What Are Glass Bead Fillings?
Glass beads are tiny, smooth, food-grade (non-toxic) beads used as the weighting material inside a weighted blanket. They are a modern and highly popular alternative to traditional plastic poly pellets or sand.
They are typically contained within a grid of small fabric pockets sewn into the inner liner of the blanket. This grid system prevents the beads from shifting and pooling in one area, ensuring even weight distribution.
Advantages of Glass Bead Filling
Superior Comfort and Drape: This is the biggest advantage. Glass beads are much smaller and smoother than plastic pellets. This allows the blanket to be significantly more flexible and softer. It drapes over your body like a regular, heavy comforter rather than feeling stiff or lumpy.
Quiet: The beads are virtually silent when you move under the blanket. Plastic pellets can make a rustling or crinkling sound, which can be distracting for light sleepers.
Denser and More Compact: Glass is denser than plastic, meaning less filler volume is needed to achieve the same weight. This results in a thinner, less bulky blanket that is easier to manage and store.
Hypoallergenic: High-quality glass beads are inert, non-toxic, and resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies or asthma.
Durable and Long-Lasting: Glass beads do not break down, compress, or lose their shape over time. A well-made blanket with a secure inner grid will maintain its even weight distribution for years.
Cooler Feel: Glass is a mineral and does not retain body heat like some plastics can. Many glass bead blankets are paired with cooling fabrics like bamboo or cotton, making them a better choice for hot sleepers.