A Guide to YNM Weighted Blankets – Do They Work?
YNM Weighted blankets have long been seen as a rather controversial product. It is sometimes difficult to believe that a mere bedding item can help use sleep better or can help reduce anxiety. It’s safe to say that this is the kind of product that you have to test out before you can truly believe in it. So, if you’re considering buying a weighted blanket, we have some general shopping knowledge to share, as well as a list of products made by a weighted blanket guru: YnM.
What Do Weighted Blankets Do?
It’s easy for a lot of shoppers to be drawn to promises of a better life after they buy this or that, but it’s important for you to understand how a product works and why it claims to have the benefits in question. It’s perfectly normal to winder what weighted blankets do and what they claim to bring to the table.
First of all, we have to talk about the benefit that every weighted blanket manufacturer pushes forward: improved sleep. The reason why they claim that is because a number of small studies have had participants claim they slept better when using a weighted blanket, but that said blanket also helped them stay asleep longer. How this actually works is still unknown, so relying on testimonials of study participants is our biggest lead in this aspect.
There are, however, a few theories that suggest why weighted blankets help you fall asleep faster and make you sleep longer. Some experts claim this could have something to do with the fact that weighted blankets imitate the swaddling or hugging sensations that reduces anxiety and induces a state of calm. Other experts believe it’s a matter of hormones, as the pressure applied by a weighted blanket help produce more hormones that induce a positive mood. For some people, a weighted blanket puts just enough pressure on the body as to reduce movement and, while staying in a fixed position, sleep is likelier to show up.
There is also some ongoing research that focuses on other benefits that weighted blankets bring, such as helping one cope with conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD. Thanks to preliminary evidence, it would seem that weighted blankets can reduce anxiety levels, with anxiety being a leading cause for insomnia. While there isn’t enough evidence to support these claims, a lot of people who suffer from the aforementioned conditions swear by weighted blankets and claim they feel better after having used one. It is, however, recommended to talk to a doctor is you have any of these conditions and would like to start using a weighted blanket.
Weighted Blanket Features
Shopping for a weighted blanket requires you to pay attention to some features that are a little different compared to what you would seek in an average blanket:
Fill
The fill of the blanket is usually made from steel, plastic, or glass beads, which is the main component that adds weight to the blanket. Different types of stitching will distribute the fill evenly across the surface of the blanket. Weighted blanket fill shouldn’t make noise even when you switch between sleeping positions. However, not all weighted blankets come filled with beads, as others use heavy fabric to add weight to the product.
Weight
Weight and weight distribution also demand your attention, because your body can only support so much weight to actually feel comfortable. You are bound to find weighted blankets that weigh between five and 30 pounds, but there are rules as to how you must choose a weighted blanket that’s suitable for you. The general consensus is that weighted blankets should be 10 percent of your own body’s weight, with lighted models being inefficient and heavier models being uncomfortable. It’s important to note that there are a few weighted blanket models that follow the “one weight fits all” concept, meaning they can be folded in a number of ways as to redistribute the weight and make them weigh more or less.
Size
Size is an important feature as well, as some models can be longer and wider compared to others. You are likely to find weighted blankets in about the same measurements as the standard mattress sizes you’re already accustomed to (for instance, a Queen-sized weighted blanket measures 60 x 80 inches).
Cover
The cover of the blanket is important for a number of reasons, with the most important two being fill insulation and the actual properties of the fibers being used to make the cover. Note that most weighted blankets have an outer cover, a fabric that comes in contact with the skin, and some additional inner lining or padding that prevents you from actually feeling the shape of the beads inside it. Covers can be made from fabrics such as cotton, polyester, wool, plus a variety of different blends.
Naturally, these materials are not identical, with each fiber having its own set of properties that you may or may not enjoy. Cotton is sought out because it’s soft and comfortable, while wool is moisture-wicking and traps heat better. It’s important for you to know what each fiber does so you can determine if those benefits are of use to you. Also note that the liner inside the cover can have properties such as waterproofness, which might be important to you.
Cleaning
Ease of cleaning is something that matters to a lot of buyers, and for a good reason. Weighted blankets are heavy and aren’t always machine washable, which makes it even more important for you to choose one with a removable cover that makes it easier to clean the blanket when needed. Keep in mind that there are some weighted blankets that can be washed entirely. Whatever the case, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions so that you can enjoy the blanket for a long period of time.
Weighted Blanket Risks
Since we’re talking about a product that weighs quite a lot, it makes sense that this type of product isn’t addressed to everyone, as the added weight can pose a risk for certain categories of people. So, who are those that should be wary of using a weighted blanket?
- Children under the age of 8 should never use a weighted blanket unless the doctor states otherwise. The implications of children that small and weighted blankets can be both of physical and emotional nature. Deep pressure stimulation, which is what causes weighted blankets to work in general, might not have the same sought out impact for the little ones.
- People who have respiratory or circulatory problems might end up having heavier breathing or blood flow restrictions due to the weight of these blankets.
- Those that suffer from claustrophobia might have a difficult time feeling relaxed under the pressure of weighted blankets.
- Pregnant women should never use a weighted blanket without the recommendation of their gynecologist.
The Best YNM Weighted Blankets
YnM Weighted Blanket
The first YnM blanket on today’s list is a 7-layer product. The cover is made with duvet ties to make it easier for you for to secure the insert inside a duvet cover if needed. The glass beads that make up the fill are surrounded by padding, so that you’ll never feel them and have a comfortable sleep under the blanket whenever needed. There are multiple size and weight options to choose from, including blankets in Twin, Full, Queen, and King size.
YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket
With 13 different color options to choose from and weights that vary between 7 and 30 pounds, this bamboo weighted blanket by YnM is a good choice for people who tend to sweat a lot and sleeping and are often woken up by thermal discomfort. The cover is made with natural bamboo material which, as you may already know, is naturally cooling and feels very pleasant against the skin. Aside from that, the construction of this blanket stays true to the YnM style, with 7 layers that are divided amongst the comfortable cover, the padding, and the glass beads that make up most of the weight of the blanket.
YnM Knitted Weighted Blanket
The YnM knitted weighted blanket is a product that stands out of the crowd, as that beautiful knit makes it so that you want to use the blanket with every chance you get. It’s available in three sizes, each with its own weight, so you can choose between the 48 x 72-inch version that weighs 12 pounds, the 50 x 60-inch version coming in at 10 pounds, and the 60 x 80-inch version that weighs 15 pounds. It’s available in a navy and grey color, so that you can choose whatever you like best. The knit makes it so that the weight is evenly distributed, but what’s interesting is that the yarn is filled with hollow fiber, yet it manages to create such a long-lasting product.
YnM Weighted Blanket and Duvet Covers
Buying things in a set will always save you the trouble of having to make additional purchases and looking for proper fits, which is why this YnM weighted blanket and duvet covers set is a best-selling item. You can opt between several sizes and weights, with your smallest option being a 36 x 48-inch 5-pound blanket and the largest and heaviest one being 80 x 87 inches and 30 pounds in weight. There are six beautiful color options to choose from, such as blue, green, or hot pink. The set includes one weighted blanket, and two washable duvet covers (a minky one for warmth and a fiber one for cooling).
YnM Fuzzy Warm Weighted Blanket
It usually takes a few days to get used to a weighted blanket, and while some people first associate them with a burden, it’s hard to do so when you have a blanket as fuzzy as this one by YnM. It’s available in a 50 x 60-inch version that weighs 10 pounds and two 60 x 80-inch blankets, one that weighs 15 pounds and the other weighing in at 20 pounds. The blankets are made with faux fur available in beautiful shades that range from brown to blue. They are divided into 4.7 x 4.7-inch compartments for even weight distribution and they are made from 100 percent OEKO-TEX certified material, filled with quality glass beads.
YnM Kids Weighted Blanke
If you have the doctor’s approval to let your child use a weighted blanket, know that the one made by YnM especially for kids is a really popular product and has gathered tens of thousands of positive reviews. Not only is this a solid product worth every penny, but it’s also available in a wide range of colors and cute prints, such as baby seals, strawberries, or tiny and colorful flowers. It uses the same 7-layer structure that most YnM blankets use, with compartments that measure 4 x 4 inches to distribute weight evenly across the surface of the blanket.
YnM Weighted Blanket — Heavy 100% Oeko-Tex Certified
Our last suggestion for today is a weighted blanket with a very chic pineapple print, but rest assured that there are other models for you to choose from, such as dolphin or dog sets, which include an adorable plush toy. Our pineapple suggestion is made with a minky fabric that feels very pleasant against the skin, so that you can quickly find comfort in using a blanket of this sort. The 7-layer structure is part of this construction as well, using 4.7 x 4.7-inch compartment so that the glass beads will be evenly distributed across the entire surface of the blanket, rendering maximum efficiency as you make this product a part of your life.
Bottom Line
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence behind the use of weighted blankets, so it really is understandable if you’re skeptical about buying and using one. However, there are people who have used one and claim that it helps them fall asleep faster, sleep better, reduced anxiety, helps with restless leg syndrome, and improves their overall feelings of nervousness. Just make sure that if you’re pregnant, have a medical condition, or want to buy a weighted blanket for a child, you talk to a doctor first.