Can The Glass Beads In A Weighted Blanket Break?

At YNM we consider only top-quality and most luxurious and quiet fillers when it comes to our weighted blankets. That’s why one of our most popular materials is glass beads. Otherwise known as micro glass beads, these tiny minuscule pebbles look and feel like white beach sand or sugar crystals, and distribute weight evenly so you feel like you are being hugged gently all night long. 

Glass beads add weight without making our blankets thick or puffy, so you still get something that’s almost thin and flexible like a regular blanket but with a soothing hugging sensation.

Let’s face it though, the thought of glass inside blankets is enough to give most people the shivers. Indeed, one of the most concerns we see in buyers of weighted blankets is about just how safe glass bead blankets can be. Usually, most buyers want to know whether the glass beads can break and start leaking out of these blankets. 

Are Glass Beads In Weighted Blankets Dangerous?

Glass beads used in blankets are specifically designed to be safe and durable. The glass that’s used to make these beads is called borosilicate, and that is important in two ways: It’s stronger than everyday soda lime glass and can withstand high temperatures without cracking. 

Besides, the beads themselves are usually quite small and encased in double-layered fabric; this reduces the risk of cracking and adds extra protection.

So, long story short, the glass beads in weighted blankets won’t crack easily unless of course you put them under extraordinary stress such as repeated aggressive washing or harsh detergents, and extreme heat beyond manufacturer’s guidelines.

Likewise, the glass beads in weighted blankets are not toxic. We usually use glass beads that have not been recycled or used before so you don’t have to worry about where these materials have been before or that perhaps they have been exposed to harmful substances.

What Are The Advantages Of Glass Beads Over Other Fillers?

There are many different materials that can be used inside weighted blankets to exert gentle pressure all over your body. Besides glass beads, we may use plastic pellets, steel shot beads, micro glass sand, and even organic fillers. That being said, glass beads are still a popular choice because they offer the following advantages:

• Even Weight Distribution. Compared to weighted blankets filled with other materials, glass bead blankets don’t usually clump. The beads are specifically made with a smoother and finer texture so that they flow freely and conform to your body shape, distributing weight evenly throughout. 
• Less Bulky. Compared to fillers like plastic pellets and organics, glass beads add a great deal of weight without being required in large amounts. Glass bead blankets are usually close to regular blankets when it comes to thinness and flexibility, but they still give that hugging sensation thanks to the glass crystals. 
• Temperature Regulation. Glass beads do not retain heat so you don’t have to worry about heating up excessively at night. 
• Environmentally Friendly. Glass beads are 100 % natural. They are made from glass which comes from sand and limestone.
• Noise-Free. Unlike plastic and steel pellets, glass beads are quiet fillers making them the choice material for people who are sensitive to noise

That being said, glass bead fillers are specifically more expensive than plastic pellets and feel like tiny pebbles so if you have a problem with the sensation of tiny pebbles inside your blanket then we recommend blankets filled with other materials. 

Lastly, there are concerns when it comes to washing glass bead blankets – -specifically machine washing. Blankets with glass beads dry well and don’t clump up, meaning they come out in perfect condition after washing. That being said, the beads are heavy so we don’t recommend putting these blankets in your washing machine.

And that’s a wrap on the safety of glass beads inside blankets. There’s generally nothing to worry about because the pebbles are made from sturdy thermal shock-resistant glass and made small to reduce the risk of cracking. They are also encased in a double layer of fabric so unless you plan to put these blankets in some extraordinary stress you need not worry. 

These types of blankets are popular with many households that prefer weighted blankets as sleep aid to help them deal with various issues. If you are ready to order or need further convincing, we’ll be happy to talk further.