Weighted blankets have become an incredibly popular bedding option due to the proven therapeutic comfort they provide. The pressure point stimulation it creates on your body helps calm your senses, and has been used to aid in a variety of ailments. As a sleep aid, it is a definite win.
If you have been struggling with sleep quality, sleep deprivation, day to day focus due to interrupted sleep, or simply want to try it out, a weighted blanket may be for you. It also can help with:
- Insomnia
- General stress and anxiety
- Hormonal changes
- Depression And
- Stress disorders
Tempur-Pedic weighted blankets are available in two different weights and are covered in a soft, smooth microfiber duvet. It is a comforting bedding option that provides warmth and weighted stimulation. The Sleep Judge Review Team has been able to try one out for ourselves, and our findings are described below.
About the Tempur-Pedic Company
The Tempur-Pedic Company introduced their first mattress in 1991 in Sweden, and featured a new foam originally created by NASA engineers for comfort during space flight. This introduction to the sleep industry changed the face of comfort, and the company has only continued to offer new studies in sleep technology ever since.
With manufacturing plants all over the world for distribution, and have expanded their line to include a large array of sleep products. Constantly evolving advancements in comfort are applied to their mattresses, as are new pillow styles, bedding, bed bases, mattress toppers, and even slippers, stuffed animals, and accessories.
Shipping & Unboxing
The blanket arrived in an unmarked cardboard box on my porch within a week after ordering. I prefer a non-branded box as it is nondescript, and doesn’t draw attention to a delivery. The blanket itself was encased in a thick plastic, zippered pouch that was easy to remove and open. Basic information pertaining to the product was also inked onto the pouch to indicate the produce name, overall size, and weight.
Initial Impressions
The outer duvet covering of the actual blanket is very soft and well stitched. It was easy to lift despite its heft, and although I could hear a slight rustling sound of the beads shifting, I didn’t get an impression of slipping or imbalance as some similar products do.
Upon unfolding, I liked how well the blanket was secured to the duvet, and the weight was obvious, but not overwhelming. Overall, it felt lighter than the 15 lbs it says it is, but a quick hop on the scale showed it to weigh just about that.
Construction
The idea behind a weighted blanket is quite simple, and Tempur-Pedic has been able to take the design and create a well constructed, balanced, and comforting blanket without any of the issues more cheaply made products have.
Filling
91% micro glass beads and 9% soft polyester make up the filling of the blanket. It is well sewn into the cover, so you have very little sound of the bead movement overall. You can feel the beads if you press your fingers together from opposing sides of the blanket, but otherwise they are not noticeable.
Inner Shell
The cover the bads sit within is 100% cotton and is quilted into 4 inch squares to ensure the balance of the heavy filling. It is durably stitched to avoid any leakage of micro-beads, and provides a soft, incredibly thin feeling overall. Each corner and along every side has a well sewn tab to tie your duvet to it securely.
This is actually the thinnest blanket I have ever reviewed (and I have taken a look at quite a few weighted blankets). I am impressed with the overall construction of the blanket itself as it is truly a quality choice. The detail in the design is such to keep it from being too bulky, and makes it easier to use.
Duvet Cover
The duvet is a soft, microfiber polyester. This is not a dual-sided blanket, with cotton on one side, and microfiber on the other, which was a bit disappointing as a full microfiber cover does create higher heat retention overall. However, the material is incredibly soft and smooth, and I love using it with just a sheet for all night comfort.
Since it is easy to remove, you could also easily replace the cover with a cotton option on when the weather is warmer. Or simply use the blanket without the duvet, although that isn’t always suggested since the blanket itself is not easily laundered.
Full Zipper
The zipper is well sewn into the duvet cover along the full length of the short edge. It does not interrupt the movement or feel of the blanket, and is easy to unzip and zip back up without snagging. The opening is large and provides easy access to the tabs that tie the blanket to the duvet.
Features and Benefits
Weighted blankets are a coveted bedding option in my household. It helps my children fall asleep faster, and keeps them sleeping through the night regularly. In fact, my youngest will often wake in the night and seek my own blanket out for comfort if he doesn’t have his.
These blankets are designed to wrap around you as the weight settles over your body. They were initially designed as a therapy option to help trigger relaxation. This deep touch pressure (DPS) stimulation was first introduced to help aid in sensory issues in children. This allows a release of serotonin, a hormone that influences the fight or flight response. Serotonin uptake allows a relaxation of the brain and body, allowing you to fall asleep easier, calm anxiety, and refocus your mind.
Size Options
The blanket comes in only one size and is designed for a single user. Although the measurements span almost an entire queen size bed (as shown), the weight is specific to only one person. The weight of a weighted blanket needs to be chosen in relation to the body weight of the consumer. Blankets often span from 7 to 35 lbs depending on the company. Tempur-Pedic offers a 15 and 20 lb option.
15 lb Blanket:
Made for adults who weigh 125 lbs or more. Feels like a medium weight blanket overall.
20 lb Blanket:
Made for adults who weigh 150 lbs or more. Or for anyone who wants a heavier feeling blanket.
Although the company does not offer a wide range of weights to address a larger amount of both adults and even children, these choices do represent the average sizes of most adults. Personally I have found I sleep best with a 15 lb blanket, which is in accordance to their suggestions.
Maintenance, Protection, Care & Warranty
With two separate components, there are two ways to care for your blanket and duvet cover. The actual blanket part of the product cannot be machine washed and dried. The weight and materials are not designed to work well within a machine, and you can compromise the overall feel (and your machines) if you do so. Instead, simply spot clean soiled areas. Be sure to allow it to dry completely before placing back in the duvet.
The duvet cover, which is designed to protect the blanket, can be easily laundered in your machine and also dried. Simply wash on cold and tumble dry on low heat!
Precautions
Always be sure to choose a blanket that works with your body weight, and avoid using anything heavier than 5-7 lbs with children. Young children should not have one either, with the general age being around 7 before its use.
Warranty
The blanket comes with a lifetime warranty for the product construction only. This covers material defects and failings of seams or leakage of beads during normal use only. You have to be sure to register your product and keep the proof of purchase.
Cost
Tempur-pedic products have a tendency to have a hefty price tag, and this blanket is no exception. These blankets run between $150 and $200, which is on the higher end of weighted blanket cost, although more expensive options do exist. Quality weighted blankets are generally a bit pricey overall as they use higher end materials and have a better, long-lasting construction.
My experiences with Tempur-Pedic products have been favorable concerning overall value, and I can honestly say you aren’t just buying a brand name, but an item that will live up to expectation.
If this is your first foray into weighted blankets, and you don’t want to get stuck with an unreturnable item if you don’t like it, you may want to check out budget choices first before investing. It is important to know that not all weighted blankets come with the duvet either, and may have to be purchased separately. This product has both a blanket and duvet included in the cost.
Reviews and Feedback
This is a VERY new product with very little feedback overall. Of the few reviews that exist from consumers, they are happy with the product and love the comfort, weight, and material. There has been no indication of poor shipping, poor workmanship, or poor wear on the material. It seems to be a well designed option that does deliver what is described.
Who We Recommend the Helix Weighted Blanket For
If you are looking for a sleep aid of any sort, struggle with stress or anxiety, have issues with insomnia, or simply like the feel of a heavier blanket, the Tempur-Pedic Weighted Blanket is a great choice to consider.
Pressure therapy studies indicate the ability of this type of product to help with sleep disorders, and they serve as a great addition to any household for a wide variety of needs. They are designed to be used by a single user, and care should be taken to choose the proper weight in accordance with your own body weight.
Our Final Verdict
As far as quality workmanship and design goes, this is a blanket that does stand out above competitive products. The overall blanket profile and overall feel belays a quality choice and I would personally highly recommend this choice if you are already familiar with weighted blankets.
If you are new to using a weighted blanket, this brand is a bit costly overall and does not have a return policy outside warranty. You may want to see which weight is best for you, and if you like the blanket overall before investing in such a product. It also is important to note that sometimes this type of product does take some getting used to.
Overall, the material, quality, and feel is superior to many similar product I have reviewed. It is a great blanket for everyday use, and is a choice well worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a duvet cover needed?
No, but it is recommended to keep it clean. It does come with one that can be changed out to a personal choice if wanted.
How does the returns process work?
Contact the company within 100 days for authorization.
Where can these be shipped?
Worldwide. Check with the site for international orders.
Do they fit a bed?
No. They are designed for single sleeper use and do not quite cover the whole bed.