Can we be real for a second? Weighted blankets are the new bedding MVP, and we can’t hide that we’re a little obsessed.
If you’re not exactly sure how they work, let us explain: a weighted blanket (aka gravity blanket) is a heavier-than-normal quilt that features evenly distributed pockets throughout, filled with materials like sand, plastic pellets, or small glass beads.
Weighted blankets exert a constant, even, and gentle pressure on the body that feels amazing – just like you’re getting a big, relaxing hug. Because of this, all kinds of people are starting to appreciate the scientifically recognized benefits of using them on a nightly basis, including sleep improvement and insomnia relief, physical and mental relaxation, anxiety and stress reduction, and an overall calming sensation.
With more and more weighted blanket fans relying on their quilts of choice to get a great night’s sleep, one question has inevitably started to pop up. For those who share their bed with a spouse or partner each night, of which there are many, what is the best way to go about using a weighted blanket?
Is there even such a thing as a weighted blanket for couples?
And if so, which is the better option – buying one large, weighted blanket to share between you and your partner, or buying two separate, individually sized weighted blankets to be able to use one each? There’s a lot to work out!
That’s why we’ve crafted this Weighted Blankets for Couples Guide, just for you (well, and your significant other). Let's get to it then, shall we?
Should You Purchase a Single or a Pair of Weighted Blankets for Couples?
Before we get into the specifics of how to buy a weighted blanket for a couple, let's get out of this dilemma first.
It's a wonderful and feasible idea to purchase one large weighted blanket for couples.
While some weighted blankets out there do have labels stating that they are intended for individual use only, there are various larger options available on the market for couples. Take the Sunday Citizen 35 lb. Queen/King-sized Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket, for example.
The most important thing, if you and your partner choose to go this route (or if your partner isn’t exactly involved in the decision-making process but you’ve made up your mind for the both of you), is to make sure the weighted blanket you pick meets the following key requirements. Oh, and we agree, by the way - it’s for your own good. Once you give it a try, you’ll never look back!
How to Choose a Weighted Blanket for a Couple?
Here are some of our key tips for finding the perfect weighted blanket for you and your partner:
1. Account for Differences in Body Weight
Although this isn’t usually a significant factor when you’re shopping for a standard blanket or duvet, body weight is key to the selection process when it comes to picking the right weighted blanket. Experts recommend that, for an individually sized blanket (not including the weight of the blanket cover), the ideal weight should be as close as possible to 10% of the user’s body weight for ensuring better sleep quality.
An ideal weighted blanket is considered heavy enough to stimulate the key pressure points of the body, triggering the signature calming, relaxation response and providing maximum benefit to the user without causing them any kind of discomfort. Of course, individual preferences may vary, but approximately 10% is the standard recommendation.
However, when adding an additional user to the mix, experts’ recommendations change a little regarding body weight and blanket weight ratio. For a couple sharing a weighted blanket, the correct weighted blanket weight changes to approximately 7-7.5% of the total combined body weight.
So, what should couples do if they have vastly different body weights?
Significant weight differences are definitely an issue that couples may experience when it comes to choosing a shared blanket. It can be tricky if large weight and size discrepancies exist between you and your partner, because a weighted blanket that feels too heavy for you may feel too light for your partner, or vice versa.
If you weigh 125 pounds, but your significant other weighs 250 pounds, your ideal blanket weights will be very different. And the last thing you want is to feel like you’re being smothered– that’s far from the relaxing, comforting sensation we’re looking for in a heavy blanket!
Some experts recommend two weighted blankets in this situation, or simply finding a happy medium through trial and error. If you’re going with the latter, look for brands with flexible return policies to allow you to try out your blanket for a few weeks and make sure you’re both getting the comforting pressure.
2. Choose the Right-Sized Blanket – For Your Partner and for Your Bed!
This one’s pretty self-explanatory – you’ll need to find a weighted blanket that easily covers both you and your partner if you want to make sure there’s no cover-hogging going on! (If that doesn’t sound like much of an issue to you, we hate to break it to you, but you’re definitely the cover hogger of the relationship).
And no, buying an oversized weighted blanket isn't the answer! So, what size weighted blanket should you go for?
Try to buy according to your bed size – Queen or King, whatever you have. A slightly oversized blanket is okay (especially if you’re traumatized by the blanket thief in your life) but do bear in mind that you don’t want your weighted blanket to be draping so far down off your bed that it’s dragging along the floor.
It'll do the job just fine if it fits just the top of your bed. In short, you want to get as many of the great benefits as possible by ensuring the right blanket size, and that means proper weight distribution!
3. Think Carefully About the Filling
Are you the kind of person who wakes up every time your partner rolls over or mumbles weird things in their sleep whilst they sleep soundly like a baby through every damn noise?
We get it - couples are often very different when it comes to how deeply they sleep! This is an important factor to consider when choosing the right filling for your weighted blanket.
The general consensus is that the quietest filling material, thus the best option for light sleepers, is glass beads. These fine, smooth beads, as well as being higher quality and more durable than many other fillers, barely make a sound when touched, eliminating any concerns about noise disrupting you or your partner’s slumber.
Also, to prevent restless leg syndrome, these beads need to be distributed evenly throughout the blanket. So, the stitching pattern and fastening mechanism matter too! The fastening mechanism will ensure that the inside is always in place, regardless of how you move.
Only then, both of you will be sleeping soundly in no time.
4. You’re Hot, and You’re Cold
Ideal sleeping temperature is yet another factor that seems to divide couples right down the center when it comes to resting comfortably. Everyone seems to have a personal preference.
Ever find yourself getting up in the middle of the night to sneakily turn the AC up, only to notice that it’s 3 degrees lower than that “compromise” you and your partner came to last night? Let’s not even go there.
When picking out a couple’s weighted blanket, it’s essential to consider your preferred types and weights of fabric to find something you’re both happy with.
Breathability is key, and while ultra-soft and cozy is also a must, it’s important to find fabric with a cooling effect if you’re a hot sleeper, to stay asleep and comfy all night long.
Pair your blankets with premium bamboo sheets that have a cooling effect, making it an excellent for hot sleepers or during those summer nights.
5. Easy Care = Easy Life
Dividing household chores is rarely straightforward for couples living under the same roof, so why add another one to the list? We recommend finding a weighted blanket with easy care instructions.
Removable covers are great for this, and machine washable elements are a huge bonus. Having to hand wash the cover of your weighted blanket oregularly will get old very quickly!
Now, the case for the inside is different. Typically, the quilts have their pockets filled with poly pellets, micro glass beads, crystals, etc.
As these are heavier and more delicate, you can't just throw them in the washing machine. You'll have to hand wash them in most cases.
6. Aesthetics Matter Too!
Last but not least, we all know that the first thing people do when they enter a space is to inspect what's inside! Why would you compromise with a weighted blanket, especially since there are so many alternatives?
While it might be purely superficial, the weighted blanket you choose as a couple should look great too!
Whether it goes on top of your bed as an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter nights or on top of your duvet to add coziness to your sleep, you want it to be something that both you and your partner are happy with.
The good news is that there’s an abundance of weighted blankets for couples that come in many exciting colors. So, choose one that soothes your nervous system and complements the interior perfectly.
Benefits of a Shared Weighted Blanket for You and Your Partner
Overall, the very concept of sharing weighted blanket is pretty genius. Not only will you save your hard-earned cash by investing in one blanket instead of two, but a shared blanket also tends to look more aesthetically pleasing (less crumpled fabric) and “put together” on your bed than two separate blankets.
Don’t forget, there’s also the time-saving aspect of taking care of and washing one weighted blanket instead of two individual blankets.
And finally, if you prefer to stash your blanket away during the day and bring it out again at night, a shared blanket will also take up less storage space than two individual ones – we’re all familiar with the struggles of small apartment life!
Best Weighted Blanket for Couples You Can Rely On
If you and your partner are struggling to get a great night’s sleep, a Sunday Citizen weighted blanket might be the answer to your prayers. After all, great sleep leads to well-rested, happy, and patient people…which sounds like the recipe for a successful relationship, if you ask us!
Let's look at some of the best blankets for couples we offer.
1. Sunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket
These high quality weighted blankets are available in 4 different weights - 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, and 35 lbs (King- or Queen-Sized blanket). The 90" x 90" size is ideal for couples who want to use a blanket together.
Plus, it comes in 3 attractive colors - Cloud Grey, Off White, and Purple Haze, So you won't be short of options while looking for one.
Unlike a regular blanket, this blanket features a 100% microfiber cover. What are the benefits, you ask?
Breathability is one of them. What's the significance of that for you? The degree to which you sweat on your own body will be reduced! It'll simply feel nice against your skin, and you can say goodbye to sweaty T-shirts on hot summer nights!
Furthermore, this removable cover is machine washable, too, so you can toss this washable cover in your washing machine any time you want.
What about the inside? Well, it's equally if not more impressive!
Unlike those cheap heavy weighted blankets that only have poly pellets as the filling, the inside of this whole blanket is filled with premium glass beads. These tiny glass beads will ensure the warmth you need for a good night's rest.
In addition to premium glass beads, we take weighted blanket filling one step further with the addition of thousands of tiny pieces of natural healing crystals, including:
- Amethyst, said to cleanse negative energy and relieve stress
- Clear quartz, considered to be the “master healer,” amplifying the effects of surrounding crystals
- Rose quartz, said to inspire compassion and support emotional and relationship healing
How to wash the inside? Simply hand wash the interior with cold water. Yes, it's that easy!
Overall, this is a great weighted blanket that makes the best use of stimulation technology and helps soothe sensory disorder issues.
Highlights:
- Ample weight options: 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, and 35 lbs
- Comes in 3 different colors: Cloud Grey, Off White, and Purple Haze
- 100% microfiber cover
- Filled with premium glass beads
- Natural crystals facilitate holistic healing
- Machine washable removable cover
- Superior quilting pattern for even weight distribution
- Equips buttons and straps for fastening the inside
2.Sunday Citizen Bamboo Crystal Weighted Blanket
Another weighted blanket that's regarded as the best weighted blanket by many couples is the Sunday Citizen Bamboo Crystal Weighted Blanket.
It comes in attractive moon and white colors, making it perfect for any bedroom design. However, unlike the previous unit, you can't get this bamboo weighted blanket for your king bed/queen bed. The other sizes are available though.
Now, let's talk about the most interesting aspect of this blanket - the removable cover! We chose viscose from bamboo as the cover material, which was processed from bamboo.
So, what difference does it make? Is it better than organic cotton? Yes, it is! This cover will feel a lot better on your skin. Plus, a viscose-made cover will be more efficient in moisture absorption than any breathable cotton-made cover. Sweating will be a thing of the past thanks to the natural-cooling technology of bamboo viscose!
That's not all, either! This cover's sheen and drape will always outperform any cotton cover. Thus, superior aesthetics and a good night's sleep are assured as a result.
Just like the previous weight blanket, it's filled with high quality glass pearls and natural crystals. You already know that the crystals add weight to mimic deep touch pressure therapy. But as we mentioned earlier, amethyst, rose quartz, and clear quartz crystals will also facilitate holistic healing.
Thus, along with improving your blood pressure by providing you with deep pressure therapy, this gravity blanket for couples will increase the overall wellness of your body.
Furthermore, thanks to the quilting pattern and double fastening mechanism, the blanket offers evenly distributed weight - no matter how much tugging or pulling takes place between you and your partner.
Unlike most weighted blankets, taking care of this blanket is also ridiculously easy. The cover is machine washable, while the inside weighted blanket needs hand washing.
Highlights:
- Bamboo viscose offers a natural cooling
- Excellent luster and drape
- Feels great to the touch
- High-quality glass pearls are used to add weight
- Includes natural crystals
- Removable cover can be washed in the washing machine
- Even weight distribution is possible thanks to the stitching pattern
- Includes buttons and straps for fastening the inside
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a couple share a weighted blanket?
If you've read our article carefully, then you should already know that weighted blankets are not just for individuals. They're also perfect for couples!
What characteristics should I look for when purchasing a weighted blanket for couples?
The answer to that question can be a bit different for everyone. In general, you should pay attention to the weight, dimension, filling substance, cover material, washing procedure, and last but not least, appearance.
Is there any difference between weighted blankets for couples and weighted blankets for adults?
Not really! If the requirements that were stated in this article are met, any weighted blanket can serve both purposes equally.
How Heavy should a weighted blanket be for a couple?
The correct weighted blanket weight for a couple sharing a weighted blanket ranges from 7 to 7.5 percent of the combined body weight. This rule applies if the weight difference between both of you is not that significant.
If your partner weighs about twice as much as you, you should consider buying separate weighted blankets. Because a weighted blanket that feels too heavy for one person may feel too light for the other, and this will not meet the blanket's intended purpose.
What's the proper way to wash weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets need different care than regular blanket. The inside should be washed only by hand. Hand wash with cold water and lay flat to dry.
Some manufacturers offer only machine-washable covers. Anyways, the user manual of the blanket will almost always include instructions regarding the care of your blanket. Hence, make sure that you read those carefully before hanging the blanket to air-dry!
Is it dangerous to sleep under a weighted blanket?
Nope! Weighted blankets are extremely safe if used properly. Weighted blankets work by applying gentle pressure onto the body. This pressure is similar to the one you experience while being hugged by somebody. Overwhelming? A little! But definitely not dangerous.
What do I need to remember about using a weighted blanket?
Just like any other quilt or blanket, your cover needs some time and space for airing after washing it. If you don't give it that, you might risk some unpleasant smells and an annoying amount of mold.
Why should I choose Sunday Citizen weighted blankets?
We have a reputation for delivering top-quality weighted blankets at reasonable price points. All of our weighted blankets have carefully constructed cover fabric, a variety of colors, high-quality inside materials, natural healing crystals, and simple care instructions.
The technology we employ in each of our weighted blankets is unrivaled. Therefore, considering all the value that the brand provides, you can't just go wrong.
Final Words
Hopefully, after reading this article, you'll be better equipped to get the best weighted blankets for couples.
If you're confused by all of the things to consider for the right weighted blanket, simply choose one of the two options presented to you, and you'll be good. Your partner will thank you for it!