Consumer Reports' Experts Say They Enjoy This Weighted Blanket From Amazon

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Snuggling under a blanket is one of life's simple pleasures, but it turns out you might be able to elevate the experience with a weighted blanket. These blankets distribute gentle pressure across your body that creates a soothing sensation for many people. If you're restless in body, a weighted blanket is an easy way to make your uncomfortable bed cozier and hopefully more sleep-inducing. In technical terms, the blanket's pressure activates your body's parasympathetic nervous system, but in real-world terms, it might feel like a hug. 

Of the many options available, Consumer Reports' experts favor the YnM Weighted Blanket. This popular Amazon pick is filled with glass beads, as pointed out in a recent Consumer Reports article. And even if you move around in your sleep, you don't have to worry about winding up with one super heavy side of the blanket, because the blanket is quilted with 2-inch-by-2-inch squares that keep the beads evenly distributed. As a bonus, reviewers point out that the even weight distribution also makes the blanket easier to move. It's available in more than a dozen colors or patterns so you can pick the blanket that matches your bedroom decor best. If you're wondering how you'll wash a weighted blanket with glass beads inside, the brand says the blanket is machine-washable on a gentle cycle. However, your best bet may be to keep the weighted blanket inside of a duvet cover and wash the cover as needed.

There's no one-size-fits-all option for the YnM Weighted Blanket, and that's a good thing, since a weighted blanket needs to be the right weight and size for your sleeping situation. As a general rule, look for a weighted blanket that is about 10% of your body weight (YnM suggests adding 1 pound to this number). The size of your bed and whether you're planning on sharing the blanket will also factor into your decision-making. The minimum size of a weighted blanket for a twin bed is usually 48 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches for a full, 80 x 87 inches for a queen, and at least 86 x 92 inches for a king. Couples that are sharing a weighted blanket should choose a blanket that is large enough to comfortably cover two people and has a weight that is appropriate for both of you. If your weights differ significantly, you may need to opt for two individual blankets to ensure that you both have a soothing experience.

Keep in mind that the size of the blanket will also impact the overall feel. A larger blanket will distribute the weight across a wider surface area whereas the same weight will feel heavier for a smaller blanket. So a twin-sized weighted blanket that equates to 10% of your body weight will feel noticeably heavier than a queen-sized blanket of the same weight. YnM offers overlapping weights across various sized blankets so that you can pick the amount of pressure you prefer.