• Orders $49.95+ save 15% with code: CALM15
  • Free shipping over $199.95 Contiguous U.S.
0

Your Cart is Empty

July 07, 2025 6 min read

 Weighted blankets are therapeutic tools designed to apply gentle, even pressure across your body, helping you feel calm, grounded, and ready for rest. Unlike ordinary blankets, they’re filled with materials like poly pellets or glass beads to add weight and activate a neurological process called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS).

At Mosaic Weighted Blankets, we’ve spent more than a decade perfecting this concept. Our founder created the very firstMosaic weighted blanket to meet her own sensory needs. That same mission still drives everything we do: to help people calm their minds, sleep deeper, and find real relief,day or night.

This guide breaks down the science, benefits, and uses of weighted blankets and shows how Mosaic designs each one with safety, comfort, and effectiveness in mind.

How Weighted Blankets Actually Work

Deep Pressure Stimulation and Your Nervous System

The calming effects of a weighted blanket come from a proven technique calledDeep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). DPS is a type of sensory input,similar to a firm hug or gentle compression that helps regulate the nervous system.

This pressure stimulatesproprioception, which is your body’s awareness of its own position in space. When proprioception is activated, your brain shifts from a state of alert (sympathetic nervous system) into“rest and digest” mode (parasympathetic nervous system).

That shift changes your brain chemistry:

  • Cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases

  • Serotonin anddopamine (mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters) increase

  • Melatonin (a hormone that supports sleep) is naturally released

Together, these changes create asoothing, grounding effect that helps you fall asleep more easily, stay asleep longer, and feel calmer during the day.

📚 Clinical Sleep Medicine (2020) — Insomnia Trial

A randomized controlled study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (2020) examined the effects of weighted chain blankets on adults with insomnia and coexisting psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD). Key findings included:

  • Participants using weighted blankets were~26 times more likely to experience a ≥50% reduction in insomnia severity.

  • 42% achieved full remission at 4 weeks.

  • After a 12‑month follow-up,92% remained responders, and78% stayed in remission.

📚 American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Anxiety and Restlessness

A randomized controlled trial cited in theAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy found that participants using weighted blankets reported notablyreduced anxiety and physical restlessness, with self-reported feelings of calm and security.  

What Weighted Blankets Are Used For

More Than Just Sleep

Weighted blankets are commonly used to improve sleep, but their benefits extend into daily life.

People use them to:

  • Calm anxiety and reduce sensory overload

  • Support children and adults with ADHD or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

  • Improve focus while reading, studying, or working

  • Ease stress before or after a busy day

  • Relax during meditation or mindfulness practice

  • Wind down before bed without electronics

These therapeutic blankets provide aphysical anchor during emotionally or neurologically taxing moments. Whether draped across your lap or wrapped around you at night, they offer consistent comfort and regulation.

Weighted Blanket Materials

Fabric and Filler Make All the Difference

A well-made weighted blanket has two critical components:

  1. Outer Fabric Layer

  2. Internal Weighted Fill

Mosaic Fabric Options:

  • 100% Cotton Naturally breathable, soft, and durable

  • Coolmax® Fabric Moisture-wicking and ideal for hot sleepers

  • Minky Plush, textured fabric perfect for sensory seekers and cozy comfort

Weighted Fill: Why Mosaic Uses Poly Pellets

At Mosaic, we use onlyBPA-free plastic poly pellets, not glass beads. Here’s why:

  • Heat resistant and dryer-safe

  • More durable over time

  • Safer for children and pets

  • Less risk of clumping or breaking down

To prevent weight shifting, each blanket is sewn withreinforced grid stitching that locks the pellets in place. This maintains even pressure across the body, even after repeated washing.

What Weight Should a Weighted Blanket Be?

Understanding the 10% Rule

A common guideline is to choose a blanket that weighs around10% of your body weight. That means:

  • A 150-pound adult might start with a 15 lb blanket

  • A 40-pound child might start with a 5 lb blanket

However, preferences vary. Some people feel best with slightly heavier or lighter options.

At Mosaic, we offer standard andcustom weights from 5 to 25 pounds. We also adjust the size of each pocket square to match the blanket size—ensuring the weight staysevenly distributed with no bulk or sagging.

💬“I ordered a twin size at 10 lbs and it ended up being the perfect weight for me. Incredibly pleased! Thank you Mosaic — I love that you’re an American company.”


💬“I went with ~10% of my body weight, and the black cotton version was a perfect fit. The weight distribution is consistent, and it’s great for meditation or calming moments.” 

Are Weighted Blankets Safe for Everyone?

Know Before You Use

Most teens and adults can safely use a weighted blanket, but there are a few important exceptions:

  • Children under age 3 or under 50 lbs should never use a weighted blanket unsupervised.

  • People withrespiratory issues (like asthma or sleep apnea) should consult a doctor

  • Elderly or mobility-impaired individuals must be able to remove the blanket themselves

Mosaic blankets are free from harmful dyes and harsh chemicals, and we offer detailed usage guidelines with every order.

Do Weighted Blankets Really Help With Sleep?

Research and Real-Life Results

Yes, and not just anecdotally.

Weighted blankets help sleep by:

  • Calming the nervous system

  • Reducing nighttime movement

  • Lowering anxiety at bedtime

Many customers tell us their Mosaic blanket was thefirst thing that helped them fall asleep and stay asleep without tossing, turning, or waking up anxious.

Do Weighted Blankets Get Too Hot?

It Depends on the Fabric

Heat retention is a common concern, but it’s easy to avoid with the right fabric.

At Mosaic, we recommend:

  • Coolmax® for hot sleepers

  • Cotton for year-round breathability

  • AvoidMinky if you tend to overheat

Our blankets are filled with poly pellets, not glass beads, which retainless heat and are more breathable under pressure.

How to Use a Weighted Blanket for the First Time

Quick Start Tip

If you’ve never used one before, it may feel unfamiliar at first, and that’s okay.

Start with short sessions:

  • Use it whilereading or relaxing

  • Try it for15 to 30 minutes before bed

  • Drape it over your lap duringwork breaks or TV time

Most people adapt quickly and startgravitating toward it naturally, especially during stressful moments.

How to Wash and Care for a Weighted Blanket

Cleaning Without Compromising

Mosaic Weighted Blankets are designed to be easy to clean.

Washing instructions:

  • Machine wash incold or warm water

  • Usemild detergent, no bleach or softeners

  • Tumble dry onlow heat or air dry flat

  • Add aduvet cover for easy upkeep

Unlike some competitors, our blanketswon’t clump or fall apart after one wash. The stitching holds up, the fill stays balanced, and your blanket stays beautiful.

💬“I likehow easy it is to wash. I bought one for my son and ended up ordering more for my husband and father. The Minky fabric is great, and the throws feel more concentrated. Well made and great customer service too!”

Solving Common Weighted Blanket Problems

We’ve heard it all before:

  • “The weight shifts to one side”

  • “It’s too hot to sleep under”

  • “It’s hard to wash”

  • “It fell apart after two months”

Mosaic blankets are built to solve every one of those problems:

  • Reinforced stitching meansno shifting

  • Fabric options forevery sleep style

  • Durable construction forlong-term use

  • Easy care with machine-safe materials

We’ve had customers using their same Mosaic blanketfor over 5 years and counting.

What Makes Mosaic Weighted Blankets Different?

Built on Experience, Backed by Trust

Every detail we’ve refined comes from lived experience.

Founder Laura LeMond built the first Mosaic blanket for her own anxiety and sensory needs. From hand-selecting fabrics to engineering custom-weighted grids, every blanket we ship reflects that original purpose.

What sets us apart:

  • Made in Austin, Texas not mass-produced overseas

  • Handcrafted construction, not factory assembly lines

  • BPA-free poly pellets, safer for people and pets

  • Custom sizes, weights, and fabrics available

  • Real support from our team if you ever need help

More than a product, a Mosaic Weighted Blanket is atool for better living.

💬“Bought this as a Christmas present for my girlfriend. Mosaic made sure I got it on time despite the holiday rush — and she says she’s never fallen asleep so fast. We’re both thrilled.” 

Why Choose a Mosaic Weighted Blanket?

  • Science-Backed Relief
    Uses Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) to support nervous system regulation, better sleep, and lower anxiety.

  • Premium, Proven Materials
    Breathable cotton, moisture-wicking Coolmax®, and safe, BPA-free poly pellets, built for comfort and longevity.

  • Crafted by Experts Who Understand
    Handmade in Austin, TX, with reinforced stitching, grid-balanced design, and care instructions based on real-life use.

  • Tailored to You
    Choose from a wide range of weights, sizes, and fabrics—or build a custom blanket that fits your exact needs.

A Weighted Blanket Isn’t Just for Sleep—It’s for Feeling Better

You don’t need to be diagnosed with anxiety or insomnia to benefit from a weighted blanket. If you’ve ever felt restless, overwhelmed, or simply tired of waking up exhausted, this might be the thing that helps.

Mosaic Weighted Blankets are:

  • Scientifically grounded

  • Handmade with care

  • Tested by real people

  • Custom-designed for comfort

💤Ready to experience it for yourself?

🛏️[Browse our full collection of weighted blankets]

📩[Contact our Austin-based team with any questions]