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Picture a good night’s sleep. Do you envision drifting among the clouds, floating over fences like counted sheep? How about lying beneath 15-25 pounds of weighted blanket?
For the uninitiated, sleeping under such a substantial weight may sound unconventional, but for many people, weighted blankets can deliver a better night’s sleep. “There is some evidence to support the notion that weighted blankets can be beneficial in relieving anxiety and improving sleep,” says Dr. Lauren Broch, a psychologist with Northwell Health’s Sleep Disorders Center. “This is especially the case in psychiatric populations,” she adds. “For those with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, weighted blankets have been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and improve insomnia.”
Through deep-pressure stimulation, weighted blankets function much like a sustained hug, (one with evenly distributed pressure). This stimulation, Broch explains, is “thought to boost mood and sleep enhancing neurotransmitters (serotonin) and hormones (melatonin) while reducing stress hormones such as cortisol.”
So, if stress and anxiety are weighing you down, a weighted blanket could be the pick-me-up you need. Here, the best weighted blankets to help you relax and maybe even get a better night's sleep.
Best Overall: Baloo Weighted Blanket
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Courtesy of Amazon
Weight: 12, 15, 20, 25 pounds | Sizes: Throw, Full/Queen, King | Material: Cotton cover with glass microbead fill | Care: Machine washable
Cooling and breathable
100% cotton exterior and interior
Machine washable and dryer safe
3 sizes and 4 weights
Only comes in one color
A high-quality and hassle-free weighted blanket is one that evenly disperses weight and requires little to no finagling. With a Baloo Weighted Blanket, that’s exactly what you get. Filled with barely detectable glass microbeads and finished with a quilted design, this blanket doesn’t pile or bunch, even if held vertically.
A high-quality weighted blanket is also soft and breathable despite its substantial heft. Baloo's weighted blanket is made from 100 percent cotton for ultimate breathability, so you don't have to worry about overheating. Plus, the entire thing is not only machine washable, but also dryer friendly. What more could you ask for?
"I figured with extra weight this blanket would leave me toasty, but it’s actually cool enough for all climates, all year-round. With no polyester, no synthetic liners, and a breathable, natural, chemical-free construction, it stays surprisingly cool from slumber to alarm clock."—Stephanie Vermillion, Product Tester
Best Budget: Luna Cotton Weighted Blanket
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Weight: 12, 15, 20 pounds | Sizes: Full, Queen, King | Material: Cotton shell with polyester, microfiber, glass bead fill | Care: Machine washable
Budget-friendly
OEKO-TEX 100 certified
Available in a range of color options
3 cover options
Not very durable
If you’re curious about the benefits of a weighted blanket but your wallet is feeling a little light, you don’t have to spend a fortune. With three different sizes and 19 styles to choose from, Luna allows you to snag a weighted blanket tailored to your needs and taste. Even better, the 100 percent cotton outer shell and the OEKO-TEX 100 certification ensure you’re not sacrificing safety or quality for affordability.
If you purchase a cover, take note that it's attached to the blanket with a tie-mechanism, which is a bit more cumbersome than zipper or integrated models. On the other hand, that removable cover is much easier to wash than the blanket as a whole.
Best Splurge: Bearaby Cotton Napper
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Courtesy of Bearaby
Weight: 10, 15, 20, 25 pounds | Sizes: 4 sizes based on weight | Material: Organic cotton and spandex | Care: Machine washable
Attractive look
Made in Green by OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade certified
Breathable
Lots of color options
Not very cozy
Expensive
Bearaby’s Cotton Napper is unlike any other weighted blanket on the market. This open-weave blanket has an attractive, natural look that defies all assumptions that weighted blankets must look hi-tech or utilitarian.
Unlike other weighted blankets filled with glass, pellets, or sand, Bearaby’s Napper gets its heft from the natural weight of its sustainably-sourced, organic cotton. The absence of beads or pellets (which can migrate) or any sort of inner blanket (which can shift) means even weight distribution is built into the blanket. Hot sleepers will also appreciate how the open-weave design allows for substantial air circulation.
"Almost immediately, I felt my body calm down, and some of my tension released. It wasn’t a sedative effect; it was more of an “ahh” feeling that lasted the entire time I had the blanket wrapped around me."—Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester
Best with Cover: Gravity Weighted Blanket
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Courtesy of Gravity
Weight: 15, 20, 25, 35 pounds | Sizes: Single, Queen/King | Material: Micro-plush cover with glass bead fill | Care: Cover is machine washable, inner blanket is hand wash only
Includes plush cover
Zipper mechanism keeps inner weighted blanket from shifting
Grid-stitching ensures even weight distribution
3 color options
Not cooling
It’s not for nothing that the original Gravity Blanket remains one of the most popular options on the market today. Gravity Blankets combine a micro-plush duvet cover with a grid-stitched inner weighted blanket that ensures even distribution of the glass beads inside. Gravity Blankets also boast a new, upgraded zipper system for their inner blanket, which secures it inside the machine-washable duvet cover.
Translation? They’re cozy, comfy, and convenient: no wrestling with the inner blanket to whip the blanket into proper form, and no frequent trips to the dry cleaner. You can choose from a variety of weights (15, 20, 25, and 35 pounds), though take note that there are only two sizes available.
"While initially it felt quite heavy, when I was actually using it as a blanket it felt comforting (like being “tucked in”). After using it for a while and switching back to my usual comforter and sheet, the common stuff didn’t feel as cozy. I missed the Gravity Blanket."—Joline Buscemi, Product Tester
Best Cooling: Luxome Cooling Weighted Blanket
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Weight: 8, 15, 18, 30 pounds | Sizes: 4 sizes based on weight | Material: Bamboo lyocell cover with glass bead fill | Care: Machine washable
Cooling materials
Choice between bamboo lyocell and bamboo/minky combination covers
4 sizes and 10 colors/styles to choose from
Safer to spot clean rather than machine wash
Because of their many layers, some weighted blankets trap heat; this can be a great side effect if you run cold, but if you’re a hot sleeper you’ll want something designed for breathability. Made with the thermal-regulating material bamboo lyocell, the Luxome Cooling Weighted Blanket caters to the sweatiest sleepers, so you can snooze in comfort. If you want something a little cozier (since bamboo lyocell is sleek and silky), you can choose to get a bamboo/minky combination shell for a plusher feel.
Best Heated: Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth Electric Blanket
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Weight: 13 pounds | Sizes: 50 x 60 inches | Material: Micromink and sherpa cover with glass bead fill | Care: Spot clean only
Soft fabric
4 heat settings
5-year warranty
Only one weight option (13 pounds)
Not machine washable
Want to wrap yourself up in ultimate bliss? This blanket from Pure Enrichment is not only weighted, but it's also heated. Featuring two textures—a micromink front and sherpa back—as well as four heat settings (ranging from 90-105 degrees Fahrenheit), this blanket caters to varying individual needs. It also comes with UL certification and a 5-year warranty, so you can feel confident in the safety and quality of your purchase.
Best for Kids: Luna Kids Weighted Blanket
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Weight: 5, 7, 10 pounds | Sizes: Kid, Twin | Material: Cotton shell with microfiber and glass bead filling | Care: Machine washable
Budget friendly
Appropriate weight for children
10 patterns and designs to choose from
Machine washable
Ties allow blanket to shift within covers
Weighted blankets typically range between 15 and 25 pounds, which are much too hefty for small children. Luna offers not just a kid-friendly weighted blanket, but three! There’s a 5-pound (36” x 48”) option, appropriate for a child approximately 50 pounds, and two Twin-sized (41” x 60”) options: one weighing 7 pounds (for a child approximately 70 pounds), and the other weighing 10 (for a child approximately 100 pounds).
With 10 fun patterns and designs to choose from—think pink llamas or blue dinosaurs—Luna has something for children of all ages and genders. Most importantly, you can also sleep soundly knowing that this product is OEKO-TEX 100 certified free of harmful chemicals.
The Baloo Weighted Blanket (view at Baloo) is our top choice for weighted blankets. Its cotton cover is super soft and highly breathable, plus the quilted design means the glass beads remain evenly distributed. If you want something more budget-friendly, we recommend the Luna Cotton Weighted Blanket (view at Amazon). While the tie mechanism might require a bit of finagling from time to time, you’ll still have a breathable weighted blanket that’s enjoyable to use.
What to Look for in a Weighted Blanket
Weight
Adult weighted blankets typically range between 10-25 pounds, while children’s styles can usually be found in a range between 5 and 10 pounds. The rule of thumb is to choose a weight that's about 10 percent of your body weight—so a 200-pound person should go with a 20-pound weighted blanket.
Size
Most weighted blankets come in a throw size perfect for snuggling on the couch or for using in conjunction with your comforter. However, if you want a comforter-style weighted blanket big enough for use on a Queen- or King-sized bed, they’re out there.
Material
You’ll want to consider breathability when choosing a weighted blanket, especially if you plan to use it year-round or you’re a hot sleeper. To help you stay comfortable, look for a blanket with a shell or cover made from breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo, or consider blanket designs conducive to air circulation, like an open weave-style blanket. For easy care, look for blankets with a removable, machine-washable cover; in fact, you can also find many machine-washable inner blankets.
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How do you choose a weighted blanket weight?
When shopping for a weighted blanket, it’s important to find one proportional to your own weight. As a general rule, look for one that weighs around 10 percent of your body weight. However, anything between 5-12 percent falls within generally recognized parameters, according to Dr. Broch. If considering purchasing a blanket for your child, Broch recommends consulting your family doctor, especially if the child has a chronic health problem.
Couples trying to select the right blanket should strive to reach a comfortable compromise. Couples are generally advised to take 7.5 percent of their combined weight, so that, for example, a couple with one 130-pound partner and one 200-pound partner would select a blanket weighing 25 pounds. If the percentage difference in you and your partner’s weights is greater than 25 percent, it’s recommended that partners buy separate blankets.
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How do you wash a weighted blanket?
We’re happy to note that many of today’s weighted blankets are no more high maintenance than your average blanket; almost all include removable, machine washable covers. Some, like our Best Overall pick, are not only machine washable but also dryer safe. Just be sure to consult the instructions that come with your particular weighted blanket, as each one will have different care instructions depending on the material and construction.
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Are weighted blankets hot?
Weighted blankets aren’t necessarily hotter than regular blankets and comforters. Many manufacturers design their weighted blankets with air channels, long fibers, or an open weave to help mitigate any trapped heat. If you’re an especially concerned hot sleeper, look for weighted blankets made with breathable materials like cotton or bamboo.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Jessica Joblin is a writer and scholar with six years of experience in the home space. For this roundup she evaluated dozens of popular weighted blankets, weighing criteria such as softness, breathability, weight distribution, ease of care, style, and price. She consulted reports from our experts as well as outside customer reviews, and interviewed Dr. Lauren Broch, a psychologist with Northwell Health’s Sleep Disorders Center.
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