A Small Rip Opened The Door To A Big Mystery Inside My Blanket!

source: Reddit
If you’ve ever owned a weighted blanket, you know what a comfort they can be. These weighted blankets are meant to deliver deep pressure stimulation as you sleep. This can ease anxiety, help you sleep better and generally feel like a nice, long hug at the end of a stressful day. But what if your blanket gets a hole in it? A small rip can be quite a hassle.
This is exactly what happened to me recently. A rip in my weighted blanket caught a corner and revealed its unsuspected underbelly. This tumbled out in a cascade of tiny, beadlike objects all over the floor. On sight, these small clear beads may appear to be some sort of industrial artifact. But these are the secret behind the calming weight of these blankets.
What the filler inside consists of differs depending on the manufacturer, though the most typical are small, hypoallergenic beads. These may be made of plastic or glass. We selected these glass beads for their quality and safety, thanks to their dense, smooth construction. Not to mention, it is a nice, quiet design, so the blanket will not cause any noise to disturb its user. It will remain pleasantly-weighted for a comfortable and peaceful night’s sleep.

Glass beads, like those which poured out of my blanket, are perfectly vibrant and clear. They are a bit heavier and somewhat smaller than plastic alternatives, so they are easier to use and evenly weighted. It’s a reason why they are so popular for premium blankets. Plastic beads are usually bigger and cheaper to produce. However, they can sometimes cause a slight rustling noise while in use.
Over time, the material of a weighted blanket can become deteriorated, particularly around spots with lots of stress—the seams, for instance. A small hole can quickly get larger, and then the beads will fly the coop. In my situation, the harm was subtle, but the results were sudden. Those little beads rolling around on the floor like rogue marbles turned my bedroom into a mini obstacle course. A small rip can quickly lead to significant inconvenience.
For those with weighted blankets, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the art of the construction. Consider the little bit of maintenance that they can benefit from. If you have had to pick up beads off the floor, consider it a whimsical lesson in the engineering of this modern indulgence. Avoiding a small rip can save a lot of trouble.