Blanket Research Methodology: How We Test for Quality

A good blanket is as essential as a comfortable mattress and pillow. While many people choose blankets based on feel alone, there are numerous factors to consider when shopping for new bedding.

At Sleepiverse, we understand the importance of finding the perfect blanket and know that the research process can be overwhelming. Our product reviews are designed to simplify your search by following a rigorous research methodology for our tests.

In this article, we'll delve into our blanket research process. By understanding how we conduct our testing, you can trust that our reviews are unbiased and based on factual test results.

The Importance of Choosing a Good Blanket

Picking the right blanket plays a crucial role in getting good sleep and feeling comfy. A quality blanket has an impact on several key areas, such as:

• Temperature Regulation: A good blanket helps keep your sleep temperature just right, stopping you from getting too hot or cold during the night.
• Comfort and Coziness: The right level of softness and weight can make you feel like you're wrapped in a cloud, promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
• Durability: Buying a top-notch blanket means it will stick around longer, saving you from buying new ones often and giving you the same comfort night after night. We'll talk more about blanket durability later in this article.
• Allergy-Friendly: Blankets that don't cause allergies can cut down or even stop allergic reactions, letting you breathe easily and sleep well.
• Style and Aesthetics: A blanket that complements your bedroom's aesthetic can create a more inviting sleep environment, positively affecting your mindset as you sleep.

Special Blanket Types We Test

We do not focus on testing specific blanket types but instead evaluate a wide variety of options. While our research methodology remains consistent across all types, certain specialized blankets may require additional testing steps. We'll explain these unique blankets to help you get the next parts.

Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets have gained popularity for their potential to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. These blankets put gentle, even pressure all over your body, which feels like a cozy hug.

The weight typically ranges from 5 to 30 pounds, with most people preferring a blanket that's about 10% of their body weight. To ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness, we evaluate additional features that will be discussed in our testing section.

The science behind weighted blankets has to do with deep pressure stimulation (DPS). This method boosts serotonin and dopamine levels, helping people relax and feel better.

Electric Blankets

Electric blankets have been a go-to choice for staying warm on cold nights for a long time. These blankets have built-in electric heating wires that let users adjust how warm they want to be.

Modern electric blankets come with various features, including multiple heat settings, timers, and even dual controls for shared beds.

One of the main advantages of electric blankets is their energy efficiency. They typically use between 200 and 400 watts, making them a cost-effective alternative to space heaters or central heating.

Heated Blankets

People often mix up electric blankets and heated blankets, but heated blankets are different. These blankets can keep you warm without using electricity, which makes them safer for some people. Heated blankets often use special materials or designs to keep body heat in well.

Although they can be heated electrically, they also offer non-electric options such as batteries, microwavable inserts, or even chemically heated materials.

Keep in mind that non-electric heated blankets might need more time to heat up and don't retain warmth as long as electric ones.

Cooling Blankets

For those who struggle with overheating during sleep, cooling blankets offer a solution. These blankets are designed to absorb and dissipate body heat, helping maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

They're particularly beneficial for hot sleepers or individuals experiencing menopausal symptoms like night sweats.

Testing Blankets

We've developed a comprehensive blanket research methodology to ensure that our recommendations are both reliable and relevant.

Our testing process is rigorous and thorough, covering every aspect of a blanket's performance from unboxing to long-term durability. This will help you make an informed decision about a blanket without having to see it in person or conduct extensive research.

Unboxing

Our first step in any product review is to describe the unboxing process. For blankets, this process is typically simpler than unboxing mattresses.

Our reviewer opens the box and takes out any extra packing from the blanket. They write down all details, including the blanket size and any extra instructions from the manufacturer. We also mention what comes in the package and any extras, like a cable for electric blankets.

Finally, we will address off-gassing, which is an unpleasant smell that can be produced by new products due to the use of harmful or cheap materials. This step is crucial as it provides insights into the manufacturer's attention to detail and the blanket's overall quality.

Feel

We first notice how a product looks—its colors, finish, and design. Good-looking products can attract more buyers. But we know that with sleep products, looks can be tricky. That's why it's just as important to check how it feels.

We pay close attention to how a blanket feels against the skin, noting whether it's cool to the touch or has a plush, cozy texture. This evaluation helps us determine the blanket's comfort level and suitability for different preferences.

Comfort

To evaluate blanket comfort, we conduct extensive hands-on testing. Our team of reviewers, with diverse body weights and sleeping styles, lie under each blanket for a set period to assess its performance. We take note of how much heat the blanket traps and how breathable the material feels. This step helps us determine the blanket's suitability for different seasons and sleep preferences.

Cooling and Breathability

For regular and cooling blankets, we perform a specific cooling and breathability test to evaluate them. These blankets are tested in controlled environments to ensure consistent results. Our reviewer takes the blanket and naps with it for 20 minutes, providing feedback that helps us determine if the blanket's cooling properties align with its claims.

Weight

While blanket weight is less important for regular blankets, it's crucial when evaluating weighted blankets. Our reviewer tests weighted blankets by napping with them for a period of time to assess their weight, comfort, and the evenness of pressure distribution.

As we mentioned earlier, a good blanket weight is about 10% of how much you weigh. This makes sure it gives you the right amount of pressure without making you feel like you can't breathe.

Stress Reduction

Blanket stress reduction is a unique feature offered by some blankets, such as heated blankets and weighted blankets. These blankets can have calming effects.

To evaluate this feature, our reviewer naps on the blanket for a period of time, assessing their comfort level and stress reduction. We ensure that the blanket's heat or weight is not overwhelming and that it effectively promotes relaxation.

Durability and Maintenance

Durability refers to the quality of materials and their resistance to wear and tear. This is especially important for blankets containing beads, as you want to minimize the risk of accidentally ripping the blanket open and releasing beads.

Maintenance refers to the ease of blanket care, including any specific easy-to-do washing protocols that must be followed to maintain its quality and appearance.

A durable and easily maintained blanket will undoubtedly increase its lifespan, making it a valuable investment.

Special Blanket Features

Unique features can significantly enhance a blanket's value. We highlight and explain these special features in our blanket reviews. Below are some of those special features.

• Different Weight Options: This feature is key for flexibility, as people's body weights differ and what works as the perfect blanket weight for one might not suit another.
• Adjustable Temperature: Some blankets have smart technologies that allow you to control the temperature and adjust the degree of heat you want or simply turn it off.
• Safety Features: These features give you peace of mind while you sleep, including automatic shut-off, timers, and protection against overheating.
• Sustainability: If you're eco-conscious, keep an eye out for blankets made from green materials like recycled fibers or natural biodegradable fabrics. Look for stamps of approval such as GOTS or OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Conclusion

Choosing a blanket is not a simple decision and involves various factors, including cooling abilities, comfort, and specific features depending on the blanket type, which we have covered in this article.

Our goal is to provide you with accurate, reliable blanket reviews. By following our rigorous research methodology, we ensure that you can make informed decisions about blankets with minimal effort. For an even faster comparison, check the Top-Rated Blankets of 2024.