The best weighted blankets
Another restless night…?
In a perfect world, we’d all sleep for eight hours. We would take shorter naps during the day and avoid taking caffeinated products to improve our sleep patterns. But even after adhering to all the “right” sleeping tactics, some still find it difficult to fall asleep.
If you’re sailing this boat, there’s one more thing you can try. Enter weighted blankets. Based on the principle of deep pressure stimulation, these blankets provide comfort and help you sleep better. Here’s a review of the ten best weighted blankets.
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is not a far cry from a regular blanket. The main difference is that a weighted one has glass or plastic beads that are stitched inside to add to its weight.
The science behind this is that a heavier-than-regular blanket exerts pressure on the body, mimicing deep touch pressure therapy (DTP).
This pressure induces a comforting and calming effect on the body and mind. More specifically, it triggers the release of the feel-good hormones like serotonin, decreasing stress and anxiety.
Best overall
Waowoo Adult Weighted Blanket
The Waowoo weighted blanket comes at a price that’s hard to beat yet it doesn’t skimp on quality or comfort.
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If you’ve been searching for a weighted blanket that hits the sweet spot between price and features, Waowoo is exactly what you need.
It’s one of the most affordable blankets on the market, yet it has all the features you’d be interested in. For instance, its core is made of premium glass beads that exert just the right amount of pressure.
And while the blanket we’re reviewing here is 60” by 80” and weighs about 15 pounds, it’s available in different sizes and weights too. The weights range from as little as 4 pounds, making it suitable for toddlers too.
Unfortunately, the Waowoo doesn’t come with a duvet cover, which is recommended so as to protect the blanket.The weighted blanket is also only available in grey so if you prefer other colors, you may have to go for a different one.
Best premium
Quility Adults Weighted Blanket
The Quility weighted blanket boasts seven layers of construction.
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For a weighted blanket that’s fitted with premium features, this bedding by Quility is your best bet.
The grey cotton blanket measures 60” by 80”, and weighs approximately 15 pounds. But what really sets it apart is the extra duvet cover that it comes with. This cover is available in different colors and patterns, enabling you to pick one that suits your tastes and preferences.
And when it comes to weight, you can choose from 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 and 25 pounds. Its sizes also vary widely, ranging from as small as 36” by 48”.
Another unique feature of the Quility blanket is the 7 layer construction system. The different layers of fabric work in tandem to exert even pressure throughout your body. This ensures that the weight remains well-balanced; thus, offering maximum comfort.
The only drawback is that if you’re quite tall, you’ll need to go for the biggest size available to enjoy full coverage. This is because the 60” by 80” runs a little small, leaving part of your body exposed to cold.
Best affordable
ZZZhen Weighted Blanket
The ZZZhen weighted blanket guarantees a night full of comfort due to the beads stuffing and cotton-fabric layer.
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Unless you want to, you shouldn’t have to splurge on a weighted blanket. While most weighted blankets cost a couple of hundreds of dollars, the ZZZhen comes at a pocket-friendly price tag. This makes it the ideal choice for those on a shoestring budget.
It measures 48” by 72” and weighs about 15 pounds. The weight comes from the beads incorporated in the blanket’s core.
One of this blanket’s key highlights is the stitching technique employed. ZZZhen’s box stitching method is meant to prevent any leakage or shifting of the beads. This way, the weight remains even throughout your body.
And while this blanket doesn’t come with a cover, it can be washed in a machine, resulting in very easy maintenance. The only drawback is that it gets a little too hot, meaning it’s not the right fit for hot sleepers.
Best soft
RelaxEden Adult Weighted Blanket
This weighted blanket provides a decent amount of warmth in a small package.
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Weighted blankets that end up being too heavy can restrict movement and proper airflow. If you prefer something that is a little more softweighted, the RelaxEden blanket is precisely what you need.
At 60” by 80”, it has a fairly similar size to the weighted blankets we’ve looked at so far. However, it weighs a measly 15 pounds. If you want a much smaller weight, it also comes in 5- and 10-pound options.
The RelaxEden blanket also sports a 7-layer system. These consist of layers made of cotton, and polyester with a filling of non-toxic and hypoallergenic glass beads. Better yet, caring for this weighted blanket is a cinch as it comes with a machine-washable cover.
The only thing you might not like is the hefty price tag that accompanies this blanket. It costs well over $100, so if you’re looking to spend less, you may have to find an alternative.
Best for anxiety
YnM Oeko-Tex Weighted Blanket
With seven layers of breathable fabrics and materials, the YnM Oeko-Tex blanket is the best at offering relief from anxiety and stress.
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This weighted blanket from YnM is perfect for individuals who suffer from anxiety. Its core is made of glass beads that provide a gentle compression; hence, offering relief from stress, anxiety and depression.
Overall, the blanket comprises seven layers of different materials, including cotton and fiberfill. We particularly like the stitching, which is quilted through the layers in roughly 4.5-inch squares. This pattern creates pockets that ensure the glass beads remain uniformly distributed for optimal comfort.
If you’re keen on design, you’ll be pleased to learn that the YnM blanket comes in an array of colors. You’ll get to pick from several colors, including a reversible dual-color option.
With regards to size, the blanket measures 48” by 72” and weighs about 15 pounds. However, pay keen attention when choosing your preferred size. If you make even the smallest error, you may end up with one that’s too big or small for your bed.
Best cooling
ZonLi Cooling Weighted Blanket
This blanket is great at regulating temperature. It consists not one but two layers of cotton fabric that do a fantastic job of regulating temperature at night.
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If you reside in a particularly warm region, or find that you sweat a lot at night, a cooling weighted blanket like ZonLi is the best choice.
The blanket measures 48” by 72” and weighs 15 pounds. However, you’ll be able to choose from 10 other sizes with weights that range from 5 to 25 pounds. We also like that it’s available in several color options, including aqua, light grey and a pink/purple.
This blanket’s construction consists of natural cotton fabric that provides excellent breathability. Plus, ZonLi has used a high-density sewing method that helps keep the beads intact for even weight distribution.
That said, this blanket could do with a little bit of improvement. It slowly wears out as you use it, and there have been cases where the beads even start to leak after an extended period of use.
Best for kids & toddlers
Weighted Idea Cooling Kids Weighted Blanket
This weighted blanket is the best for kids and toddlers. It is made with soft, breathable material that provides comfort to a child.
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If your child has been struggling to sleep, a weighted blanket like this one may be the solution you’ve been missing.
Measuring just 41” by 60” and weighing a measly 7 pounds, this blanket is perfectly-sized for kids and toddlers. It’s not too bulky, but it’s heavy enough to exert the right pressure to lull your little one to sleep.
To add to this, you’ll have the freedom to choose from five different colors, including one with a dinosaur print. You will also love the lightweight cotton used in this blanket’s construction. This fabric lets air flow freely through the fibers; hence, preventing your munchkin from getting night sweats.
The one thing you might not fancy is the fact that its cover is sold separately. Considering how quickly a kid’s blanket can get dirty, it would have been nice if a cover had been included.
Best for adults
Luna Adult Weighted Blanket
The 20 lbs Luna weighted blanket is the best for adults, especially those weighing between 200 and 220 lbs.
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Have you been searching for a weighted blanket that’s rightly-sized for adults? If you have, the Luna Blanket fits this description perfectly.
It’s a 60” by 80” that weighs 20 pounds. This makes it heavy enough to exert the desired pressure; hence, facilitate a good night’s sleep. This weight stems from the micro glass beads incorporated in its core layer.
The weighted blanket also boasts several layers of soft, breathable fabrics with air channels that allow air to keep circulating; hence, prevent overheating. The only snag is that it doesn’t come with a duvet cover. If you prefer to have one, you’ll have to purchase it separately, which will cost you more money.
Best breathable
AN Cooling Weighted Blanket
This is the best breathable weighted blanket in the market. You can enjoy all its calming features without the extra heat often associated with weighted blankets.
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Are you in search of a weighted blanket that offers optimal breathability? Then check out the AN Cooling Weighted Blanket.
Measuring 28” by 72”, it’s constructed using Oeko-Tex certified cotton and non-toxic glass beads resulting in a blanket that’s not only soft but also more breathable. In total, the blanket has seven layers of fabric, which are sewn together neatly to prevent the beads from leaking.
The AN blanket tips the scales at 15 pounds. But if you prefer something lighter or heavier, it’s available in other weights and sizes too.
And while it only comes in a dark grey color, it’s one of the few weighted blankets that comes in at under $50. Unfortunately, it’s not sold with a cover, so you’ll have to shell out more money for this.
Best for summer
Hypnoser Adult Weighted Blanket
The Hypnoser is a cooling blanket. It uses glass pellets and pure breathable cotton to regulate your body temperature, making it perfect for use during summer.
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If you think weighted blankets are only meant for winter and other cold times, think again. Some of these blankets are designed with cooling technologies, making them equally suited for summer. Such is the case of the Hypnoser Weighted Blanket.
Another feature that sets this blanket from the crowd is the fact that it’s made solely from natural cotton fiber. This makes it ideal for people who suffer from skin allergies.
You will also never have to worry about the durability of this weighted blanket. This is because it’s double lined and stitched to ensure that it will serve you for a long time to come.
The problem comes in its maintenance as it can only be hand-washed. Very few people like doing laundry and having to hand-wash a weighted blanket can be very taxing.
What to look for in a good weighted blanket
Given the plethora of options available, finding a suitable weighted blanket that meets your needs can be a tall order. To help narrow down your options, here are a few points you should keep in mind:
Weight
As implied in the name, the distinguishing characteristic of a weighted blanket is its heaviness. This blanket works on the principle that exerting a tiny amount of pressure on your body evokes a soothing and calming effect.
But to achieve this, you have to pick a reasonably-weighted blanket. The rule of thumb is to choose one that weighs about 10% of your total body weight.
So for instance if you weigh 180 pounds, you’d go for an 18-pound blanket. If you can’t find this exact weight, you can choose one whose weight is fairly similar, like say 15 or 20 pounds.
For the best result, we recommend going to a brick and mortar store and testing out different weights. This way, you can determine exactly what works for you. Remember, if you choose one that’s too light, you may not get the benefits you’re hoping for. On the other hand, if you opt for one that’s too heavy, you’ll end up feeling constricted.
For kids, blankets that weigh about 5 pounds or less are ideal. In fact, you should aim for a weight that’s less than the 10% threshold of their body weight.
Important to note though is that toddlers under the age of 3, or those weighing less than 50 pounds should not use this kind of blanket. The reason for this is that it poses a risk of suffocation.
Type of filling
The next factor you should consider is the type of filling. You’ll have two main options to choose from: plastic pellets and glass beads.
When you hear the term “glass beads” for the first time, you may assume that they’re large-sized particles. But the truth is, they’re about the same size as grains of sand, which means they’re very tiny.
Though they’re small, glass beads are pretty heavy. The good thing about these traits is that it only takes a tiny amount of glass beads to achieve the preferred weight. And since they’re minute, they tend to occupy a small space in the blanket.
Plastic pellets, on the other hand, are much bigger in size. Due to this, they occupy a rather large space, causing the blanket to feel overly bulky.
On the brighter side, blankets that contain plastic pellets are cheaper. So if you’re not looking to spend a fortune, this may be the most suitable option.
You may also come across some weighted blankets that contain polyester fiberfill. This is usually incorporated to add to the warmth of the blanket. If you sleep hot or live in a warm region, opt for a blanket without this fill.
Cover
One of the most commonly asked questions is whether you should buy a weighted blanket with a cover. In our opinion, the answer to this is a resounding yes.
These covers play several roles, the most important of which is protecting the blanket from unnecessary dirt. If you don’t want to have to wash your weighted blanket too frequently, then a cover is a must-have.
A detachable cover also helps with temperature regulation. It can add to the warmth provided by the blanket, which is handy for those who live in very cold regions. And since it’s detachable, you can always remove it if you feel too hot in the middle of the night.
The typical choice of material for these covers is a soft microfiber. Nonetheless, it’s not impossible to come across ones made of bamboo or that have a cooling effect. In fact if you’re a hot sleeper, you could benefit from a cover that has some kind of cooling or moisture-wicking fabric.
Size
Another factor that you should consider is the size.
Ideally, you want the weighted blanket to be big enough to cover your body entirely. However, it shouldn’t be too big to the extent it drapes off the sides of the bed.
To ensure it’s the right size, you should be guided by the size of the mattress. If you use a full size mattress, then pick a blanket whose dimensions correspond to that of the mattress. The same applies to whether you’re using a twin or queen mattress.
FAQ
Are weighted blankets safe?
Overall, weighted blankets are very safe beddings to use. But this is only if you pick one of the correct weight and size.
However, kids and adults suffering from certain conditions are prohibited from using this kind of blanket. For instance, kids who suffer from breathing difficulties, heart problems, epilepsy, and blood circulation issues aren’t suitable candidates for weighted blankets.
Similarly, individuals who have underlying issues like claustrophobia, asthma and other chronic conditions shouldn’t use these blankets.
What’s the ideal weight of a weighted blanket?
The recommended weight by experts is 10% of your body for adults. For kids, the formula is 10% of the body weight plus an additional 1 to 2 pounds.
Can you put weighted blankets in a washer and dryer?
Yes, some weighted blankets are safe to use in a washing machine. However, most manufacturers recommend hand-washing, then hanging it to dry in the open.
Final verdict
If you’re searching for a weighted blanket, there are a couple of points you should keep in mind. For one, it should be of the right weight, and this should be about 10% of your body weight. You should also think about the size and type of filling inside the blanket. Finally, consider whether the blanket has a cover, which is an excellent addition as it offers protection from dirt.
