The quality of sleep largely depends on the right choice of blanket, because the material must provide comfort, thermoregulation and safety. There are a huge number of different options on the modern market. In order not to get confused when buying the perfect blanket, you need to determine the selection criteria.
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Why choosing a blanket is important
During the day, the human body temperature changes slightly. This is especially pronounced at night. In the evening, the temperature reaches its maximum, and by 2-3 am it drops to its minimum levelThis is why we start to feel cold in our sleep if we don’t cover ourselves with a blanket or choose a product that is too thin.
In addition, the blanket performs calming function. Scientists have found that the weight of a blanket on a person’s body stimulates the production of serotonin - the hormone of calmness, and melatonin - sleep hormone.
This is precisely why weighted models are becoming increasingly popular, but regular blankets also do a great job of this task.
Blanket dimensions
When you go shopping for a blanket, you should clearly understand what size you need. Often, the buyer buys an option that does not fit into the duvet cover or is too small for the bed. Therefore, the first thing you need to do before buying a blanket is to decide on its dimensions.
There is a standard size chart for blankets, according to which duvet covers are sewn.:
Double bed (1.75m x 2.05m). Designed for beds 1.7m – 1.90m wide.
One and a half bed (1.45m x 2.05m). Suitable for a bed width of 1.4m – 1.6m.
Euro standard (2 m by 2.20 m). Optimal for a bed 1.9 – 2.2 m wide.
Maxi Euro (2.20 m by 2.40 m). It is chosen for beds reaching 2.4 m in width.
Children's size (1.10 m by 1.40 m).
Blanket density
Density is the amount of filler per square meter of the product. The higher the value of this indicator, the denser, and therefore warmer, the blanket. The choice depends on whether it is purchased for summer or winter, on the heating in the house, on personal preferences: someone sleeps soundly in warmth, while others need coolness for healthy sleep.
Manufacturers classify blankets by density.:
Based on this division, it can be understood that lightweight products are suitable for the summer season or for rooms with powerful heating in winter, as well as for people who are always hot. All-season or universal blankets are useful at any time of the year: in the summer it is not stuffy under them, and in the cold it is warm. Winter options are the densest and will warm even in frosty weather in a poorly heated bedroom.
Types of filler
Blanket fillers can be divided into two large groups: artificial and natural.
Natural fillers
Natural fillers are warmer, but can cause allergies. The most popular materials in this category are:
Fluff
Usually duck or goose down is used, which is mixed with artificial feathers to reduce the cost of the product. Down blankets are weightless and retain heat well, while allowing air to pass through and not absorbing moisture. The disadvantages of such models include their high price, as well as rather complicated care. The blanket must be regularly aired, and it is not recommended to wash it yourself, giving preference to dry cleaning. In addition, dust mites love down, which are dangerous for allergy sufferers.
Wool
Most often, manufacturers use sheep or camel wool. The most expensive version of such a blanket is made of cashmere based on the wool of mountain goats. Cashmere products are particularly soft, light and wear-resistant. Wool blankets create an ideal microclimate and also have antibacterial properties. The disadvantages of such products: quite a lot of weight, a specific smell, and the likelihood of moths appearing.
Bamboo
Such blankets have practically no disadvantages, but many advantages: they are lightweight, hypoallergenic, breathable and provide thermoregulation, do not require special care. It is enough to periodically wash them in a delicate mode, and then dry thoroughly. It is important to remember that bamboo blankets are not as warm as wool and down, in addition, there is a high risk of encountering a fake. When buying a product, you need to carefully choose the manufacturer, giving preference to well-known companies, otherwise you can buy a blanket filled with polyester instead of natural material.
Flax
Many people don’t like this filler because of its rigidity, but it has hygroallergenic and antibacterial properties.
Silk
In its pure form, it is almost never used and is usually mixed with bamboo or polyester. Such blankets are characterized by lightness and breathability, they are best suited for the heat carrier of the season. Disadvantages: high cost and difficulty in cleaning (silk blankets cannot be washed in a washing machine).
Cotton
Cotton blankets are light and warm, but unfortunately they have an increased ability to absorb water. Because of this, they become heavy and damp.
Artificial fillers
Blankets with synthetic filling occupy leading positions in sales.
This is explained by the following properties:
- affordable price;
- light weight;
- ease of care;
- wear resistance;
- moisture resistance;
- hypoallergenic.
For sewing blankets are used holofiber, synthetic padding, ecofiber, polyester, artificial swan down.
Weighted blanket
New research has shown that weighted blankets help reduce stress levels and cope with insomnia. Doctors recommend using such products for children with diseases of the nervous system, as well as with autism spectrum disorders. Such blankets can weigh from 2 to 14 kgNatural materials, such as buckwheat or peas, or plastic balls are used as filler.
Blanket cover
The material from which the cover is made is no less important than the filling of the blanket.
Covers are divided into three categories:
Artificial (microfiber, polyester).
Natural (satin, percale, lyocell, silk, linen).
Combined.
The more natural the composition of the cover, the more expensive the product will be. The best, but also the most expensive option is blanket in a cotton cover. This material absorbs moisture, allows air to pass through and does not electrify. Synthetic covers reduce the cost of the blanket by about a third, but they have many disadvantages. When in contact with the duvet cover, synthetics become very electrified, in addition, they do not allow air to pass through well and serve less than cotton.
An excellent option is combination covers, which are in the middle price segment and have improved (compared to artificial materials) qualities.
Sewing technology
Depending on the type of sewing, blankets can be cassette or quilted. Cassette blanket sewn from separate blocks, which are filled with filler (usually down) and connected to each other. With this technology, there is a risk that the filler will bunch up.
Quilted blankets are a monolithic fabric, stitched lengthwise and crosswise. The filler is evenly distributed inside and does not deform even with prolonged use.
How to choose a blanket for a child
All products related to children's health are subject to increased requirements. A baby blanket should be hygroallergenic, lightweight, warm, easy to care for, breathable.
Pediatricians do not recommend covering babies, arguing that any unnecessary objects in the crib can provoke sudden infant death syndrome. The American Academy of Pediatrics allows the use of blankets for children older than one year, and before that age, he recommends special bags.
Resume
So, when choosing a blanket, it is important to pay attention to the following parameters:
- seasonality (lightweight, universal, winter):
- dimensions;
- fillerThis factor is especially important if you are prone to allergic reactions;
- caseIt should be hypoallergenic and tactilely pleasant;
- sewing type: cassette or quilted. Options without stitching should not be considered.
Questions and Answers
A weighted blanket should be 10-15 percent of a person's weight and should not cover more than the size of the bed.
When used correctly, it is safe, but there is a known case of a seven-month-old baby dying under a blanket that was too heavy.
Cashmere ranks first, silk ranks second, and linen ranks third.
If the temperature in the apartment remains stable throughout the year, then one all-season blanket will be enough. If the house is cold in winter and hot in summer, then it is better to buy a lighter and denser one.
The marking is applied to the label in the form of a sun image. 1-2 suns - light blanket, 3 - all-season, 4 and more - winter.
