---
title: "Weighted Blankets and Deep Pressure"
description: "How weighted blankets spread weight with glass beads or plastic pellets, and what deep pressure means — plain UK guide."
url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/bedding/weighted-blankets/"
category: "bedding"
primary_entity: "weighted blanket"
date_published: 2026-08-03
date_modified: 2026-08-03
---

# Weighted Blankets and Deep Pressure

> A weighted blanket spreads extra weight across your body using glass beads or plastic pellets in sewn pockets. Even weight spread matters more than the filler name. Deep pressure is the feeling of steady weight — some people find it calming. It is not medical treatment. The user must be able to take the blanket off easily.

Materials covered: glass microbeads, plastic pellets, cotton or minky shells, baffled chamber stitching.

## How weight stays even

Fill is sewn into a grid of **pockets** (called baffles). Beads or pellets cannot all slide to one end. Bad sewing leaves spots with no weight and heavy clumps.

| Filler | Density trait | Feel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Glass microbeads | High density | Fine, sand-like drape |
| Plastic pellets | Lower density | More noticeable bead feel |

## Deep pressure (plain explanation)

Deep pressure is the feeling of steady, spread-out weight. Some people find it calming. Reactions differ. BedGuide explains how it works — not what it treats.

## Safety rules

- The user must take the blanket off alone.
- Do not trap heat with high-TOG covers unless you mean to —
  see [duvet TOG](/bedding/duvets-fill-and-tog).
- This is not a substitute for medical or mental-health care.

## Related BedGuide entries

- [Duvets, fill and TOG](/bedding/duvets-fill-and-tog)
- [Electric blankets](/bedding/electric-blankets)

## Frequently asked questions

### How heavy should a weighted blanket be?

Many guides suggest about ten percent of body weight as a starting point for adults. Adjust for comfort. The user must remove the blanket easily. Children need adult guidance.

### Glass beads or plastic pellets — which is better?

Glass beads are denser, so the same weight fits in a thinner blanket. Plastic pellets are bigger and feel more bumpy. Even sewing and total weight matter more than filler type alone.

### Is a weighted blanket the same as a heavy winter duvet?

No. Duvet TOG measures warmth. Weighted blankets add spread weight for a pressure feeling. You can use a light cover on top for warmth.

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Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/bedding/weighted-blankets/ · BedGuide — educational encyclopedia, no affiliate commission. Facts checked against official sources where possible; see https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy. Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.