Written by Amelia Jerden, Senior Staff Writer
Have you been on the hunt for the perfect weighted blanket? You’ve come to the right place.
Weighted blankets are popular for their calming and relaxing effects, whether you use one to unwind while watching TV or reading on the couch after work or whether you sleep under one throughout the night. The Sleepopolis Team has tested dozens of weighted blankets, so we’ll give you the lowdown on each one and go over why each made our list of top picks!
Best Weighted Blankets 2024
- Luxome – Best Plush Weighted Blanket
- Layla – Best Weighted Blanket for Easy Cleaning
- Saatva – Best Cotton Weighted Blanket
- Bearaby – Best Breathable Weighted Blanket
- Gravity – Best Weighted Blanket for Cold Sleepers
Video Review: Best Weighted Blankets
Best Plush – Luxome Removable Cover Weighted Blanket
The Luxome actually comes in three different versions; the first has a minky cover, which is the version we tested. But Luxome also makes a version of this blanket that is made from bamboo lyocell, a silky and cooling material, as well as a version with one side minky and one side bamboo. However, we’ll strictly be going over the minky version here!
We absolutely loved the minky cover on this blanket — it has a delightfully fuzzy feel that’s really similar to sheared microfiber. It’s the type of material that makes you just want to run your hands over it, because it’s so darn soft!
Another favorite feature for the Luxome is that the entire blanket is machine washable — both the outer cover and inner blanket can go straight into the washing machine.
The Luxome blanket comes in four weight options: eight, 15, 18, or 30 pounds. Each weight option is a different size.
Think this could be the blanket for you? Check out our full Luxome weighted blanket review to learn more.
LUXOME Removable Cover Weighted Blanket
Fuzzy and plush, this weighted blanket from LUXOME keeps you comfy without making you overheat.
Read Full ReviewBest for Easy Cleaning – Layla Weighted Blanket
The Layla is a two-sided weighted blanket, with one side made of smooth 300-thread count cotton and the other made of plush, minky fabric. For weight, the Layla uses super tiny glass beads and poly-fill, so the beads are barely noticeable — aside from the fact that the blanket is heavy.
Unlike a lot of other blankets, the Layla doesn’t have a removable cover, but it is completely machine washable, so you don’t even have to worry about washing a duvet cover and inner blanket separately. All you have to do is toss it in the washer! It doesn’t get easier than that when it comes to cleaning. For detailed care instructions, visit laylasleep.com.
The Layla weighted blanket is available in three weight options: 15, 20, and 25 pounds. The 15-pound blanket is a personal size, the 20-pound is a queen size, and the 25-pound is a king size.
Want to know more about this blanket? Head over to our full Layla weighted blanket review!
Layla Weighted Blanket
Like Layla's mattresses, this weighted blanket has two sides with two different feels.
Sleepopolis Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full Review
Best Cotton Weighted Blanket – Saatva
The cover of the Saatva weighted blanket is made of 100 percent cotton velvet, which means its texture is by turns soft, fuzzy, and airy. As a material, cotton helps regulate temperature because it’s so breathable, which helps the blanket stay cool.
Another feature we love about the Saatva is that it uses barely detectable glass microbeads and cotton fill, so you can’t feel or hear the beads moving around in the blanket. The beads also leave plenty of room for airflow.
The Saatva weighted blanket comes in two different weight options: single (12 pounds) and king/queen size (20 pounds).
Interested in learning more? Check out our full Saatva weighted blanket review.
Saatva Weighted Blanket
The Saatva weighted blanket features a cotton velvet cover and is filled with cotton and glass beads.
Read Full ReviewBest Breathable – Bearaby Cotton Napper
The Bearaby’s distinctive design makes this blanket ultra-breathable. Made from a blended cotton fabric — 95 percent organic cotton and 5 percent spandex — the blanket is hand-woven to create a wide-weave structure that allows for lots of airflow and breathability. Plus, cotton is a breathable fabric, so you really don’t have to worry about overheating. The fabric used in the Cotton Napper is pre-washed to give it an “already worn-in feel,” akin to a soft old T-shirt. The softness of cotton mixed with the woven texture of the blanket creates a very cozy vibe.
The Cotton Napper also doesn’t have any weighted fill, as the weight of the fabric itself is what makes this blanket so heavy. If your blanket were ever torn — or chewed up by a furry friend — you wouldn’t have to worry about plastic pellets or glass beads spilling out, which would not only ruin the blanket, but could create a choking hazard for kids or pets.
Additionally, the Bearaby Cotton Napper is available in four weight options: 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds.
Curious about this breathable cotton blanket? Learn more in our full Bearaby Cotton Napper review! Or for some more Bearaby fun, check out the Tencel version of this blanket, the Tree Napper.
Bearaby Cotton Napper Weighted Blanket
The Bearaby Cotton Napper is a weighted blanket with a chunky, knitted design that's made of organic cotton.
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
Read Full Review
Best for Cold Sleepers – Gravity Weighted Blanket
Now, we talk a lot about hot sleepers here at Sleepopolis, and rightfully so. A lot of folks out there struggle with sleeping at night because they’re too hot. But we’d like to take a moment for the cold sleepers out there and recommend a nice, warming weighted blanket: the Gravity.
The Kickstarter-funded Gravity is on this list because it’s an all-around high-quality, comfortable, and cozy blanket. We loved the micro plush duvet cover, which has a velvety feel that immediately made us want to cuddle up under it and get warm. Plus, the duvet cover is removable and it can be machine washed.
We also love a lot of the small details that give the Gravity a premium feel, like the use of a button closure in addition to the standard ties that attach the duvet cover to the inner blanket. Or the use of glass microbeads to give the blanket its weight — beads that are so small that each individual one is barely detectable. There’s also polyester batting fill mixed in with the beads to further mask their presence.
The Gravity is also available in a larger size — a 35-pound blanket in a queen/king size — that can be shared by two people, which is great for couples who want to snuggle up under a weighted blanket together. The Gravity also comes in 15-pound and 20-pound options, which are single sized.
Want to learn more? Read our full Gravity blanket review!
Gravity Weighted Blanket
The Gravity weighted blanket is available in 15, 20 and 35 pound weight options and features a plush cover.
Sleepopolis Score
4.48 / 5
Read Full Review
How Do Weighted Blankets Work?
Before we get into how weighted blankets work, let’s take a second to define what a weighted blanket is. Simply put, a weighted blanket is a blanket that features an internal liner with several sewn-in pockets that have been filled with a weighted material. Typically, the weighted material consists of plastic pellets or glass beads, but some companies fill their blankets with a proprietary material. The primary purpose of the weight is to offer sleepers something called Deep Pressure Touch.
Deep Pressure Touch has been employed by therapists for decades (particularly within the special-needs community) to alleviate anxiety, PTSD, ADHD and a host of other sensory-processing disorders. And while weighted blankets have recently peaked in popularity, they are still primarily used to aid in relaxation.
So, how does Deep Pressure Touch work? Well, in a conversation with occupational therapist Annie Schlecht of the Sleepopolis Expert Network, we learned that Deep Pressure Touch releases serotonin (our happy neurotransmitter). That serotonin promotes the release of melatonin (our sleepy hormone). (1) So, essentially, weighted blankets make you happy, sleepy, and calm by activating the parts of our brain that calm us down (no wonder they are so popular!).
How to Choose a Weighted Blanket
You’ll want to consider a few different things when deciding on a blanket, including overall weight, which we’ll describe in the next section of this guide. But first, let’s talk about a few more basic considerations.
- Materials: While the fill material of your blanket isn’t going to impact the overall feel all that much, its cover material will. Weighted blankets are covered in all sorts of different materials, ranging from breathable cotton to microfiber blends that feel similar to mink.
- Fill Distribution: Your blanket needs to have an even weight distribution to properly provide all the calming benefits you’re looking for. When trying out a new blanket, check to make sure that the fill doesn’t slide too far to one side or the other when you move it around.
- Pricing: Most blankets will run you between $100 and $300 depending on their size, materials, and weight. Shopping during holiday sales and using our coupons by clicking the buttons in this roundup can help you reduce that cost.
- Trial/Warranty: A lengthy sleep trial period will give you time to consider whether or not a blanket meets your needs and feels comfortable. A lengthy warranty ensures you’ll be able to get a replacement if your blanket shows signs of premature wear and tear (and is a great sign that a brand is confident in the durability of its product).
- Cooling: When it comes to a cooling weighted blanket, different cover materials will offer varying amounts of breathability. Blended or cotton covers can promote airflow, but if you sleep cold, minky cover fabrics might be a cozier option for you. Also, a heavier blanket will often be less cooling than a lighter blanket.
- Wash Care: Most weighted blankets include removable covers, similar to duvet covers, that you can throw in the washing machine. Certain brands may offer entirely machine-washable or spot-clean-only options, so be sure to take a look at a blanket’s wash-care instructions when choosing. We’d recommend something with a washable cover if you plan to use your weighted blanket daily.
How Heavy Should My Weighted Blanket Be?
As a rule of thumb, adults should try to find a blanket that’s about 10 percent of their body weight. For most adults, this means their blanket should weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. If a brand offers a few different weight options and you’re between sizes, the general recommendation is to size up.
If you’re buying a weighted blanket for a child, you should opt for a size that’s 5 percent of their body weight.
Sizing
Weighted blankets come in various size options. For instance, Gravity Blanket offers a king-size option. Many other brands offer throw blanket-sized models. As you might expect, the larger your blanket is, the heavier it will be. But keep in mind that a 15-pound blanket with a larger surface area will offer less Deep Pressure Touch than a 15-pound blanket with a smaller surface area.
Who Are Weighted Blankets Best For?
Most people looking to get a restful sleep or reduce stress can benefit from using a weighted blanket. But there are some sleepers who may need to exercise caution when choosing a weighted blanket.
Who should use a weighted blanket
- Adults or children struggling with anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and similar issues could benefit from using a weighted blanket during the day or at night as a way to calm down.
- Adults or children struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders may find weighted blankets helpful when trying to fall asleep. Using a weighted blanket to reduce stress during the day may also help improve your sleep wellness.
- Almost anyone who enjoys the calming sensation of Deep Pressure Touch could benefit from using a weighted blanket.
Who should not use a weighted blanket
- Weighted blankets are not safe for children under 2 years old, who could suffocate under too much weight.
- If you have obstructive sleep apnea or asthma, you should consult a doctor before using a weighted blanket.
- Many sleepers with claustrophobia dislike the feeling of weighted blankets.
FAQs
Do weighted blankets make you hot?
Not necessarily! In general, a heavy blanket can trap body heat, but many weighted blankets use breathable fabrics and sleep fairly cool.
How do you clean a weighted blanket?
Most weighted blankets have removable covers you can throw in the washer. Others may be entirely machine washable, and others may be spot-clean only. Take a look at a brand’s care instructions before washing your blanket to ensure you don’t damage it or void your warranty.
Do weighted blankets actually work?
Yes! Many people find weighted blankets helpful for reducing anxiety and improving their sleep. Of course, whether or not a weighted blanket will work for you depends on your unique needs and preferences. If you’re unsure a weighted blanket will work for you, I’d recommend choosing one that comes with a sleep trial so that you can test it out for yourself before committing to it.
Are weighted blankets safe for kids?
Weighted blankets can be safe for children over the age of 2. If you are considering purchasing a weighted blanket for your child, look for one that is no more than 5 percent of the child’s body weight. Additionally, a child should never use a weighted blanket which is too heavy for the child to lift and remove themselves. Too heavy of a blanket creates the risk of suffocation. Children under the age of 2 should never use a weighted blanket, for risk of suffocation.
Please use caution when using weighted blankets for children and consult with your child’s pediatrician if you are unsure.
References
- Bestbier, Lana, and Tim I. Williams. “The Immediate Effects of Deep Pressure on Young People with Autism and Severe Intellectual Difficulties: Demonstrating Individual Differences.” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5612681/.
Amelia Jerden
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Amelia is a Senior Staff Writer for Sleepopolis. She primarily covers bedding and sleep accessory products in reviews, how-to guides, and more. You can also find her over on the Sleepopolis YouTube channel. Amelia is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with double majors in media and journalism and in dramatic art. Outside of work, Amelia can usually be found on a hike, traveling to a new city, or at her local thrift store.
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