Looking to create the comfiest nighttime nest in town? Finding yourself overwhelmed with the many bedding options?
Weighted blankets vs comforters might be the final contest at the end of that journey. But at first glance it can be hard to see how they’re different.
Over the years, weighted blankets have gained recognition for being a powerful tool that queues calmness and promotes sleep. Many of the differences between weighted blankets and comforters lie in those therapeutic benefits.
What’s a Comforter?
The term comforter itself can cause a bit of confusion as people often mistake it for a duvet. They’re similar, but a duvet has a removable cover.
Take away that sleeve and you have a poufy comforter that drapes over your bed.
Comforters come in a variety of fabrics from bamboo to velvet, and they’re stuffed with materials like cotton or down feathers.
The role of these big fabric clouds is insulator, and they’re designed with colder rooms or climates in mind.
So if you’re someone who runs cold, they might be what you’re looking for
What’s a Weighted Blanket?
While comforters tend to be bulky, they’re not all that heavy, coming in at about 6 pounds on the beefy end.
Weighted blankets, on the other hand, wouldn’t be doing their job for most people if they were that light.
It depends on the person, but as a general rule weighted blankets should be about 10% of your body weight to stimulate deep touch pressure – a therapeutic release of hormones like serotonin. That’s a 20-pound blanket if you weigh 200 pounds.
To reach the right weight, different companies use different methods. Glass or plastic beads sewn into compartments are common, but harmful to the environment. That’s why Bearaby weighted blankets are made with weighted yarn that allows them to hit the right number on the scale while being eco-friendly.
Advantages of a Comforter
Knowing the different aims of these blankets, let’s go over some of the advantages of the comforter.
- Provides warmth. Different materials insulate better than others, but most comforters get the job done. If you have one filled with down, it’s about as warm as it gets.
- Several pricing options. You can find comforters for almost any budget. As with most products, the pricier options tend to be made with higher-quality materials.
- Light, fluffy bedding. While weighted blankets provide a calming grounding sensation via their weight, some feel more comfortable with a lighter, softer touch.
- A wide variety of aesthetics. These days you can get comforters in just about any design – classic color palettes, floral designs, or even your favorite cartoon characters
Those looking to purchase this type of bedding should expect something more traditional that will keep them warm when the temperature starts to dip.
Disadvantages of a Comforter
While comforters are the all-around option for bedding, there are some things to look out for
- They’re designed for cold sleepers. If you get cold easily, a down comforter might be just the thing for you. But if you’re someone who runs hot, you may end up kicking it off before long.
- They’re difficult to wash. Most comforters can’t be tossed in the washing machine, so you’ll need to bring them to a professional dry cleaner which could run up a tab.
Advantages of a Weighted Blanket
The most important characteristic of any weighted blanket is its therapeutic weight, so it won’t come as a surprise that many of the advantages are related to that.
Here are just a few
- Promotes sleep. Weighted blankets create deep touch pressure, boosting the body’s natural serotonin production. In turn, this helps you produce melatonin, your best friend when it comes to sleep.
- Reduces stress. That same therapeutic touch reduces levels of a third hormone called cortisol – the stress hormone. This helps you to feel safe and secure, like you’re getting a big, calming hug.
- Natural treatment for mental health. Several studies have looked at how weighted blankets can benefit mental health. One found that weighted blankets gave relief to symptoms of depression, while another study reported successful use of weighted blankets as a treatment for anxiety.
- Stylish designs. It may seem strange to include the same strength for comforters and weighted blankets, but… Bear with me! If style is important to you when choosing your bedding, our weighted blankets might be a helpful option. They have a classic hand-knitted look and come in soothing colors like Evening Rose and Maple
Not all weighted blankets are created equal, so they don’t all share the same benefits. But that means you have plenty of styles to choose from. Options like our cooling weighted blanket made from moisture-wicking TENCEL, could be helpful if you tend to get too hot under a comforter
Tree Napper
971 Reviews
Silky-soft, airy comfort
Made from natural eucalyptus
Ultra breathable
Get Cozy
There are many other benefits to using weighted blankets that you can learn more about here in the Napperhood and beyond.
Disadvantages of a Weighted Blanket
It’s not all sunshine and roses all the time, though.
Here are a couple of the disadvantages of weighted blankets:
- They can be too hot. Like comforters, weighted blankets can also be hot for some, especially if they are made conventionally using fillers for weight.
- They can be expensive. Improving your mental health is often an investment, and so are the tools that help get you there. But if you’re on a budget, you could always turn to DIY solutions.
Weighted Blanket Vs. Comforter: What’s the Better Choice?
When deciding on whether to use a comforter or a weighted blanket, there are a handful of questions to ask yourself.
How has your sleep been up until this point?
Are you facing any mental health issues that might be impacting your ability to rest?
Do you live in a colder part of the world and need something that’ll give you guaranteed insulation?
Is price another issue?
Weigh the pros and cons for yourself, knowing that there are many options available. Bearaby offers warmer weighted blankets like the Velvet Napper, for example. And there are larger options like the queen size weighted blanket that could almost be considered a weighted comforter.
You could even try using a weighted blanket and a comforter together. When it comes to creating your personal sleep haven, there are no rules – it’s all about finding what’s right for you!
Conclusion
Comforters are a great way to keep warm in bed with a variety of casing and filling options. They’re also much lighter than weighted blankets, which must be heavy to trigger a variety of therapeutic benefits.
The difference between comforters and weighted blankets is that comforters are purely for warmth. Weighted blankets, while also keeping you warm, act as an aid to sleep and mental health
As a bedding enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, I can confidently provide insights into the distinctions between weighted blankets and comforters. My expertise stems from a comprehensive knowledge of bedding materials, designs, and their respective therapeutic benefits.
Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
-
Comforters:
- Definition: Comforters are thick, poufy blankets that provide warmth and insulation. They come in various fabrics such as bamboo and velvet and are filled with materials like cotton or down feathers.
- Function: Primarily designed for warmth, comforters are suitable for colder rooms or climates.
- Weight: While comforters are bulky, they are not heavy, typically weighing around 6 pounds on the heavier end.
-
Weighted Blankets:
- Definition: Weighted blankets are designed to provide therapeutic benefits by applying deep touch pressure. They are heavier, generally recommended to be around 10% of the user's body weight.
- Materials: Weighted blankets achieve their heft through methods like glass or plastic beads sewn into compartments. Some, like those from Bearaby, use weighted yarn for eco-friendliness.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Weighted blankets promote sleep by stimulating the production of serotonin, reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels, and are considered a natural treatment for mental health issues.
-
Advantages of Comforters:
- Warmth: Comforters excel at providing warmth, especially those filled with down.
- Pricing Options: Comforters come in a range of prices, catering to various budgets.
- Aesthetics: They offer a wide variety of designs, from classic color palettes to unique patterns.
-
Disadvantages of Comforters:
- Designed for Cold Sleepers: Comforters may not be suitable for individuals who tend to feel hot during sleep.
- Difficult to Wash: Most comforters require professional dry cleaning, adding to maintenance costs.
-
Advantages of Weighted Blankets:
- Sleep Promotion: Weighted blankets induce deep touch pressure, boosting serotonin production and aiding in sleep.
- Stress Reduction: They contribute to reduced cortisol levels, promoting a sense of security and calmness.
- Natural Mental Health Treatment: Studies suggest weighted blankets can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Stylish Designs: Some weighted blankets, like those from Bearaby, offer stylish designs and varied materials.
-
Disadvantages of Weighted Blankets:
- Heat: Weighted blankets may be too warm for some individuals.
- Cost: Quality weighted blankets can be expensive, although they are considered an investment in mental health.
-
Choosing Between Weighted Blankets and Comforters:
- Consider factors such as sleep quality, mental health, climate, and budget.
- Weight the pros and cons based on individual preferences.
- Options like warmer weighted blankets or larger options resembling weighted comforters provide flexibility.
In conclusion, while comforters excel in providing warmth, weighted blankets offer therapeutic benefits, making the choice between the two dependent on personal preferences and specific needs.