Quick Answer: Can a Heavy Blanket be Cool?
Yes. The weight of a blanket comes from the filling (glass beads), not the fabric thickness. A Cooling Weighted Blanket uses a cover made of Bamboo Rayon or Tencel rather than plush minky or fleece. These fabrics are naturally cool to the touch and wick moisture away. Combined with glass beads (which hold less heat than plastic pellets), you get the calming "Deep Pressure Therapy" without overheating. It's the perfect solution for hot sleepers who need anxiety relief.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
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Weighted blankets have exploded in popularity in Brantford. They are proven to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and increase serotonin (relaxation hormone). But for many Canadians, there is a catch: they get too hot. Waking up sweating defeats the purpose of a relaxing sleep.
At Mattress Miracle, we stock the "Summer Version" of this sleep aid. Here is how to get the hug without the heat.
How It Works (Deep Pressure Therapy)
The sensation is similar to being swaddled or receiving a firm hug. This pressure stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing your heart rate and calming racing thoughts. It is highly effective for:
- Anxiety & Stress
- Insomnia
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- ADHD & Autism Sensory Processing
Glass Beads vs. Plastic Pellets
The inside matters as much as the outside.
Plastic Pellets: The old standard. They are large, textured, and retain body heat. They can make the blanket feel lumpy.
Glass Beads: The premium standard. They are the size of grains of sand. They are denser (so you need fewer of them for the same weight) and stay cooler than plastic. They create a smooth, sand-like drape over the body.
The Cover is Key
If you buy a weighted blanket with a fuzzy "Minky" dot cover, you will roast. For cooling, look for:
- 100% Bamboo Rayon: Silky, cool-to-the-touch, and antibacterial.
- Tencel / Lyocell: Derived from eucalyptus. Extremely breathable.
- Cotton Percale: Crisp and airy.
The Grid Stitching
Ensure the blanket has small stitched squares (4x4 inches). This grid locks the beads in place so they don't pool at your feet or shift to one side, ensuring even pressure distribution and consistent airflow.
Choosing the Right Weight
The general rule is 10% of your body weight (plus 1-2 lbs).
100-150 lbs person: 12 lb blanket.
150-200 lbs person: 15-17 lb blanket.
200+ lbs person: 20-25 lb blanket.
Note: A King size weighted blanket spreads the weight over a larger area, so a 20lb King feels lighter on your body than a 20lb Twin. We usually recommend individual Twin-size blankets for couples so you don't fight over the weight.
Shop: Cooling Mattresses at Mattress Miracle
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Cooling picks we carry at Mattress Miracle:
Or cooling mattresses in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash it?
Most cooling blankets have a removable cover that is machine washable. Washing the heavy inner weighted insert is difficult and can damage home machines. Spot clean the insert only.
Is it safe for children?
Only for older children who can remove the blanket themselves. Never use a weighted blanket for an infant or toddler due to suffocation risk.
Does it really feel cool?
Yes, bamboo fabric feels noticeably cool when you first touch it. However, any blanket adds a layer of insulation. It will be cooler than a duvet, but warmer than a sheet alone.
Can I use it in winter?
Yes! Layer it on top of your duvet. The weight helps seal the edges of the duvet around you, trapping warmth without adding bulk.
Feel the Weight
Not sure if 15lbs is too heavy? Visit Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street. Test our weighted blankets in-store to find your "Goldilocks" pressure.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Our team has 38 years of experience helping customers find the right sleep solution. Call ahead or walk in any day of the week.
Sources
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Health Canada. Indoor air quality guidelines. canada.ca/health-canada
- Lenzing AG. TENCEL fibre properties: moisture management and thermoregulation. tencel.com
Sources
- Li, Y. et al. (2024). "How do sleepwear and bedding fibre types affect sleep quality." Journal of Sleep Research, 33(2), e14217. PubMed 39133589.
- Lan, L. et al. (2014). "Thermal environment and sleep quality: A review." Indoor Air, 24(5), 475-481. PubMed 24766475.
- Ekholm, B. et al. (2020). "A randomized controlled study of weighted chain blankets for insomnia in psychiatric disorders." J Clin Sleep Med, 16(9), 1567-1577. PubMed 32536366.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.