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Want to use the benefits of a weighted blanket but don’t want to pay the hefty price? These alternative options may provide you with the same comfort at a fraction of the cost.
The most important thing to understand about a weighted blanket is that it provides pressure on your body through weight and provides enough airflow. You can use the blanket in winter as well as summer months.
So it makes sense that all you might need to do is add weight to your regular blanket for the same effect. How you do it depends on the season. It’s much easier in winter when you can stack multiple blankets or put on heavy clothing. It’s a bit tricky in summer because you need to ensure the airflow.
Here are all weighted blanket alternatives so you can choose the most fitting one for your needs. We have included some product links (they earn our site a commission) to show you real examples.
Add Weight to a Regular Blanket
Of course, the most obvious alternative solution is adding weight to your existing blanket. You can do this by stuffing it with things that add the required weight. You can use marbles, pellets, all kinds of filling, and even old clothes, especially denim. Use duvet covers to make it look pretty.
Heavy Clothing
You can wear heavy or tight clothing to make yourself feel more relaxed. If you regularly sleep in pajamas, you could add a heavy winter sweater. Or some extra pants or socks.
The only downside of these methods is that you will sleep very warmly. You can offset this problem by sleeping with a light bedspread, keeping the room temperature cooler than usual, or sleeping with the windows closed. Or, my favorite: to sleep with your feet exposed to the cold air. You’ll be surprised how much heat you can lose from your feet if you expose them to cold air.
Dumbbells or Other Weights
You know the compression blanket for kids. It is very sensory. The problem is they don’t make them for adults. Dumbbells or other weights can achieve a similar effect. Use an oversize blanket for your bed to achieve this.
Have someone put the dumbbells on the blanket’s edges on the ground, so they are pulling the blanket down from both sides. This will create pressure on your body, much like a compression blanket would. Ensure the weights are heavy enough so that it’s not easy to pull up the blanket.
DIY Weighted Blanket
To create your own weighted blanket, you need to buy some breathable fabric and fill it with something heavy. You can use marbles or beans as weights. We have a collection of tutorials for weighted blankets. You will need a sewing machine to do this project.
Chunky Knit Blanket
Chunky knit blankets are big and heavy, so you may try using an oversized one. It might provide just enough pressure. They sure look cozy enough. And if it doesn’t, you can still layer a few covers.
Equestrian Blanket
It sounds a bit bizarre, but you could use a horse blanket. Sleeping under a horse blanket is surprisingly comfortable because it is heavy. However, you must make sure it is spotless.
Compression Vests
Compression vests are used to help people who have insomnia. They work by compressing your body and putting pressure on your muscles. This helps to relax you and makes you feel sleepy. You should wear them when you go to bed because they’ll make you fall asleep faster.
Books and Magazines
Books are heavy. If you have a lot of them, you can use them to add weight to a blanket. It’s an unusual way but completely free option.
Glass Marbles
You could put marble bags into your comforter. You should also pad your comforter with several other blankets.
Motorcycle Clothing
Motorcyclists need to wear lots of clothes because they ride motorcycles. They should use a comforter or blanket to protect themselves from the cold. They should also put some towels inside their comforters or sew blankets over them. They should try to keep the towels still by sewing them together.
Heavy Wool Blankets
You could put a wool blanket over a regular blanket to keep yourself warmer—stack as many as you need for more weight. You won’t use them in summer.
Wool is warmer than cotton, but it’s still cold enough to need a second layer. Putting the wool blanket on top of the cotton blanket helps you sleep better because the wool feels more comfortable.
Compression Sheets
Compression sheets give deep pressure stimulus for kids with sensory issues. However, compression sheets are cheaper, lighter, and do not trap body heat.
Compression sheets provide deep pressure stimulation without the heavyweight or high cost of weighted blankets. They are lightweight, breathable materials that provide comforting, fun tactile feedback.
Bean Bag Filling
A comforter made with bean bag filling feels like a heavy blanket.
Heavy Comforter
A heavy down comforter is made of hypoallergic materials. It has a goose filling that feels luxurious too. However, you will most likely be able to use a warm comforter during winter only.
Sew Washers and Towels to a Blanket
You could use washers or towels to weigh down a regular blanket. Sew them on for that extra weight.
Use Ankle Weights
You should try using ankle weights while you sleep. There are many different types of ankle weights available online. These are durable and comfortable.
Denim Blanket
A denim blanket is a great idea for those who want to sleep better. It’s also a great gift for someone who loves sleeping. You can use any material for this project. However, if you’re using store-bought denim, you’ll need to wash them first. Then cut them into strips and sew them together. Make sure to add some weight to the blanket by sewing batting onto the top side of the blanket.
Wearable Blanket
A wearable blanket (the Sleep Pod) is like a cocoon that you can crawl up into and feel comfortable during the night. It is lightweight but hugs into a comfortable sleep.
Recap
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