she felt too claustrophobic.

DH has an adult one and says he sleeps really well under it but I find it very oppressive!

They've probably got resale value if it doesn't work out?

halcyondays · 15/01/2021 21:48

I got one from Home Bargains for £25 before Christmas.

RickiTarr · 15/01/2021 21:49

I made one for DS years ago when they weren’t available commercially. He has just bought himself a John Lewis one for his new flat.

Tearsfortiers · 15/01/2021 21:50

I got one for my DS for Christmas. He loves it and I think it was his favourite present. He says it feels like someone is hugging him and that he finds it easier to go to sleep. He brings it downstairs when he is watching television and snuggles under it on his beanbag when he's reading.

WhereverIGoddamnLike · 15/01/2021 21:52

There is a thread on here about weighted blankets every week. If you do a search, you will get all the recommendations you could want.

My 7 year old slept in my bed every night until about 6 months ago, when I bought a weighted blanket for myself and he took it off my bed and put it in his. Now I put him to bed, he falls asleep easily and, most importantly, he stays asleep.

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 15/01/2021 21:53

@halcyondays

I got one from Home Bargains for £25 before Christmas.
I was about to say exactly this, they had them last week too.
SpeckledyHen · 15/01/2021 21:53

My sleep has improved immensely since getting a John Lewis one , however it’s far too hot in the summer .
I worked with severally autistic young people with complex needs and many were settled by the blankets when having meltdowns or simply needing comfort .

WhereverIGoddamnLike · 15/01/2021 21:55

The one my son stole is a king size one at 9kg. It is technically an adult weight but as long as the person using it can lift it and move underneath it, and as long as they feel comfortable and not trapped then it's fine.

LooneyLovefood · 15/01/2021 21:58

I've wanted one for ages as I felt it would help with my anxiety. I got one for Christmas and I absolutely love it. I spent a couple hours wrapped up in it on Christmas Day repeating "I just love this blanket". I've since put it on my bed and slept under it most nights. The pressure really does help calm you down but I do sometimes feel a little trapped by it and end up throwing it off the bed in the middle of the night. I don't think I'd be without it now though! Would definitely recommend trying one.

WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo · 15/01/2021 21:58

I love mine. Make sure you know what you are buying though. It should be 10% of the users body weight, and you aren't meant to share them, probably not an issue for a child. Also some of the cheaper ones don't have removable covers, and aren't standard sizes so you can't put them in a cover and they are too heavy for a washing machine.
I guess that's not an issue if you use it over your duvet!

lunalucie · 15/01/2021 21:59

I suffer with insomnia and can't sleep without my weighted blanket. Everyone says it's a psychological thing but even my dp has said he sleeps better with it so there must be a reason for it.

Comefromaway · 15/01/2021 22:03

I bought dd one a few months ago and she loves it. She says it feels like a really tight hug.

I tried it and hate it but I’m not autistic.

MrsSchadenfreude · 15/01/2021 22:03

I bought got one for my daughter who has anxiety and it has made a huge difference to her sleep.

Original poster
clary · 15/01/2021 22:37

@WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo

I love mine. Make sure you know what you are buying though. It should be 10% of the users body weight, and you aren't meant to share them, probably not an issue for a child. Also some of the cheaper ones don't have removable covers, and aren't standard sizes so you can't put them in a cover and they are too heavy for a washing machine. I guess that's not an issue if you use it over your duvet!
Yes I thought that. Dd is v small, she is 19 but 5ft 3 and size 6-8 so probs only about 50kg. I have seen one with a removable washable cover which comes in a 4kg weight which sounds good (a lot of the ones I have seen are 6-7kg).

Thanks for tips and positive comments all, sorry will search other threads too.

OP posts:
Nat6999 · 16/01/2021 03:30

I'm thinking of getting one, I'm ASD & sleep very badly.

WhereverIGoddamnLike · 16/01/2021 13:46

The 10% advise is just guidance. What matters is that the person using it can lift it easily and move underneath it and doesnt feel trapped or uncomfortable.
Some elderly people would be unable to lift a blanket at 10% of their weight. Some people find 10% too light for a comfortable sleep.

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