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Overview of The Helix Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are known to mimic deep pressure touch stimulation, which allows the body and mind to feel more at ease, significantly reducing anxiety. This is possible thanks to an increase in serotonin and melatonin. The Helix Weighted blanket however isn’t just “another” weighted blanket on the market. Rather, it offers some nice changes that are unique to it, one of those being it’s unbelievably reasonable price without having to compromise on quality.
Construction + Warranty Information of The Helix Weighted Blanket
The Helix Blanket has a one-year limited warranty, along with a 100-day trial. It’s available in three different weights: 10 lbs, 15 lbs and 20 lbs however the size of the blanket, the dimensions, don’t ever change. You can find the pricing, measurements and other product details below:
10 lbs = $99 15 lbs = $105 20 lbs = $115
Blanket dimensions: 72” x 48” Outer Cover: Fleece and sheared microfiber. Inner Blanket: 100% cotton cover filled with fine-glass beads.
My Findings on the Helix Weighted Blanket
Before you even dive into this review, one thing worth noting is that when you’re looking to jump on the purchase of a weighted blanket, you want to be super mindful of the actual weight component. The most recommended calculation to help you determine what weight is most suitable for you, you’re supposed to calculate 10% of your body weight and if you’re not sure how to plug that formula into a calculator, Google will even do it for you. You can literally just Google, “10% of 135” for example. You get the idea. Whatever number results, you want to round down, rather than round up. If it’s too heavy, you might not be entirely pleased with it so I advise individuals to round down to play it safe.
Weighted blankets have evolved since they were first introduced to the market. In the beginning, the most common thing consumers could expect would be a blanket that was composed on tiny beds inside of it. That’s what contributed to its weight. The weight was also known to shift easily, sometimes leaving people to feel like the weight distribution wasn’t even. Very rarely will the distribution be “perfect” but in some ways, companies have gotten a little more clever and made some improvements.
In this case of the Helix weighted blanket, whatever material has been used to add the weight to the blanket, they’re much smaller than what I’ve experienced in the past. With previous blankets, I’ve seen people even refer to some of them as “noisy” because the individual would shift, so would the pellets, making this almost rolling sound. That’s not the case here. The sound of the blanket when it’s moved sounds more like shifting sand than anything else. It’s much more subtle than what I’ve experienced in the past, which is a nice change.
The competitive thing about this blanket is definitely its price. Since the release of this product, other blankets have come onto the market at lower cost but how low can you go until companies need to reduce the quality of the product in order to meet budget-minded consumers halfway? In my experience, this product does not skimp on quality due to its price. Being that Helix relies on other products for their revenue, this blanket does not make or break their brand. For companies that only produce this single product, that’s surely a very different story.
What are some other pluses? In terms of the blanket itself, the quality of the weight that makes it heavy is probably its strongest asset because it is so free of noise however, it’s appearance with the sheared fabric cover is definitely a nice touch that I haven’t yet seen on any other weighted blanket in the sleep marketplace. In addition to that, there are duvet ties inside the cover that attach to duvet loops on the blanket itself. This keeps the corners of the blanket in place, which helps to avoid the blanket from shifting or bunching. It also comes with a super nice carry case that can serve as exactly that or at least as a dust cover for when in storage.
My Helix Weighted Blanket
I think weighted blankets are something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. More than anything, they’re just fun because they’re so unusual. Luckily when it comes to sleep products, they will almost always find a home so if you’re willing to buy this blanket just to try it, there’s no need to be reluctant. I’m sure a family member or good friend would be happy to adopt it if you’re finding it’s not exactly for you. What more? Well, their ability and effectiveness at reducing anxiety is pleasantly surprising. If you’re looking to ease your anxious tendencies, this is a very natural way to do so.
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What’s worse than making the bed? Keeping the sheets and covers in place the whole day. For those who hate making the bed, having to put the sheets and covers back in their proper place several times throughout the day can be quite a chore. Unfortunately, bedding tends to get all tangled or end up in a mess on the floor. Not only does this look unpleasant but also makes for additional work when making the bed. Even those who do not dislike making the bed can get frustrated if the sheets and blankets keep tumbling down to the floor throughout the day and during the night. Keeping the bedding in place is the key to a tidy bed. Even if the sheets and blankets do not slip off on their own, several people are in the habit of kicking off the sheets and covers during the night. When bedding comes into contact with the floor, it gets dirty and requires more frequent washing.
Weighted Blanket to Prevent Slipping
There are a few ways to prevent bedding from slipping off the bed without spending a fortune. One of the most popular ways to achieve this is by using weighted sheets. In recent years, weighted sheets have become known for the ability to alleviate symptoms of insomnia and anxiety and aid in more restful sleep. But heavy sheets and blankets have long been used for preventing the bedding from slipping off. To achieve this, you need a blanket or top sheet that’s heavier than the rest of the bedding. The heavy weight of the blanket or sheet helps keep the bedding from slipping off.
What we now know as a weighted blanket is actually a sensory blanket filled with plastic pellets used for insomnia, anxiety, and autism. These blankets are expensive than regular blankets. But for keeping your bedding in place you do not need these sensory blankets sensory blankets. A regular blanket that is significantly heavier than the rest of the bedding can work just as well in keeping the rest of the sheets in place.
Choose the Right Materials
Regardless of the type of top sheet or blanket that you choose, special attention should be paid to the materials. There are a lot of people who are fond of the silky, luxurious bedding materials, such as satin and silk. In places like hotels and resorts, these silky materials are found all over, because they are supposed to lend a stylish and luxurious touch to the bedroom. People often use these materials for their regular bedroom decor.
There is no doubt that silk and satin are more stylish and attractive than fabrics like cotton or wool. But unfortunately, these silky materials are also notorious for sliding off the bed. Instead, choose cotton, linen or flannel sheets, duvet covers, and quilts, avoiding any fabric that is shiny and silky to touch. When cotton, flannel, and linen are washed regularly, they keep becoming softer but not slippery. If you want to give a luxurious finish to your bed, you can choose fabrics like cashmere or chenille. These fabrics are often used to make chunky blankets that can also be used as a top sheet or a throw. These fabrics offer the softness of satin or silk while the chunky knit adds weight and keeps them in place.
Another easy and effortless way to keep bedding from slipping off is to tuck the edges of the sheets or blanket underneath the mattress or the box spring. Sheets or blankets that are secure are less likely to slide off or move around and also require less time and work to make the bed in the morning. Regardless of whether the sheet is heavy or light, keeping it tucked under the side of the mattress can prevent it from moving even when you toss and turn in bed.
Use Bedding Straps/Suspenders
Keeping bedding secure is a foolproof way to prevent sheets and blankets from sliding off. This can be done by using bedding straps or suspenders. Straps or suspenders provide bedding with an additional layer of security. Once the sheets and blankets have been tucked into place, the mattress should be lifted at the corner at the foot of the bed and clipped to the suspenders crosswise along each corner.
If you clip them crosswise or diagonally, the blankets remain tucked without having to run an entire suspender along the foot of the bed. If you buy high-quality bedding straps, they are capable of attaching to more than one layer and can be used to hold together the sheets, blanket, and quilt at the same time. This not only removes unnecessary bulk at the foot of the bed but also provides a neat, hassle-free solution to keeping the bedding in place.
Make the Bed
The unfortunate truth is that even the best-made bed becomes messy by the end of the night. Therefore, you cannot expect your well-made bed to last forever and stop making your bed every morning. More often than not, sheets and blankets tend to slide off a bed that’s disheveled. To make your bed the right way, first spread the sheets and then tuck the edges underneath the mattress, folding the corners over and tucking them along the sides. This process should be repeated with the blankets. The heavier items should be placed on top of them to keep the layers from sliding off. Don’t forget to tuck the edges and use straps to keep the layers together.
While weighted or heavy blankets do keep the bedding in place, they aren’t the only solution. Using the right fabrics, clipping the layers together, and making the bed the right way every morning are also equally effective in keeping the bedding from sliding off the bed.
Today, the number of people suffering from various sleep disorders is increasing. Innovative product companies are always introducing products to help people get better sleep. One such sleep product that has become wildly popular in recent years is the weighted blanket. Unlike a regular blanket, weighted blankets are much heavier, ranging from anywhere between 5 and 30 pounds. It has become a common sleep accessory for many adults and children because it 20supposed to help with several sleep-related disorders.
Weighted blankets usually have a filling inside made of glass or plastic beads. Some weighted blankets also have extra padding off polyester fibers to provide maximum comfort. The outer portion of the blanket is usually made of cotton, flannel or wool. Weighted blankets look much like regular blankets but feel a lot heavier. The reasoning behind weighted blankets is that the weight helps release happiness hormones that help with sleep disorders and mental disorders such as autism and depression.
A lot of mental and behavioral problems cause restlessness and make it hard to fall asleep. Weighted blankets are supposed to calm down restlessness and induce relaxation and sleep. But weight is the most important consideration when choosing weighted blankets. If the blanket is too heavy, it can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep, especially in children. Not all weighted blankets have the same weight, so you must always try to feel and hold the blanket before purchase.
How a Weighted Blanket Works?
Weighted blankets work by providing a sensation called ‘grounding’ that involves applying moderate pressure to the body and pushing them deeper into the sleep surface. Grounding is also said to trigger the release of calming hormones that soothe the nerves and aid in sleep.
The key to making a weighted blanket work for you is the weight. This is why weighted blankets should always be customized according to individual users because no two people will be comfortable using the same weight. Most adults are usually comfortable with a blanket weighing around 5 to 10 percent of their own body weight. Weighted blankets are also safe for older children, with the optimal comfort level being 10 percent of their body weight. But children under the age of eight should not be using weighted blankets unless prescribed by a physician, because they pose health and safety risks.
Weighted blankets aren’t for everyone. There are people who should avoid using them or consult with their doctor about the use of weighted blankets. These people include those with respiratory or circulatory disorders and those with claustrophobia and fear of confined spaces or being trapped. Weighted blankets can cause distress and complications to such people and make their problems worse. Particularly heavy blankets can cause significant distress to the user in case of respiratory and circulatory problems. People with claustrophobia should also avoid using weighted blankets because the heavyweight can trigger the phobia.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets
Despite the health risks that come with using weighted blankets, they have been found to be useful in aiding with proper sleep for certain people. Some of the advantages of using a weighted blanket are:
Reduced nighttime cortisol levels: After a stressful day, cortisol remains in your blood even when you go to sleep. Excess cortisol impacts the production of melatonin and hinders sleep. The use of weighted blankets has been found to lower cortisol levels, bringing about calmness and relaxation and helping the person fall and stay asleep.
Increased production of serotonin: Using weighted blankets has been found to increase the production of Serotonin, the hormone that is responsible for keeping us awake and alert throughout the day and preventing daytime sleepiness. Weighted blankets also help in the production of other hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin, which are called happiness hormones.
Reduced instances of sleepwalking: Children who walk in their sleep benefit from the use of a weighted blanket, because the heavyweight isn’t easy to quickly get out of in the middle of the night. Besides, weighted blankets are also known to promote calmness and relaxation, reducing the instance of somnambulism.
Weighted blankets also help calm down children with autism and ADHD, because they have significantly low levels of melatonin and are hard to put to sleep. Weighted blanket calms down restlessness, increase the production of melatonin and also improve memory and cognition to some extent.
Best Weighted Blankets of 2020
With weighted blankets so popular, bedding manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon and producing their own versions of the blanket. But not all of them are capable of providing you with the benefits of weighted blankets. We have listed the top weighted blankets today that are on the forefront for being the best.
The Bearaby weighted is the best looking and best feeling weighted blanket on the market today. While it isn’t cheap, starting at $249, it will look great in your bedroom or living room. You can choose either the Classic Napper made of organic cotton or the Tree Napper made of ultra-breathable Tencel fiber. Its also machine washable, just throw it in the wash and you’re done. Not need to unzip an outer shell.
Layla is best known for their popular foam mattress, they now have a super soft and cozy weighted blanket that feels like mink. The sophisticated black and gray cover is washable and goes with any decor. What is especially nice about this blanket is that it comes with a 120-night trial and a 5-year warranty putting it at the head of the pack. You can try it for 120 nights and if you don’t like it, it’s a free return so you have nothing to lose by giving a try.
Fun, colorful weighted blankets made of nontoxic materials and BPA-free pellets
Made for year-round use
100 % customizable
5 lbs to the 25 lbs weight range
Mosaic has been one of the most beloved weighted blanket manufacturers in the US, founded by Laura LeMond as a way to help people get relief from disorders like panic, anxiety and ADD by cuddling up with a blanket. Mosaic weighted blankets are made in Austin, Texas, and are 100 percent customizable. In fact, you can even send in your own materials and pellets to have a blanket made just for you.
Mosaic offers a huge range of weights, colors, and styles, outnumbering most other weighted blanket manufacturers. Mosaic blankets begin from 5 pounds are available in one-pound increments. They also come in different sizes, and 100 percent customizable to suit your exact preferences. You can have a Star Wars themed blanket for your boy, a pink polka dot blanket for your daughter, a plaid 20-pound blanket for yourself, or 25-lbs queen size for the master bed.
While Mosaic does offer reasonably priced weighted blankets that have been tried and tested by consumers over the last eight years, the company does lack some of the user-friendly features offered by newer weighted blankets. For instance, the plastic pellets can be felt through the cotton cover and they also noisily move around inside the pockets. But if you don’t do much tossing and turning during the night, and also find the sound of the pellets soothing, you shouldn’t have a problem with the Mosaic weighted blankets. As far as grounding and calming are concerned, the blankets perform an excellent job.
Scientifically proven to improve sleep, reduce stress and increase productivity
Dual-sided, for summer and winter use
Evenly distributed weight
Not all weighted blankets are machine washable, but the one by CMFRT is. You can easily remove the cover and wash the blanket, just like all your other clothing. Another advantage of the CMFRT Cozy weighted blanket is the dual side. One side has a minky microfiber cover for use in winter while the other side has a soft cotton cover for use in summer. Inside there are beads stitched uniformly into individual pockets that add weight to the blanket. Because these beads don’t heat up, you can easily use this blanket throughout the year, switching sides to your preferences.
The weighted blankets by CMFRT are available in small and queen sizes. The smaller sizes – 5 lb, 7 lb, and 12 lb – are great to cover your body, and the larger queen sizes – 16 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb – are great to cover the bed. Although they don’t offer many customization options, CMFRT Cozy weighted blankets do come in a number of color options. The beads are made with premium glass and are nontoxic and hypoallergenic. The blankets are made entirely in the US and have a satisfaction guarantee. A 22 lb queen size blanket retails for $179.
Good for:
Those who want a user-friendly, innovative weighted blanket
Given the variation in children’s weights, it can be hard to find the right weighted blanket for them. The YnM weighted blanket seems to be just right for both kids and adults, because of the variety of sizes they offer. Children are usually comfortable with weighted blankets that are 10 percent of their body weight. Usually, weighted blankets that weigh 5 to 7 pounds are ideal for children. YnM offers that, and there are additional options that are fit adults.
The blanket has a seven-layer construction, at the center of which is the layer of glass beads. The additional layers are made of soft fabrics that do not heat up and help keep the sleep cool. Because there is little to no microfiber content, the blanket is great for the summers. Sleepers will also be comfortable without feeling the beads through the layers. There are five weighted inserts for evenly distributing the beads and allow the blanket to adapt to the shape of the sleeper.
Good for:
Children as well as adults
Those who prefer a blanket that adapts to their shape
The Density Comfort weighted blanket has only three weight options to choose from, and they are all pretty heavy at 15 lbs, 20 lbs, and 25 lbs. Needless to say, this isn’t a blanket that’s ideal for children. Only heavy adults will be able to use it comfortably. Many adults who prefer something lighter have said that the blanket is too heavy to sleep with. If you’re above 150 pounds and would love something really heavy pinning you down through the night, this is the blanket for you.
The outer cover is plush fleece, and the inner layer is made cotton. The outer cover can be removed and thrown in the wash.
The Zzzhen weighted blanket is made of cotton, which means it’s breathable and also sleeps cool. It’s touted as the ideal blanket for those who suffer from insomnia, anxiety and other pressures of life. The gentle weight of the blanket helps remove stress and fatigue and creates a calming sleeping experience. The blanket is constructed with high-quality Egyptian cotton through well-proportioned sewing that evenly distributed the weight through the blanket.
Good for:
Hot sleepers
Those who love premium cotton
Those who want dependable customer service and longer than average warranty
Although Sensadream offers only one size and weight – queen 15 lbs – the company claims that it can be used for all people. However, the ideal weight range is 130-lbs to 180 lbs. the blanket has two sides to the cover, the minky side for winters and the 100 percent natural bamboo side for summer. The cover can also be removed for washing. The tiny glass sand beads are non-toxic and hypoallergenic and do not make any noise.
Good for:
Those looking for attention to detail
Ideal weight
Those who want reasonable pricing
Degrees of Comfort Weighted blanket
Highlights
Weight options 5 lbs to 30 lbs
Two covers for summer and winter
Affordable
Available exclusively on Amazon, the weighted blanket from Degrees of Comfort comes with two separate covers- one for the summer and the other for the colder months. Strict attention to detail is paid during construction, using only the highest quality materials that are hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Suitable for both children and adults, the weighted blanket comes in a wide range of weight options and is priced under $60.
Although weighted blankets claim to offer a number of health and sleep benefits, remember to consult with your doctor before you start using it if you have any health problem that requires attention.
If you or someone you know has anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, SPD, or even autism, you’ll be happy to know that there may be a better way to put yourself to bed for a more restful sleep. Introducing the Weighting Comforts blanket.
When I first heard of the Weighting Comforts Weighted Blanket, I thought the idea couldn’t be more bizarre. “Wouldn’t a weighted blanket make one feel constricted?,” I pondered, but when I surfed the web to further investigate, it turned out that my assumption was incorrect. It’s true, weighted blankets may not be for everyone but from what I’ve read thus far, they could be for almost anyone.
Overview of the Weighting Comforts Weighted Blanket
Weighting Comforts creates weighted blankets to help people overcome anxiety and sleeplessness. The Weighted Blanket by Weighting Comforts starts at $195. While the price may be steep for the majority, the company’s 30 Day Better Sleep Guarantee is more than comforting.
Construction of the Weighted Blanket by Weighting Comforts
What I really like about this company, in particular, is the variety of their sleep product. They offer their blanket in a range of weights, different colors as well as variety in the fabric used to create it. The blanket can be ordered in the weight of 10 lbs, 15 lbs or 20 lbs. It’s recommended that a weighted blanket be approximately 10% of your body weight to acquire the optimal effect.
As far as fabric options are considered, Weighting Comforts has quilted cotton and flannel, for those who prefer to stay warm, and for those who are against the idea, they furnish blankets made with CoolMax® fabrics, that ensure you can comfortably sleep cool through the night.
Coolmax is the brand name for an array of moisture-wicking textiles. These are technical fabrics straight out of the 80’s. DuPont Textiles and Interiors, now known as Invista, developed them in 1986. In contrast to natural made fibers like cotton, CoolMax is made of specially engineered polyester fibers that are exclusively meant to enhance breathability. Also known as wick away fabrics, they’re engineered to pull moisture away from the body, by way of capillary motion and a higher rate of evaporation.
Capillary motion is defined by Wikipedia as “the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, external forces like gravity.”
Who knew sleep cool technology was so methodically thought out?
My Weighting Comforts Weighted Blanket Findings
Upon opening the package I was immediately reminded of the fact that this was no ordinary blanket, being that it weighed 15 lbs! It’s easy to forget about the weight associated with the product because I feel like we all have a certain image and feel in mind when we think of the word “blanket.” The blanket itself was made of a cotton fabric which I think felt great and breathable. While it felt like a very strong fabric, it wasn’t thick where it’d be difficult to sleep with during the warmer months. The material felt perfect to the touch. The pellets inside, which make up the weight, felt and looked interesting but overall I really ended up liking the concept. I found the pellets to be very soothing, as the sound they make when the blanket is being moved around, is rather calming.
One thing I would like to point out is that there is a pale colored line you might find on your blanket. This is noted in the manual/guide that comes with the package. It’s said that this is from their manufacturing process and that it washes out in about 5 washes or so. I found this to be a bit odd but after sleeping with the blanket, it’s amazing how easily I let it go. Just be mindful of this when ordering or when purchasing it as a gift for someone else.
Pricing Table for the Weighted Blanket by Weighting Comforts
Cotton Quilting Weighted Blanket
size
small
medium
large
weight
10 lbs
15 lbs
20 lbs
dimensions
40” x 74”
40” x 74”
40” x 74”
price
$195
$225
$245
Charcoal Flannel Weighted Blanket
size
small
medium
large
weight
10 lbs
15 lbs
20 lbs
dimensions
42” x 74”
42” x 74”
42” x 74”
price
$195
$225
$245
COOLMAX® Weighted Blanket
size
small
medium
large
weight
10 lbs
15 lbs
20 lbs
dimensions
55” x 74”
55” x 74”
55” x 74”
price
$269
$289
$299
Benefits of The Weighting Comforts Weighted Blanket
The magic behind Weighted Blankets is actually quite scientific. Blankets of this sort are effective by way of Deep Pressure Touch (DPT), also referred to as Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation (DPTS). Deep Pressure Touch is able to take the body from what’s known as “fight or fight” to “rest and digest,” as explained by Applied Behavior Analysis Edu. This is done by increasing serotonin in the body, some of which is turned into melatonin, and by also simultaneously decreasing cortisol levels, often referred to as the stress hormone.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, known to regulate mood, appetite and sleep. It also has some cognitive functions as well, specifically pertaining to memory and learning. Low levels of serotonin are connected to depression so an increase in this chemical is a huge benefit. Serotonin is also the precursor to melatonin. Serotonin goes through the process of acetylation and methylation in the pineal gland to create melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for the regulation of sleep and wakefulness.
In the mainstream, cortisol is often referred to as the stress hormone but this chemical is responsible for a lot more than that. Both low and high levels of cortisol are undesirable and both come with their own list of symptoms. At healthy levels, this hormone helps to control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, while also regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation and assisting with memory formulation.
My Weighting Comforts Weighted Blanket Recommendation
I really like this blanket. It’s officially become a part of my sleeping station. I can’t believe how quickly I’m able to fall asleep with this blanket, my nights are not usually that simple so this is a more than welcome change. Also considering all of the science behind it, I feel like it’d be a waste to not give it a genuine try for at least a few weeks to see whether or not there is a shift in the quality of sleep. I do already feel like I can acquire deeper sleep by way of this blanket but the long-term results will really help decipher it’s effectiveness. And if you aren’t already captivated by the idea, check this out: These blankets are actually sewn by refugees. Weighing Comforts has partnered with a non-profit organization, based out of Middle Tennessee, known as Sew For Hope. Refugees are provided with sewing machines and sewing classes, which has afforded them the ability to earn a living with both their artistry and skill. Isn’t that cool?
Studies referenced:
???? Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket
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