Credit:
Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
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Credit:
Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
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The Gravity Blanket is a great choice in terms of quality, performance, and comfort. Read More
The YnM Weighted Blanket is a budget-friendly option that performs just as well as many products double the price. Read More
The Nuzzie weighted blanket has a knit texture that makes it cooler than most other weighted blankets. The only downside is the construction is bulky. Read More
The Casper Weighted Blanket has a lot to offer. The fabric is thick, the construction is neat and sturdy, and the weight is just enough to keep you cozy without being overwhelming. Read More
The BlanQuil Chill is nicely made and easy to care for, and we think it's a good option for those who tend to overheat. Read More
There's nothing more relaxing than cuddling under a heavy comforter or an electric blanket after a stressful day. But if you need help unwinding, you should consider a weighted blanket. Typically filled with glass beads or plastic pellets, the gentle pressure can have a calming effect, especially if it has a soft, minky cover. It can feel like you're being comfortably held or hugged.
To help you find the best weighted blanket for your needs, we tested some of the top-rated products. The Gravity Blanket is our top pick in terms of functionality, construction, and coziness. However, there are a variety of high-quality options for a weighted blanket on Amazon and other websites that you may want to consider.
The weight was just right, providing a comforting amount of pressure without feeling suffocating, and because the blanket isn’t too thick, you don’t get too hot while sleeping under it.
This blanket is enjoyable to sleep and relax under, as it conforms nicely to your body without being cumbersome.
Cooler than most weighted blankets
Appealing texture
Easy to wash
Bulky and potentially difficult to store
Easy to care for
Keeps you cool
Not the coziest blanket
Distributes weight well
Anchors secure the cover
Sleeps hot
Difficult to use zipper
Solidly built
Not as soft as other blankets
Hand-wash only
Our testers curled up with weighted blankets overnight and during the day.
Our testers used each weighted blanket in a variety of situations. They slept overnight with each one, and took naps under them as well. They also used each one around the house, relaxing with them on the couch or bed during their waking hours for additional assessment.
They evaluated each blanket for setup, ease-of-use, construction, and care. If the blanket came with a cover, our testers considered how easy it was to attach and remove, and also checked the blankets' cleaning instructions. Finally, testers considered the construction of the blankets, noting whether there were any seams unraveling and how durable and luxurious the fabric felt.
If the blanket came with a cover, I judged how easy it was to put on and take off, and I also cleaned each one. I also considered the construction of the blankets, noting whether there were any seams unraveling and how durable and luxurious the fabric felt.
If you’ve never seen a weighted blanket, you might not know what to expect from one. They’re typically filled with small beads (usually plastic or glass), which gives them extra weight and helps them conform to your body better. Most weighted blankets have a “boxed” appearance, as stitching helps keep the beads evenly distributed.
Weighted blankets can vary in fabric and size. Most are made for roughly the size of a small throw and intended for one person, but larger options exist. High-end weighted blankets often come with a removable cover that’s soft to the touch and easy to clean, while lower-cost options typically provide you with a weighted sheet.
Weighted blankets are meant to provide what’s called “deep touch pressure” or “deep pressure stimulation”—a firm, gentle squeezing similar to being hugged or held by another person. For many, this feeling is quite comforting and soothing.
Per chief scientist Dr. Dave Ellerby: “Although there isn't a whole lot of research on weighted blankets, there's evidence they boost levels of the sleep hormone melatonin. For some people, the gentle pressure from the blankets also reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality. They're not guaranteed to help, but if you have problems sleeping, weighted blankets are worth a try.”
It’s important to note that weighted blankets won’t treat or cure conditions like insomnia or anxiety—they’re just a way to soothe your body and potentially mitigate some symptoms and reduce stress. Anecdotally, our testers found the blankets helped them overnight.
Camryn found the blankets helped her fall asleep a little faster than normal, and that the pressure was calming—helping her unwind at the end of the day under gentle weight that felt similar to cuddling with another person. Lindsey also felt as though she slept more soundly when using a weighted blanket, as opposed to her typical bedding that has minimal heft.
One of the most common questions about weighted blankets is how to choose an appropriate weight for a good night's rest. Most brands recommend using a weighted blanket that’s around 10% of your body weight, give or take some wiggle room for personal preference.
To get a better sense of an appropriate weight, our testers tried blankets that ranged in weights—including 12, 15, 20, and 25-pound blankets. (Their opinions on whether individual blankets were too heavy or too light weren’t factored into the overall rankings, since ideal weight will vary from person to person.)
Both testers found the 15- and 20-pound blankets were cozy and easy to manage, even though the 20-pound options were significantly above the recommended 10% of each tester's body weight. For sleeping overnight, both testers preferred the heavier feeling of the 20-pound blankets, coming to about 13% of their individual body weights.
That said, the 12-pound blankets were entirely too light, and the 25-pound blankets felt suffocating. Based on these experiences, we’d recommend sticking with a blanket that’s 10% to 13% of your body weight.
Some weighted blankets are machine washable, but for those that aren’t, you can opt for a removable cover that can be cleaned by itself, or hand-wash the blanket using a few at-home essentials.
Read more: How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
In addition to choosing an appropriate weight, you’ll also want to consider warmth and cleaning when you’re shopping for a weighted blanket.
In addition to choosing an appropriate weight, you’ll want to consider warmth and ease of cleaning when shopping for a weighted blanket. Thick blankets with plush covers tend to get quite warm during the night, so hot sleepers may want to consider a thinner blanket or one with some type of cooling technology.
Camryn Rabideau is a full-time freelance writer and product tester with eight years of experience. She's been lucky enough to test hundreds of products firsthand, and her specialties include bedding and pet products, which often require help from her two dogs, three cats, and flock of rambunctious chickens.
Lindsey writes about sleep, lifestyle, and more for Reviewed. In her waking hours, she likes to spend time outside, read, cook, and bake. She holds a master’s in journalism from Boston University and bachelors' degrees in English Literature and Anthropology from the University of Utah.
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