What is a Gravity blanket?
A Gravity blanket is a type of weighted blanket.
Its weighted insert is filled with glass microbeads, making it heavier than an average blanket.
The brand Gravity began as a Kickstarter campaign and was the first to make its weighted blanket more accessible.
The blankets were created to help those with autism, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, and Down's syndrome. 🥰
It is also a valuable tool for those with anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders.
Plus, weighted Gravity blankets relax joints and muscles.
The blanket can provide sensory comfort and improve general well-being.
It distributes the weight evenly over the body and creates a natural hugging sensation. 🤗
People who use weighted blankets tend to feel rested, both physically and psychologically.
Types of Gravity blankets
Gravity blankets feature a weighted insert and a removable cover.
Initially, Gravity used plastic beads to weight its blankets.
However, they have now upgraded their fillings to use glass or steel microbeads. 😍
The beads are sewn into uniform pockets within the blanket insert.
There are 5 weights, from 4 kg (9lbs) to 12 kg (26lbs), to choose from.
You also have 2 size options, a smaller 135 x 200 cm (53 x 78 inches) or a larger 150 x 220 cm (59 x 86.5 inches).
There are several weighted blankets in the Gravity collection.
The three best-selling Gravity blankets for adults include:
- Basic Gravity blanket
- Standard Gravity blanket
- Premium Balance Gravity blanket
We'll dive into the design of these blankets in more detail below. 👇
Basic Gravity blanket
The last and cheapest blanket is the Basic Gravity blanket.
It comes with the same glass microbead filling as the Standard Gravity blanket and has an even 80% weight distribution. 🔮
The Basic Gravity blanket has a loop-tie-secured 100% cotton cover (best for summer).
Or you can buy a coverless version in grey, white, or yellow.
Handily, both the insert and cover are machine washable (at 30°C and 40°C). ✨
Standard Gravity blanket
The best-selling Standard Gravity blanket comes with a filling of fine-grade glass beads.
These glass beads have an even 80% weight distribution and a basic 100% cotton insert.
The blanket also comes with a choice of cotton summer or velour winter removable covers.
The Standard Gravity blanket cover has fastening loops and ties to secure the insert in place.
You can gently wash the insert at 30°C and the cover at 40°C, bearing in mind your machine's capacity. 🧼
It's worth noting that Gravity is no longer the only brand to use weighted beads.
You can find a similar glass microbead filling for a fraction of the price with the Aeyla Mela weighted blanket.
Premium Balance Gravity blanket
The Premium Balance Gravity blanket is the most expensive in the range.
It is filled with stainless steel microbeads.
Like the Standard blanket, the Premium version comes with a choice of plush winter velour or summer cotton velour covers.
The insert is easily secured thanks to the cover's seamless zipper fastening.
Unfortunately, you cannot wash the Premium Balance Gravity blanket insert. 🙅
However, the cover is washable.
Beyond the selection of adult blankets, there are also children's Gravity blankets, which tend to come in lighter weights.
You can find out more about children's Gravity blankets in our FAQ section. 👇
How do Gravity blankets work?
Do you ever feel irritated when something brushes over your skin? 🪶
Light sensations like these can warn of a potential threat, triggering our bodies to respond.
For many, light touch is overstimulating. 😖
On the other hand, Gravity blankets provide deep pressure stimulation.
Experts believe deep pressure can relax the nervous system, helping slow your heartbeat and breathing. 😇
Deep touch pressure therapy (DTP) is the sensation of being hugged, squeezed, stroked, or held.
Gravity blanket's founders started the company to make deep-pressure therapy available to more people.
Deep pressure stimulation can calm the mind and body, reducing anxiety and improving your mood, leading to improved sleep quality. 🧘
Essentially, the Gravity blanket stimulates and triggers the brain much like a hug.
A study on using deep pressure [1] to assist young people with autism or developmental difficulties suggests that weighted blankets can reduce signs of anxiety in a similar way to physical touch.
Of course, Gravity blankets aren't the only ones to offer deep pressure.
The cosy Emma Hug Weighted Blanket, which is similar to the Gravity blanket, is even named after the hugging sensation it replicates.
How do you use the Gravity blanket?
It is recommended that you start using a Gravity blanket for just 15 minutes at a time.
You can then increase your use time gradually. ⏳
Gravity suggests listening to your body and using its blankets for only as much time as you are comfortable.
When should you use a Gravity blanket?
Gravity blankets help relax the body.
But when should you use your weighted blanket for the greatest benefit? 🤔
Before and during sleep
A Gravity blanket can replace or be used alongside your regular blanket.
Its weight can help you fall asleep and promote deeper sleep.
Those with sleep disorders, anxiety, or stress often find Gravity blankets particularly helpful.
Using a Gravity blanket on a couch
You can also use a Gravity blanket on a couch to help you relax before bed. 😇
The blanket stimulates pressure on the entire body, helping to provide calm and peace.
Using a Gravity blanket when meditating
Some people even use a Gravity blanket to calm the mind during meditation.
Using a blanket can help enhance your presence of mind and slow your thoughts. 🧘
Our top tips for using a Gravity weighted blanket
Getting used to a Gravity blanket may take a while.
If the blanket is too heavy, you may feel squashed, uncomfortable, or even find it difficult to breathe. 😨
So how can you ensure you get the most from your weighted Gravity blanket?
Our top tips include:
- Taking time to get used to the weight.
- Removing the blanket if you feel uncomfortable.
- Placing the blanket on specific body parts for targeted relief.
- Using your blanket when you are stressed.
- Taking a break if you no longer feel your blanket's full effects.
However you choose to use a weighted blanket, always listen to your body. 👂
What are the benefits of a Gravity blanket?
There are several potential Gravity blanket benefits.
Let's look at these in more detail. 🕵️
Gravity blankets reduce anxiety and stress
Gravity blankets promote the release of serotonin (the happy hormone).
They simultaneously reduce cortisol levels (the body's stress hormone). 🤯
Using a weighted blanket can stop your mind from racing by intensifying your senses, similar to meditation.
You can even use a weighted Gravity blanket when meditating. 🧘
Or, if a weighted blanket doesn't sound like your jam, why not try a massage gun?
The TheraGun Pro Massage Gun is an excellent option for those who want something to relieve tension and stress.
Gravity blankets enhance feelings of comfort
The deep pressure offered by Gravity blankets feels like a hug.
And much like a hug, the weighted Gravity blanket can promote feelings of security and comfort. 🤗
This is especially helpful for those struggling with stress disorders like anxiety or PTSD.
Gravity blankets improve sleep
With so many things constantly demanding our attention, many people struggle to relax. 😩
Of course, there are things we can do to sleep better.
One trick is to use a weighted blanket before you head to bed (during the pre-sleep stage).
One study found that weighted blankets work as a sleep aid by increasing melatonin [2]production in young adults.
Melatonin [3] is a natural hormone that helps control our sleep cycle.
By boosting melatonin, the Gravity blanket can help you fall asleep faster and get a better night's sleep. 😴
And that's not all.
Gravity blankets can decrease tossing and turning
The firm weight of Gravity blankets makes tossing and turning a challenge.
They are useful for relieving restless leg syndrome (RLS).
The pressure provided by Gravity blankets helps keeps the body still, including preventing leg movement if you get RLS.
This is great since we tend to sleep better when we're not moving around too much. 😇
Gravity blankets and behavioural disorders
Those with ADHD or ADD can struggle with hyperactivity, impulse control, and maintaining concentration and focus.
Other disabilities like Asperger's syndrome and autism can make it more challenging to communicate and recognise the expressions of others.
People with these disorders often feel overwhelmed. 😵💫
A heavy blanket can provide comfort while increasing the body's serotonin levels.
It can help with body control by enhancing focus and bringing the mind back into the present. 🤩
Gravity blankets and neurocognitive diseases
Neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or dementia can be highly stressful.
A weighted blanket promotes feelings of being grounded [4].
The deep pressure sensation can give an immediate connection to the present. 😄
This, in addition to the increases in serotonin and decreases in cortisol, may help foster a healthier mind and body.
Gravity blankets soothe arthritis and joint pain
Those suffering from chronic pain conditions like arthritis or joint pain also often struggle with depression, anxiety, and sleep.
Currently, evidence on how weighted blankets help with these types of pain is limited.
However, a recent trial [5] found the use of a weighted blanket reduced perceptions of pain and feelings of anxiety. 😃
A weighted blanket is worth trying if you have arthritis.
But as beneficial as a Gravity blanket may be, it won't work for everyone.
So, why might you not want a Gravity blanket?
We'll take a look below. 👇
What are the downsides to Gravity blankets?
Gravity blankets are designed with safety in mind, but they're not suitable for everyone.
You shouldn't use a Gravity blanket if you have:
- A breathing disorder like asthma or sleep apnoea.
- A heart or blood pressure problem.
- Diabetes.
We recommend chatting with your doctor if you aren't sure.
If you have one of these difficulties, you should check out an alternative.
Something lightweight, like a coverless blanket, could be perfect.
Lighter blankets can also stimulate the feeling of a hug. 🤗
The Fine Bedding Night Owl is a hypoallergenic and eco-friendly coverless duvet for those who want something cosy and comforting.
Of course, it's not just those with health problems who may want to avoid Gravity blankets. 🤔
On Trustpilot, Gravity blankets only have a 2.6-star rating, meaning many people have struggled with their products or services. ⭐
They aren't suitable for people looking for affordable products, good cusotmer service, or fast delivery.
We'll discuss these common customer complaints in more detail in the FAQ section.
But you can avoid many of these issues by buying from a UK brand.
Our favourite UK-based weighted blankets:
-
![Emma Hug Weighted Blanket]()
![Emma Hug Weighted Blanket]()
Emma![Emma]()
Hug Weighted BlanketPrice from £ 95.20 £ (119 )The Emma Hug Weighted Blanket has seven layers to reduce stress through pressure stimulation."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."The Emma Hug Weighted Blanket has seven layers to reduce stress through pressure stimulation."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."Price from £ 95.20 (£ 119 ) -
![Hypnia Hybrid Mattress]()
![Hypnia Hybrid Mattress]()
Hypnia![Hypnia]()
Original Hybrid MattressPrice from £ 319.99 £ (799.99 )The Hypnia Original Hybrid is as comfortable as top-rated competitors."Get 10% off with our exclusive 'SH10' discount code."The Hypnia Original Hybrid is as comfortable as top-rated competitors."Get 10% off with our exclusive 'SH10' discount code."Price from £ 319.99 (£ 799.99 )
How to care for your Gravity blanket
To keep your blanket in good condition, you must follow the recommended Gravity blanket wash instructions.
All Gravity blanket covers can be machine washed at 40°C.
The glass microbead inserts (from the Original and Basic Gravity blankets) can be washed at 30°C. 🧼
However, the Balance blanket steel microbead insert is not machine washable.
Make sure you check the weight capacity of your washing machine before washing your blanket.
After washing, the blanket should be laid flat to dry for the best results.
Gravity blanket costs
Gravity blankets aren't the cheapest weighted blankets.
You'll be paying at least £150 for the basic version (though this may change with Gravity blanket sales).
The more expensive Gravity Balance weighted blanket will set you back at least £300. 🙀
You may find slight price reductions with Gravity blanket coupons, available on the Gravity blanket promo code page [6].
However, there are far better and cheaper options that don't come with hidden customs and delivery costs.
Our favourite budget-friendly weighted blankets:
-
![Hypnia weighted blanket]()
![Hypnia weighted blanket]()
Hypnia![Hypnia]()
Weighted BlanketPrice from £ 89.99 £ (119.99 )The Hypnia Weighted Blanket offers a deeper, stress-free sleep."Get 10% off with our exclusive 'SH10' discount code."The Hypnia Weighted Blanket offers a deeper, stress-free sleep."Get 10% off with our exclusive 'SH10' discount code."Price from £ 89.99 (£ 119.99 )
What else does Gravity sell?
Aside from their three classic weighted blankets, Gravity sells several other sleep accessories.
These include:
- Gravity limited edition weighted blankets (including Harry Potter and Super Hero weighted blankets and the Gravity Outlast cooling weighted blanket).
- Gravity weighted blanket covers.
- Gravity pillows (including the Gravity therapeutic pillow and Gravity relax pillow).
- Gravity weighted headband.
- Gravity weighted robe.
- Gravity weighted coat.
- Gravity down comforter.
- Gravity weighted neck wrap.
- Gravity lap pad.
- Gravity acupressure mat with pillow.
- Gravity therapy vest for children.
- Gravity fragrance spray.
- Gravity weighted sleeping bag.
- Gravity somnox sleep robot.
- Gravity adaptive mattress.
The Gravity website can be a great place to shop around and find out what products are available if you are just entering the world of weighted products. 🛍️
Very few other brands offer this sort of weighted product variety.
Gravity blanket delivery
One of the main complaints customers have with Gravity is not the products themselves but the delivery process. 😔
Free shipping is available to the UK and is estimated to take around 10 days.
Unfortunately, this relatively slow delivery is not free for most customers. 👎
While Gravity doesn't charge for delivery (for orders over £60), shipments face additional UK customs duties.
Gravity blanket customs fees
Gravity blankets and other products are manufactured in Europe, mainly in Poland.
UK customers have mentioned paying fees of more than £80 in Gravity blanket reviews. 💰
These hidden costs include clearance fees, customs duties, 20% VAT, and transport costs. 💰💰
It's easy to see how having a Gravity blanket delivered can quickly become expensive.
Luckily, Gravity blankets aren't the only weighted blankets on the market.
There are plenty of better and cheaper alternatives that will deliver your blanket much faster. 🚚
Our favourite UK weighted blankets:
-
![Emma Hug Weighted Blanket]()
![Emma Hug Weighted Blanket]()
Emma![Emma]()
Hug Weighted BlanketPrice from £ 95.20 £ (119 )The Emma Hug Weighted Blanket has seven layers to reduce stress through pressure stimulation."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."The Emma Hug Weighted Blanket has seven layers to reduce stress through pressure stimulation."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."Price from £ 95.20 (£ 119 ) -
![Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket]()
![Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket]()
Simba![Simba]()
Orbit Weighted BlanketPrice from £ 99The Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket has been designed with nano-beads to ease stress.The Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket has been designed with nano-beads to ease stress.Price from £ 99
Gravity blanket trial and returns
Technically, customers have 100 days to return or exchange a Gravity blanket.
But the process is frustrating.
Customers must email Gravity blankets [7] for approval before returning their blankets.
Blankets can only be exchanged once and only for a blanket of different weight. 😭
Promotional and sales items are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Are Gravity blankets worth buying?
Gravity blankets are one of the trailblazers of weighted blankets and have an impressive range of products to help customers relax and sleep.
However, there are better options for those in the UK.
You can find similar quality products without the hassle of slow delivery times or hidden customs fees.
Check out our favourite alternatives for high-quality weighted blankets with better delivery, trials, and return policies. 🏆
Our favourite weighted blankets:
-
![Emma Hug Weighted Blanket]()
![Emma Hug Weighted Blanket]()
Emma![Emma]()
Hug Weighted BlanketPrice from £ 95.20 £ (119 )The Emma Hug Weighted Blanket has seven layers to reduce stress through pressure stimulation."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."The Emma Hug Weighted Blanket has seven layers to reduce stress through pressure stimulation."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."Price from £ 95.20 (£ 119 ) -
![Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket]()
![Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket]()
Simba![Simba]()
Orbit Weighted BlanketPrice from £ 99The Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket has been designed with nano-beads to ease stress.The Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket has been designed with nano-beads to ease stress.Price from £ 99 -
![Hypnia weighted blanket]()
![Hypnia weighted blanket]()
Hypnia![Hypnia]()
Weighted BlanketPrice from £ 89.99 £ (119.99 )The Hypnia Weighted Blanket offers a deeper, stress-free sleep."Get 10% off with our exclusive 'SH10' discount code."The Hypnia Weighted Blanket offers a deeper, stress-free sleep."Get 10% off with our exclusive 'SH10' discount code."Price from £ 89.99 (£ 119.99 )
Contact Gravity UK
Customer service: To contact Gravity directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at cs@gravityblankets.co.uk, visit their live online chat, or complete their online contact form [8].
Registered office: Senso-Rex Ltd, 7 Bell Road, London WC2A 2JR, United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
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Is there a difference between weighted blankets and Gravity blankets?
Gravity blankets and weighted blankets are the same things.
The Gravity blanket is a brand of weighted blankets.
In fact, the Gravity blanket was the original weighted blanket and the first to be released.
Weighted blankets, including the Gravity blanket, are helpful for anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders.
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Do Gravity blankets really work?
Research has been done on the efficacy of deep pressure therapy, including the potential uses of weighted blankets like Gravity blankets.
One study suggests that weighted blankets can reduce anxiety [9] and improve sleep quality.
While more research is needed, current studies are very positive.
The many customers buying and recommending weighted blankets like the Gravity blanket also indicate the potential benefits of weighted blankets.
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Where can I buy a Gravity blanket in the UK?
The best Gravity blanket in the UK can be bought directly from Gravity [10].
If you're looking for an alternative option for where to buy a Gravity blanket, your choices are limited.
For instance, you can shop Gravity blankets on Amazon UK, but these tend to cost a lot more.
There are also some John Lewis Gravity blankets, but Gravity doesn't manufacture these.
Large retailers like Amazon are useful if you want something different, like a quilted weighted blanket.
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How long should I use a Gravity blanket for?
The length of time someone should and could comfortably use a Gravity blanket for changes.
For instance, most people can use a heavier Gravity blanket for a short time.
The general recommendation is to start using a Gravity blanket for about 15 minutes.
From here, you can gradually increase your use time.
Some people can comfortably build up to using a Gravity blanket overnight while they sleep.
You must build up your blanket use slowly.
As with any weighted blanket, it is vital that you can easily remove the blanket at any time.
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What weight Gravity blanket should I choose?
If you want to use a Gravity weighted blanket, the most crucial choice is the weight of the blanket.
You can get the best Gravity blanket UK experience by choosing the right weight.
Gravity recommends you opt for a blanket around 10% of your body weight.
If you weigh 110 kg (250 lbs), you would want around an 11 kg (25 lbs) Gravity blanket.
Since there is no 11 kg (25 lbs) Gravity blanket, you'd have to opt for a slightly lighter or heavier option.
Gravity blanket weights:
Gravity blanket weight Body weight recommendation 6 kg (13.2 lbs) 50-70 kg (110-154 lbs) 8 kg (17.6 lbs) 70-90 kg (154-198 lbs) 10 kg (22 lbs) 90-110 kg (198-243 lbs) 12 kg (26.4 lbs) +110 kg (+243 lbs) The Basic Gravity blanket is also available in a lighter 4 kg (8.8 lbs), recommended for a body weight of 30-50 kg (66-110 lbs).
It is also worth noting that larger-sized blankets can feel slightly lighter since the weight of the blanket is spread over a bigger surface area.
If you prefer a larger blanket, you may want to opt for a slightly heavier one.
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What Gravity blanket do I need?
You should generally choose a weighted Gravity blanket UK that is about 10% of your body weight.
We also recommend choosing an organic cotton cover if you are a hot sleeper or a velvet or velour cover if you run a little chilly.
Ultimately, if you want something to help with grounding, anxiety, or sleep, you can buy a Gravity blanket.
But you don’t have to.
For UK customers, we suggest shopping for weighted blankets from brands like Aeyla.
Aeyla weighted blankets come with free delivery and returns and a 30-night trial period.
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Does Gravity sell weighted blankets for kids?
There are 3 Gravity blankets for kids. 🧒
These include:
- The Senso-Rex weighted blanket for kids
- The Original Gravity weighted blanket for kids
- The Balance weighted blanket for kids
The Senso-Rex blanket is the cheapest option and comes without a removable cover.
The Original Gravity blanket for kids comes with a glass microbead filling and a washable cover.
Meanwhile, the more expensive Balance weighted blanket for kids comes with a zipped washable cover and stainless steel ball filling.
Gravity blankets for children come in lighter weights of 3 or 4 kg (6.6 or 8.8 lbs). 🪶
They also come in three smaller sizes, not sold in the adult range.
Children's Gravity blanket sizes:
- 90 x 120 cm (35 x 47 inches)
- 100 x 150 cm (39 x 59 inches)
- 110 x 170 cm (43 x 70 inches)
The children's Gravity blanket range is more colourful than the adult range since it's designed to appeal to kids.
Unfortunately, Gravity kids' weighted blankets are also quite expensive.
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How do I choose a weighted blanket?
There are a few things to consider if you want to get the best weighted blanket in the UK.
These include:
- Blanket cover (colours, patterns, and material).
- Weight (usually, this should be about 10% of your body weight).
- Weight distribution (e.g. beads or heavy knitted materials).
It's worth noting blankets with loose beads often have issues with pooling and uneven weight distribution.
Gravity blankets use small pockets to prevent this issue.
It's also worth choosing a blanket and brand with positive reviews.
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What are the most common Gravity blanket customer complaints?
Gravity blanket customer complaints
Some people experience issues with their Gravity blankets.
So what are some Gravity blanket problems you should be aware of?
- Gravity blankets are not as affordable as most of their competitors.
- Many Gravity blanket UK reviews complain that the customer support team was less than helpful when they experienced issues.
- Post-Brexit, many people are hit with additional taxes and duties.
- Delivery times for Gravity blankets are notoriously long.
You can avoid many of these issues by ordering products made in the UK.
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Which Gravity blanket is best for hot sleepers?
For those that sleep warm, there's the Gravity Balance Outlast limited edition weighted blanket.
![sleep temperature]()
The Balance Outlast weighted blanket helps maintain a comfortable temperature. The Balance Outlast weighted blanket is made with Outlast technology, initially developed for spacesuits. 🧑🚀
Advanced fibre helps release excess absorbed heat and store it when there's not enough.
This is the best option for those searching for a Gravity cooling blanket.
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References
- 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc5612681/
- 2 A weighted blanket increases pre-sleep salivary concentrations of melatonin in young, healthy adults - PubMed
- 3 Melatonin: a hormone used for sleep problems - NHS
- 4 https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=4u8zdaaaqbaj&oi=fnd&pg=pp2&dq=weighted+blankets+and+feeling+grounded&ots=9fiopqgpm2&sig=rvxcxlo326t2nkdqjphepdtlow0&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=weighted%20blankets%20and%20feeling%20grounded&f=false
- 5 https://www.jpain.org/article/s1526-5900(21)00313-8/fulltext
- 6 Promo Code - Weighted Blankets - Gravityblankets UK
- 7 Weighted blankets for anxiety, insomnia - Gravity Blankets UK & Europe
- 8 Contact - Weighted Blankets - Gravityblankets UK
- 9 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/s209549642030131x
- 10 Weighted blankets for anxiety, insomnia - Gravity Blankets UK & Europe
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