One of the most common questions people have about weighted blankets is whether they sleep too hot. When the weather heats up, parents often wonder if their children will be too warm under a weighted blanket. If your child is a warm sleeper, or you're curious how your weighted blanket will sleep through the summer months, we explain your options. The good news is you don't have to forego the benefits of a weighted blanket just because the temperature is rising.
Weighted Blankets: What’s Inside
When people hear “weighted,” they often assume it means “hot.” However, a weighted blanket is not necessarily any hotter than a normal, non-weighted blanket. (In fact, many of our customers tell us their weighted blanket sleeps quite cool.) If you’re concerned about your weighted blanket sleeping too hot, we will work with you to create a custom weighted blanket that delivers all of the benefits without being too stifling during use.
To begin, it helps to know just what goes into creating a custom weighted blanket. Here is how we build each weighted blanket.
100% Cotton Fabric
We start with high-quality 100% cotton fabric. Cotton is durable, breathable and machine washable. It also allows just enough stretch (but not too much) to accommodate the weight of the pellets we add to give the blanket weight.
We offer pattern fabrics of all kinds, including a large selection of patterns for kids — and many fun and stylish patterns for grownups, too. We also offer solids and supreme solids in an array of colors. Our weighted blankets also come in a selection of waterproof fabrics, which are perfect for children. You can also choose from our gallery fabric options, which feature a swirl pattern. Check out our full selection of patterns and solids.
From time to time, we get inquiries from customers asking if we can make a weighted blanket with the customer’s fabric. The answer is yes! We will work with you to create a weighted blanket from your fabric of choice. However, the fabric must be 100% cotton — otherwise there is a chance it will pull and become misshapen due to the weight of the pellets inside. Cotton really does work best for weighted blankets. In the event we don’t carry quite the fabric you’re looking for, we’re also happy to help you search for a fabric that’s just right.
Tip: To chat with someone from our team about using your own fabric to create your weighted blanket, get in touch with us here. You can also call us at 855-736-7222.
100% Virgin Polypropylene
At SensaCalm, all of our weighted blankets are made with 100% virgin polypropylene pellets. The pellets are what gives the weighted blanket its weight. Unlike less expensive, lower quality pellets, they also dry faster after washing. Lower quality polypropylene pellets can hold moisture, which can breed mold and bacteria. We’ve found that the pellets tend to stay cool as long as your room temperature is cool.
The polypropylene pellets are not removable, as they are sewn into each individual pocket to stop them from shifting around too much. Because our pellets are the highest quality available, they dry very quickly after washing. You can tumble dry your weighted blanket on a low or medium setting.
Tip: All of the weighted blankets on our site have a “watch video” option, so you can view the blanket’s thickness and standard backing fabric.
Hypoallergenic Poly-fil
To give our blankets the soft, cushiony feel of a regular, non-therapy blanket, we also use Fairfield brand poly-fil, which is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. In addition to making the blankets softer and more comfortable, the poly-fil helps muffle the sound of the pellets shifting around.
The poly-fil can make a blanket a bit warmer, like a standard, fluffy comforter, which is why we offer weighted blankets without poly-fil. If your child is a warm sleeper or you live in a very hot climate, you might want to try a weighted blanket without the poly-fil. In our experience, the majority of our customers don’t find that the poly-fil makes their weighted blanket sleep hot. If you purchase a weighted blanket without poly-fil, it will be flatter and more like a quilt in appearance.
Tip: To purchase a blanket without poly-fil, make sure to select “without polyfil” when you order.
Cuddle Fleece Backing(Optional)
We also offer an option to back your weighted blanket with cuddle fleece, which is an extremely soft, comfortable material you often find on baby blankets and luxury bathrobes. You may have also heard it referred to as “minky” fabric. Our cuddle fleece is a big hit with sensory seekers who like to rub the fabric between their fingers or just enjoy the brush of extreme softness against their skin.
However, the cuddle fleece is a true fleece fabric, which may make your weighted blanket sleep hotter than a blanket without it. If you worry about excessive heat, or your child is a hot sleeper, you might want to skip the cuddle fleece.
Optional Snaps, Matching Pillowcases and Monogramming
When you order your weighted blanket, you can also choose to add snaps, a matching pillowcase or personalization.
We offer snaps so you can attach your weighted blanket to your SensaCalm duvet cover (sold separately). Our matching pillowcases (available in standard pillow size) allow you to create a complete bedding set. For monogramming, we offer initials, initials inside a decorative parentheses, first name in print and first name in cursive.
Tip: View our monogramming options here.
Order Your SensaCalm Weighted Blanket Today
Are you ready to enjoy more relaxing, restorative sleep? Check out our custom order page to start designing your weighted blanket. We also offer finished blankets that ship the next business day after your order.
Questions? Get in touch by calling us at 855-736-7222, or use our online contact form to speak to a helpful member of our team.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before undertaking any type of therapy or treatment.