AD – Mela Weighted blanket review features gifted item. This post contains affiliate links
Sleep has always been a little challenging in this house. Whether it’s simply the reality of being a Mum of two, an overactive brain, or the panic and anxiety that seems to have got worse as I’ve got older, I often find myself lying wide awake thinking when I absolutely should be fast asleep.
After a busy day juggling home, work and attempting to run my own business, I often find that I struggle to switch off at night time, or wake in the early hours and struggle to get back to sleep. Whilst I have tried various mindful activities, relaxation methods and external tools to try and help improve my sleep, I was, until recently, yet to dip my toe into the world of weighted blankets.
With the cost of living in the UK rising by the day and the energy crisis making our fuel bills higher than ever, a weighted blanket felt like a sensible option to try and ensure a warm, cosy and comfortable nights sleep. We decided to put the Mela blanket to the test in an extensive Aeyla Mela weighted blanket review.
What is a weighted blanket?
Before we get to our Mela Weighted Blanket review – you might want to know more about weighted blankets and their benefits. If you haven’t heard of a weighted blanket before, then you’ve certainly been hiding under a rock somewhere. Weighted blankets for adults have increased hugely in popularity over recent years and for good reason. You can buy weighted blankets for adults, or lighter weighted blankets suitable for children.
As the name implies, a weighted blanket is a blanket that is weighted or heavy. Filled with small weighted glass beads or ‘nano beads’, they have the ability to create pressure when placed along the body, helping calm and relax as you rest or nod off to sleep. Weighted blankets can be used either during the day on your sofa (instead of a traditional throw or blanket), or on your bed at night – either on top of, underneath, or instead of your regular duvet.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
There are many reported health benefits to using weighted blankets, in particular for those who experience anxiety, depression or insomnia. Weighted blankets are also proven to help manage symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and provide a relaxing aid to those with conditions such as autism and ADHD or physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome.
How do they work?
The scientific benefits of weighted blankets are related to something known as ‘Deep Touch Pressure Therapy’. This gentle pressure created by the nano beads helps relax the nervous system when placed on or across the body, sending signals to your brain that its time to relax. Weighted blankets can trigger production of the sleep hormone melatonin, as well as regulate your heartbeat and reduce the cortisol (fight or flight stress hormone) which can often keep you aware at night.
The result? A weighted blanket may help you get to sleep quicker, stay asleep from longer, and get a better, deeper and less disturbed night’s sleep overall
Who are Aeyla?
Aeyla (previously known as Mela) were launched in 2018, with the release of the new award-winning Mela weighted blanket. Since then, the company has rebranded as Aeyla, with a real focus on solutions for stress and sleep. Their aim is to empower everyone to look after their wellbeing and prioritise their mental health just as they would the physical.
An ethical brand, for every product sold Aeyla donate 1% of profits to their mental health charity partner Young Minds as well as protecting 5 trees in the Amazon rainforest.
What is the Mela Weighted Blanket?
We were excited for our Mela Weighted blanket review because this product comes with a great reputation. The Mela All in One Weighted Blanket has won the Best Weighted Blanket award four years running with the Evening Standard and has an excellent reputation for both quality and comfort. Reported to be the best selling weighted blanket in the UK, it’s a popular weighted blanket for adults which can also be used for children over the age of 4 years with supervision).
This incredible soft and luxurious weighted blanket is double sided for the ultimate comforting sensation. One side is made from 100% cooling and temperature regulating cotton and on the other, soft quilted fleece fabric, which is ideal for snuggling up with on the sofa and as an extra layer on top of your bed.
How big is the Mela Weighted Blanket?
With a choice of two sizes – Standard measuring 100 x 190cm or Large measuring 135 x 190cm, the Mela All in One Weighted Blanket also comes in a choice of weights from 4kg to 9kg, which you should select depending on your height and weight. It is recommended the you choise the weighted blanket closest in weight ti 10% of your body weight. If you’re unsure or in the middle of two, opting for the lighter blanket may be best.
What is inside the blanket?
The Mela Weighted blankets are made from Oeko-tex certified fabrics that are made with no harmful chemicals or synthetics, and are weighted with glass quartz pellets. Unlike some of Aeyla’s competitors products, these are anti rustle, meaning that you barely notice the beads moving around as you turn or reposition yourself in bed. These glass pellets are designed to produce ‘Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation’ (or DTP), replicating the sensation of being tucked in tight and being given a warm hug as you sleep.
Our Mela Weighted Blanket Review
First Impressions
First impressions of the Mela Weighted Blanket were really very positive. It comes in an attractive gift box, so opening up the lid and pulling out the blanket inside is almost like unboxing a luxury gift.
The Mela weighted blanket is incredibly soft and cosy to the touch, with both my partner and I keen to try it out almost instantly due to the luxurious and premium feel.
What weight did we choose?
We opted for the 7kg, which is one of the heavier blankets in the Mela range and it’s fair to say that it does require a bit of effort to lug about (especially if you are moving it between the bedroom and living room). In hindsight, I probably would have managed better personally with the 5.5kg purely from a portability point of view, but I do like to feel quite a firm weight from the blanket due to my anxiety levels – so there is a bit of balance required and personal choice to be considered here.
How comfortable is it?
Having never used a weighted blanket before we weren’t really sure what to expect, but both of us were pretty blown away by just how immediate the sensation was. The blanket almost pushes down against you, like someone has gone round tucking in every inch around you with no air pockets or cool spots. It is somewhat restrictive, but in a unexpectedly pleasant and calming way,
Even without the weighted benefits, it’s clear that the Mela weighted blanket is high quality, made from premium fabrics that feel comfortable and luxurious against your skin, but add in those magical glass beads and this blanket really does feel like a warm hug when you’ve had a long or hard day at work.
I used the Mela weighted blanket on top of my duvet during cold nights, and according to my partner who tends to go to bed later than me, I was asleep much quicker than normal. even being able to nod off whilst he watched football on low volume in the same room, The Mela blanket looks stylish and modern enough to leave folded at the end of the bed, and in a fairly neutral and non offensive grey colour, it tends to blend into most bedroom interiors without being glaringly obvious (unlike some other sleep aid products!)
Can the Mela Weighted blanket help you sleep?
We obviously road tested the Mela weighted blanket during the Winter, at a time when the cost of living crisis meant energy bills are higher than ever. Whilst weighted blankets are more about comfort than warmth, the warmth and comfort generated has been high. Due to its breathable nature, the Mela is described as an all year round weighted blanket, but I am yet to establish whether it may be too warm / restrictive in the hotter summer months. The cooling side is temperature regulating, so at no point did I feel like I was overheating or sweating.
We’ve owned the Mela blanket for around 3 months now and it’s become a key part of my bedtime routine. I tend to ask Mike to throw it on top of the duvet after I’ve crawled into bed and the effects are after about 10-15 mins I really notice the difference. I have also since gone on to test a number of other weighted blankets, but the Mela is certainly deserving of the best weighted blanket status.
Pros of the Mela Weighted Blanket
- Luxurious and high quality feel blanket that is super soft to the touch
- Choice of weights and sizes so you can tailor to your requirements
- Comes in a stylish box making it ideal for gifting
- Soft grey neutral colour will match most room aesthetics
- Contours around the body without being noisy or rustling as you move.
- British ethical brand that gives back through profits
- Fabrics suitable for those with sensitive skin and allergies
- Suitable for all year round use.
- 30 day money back guarantee
Cons of the Mela Weighted Blanket?
- Heavy – The Mela blanket is heavy (by it’s very nature!) and depending on your own size, weight and body shape, you may find it a little on the heavy side. Whilst you may not find them heavy once they’re on, its fair to say they aren’t as portable as the throw you normally have on the sofa. Not everyone likes being cuddled, so if you’re not a fan of physical contact, its fair to say they may not be right for you.
- Costly – The Mela blanket is definitely not a budget item – at £89 its more of an investment. That said, the quality is extremely high, and I personally feel its worth the investment if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep.
- Weighted blankets are designed for one person and as such, if your partner wants one too you’re not meant to share but buy one each. Given the RRP, the cost of this could soon add up!
How big is the Mela Weighted Blanket?
The Mela Weighted Blanket is available in two sizes – the Standard, which measures 100 x 190cm and the Large which measures 135cm x 190cm. Which size you pick will depend on your age, height, weight and whether or not you are sharing a bed. There is a quick and easy quiz you can take on the Aeyla website that will determine which size is right for you.
How heavy is it?
The Mela blanket is available in a choice of weights as follows:
- 4kg (suitable for body weights between 30 and 40kg),
- 5.5.kg (suitable for body weighted between 40 and 60kg)
- 7kg (suitable for body weights between 60 – 90kg)
- 9kg (suitable for body weights 90kg and above)
How do you wash the Mela Weighted Blanket?
The Mela weighted blanket is easy to care for and is fully machine washable (in high capacity washing machines), It is recommended you wash at a maximum of 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. The weighted blanket should not be ironed or tumble dryed but lay flat to dry naturally.
How does the Mela Weighted Blanket compare to other weighted blankets?
To date, I have personally compared a number of weighted blankets in the Uk. These include the Mela Weighted blanket to the Kudd.ly weighted blanket and the Emma Sleep weighted blanket. Whilst I prefer the more modern appearance of the Emma Sleep blanket (and the lighter cream colour), the Mela weighted blanket slightly beats the Kuddly weighted blanket for me, purely for the premium soft feel of the fabric. I am yet to test the Oodie weighted blanket, although owning the Oodie hooded blanket, I am hopeful that this would be another great weighted blanket option for adults.
How do I choose the right weighted blanket for me?
There are various things to consider when choosing a weighted blanket – here are a few of my recommendations:
- Pressure amount – First up, weighted blankets aren’t for everyone. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like being spooned or hugged, or is likely to feel uncomfortable with pressure, you may want to give them a miss. It’s important you choose the right pressure amount based on your body weight – it is recommended that is around 10 per cent of your body weight. A weighted blanket that is too heavy can not only be hard to move around your home, but can feel a bit overwhelming or restrictive.
- Do you have any medical conditions? – Some weighted blankets aren’t recommended for those with heart conditions, diabetes or asthma. You should also avoid using a weighted blanket during pregnancy, and with young children.
- Design – The Mela weighted blanket is a soft and luxurious grey blanket. If you’re looking for a more modern design, we’d recommend looking at the Eve Sleep weighted blanket, which is made with less obvious glass filling.
- Let yourself adjust – weighted blankets can feel a little weird at first – make the most of the 30 day money back guarantee so you can get used to the different sensation. This also allows you to change the weight if you have selected one that feels too heavy.
Is the Mela Weighted Blanket worth the money?
There’s no getting away from the fact that the Mela Weighted blanket is an investment and at £89, they don’t come cheap. That said, if you have anxiety, struggle getting to sleep, wake regularly during the night, or simply struggle to get a good night’s sleep, I personally feel they are worth the investment. We spend money on far more frivolous things, so investing in your mental health and wellbeing can only be a good thing right?!
I hope you enjoyed this Mela weighted blanket review. Look out for our other weighted blanket reviews coming soon!
