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Once upon a time, a young girl kicked her sheets off the bed every night until she started piling on layers and layers of blankets. Years later, we discovered that the evenly distributed weight calms the nervous system through deep-touch pressure stimulation. The same principle is used for other calming textiles like thundershirts for pets and weighted plushes, wraps, and, of course, weighted blankets.
There are a ton of options on the market, but buying just any heavy blanket won't help; there are a few factors to consider when buying a weighted blanket: weight distribution, durability, heat retention and lastly, personal preference. Our team of sleep experts has tested almost every sleep product under the sun, from mattresses to sleep masks. After testing a bunch of weighted blankets, we put together this list detailing the feel, fill density and quality for each. Check out our top picks to find your perfect slumber sidekick.
As a small note before we dive into our favorite models, weighted blankets come in multiple weights for a reason, and while getting too light a blanket can lessen its effect, getting a blanket that's too heavy can actually hurt you. The general guideline for choosing one that's about 10% of their body weight -- so a 120-pound woman like me should be using a 12-pound weighted blanket -- but you might adjust up or down depending on a few factors such as the size of the bed or sharing it with your partner. Your body can also acclimate to the weight over time and desire a heavier blanket; I started with a 15-pound blanket and then went up to 17 pounds a couple of years later.
What is the best overall weighted blanket?
There are a lot of weighted blankets out there, all of which vary by fill, price and feel. If you want some expert help, we found that the Luna weighted blanket is the best overall weighted blanket you can buy.
The Luna is a weighted blanket that anyone can like. It's soft and breathable without feeling overwhelming, a common issue with weighted blankets. It's made from 300-thread-count cotton and is filled with micro-glass beads. It's also the most affordable weighted blanket on the list by far -- a welcome trait in a notoriously expensive category, thanks to the high cost of the filling. The Luna weighted blanket is the perfect balance between quality and affordability.
Price: $
Care instruction: Spot clean
Material: Cotton
Weight: 10, 15 pounds
Filling: Microglass beads, polyester and microfiber
Return policy: 30 days
The Luna Luxe is our pick for the best overall weighted blanket because it's super soft and heavy without feeling overwhelming. It's designed with a patented layer construction that promotes breathability, and while it's not actively cooling, the design can help regulate your body temperature. This blanket is made of 300-thread-count cotton and filled with polyester, microfiber and microglass beads. One of the most annoying things about some weighted blankets is that the beads inside shift around, clumping as you sleep. Thanks to its microfiber filling and quilted design, the Luna doesn't do that.
Many of the best-weighted blankets are on the expensive side, but the Luna strikes a nice balance between quality and budget.
Pros:
- Doesn't shift around when you sleep
- Regulates body temperature
- Oeko-Tex 100 certified
- Hypoallergenic
- Budget-friendly option
Cons:
- Not actively cooling
Price: $$$
Care instructions: Machine-washable cover, insert hand-wash only
Material: Polyester blend
Weight: 15, 20, 35 pounds
Filling: Glass beads
Return policy: 30 days
The key to deep-touch pressure stimulation is that the weighted blanket must cover as much of your body as possible. This can be a problem, especially for hot sleepers who struggle even with normal blankets.
During testing, the Gravity weighted blanket emerged as the best cooling weighted blanket. The soft microfiber fleece feels similar to the Luna but with one key difference: The Gravity blanket is made with moisture-wicking fabric designed for hot sleepers who need extra breathability.
Pros:
- Cooling
- Made with moisture-wicking fabric
- Soft microfiber feel
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as warm as other options
- Insert not machine washable
Price: $
Care instructions: Machine-washable
Material: Side one: cotton; Side two: polyester and mink
Weight: 15, 20, 25 pounds
Filling: High-density microglass beads
Return policy: 30 days
The Layla weighted blanket is our choice for the best weighted blanket for couples, thanks to its two-sided design. One side features a soft, plush material that is snuggly and warm. The other is a 100% cotton knit. Unlike some weighted blankets, it's available in a king size, which is perfect for sharing.
It's also one of the best weighted blankets for people with pets because it's so easy to clean. Fur is easily brushed off without getting stuck in the fabric. The Layla is also snuggly warm, which is ideal if you get chilly easily, but not for warmer climates or hot sleepers. If you want to try the Layla weighted blanket and see if it works for you, there is a 30-night trial and a 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Two-sided design: fuzzy or soft feel
- Affordable option
- Three weight options
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Not for hot sleepers or people who live in hot climates
- Doesn't have a weight option for petite people
- Only one color option
Price: $$
Care instructions: Machine-washable
Material: Cotton
Weight: 9 pounds
Filling: Glass microbeads
Return policy: 30 days
Children shouldn't use just any weighted blanket. Older children should use weighted blankets that are at most 10% of their body weight and younger children should steer clear entirely: Weighted blankets are not safe for children under 4.
That said, kids' weighted blankets are designed specifically for the weight and size that kids can handle. The Mini from Baloo is the best weighted blanket for kids with its soft, quilt-like design. It's made from natural cotton for breathability and has a glass microbead filling.
The Baloo is only available at 9 pounds, making it a good choice for kids over 90 pounds. This blanket is machine-washable, but it dries quickly in the dryer, so if you leave it in too long, you may damage it.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Soft cotton cover
Cons:
- Not for kids under 4
Price: $$
Care instructions: Machine-washable
Material: Cotton
Weight: 5, 8 and 10 pounds
Filling: BPA-free, hypoallergenic, FDA-compliant plastic pellets
Return policy: 14 days
Mosaic weighted blankets, made by a family-owned and -operated company, are the best customizable weighted blankets you can get. They come in three weights, multiple fabrics and various patterns. If you'd value the chance to create your ultimate weighted-blanket experience, then you'll like the Mosaic.
If you don't want to spend time on customization, there are better options. We found that the Mosaic's weighted beads shift when you move, which can result in the weight pooling in one area.
Pros:
- Customizable
- Multiple weight options
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Not the best choice if you don't care about customization
- Beads shift around in the blanket
Price: $$$
Care instructions: Machine-washable
Material: Cotton
Weight: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 pounds
Filling: Hypoallergenic, nontoxic glass beads and poly-fil
Return policy: 30 days
Warranty: One year
You want your weighted blanket to feel good, but it should look good, too. The SensaCalm weighted blanket is the best-looking weighted blanket. It has a quilted pocket design and an almost crushed velvet look and feel. The other weighted blankets we tested look great, but SensaCalm is a step above. This looks like it could be displayed on your bed or couch all year.
The all-weather version of this weighted blanket features two sides: warm fleece and cool cotton, making it a great year-round option. It's one of the warmest weighted blankets for cool weather. Unfortunately, this is one of the most expensive weighted blankets on the list. The high-quality materials and luxury look will cost you around $239.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Soft, velvet feel
- Four weight options
- Two-sided design
Cons:
- Expensive
How we tested the best weighted blankets
Our sleep experts carefully curated this list based on first-hand testing. We tested the weighted blankets exactly as you would expect: we snuggled with them, noting how they helped us sleep and relax.
Each weighted blanket was evaluated on its performance, cost and materials. The fill, weight and cleaning instructions were also considered.
What to consider when shopping for a weighted blanket
If you're looking to improve your sleep or ease anxiety, weighted blankets can help. So how do you choose the right one? There are a lot of weighted blankets on the market, so sorting through the brands can be tough. Keep these things in mind when shopping:
Fill and material
The magic of weighted blankets comes from the fill. Common fill materials include glass beads, plastic pellets and polyester microfill. This comes down to preference. Plastic beads are larger, making the blanket a little bulkier, while glass beads usually bump up the price. Also, consider what material you want on the outside of the blanket. For instance, cotton can feel cooler than polyester.
Weight
If you don't choose carefully, weighted blankets can feel too heavy. Getting a weight appropriate for your needs and body type is important. Your weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight for optimal comfort. That means if you weigh from 160 to 190 pounds, you want a 15- or 20-pound weighted blanket. Typically, 35 pounds is too heavy for most people.
Price
There's a wide price range for the best weighted blankets. They can be as affordable as $35 or as expensive as $250 or more. Many cheaper options are just as soft as the expensive ones, while some at higher prices have special cooling technology. No matter your preferences, there is a weighted blanket at every price point.
What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets use deep-touch pressure stimulation to calm the nervous system. When we experience stress or anxiety, our nervous system kicks into high gear. Our hearts start to race, our muscles contract and our bodies are flooded with cortisol and adrenaline.
Studies have shown that deep-pressure stimulation can reduce cortisol levels in the body while increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. Then the body relaxes, and our parasympathetic nervous system takes over. Weighted blankets are essentially big hugs that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets can help us sleep better at night, but that's not the only upside. Benefits of weighted blankets include:
- Creating a sense of calm by reducing cortisol levels in the body
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety
- Increasing serotonin and oxytocin levels
- Improving your quality of sleep
You should never use a weighted blanket on infants and small children (age 4 and under) as it increases suffocation risks. Weighted blankets are not safe at this age.
Weighted blankets designed for older children are smaller in weight and size compared with the blankets for adults. Weighted blankets should only be 10% of a person's total weight. This means most adult weighted blankets aren't suitable for older children; they will be too heavy. Choose one specifically designed for children to ensure that it's correctly proportioned.
Here are the key things to consider when letting older children use weighted blankets:
- Only purchase weighted blankets that are designed for children. The blanket should only be about 10% of your child's weight. Do not round up.
- Start with supervised use to ensure your child can move around and lift the blanket without assistance.
- Remember, weighted blankets are tested for adults. Speak to your child's doctor to see whether a weighted blanket is appropriate for them. There may be other things you can do to help your child sleep.
Weighted blankets aren't a magic cure-all for anxiety and interrupted sleep, but they can help both things. They use deep-pressure stimulation to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation, similar to how swaddling blankets do for babies.
More research is needed to fully investigate how weighted blankets work. Various studies show they do help trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body.
Care instructions vary for weighted blankets. Some of them are easier to wash than others.
A lot of the best weighted blankets are machine-washable in some way. Some have a removable cover, while others are fully machine-washable on cold without a dryer cycle. Others are spot-clean only. Always read the label on your blanket for specific care instructions.
Read more: How to Wash a Weighted Blanket in 3 Easy Steps
Weighted blankets are available in different sizes and weights, but you should be strategic in your choice. The general rule: Choose a weight close to 10% of your body weight. Choose less if that's your preference, but refrain from choosing more. For reference, if you weigh 150 pounds, you're suited for a 15-pound weighted blanket or less. If you weigh 200 pounds, opt for a 20-pound blanket or less.
Weighted blankets can feel hot for some sleepers. Blanket manufacturers combat this by using certain knit materials or special cooling technology. If you're a particularly hot sleeper, stick to a blanket that focuses on cooling such as the Gravity Cooling weighted blanket.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.