A weighted blanket is like a security blanket for adults and older children, offering a hugging sensation that many sleepers find soothing. Some claim that weighted blankets help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Others simply enjoy their extra coziness.
Weighted blankets are densely filled with materials like glass, steel, or plastic pellets. Most weigh between between 5 and 30 pounds, so they’re significantly heavier than standard blankets. The applied pressure is thought to have a calming effect on sleepers.
Choosing the right blanket weight for your body size is essential to your comfort. If it’s too heavy, you may feel claustrophobic. A model that’s too light might not offer full benefits. Most sleepers enjoy a blanket that weighs about 10% of their body weight.
We’ll cover how to choose the best weighted blanket based on your body size and other needs. We’ll also share our top picks, plus how factors like materials, ease of care, and temperature control may influence your choice.
The popularity of weighted blankets has soared in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The deep compression can have a calming effect to reduce anxiety and stress before sleep, and most weighted blankets are also quite cozy. As a general guideline, we recommend choosing a weighted blanket that represents roughly 10% of your own body weight.
Sleep Doctor's Picks
Best Overall
Bearaby Velvet Napper
Details
Weight Options: 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs.
Price: $259
Highlights
- Plush eco-friendly velvet made from upcycled plastic bottles
- Available in three weights: 15, 20, or 25 pounds
- Six color choices
Ideal For
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Hot sleepers
- People seeking a wide range of color options
Using eco-friendly materials, the Bearaby Velvet Napper is uncommonly breathable for a weighted blanket. Most designs combine a beaded insert with an outer fabric shell, but the Velvet Napper is made entirely from polyester velvet. The layered open-knit construction promotes even weight distribution and air circulation so sleepers are less likely to feel uncomfortably warm.
Each blanket is hand-knit with polyester sourced from reclaimed plastic bottles. Certifications from the Global Recycle Standard, OEKO-TEX, and Fairtrade International show that the blanket uses materials that haven’t been treated with chemicals or pesticides.
Three weight options are available: 15, 20, or 25 pounds. While each of the options measure 6 feet in length, the heavier models are slightly wider. Shoppers have a wider range of color choices than most weighted blankets. Colors vary from muted to saturated, but all have a slight sheen.
Because of its breathable design, many sleepers will likely want to use a comforter or duvet during cooler months. Bearaby recommends dry-cleaning the blanket to preserve the velvet’s plush feel. The Velvet Napper includes free shipping to the contiguous U.S. Unwashed blankets can be returned within 30 days of purchase for a refund. A $15 processing fee is deducted on returns.
The Bearaby Velvet Napper’s silky-smooth feel and open-knit design set it apart from many competing models sold today. Available in three weights, the blanket caters to a wide swath of body types, and the eco-friendly fabric is a nice touch.
Best Value
Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket
Details
Weight Options: 15 lbs., 20 lbs. 25 lbs.
Price: $199
Highlights
- Soft and breathable dual-sided bamboo cover
- Quiet microbead filling
- Standard and large sizes accommodate individuals and couples
Ideal For
- Hot sleepers
- People seeking a blanket for year-round use
- Eco-conscious shoppers
Hot sleepers on a budget who still want a hugging sensation from their blanket should consider the Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket. The cover is made from bamboo-derived rayon, a naturally breathable fabric. The weighted fill consists of glass beads that don’t absorb much heat.
One side of the cover has a silky-smooth texture, while the inside has a cozier feel. Sleepers who are easily awakened by noise will appreciate the silent glass beads. The blanket is relatively thin, since glass beads are denser than most fill materials.
The standard size blanket comes in 15-pound and 20-pound options. Both measure 48 inches wide by 72 inches long and are intended for adults who weigh at least 130 pounds. The large size weighs 25 pounds and is 80 inches wide by 87 inches long. This size can accommodate adults over 175 pounds.
While bamboo is generally durable, Nolah recommends dry-cleaning the blanket to prevent premature wear. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification shows that the blanket doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard indicates that the materials were responsibly produced, both socially and environmentally.
The Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket includes free FedEx Ground shipping for customers in the contiguous U.S. Nolah currently does not deliver to Alaska or Hawaii. The blanket can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. Customers are responsible for return shipping fees, but Nolah does offer discounted shipping labels upon request.
The Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket avoids the uncomfortable heat retention that often occurs with this type of covering. A breathable, moisture-wicking cover and thin profile help ensure a cool night’s rest any time of year.
Best Luxury
Saatva Organic Weighted Blanket
Details
Weight Options: 12 lbs., 20 lbs.
Price: $495
Highlights
- Plush velvet cover made from organic cotton
- Natural glass beads for consistent pressure
- Available in two sizes and two colors
Ideal For
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Hot sleepers
- Couples
The Saatva Organic Weighted Blanket features a thoughtful design with a luxurious feel. A plush velvet shell made of organic cotton comes in taupe or graphite colors with quilted diamond patterns. Inside the shell are tiny natural glass beads that deliver consistent pressure. The beaded fill is more breathable than typical weighted inserts, so even hot sleepers shouldn’t feel too constrained.
Saatva emphasizes natural and organic materials, so its weighted blanket is a good choice for eco-minded shoppers. The cotton is Fair Trade Certified, indicating that it was responsibly sourced. Cotton is naturally breathable, so the cover shouldn’t retain too much heat.
The blanket is available in two sizes: single or queen/king. The single weighs 12 pounds. Measuring 48 inches by 72 inches, it’s intended for solo sleepers. While the larger size weighs 20 pounds, its weight is spread over a larger surface area, making its pressure comparable to the smaller blanket. At 86 inches by 92 inches, it’s suitable for couples who sleep in a queen or king size bed.
While machine-washing is not advisable, the blanket can be dry-cleaned as needed. The Organic Weighted Blanket includes a 45-night sleep trial. Returns made during this period receive full refunds, but Saatva asks that blankets be washed before returning. A one-year limited warranty protects customers from material and manufacturing defects.
Saatva’s Organic Weighted Blanket delivers a luxuriously soft hand-feel thanks to its quilted velvet cover. With weight options of 12 and 20 pounds, most of our testers found a design that provided sufficient compression.
Most Comfortable
Tempur-Pedic Weighted Blanket
Details
Weight Options: 15 lbs., 20 lbs.
Price: $149
Highlights
- Glass beads are secured in pouches for even pressure
- Machine-washable polyester cover
- Two weight options: 15 or 20 pounds
Ideal For
- People who like cozy-feeling blankets
- Shoppers wanting a blanket for year-round use
- Sleepers who weigh at least 150 pounds
The Tempur-Pedic Weighted Blanket is an outlier for a brand that’s known for memory foam. While it doesn’t contain the company’s signature foam, the blanket still offers the comfort you’d expect from Tempur-Pedic products. Combining glass beads and polyester fibers, the fill is secured in polyester pockets for balanced weight distribution.
The cover’s charcoal gray outer shell is made from soft and cozy polyester. The removable shell can be washed by machine in cold water and tumble dried on low. A breathable cotton lining helps with temperature regulation and can be spot-cleaned as needed.
Shoppers can choose between 15- or 20-pound options. The lighter version is intended for people who weigh around 150 pounds or hot sleepers who prefer a midweight model. The 20-pound blanket is designed for people who weigh at least 200 pounds or those who like a heavier feel. Both versions measure 48 inches wide by 72 inches long.
The Tempur-Pedic Weighted Blanket ships for free within the contiguous U.S. Deliveries to Alaska or Hawaii have a $25 freight fee. The blanket is not returnable.
The Tempur-Pedic Weighted Blanket provides some of the best weight distribution we’ve seen firsthand in our testing lab. Vertical quilting keeps the fill isolated, so you should never have to deal with the clumping or shifting people tend to encounter with baffle-box blankets.
Softest
Comma Home Minky Weighted Blanket
Details
Weight Options: 15 lbs., 20 lbs.
Price: $119
Highlights
- Baffle box construction evenly distributes weight
- Soft and velvety minky polyester shell
- Available in gray or dark blue
Ideal For
- People who like exceptionally soft blankets
- Sleepers who weigh at least 150 pounds
- Value seekers
Comma Home’s Minky Weighted Blanket is ideal for sleepers wanting an all-around tactile experience. The velvety cover is made from recycled plastic bottles and is exceptionally cozy. A baffle box construction contains tempered glass beads for even weight distribution. Fourteen duvet loops and sturdy double stitching on the cover prevent the fill from clumping. The glass beads are too small to be felt, and they also don’t make any noise.
The blanket comes in two neutral colors: gray or dark blue. Both the 15-pound and 20-pound options measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Some hot sleepers may find that the minky cover insulates a little too well. Other sleepers will appreciate the coziness during colder months.
A modest price-point and solid durability make the blanket a great value option. The cover can be washed and dried by machine or hung to dry. Spot treatment is recommended for light stains.
The Comma Home Minky Weighted Blanket includes free shipping for customers in the contiguous U.S. New and unused blankets can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. Customers must cover the cost of return shipping fees.
If you prefer a plush, fleecy feel from your bed coverings, Comma Home’s Minky Weighted Blanket should do nicely. We found the blanket luxuriously soft and cozy — and thanks to the recycled cover, the design is also environmentally friendly.
Best Cooling
Brooklyn Bedding Dual Therapy Weighted Blanket
Details
Weight Options: 15 lbs., 20 lbs.
Price: $159
Highlights
- Open-knit construction encourages airflow
- Two weight and color options
- Jersey-knit yarn feels soft to the touch
Ideal For
- Hot sleepers
- Sleepers with sensitive skin
- People seeking a blanket with multiple weight options
Brooklyn Bedding’s Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket offers breathability at an attractive price-point. An open-knit design encourages more airflow than many competing weighted blankets. Meanwhile, the jersey-knit yarn gives the blanket a smooth feel that should not cause any harsh rubbing or irritation.
Polyester fibers make up the fill, and you can choose between 10- or 15-pound models. We recommend the lighter model for those weighing between 80 and 120 pounds, while the heavier one is better for those weighing 130 to 180 pounds. Both versions measure 50 inches by 60 inches, which mirrors the dimensions of a standard throw blanket. Brooklyn Bedding recommends just spot-cleaning the blanket and never machine washing it.
Brooklyn Bedding ships the Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket free of charge to customers in the contiguous U.S. A 30-day trial is included with purchases. If you keep the blanket, it’s backed by a 1-year warranty against structural defects.
The Brooklyn Bedding Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket’s open-knit design made it one of the most breathable weighted blankets we’ve tested, which appealed to our hot sleepers. The given weight range made the blanket most comfortable for our testers between 80 and 180 pounds.
Best All-Season
Gravity Chunky Knit Blanket
Details
Weight Options: 10 lbs
Price: $250
Highlights
- Open-knit design allows airflow without sacrificing heft
- Bamboo-derived viscose jersey yarns are exceptionally soft
- Available in four colors
Ideal For
- People who weigh 70 to 140 pounds
- Those who normally sleep hot with weighted blankets
- Sleepers with sensitive skin
Most weighted blankets provide excellent warmth during colder times of the year, but they can overheat when temperatures rise. The Gravity Chunky Knit Blanket mitigates this issue thanks to its breathable design. Open-knit yarns allow air to pass through, so uncomfortable heat retention shouldn’t be an issue on hot or humid nights. At the same time, each yarn is densely constructed to deliver 10 pounds of compression, resulting in plenty of coziness on chilly nights.
The yarns are composed of viscose derived from bamboo. This breathable, moisture-wicking material is also luxuriously soft, so it shouldn’t cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. Based on the “10% rule,” the blanket is ideal for people who weigh 100 pounds, but there’s some wiggle room in both directions. Based on results of our firsthand tests, we’re recommending the Gravity Chunky Knit to those who fall between 70 and 140 pounds.
The blanket is available in one size intended for single sleepers. However, you can choose from four colors: soft gray, deep forest, sapphire blue, and clay. Gravity does not recommend machine washing the blanket, so you should opt for dry or professional cleaning if stains or blemishes occur.
Standard shipping for the Chunky Knit Blanket is priced by weight, but still relatively inexpensive for orders in the contiguous U.S. Military personnel, first responders, and their families also qualify for a 15% discount on their purchase. Gravity accepts returns and exchanges within the delivery date.
The Chunky Knit Blanket builds on Gravity’s classic weighted blanket design to provide the right amount of compression without trapping heat. We also enjoyed how soft and cool the viscose yarns felt on our skin.
Best Design
Baloo Weighted Blanket
Details
Weight Options: 12 lbs., 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs.
Price: $199
Highlights
- Four weight options ranging from 12 to 25 lbs.
- Available in four shell colors
- Fully machine-washable for quick and easy care
Ideal For
- Anyone weighing between 100 and 280 lbs.
- Hot sleepers
- Couples who enjoy sharing weighted blankets
Design is an important element when choosing a weighted blanket, so you should determine which textures and styles you prefer before choosing one. The majority of our testers enjoyed the design of the Baloo Weighted Blanket, which is quilted with tight baffles to evenly distribute the fill. A slim profile and breathable cotton shell makes the blanket a good option for hot sleepers — especially those who have felt uncomfortably warm with other weighted blankets — and four weight options covers a wide range of body types.
Baloo’s most popular model is a throw size weighing 12 pounds, and is intended for single sleepers between 100 and 140 pounds. You can also choose from full/queen options that weigh 15 and 20 pounds, which should provide sufficient compression for anyone in the range of 120 and 220 pounds. If you want an oversize weighted blanket to share with a partner, the king size measures 80 inches wide by 87 inches long, and weighs 25 pounds. You can also use this size if you weigh 220 to 280 pounds.
The fill consists of glass microbeads that provide gentle compression without trapping heat. The blanket does not contain any synthetic fabrics or liners, and cotton is free of chemicals. A fully machine-washable design makes the blanket easy to clean, though you may need commercial appliances for heavier sizes. Four shell colors are available.
The Baloo Weighted Blanket is competitively priced, and shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. You can also opt for expedited shipping with an additional fee. Optional monogramming is available for the throw size. Returns and exchanges may be requested within 30 days throughout most of the calendar year, with an extended trial period for the holiday season.
The Baloo Weighted Blanket is soft, smooth, and thin without sacrificing deep compression. Our team’s hot sleepers were particularly impressed with the breathable design, and an extensive weight range means most people can find a comfortable option.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our sleep experts personally test a wide variety of weighted blankets, including the most up-to-date models. Everyone has their own idea of comfort, so we evaluate blankets based on diverse criteria.
Our testers comprise different body types, sleep styles, and temperature preferences to ensure that our top picks suit varied tastes. We also frequently update our picks to reflect the most current models.
What Is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is designed to relax sleepers by applying even pressure on the body. They are much heavier than regular blankets, weighing anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds. The hugging sensation activates deep pressure stimulation, which studies have shown can help reduce anxiety.
Most weighted blankets fall into one of two types: knitted or duvet. Knitted models have a layer-on-layer design made with sturdy yarn. Duvet styles combine a weighted interior with a separate cover. Common types of fill materials include glass, plastic, ceramic, or steel beads.
In general, a weighted blanket should be about 10% of a user’s body weight. This ratio tends to balance comfort and temperature control for most sleepers.
Are Weighted Blankets Safe?
Weighted blankets are generally considered safe as long as users follow recommended weight guidelines. They aren’t suitable for children under age 3 or people with certain health conditions like low blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
How Much Do Weighted Blankets Cost?
Shoppers can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a weighted blanket. Prices vary based on the brand, materials, size, and shipping fees.
What Are the Benefits of a Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets are used for a variety of reasons, and not everyone will experience the same benefits. That said, many users report being able to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. Their swaddling sensation is thought to modulate the autonomic nervous system, which may alleviate anxiety for some people.
While more research is needed to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of weighted blankets, trials indicate that they can improve sleep outcomes. In one study, nurses observed that residents at a nursing home fell asleep sooner, had fewer sleep interruptions, slept longer, and had less daytime fatigue when using weighted blankets. The residents were also more eager to go to bed when weighted blankets were introduced.
Another study showed that weighted blankets improved sleep onset, sleep duration, and daytime relaxation in children and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder. Other research suggests that weighted blankets can reduce insomnia symptoms for people with certain psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Weighted blankets activate a user’s touch sensory system in a process known as deep pressure stimulation. By regulating the autonomic nervous system, deep pressure stimulation is thought to reduce anxiety related to excess stress hormones.
The following benefits are associated with deep pressure stimulation:
- Calms the nervous system
- Provides comfort and security
- Eases stress and anxiety
- Improves sleep quality
Who Should Use a Weighted Blanket?
Sleep disorders are associated with a number of physical and psychiatric conditions. Preliminary studies show that weighted blankets can reduce anxiety and insomnia symptoms by balancing the nervous system and reducing stress hormones. The hugging sensation is thought to soothe users by increasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with regulating mood and feelings of happiness and calm.
Research indicates that weighted blankets may also help people with chronic pain. One study found that a 15-pound blanket was especially effective at alleviating chronic pain in very anxious adults.
The therapeutic value of weighted blankets appears promising, but more conclusive research is needed. As such, shoppers should be cautious of any manufacturers making bold health claims.
Who Should Not Use a Weighted Blanket?
When used appropriately, weighted blankets are generally considered safe. However, they aren’t appropriate for young children or those with certain health conditions.
People with circulatory or respiratory conditions like low blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or sleep apnea should speak to their doctor before using a weighted blanket. The heft of the blanket can potentially obstruct airway passages or restrict circulation.
Some lighter blankets are designed specifically for youth, but children under age 3 or those who weigh less than 50 pounds should not use weighted blankets due to the increased risk of suffocation.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Weighted Blanket?
People turn to weighted blankets for different reasons, but every shopper should factor in their weight, health status, and budget when picking a model. Materials, ease of care, and temperature regulation are also important considerations.
Your Budget
Quality weighted blankets typically cost between $100 and $300. Prices vary according to materials, craftsmanship, and size. Heavier and larger blankets tend to cost more than lightweight models. Blankets made with glass and ceramic beads are usually more expensive than those made with plastic pellets. Cover materials also influence pricing.
Be on the lookout for additional costs like shipping fees or customer protection plans. While price is often a reflection of quality, the most expensive design isn’t necessarily the best one for your needs.
Your Weight
A weighted blanket should generally be about 10% of a user’s body weight. For example, someone who weighs 150 pounds would typically want a 15-pound blanket. While not a hard-and-fast rule, the 10% formula works for most people. A blanket that’s too heavy can leave sleepers feeling smothered, while one that is too light might not provide the desired result.
If you’re in between weight options, many manufacturers recommend choosing the heavier of the two. That said, hot sleepers tend to be more comfortable with a lighter model. Kids who are in between sizes should go with the lighter option as a precaution.
Your Health
People with medical conditions like diabetes, low blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, or asthma should speak with a medical professional before purchasing a weighted blanket. The heaviness can inhibit breathing and circulation and worsen these conditions.
Weighted blankets aren’t suitable for people with certain anxiety disorders like claustrophobia. They can also exacerbate hot flashes in people experiencing menopause.
While research shows that weighted blankets can improve sleep in older individuals, they might be too heavy for some people who are physically weak.
Materials
The types of materials used in a weighted blanket determine its comfort, breathability, and ease of care. Knitted blankets are commonly made from cotton or polyester yarns. These models usually don’t trap as much heat since the open-knit construction promotes airflow.
Both the cover and fill materials vary widely for duvet styles. Tencel, rayon, and cotton are popular cover materials because they are naturally breathable. Blankets designed to be extra cozy may use fleece, velvet, or flannel covers for added insulation.
Fills made with glass, ceramic, or steel beads tend to last longer than plastic varieties. Sand, dried beans or grains, and even pebbles are sometimes used in weighted inserts. While less expensive, these materials are usually less durable and often clump more.
Cleaning and Care
Always refer to the product manual before washing your blanket, as each model has different care guidelines. Some blankets are entirely machine-washable, but this is more the exception than the norm. It’s more common for the cover to be machine-washable, while the insert should only be spot-cleaned. Other manufacturers recommend dry-cleaning only.
Breathability
Uncomfortable heat retention is one of the biggest reasons that people avoid weighted blankets. Not every model is created equal when it comes to temperature control. Some are designed to promote airflow, while others are meant to insulate from the cold.
If you tend to sleep hot, look for covers made from cotton, rayon, or Tencel. These materials naturally wick away moisture and retain less heat. Glass beads tend to absorb less heat than other filler materials.
Should You Buy a Weighted Blanket?
People who enjoy a body-hugging sensation may appreciate a weighted blanket. The even pressure is shown to promote relaxation and ease anxiety for some individuals.
More research is needed, but studies suggest that people with chronic pain, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder can benefit from weighted blankets.
Getting the most from a weighted blanket depends on choosing an appropriate weight. Most adults are comfortable with a blanket that is about 10% of their body weight.
Pros
- A relatively inexpensive method to improve sleep outcomes
- Provides a soothing body hug
- May help people fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer
- Deep pressure stimulation can reduce anxiety and chronic pain for some individuals
Cons
- Not suitable for young children or people with certain health conditions
- Some models sleep uncomfortably warm
- Certain styles aren’t convenient to clean
- Potentially too heavy for travel use
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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