8 Best Weighted Blankets for 2023 – CNET
8 Best Weighted Blankets for 2023 - CNET
In this article:
- Our picks for the best weighted blankets
- How we tested the best weighted blankets
- What is a weighted blanket?
- What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
- How to wash a weighted blanket
- Best weighted blanket FAQ
If you’ve been using the same traditional blanket for years, it may be time to upgrade to a weighted blanket. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get a good night’s sleep, but that’s easier said than done. With all of us on our phones, and all the visual and auditory stimulation we ingest throughout the day, it can be difficult to get comfy and just relax until we drift off. One solution that people have found works best and is a completely natural sleep aid is a simple weighted blanket. And combined with the best mattresses around, you’ll be falling asleep in no time.
You can think of weighted blankets as essentially a full-body hug. They work with deep touch pressure stimulation to calm the nervous system and bring a sense of calm and relaxation. As you relax, your brain releases serotonin and melatonin, reducing the cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body. Weighted blankets are a great choice if you struggle with stress and anxiety.
So how do you choose which weighted blanket to invest in? Picking the best weighted blanket comes down to personal preference, but if you want to compare many weighted blankets before you buy, you’ve come to the right place. While getting an affordable weighted blanket is preferable, more popular weighted blankets can cost a pretty penny — but it’s important that you don’t skimp on quality and invest in one that has evenly distributed weight and is durable for frequent use. We’ve tested and reviewed many of the best weighted blankets on the market to compile this list, and we’ll also go through what you need to know before you buy.
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The Luna Weighted Blanket is our pick for the best overall weighted blanket because it’s super soft and heavy without being overwhelming. It also doesn’t shift around when you sleep. The Luna Weighted Blanket is designed with a patented layer construction that promotes breathability. It’s not actively cooling, but that design is said to help regulate body temperature.
This blanket is made of 300-thread count cotton and filled with polyester, microfiber and micro glass beads. The Luna Weighted Blanket is a bedding accessory that everyone will love. The weighted blanket market ranges in price, with many of the best falling on the more expensive side. The Luna Weighted Blanket strikes a nice balance between quality and budget pricing.
One of the most annoying things about some weighted blankets is that the beads inside shift around and clump as you shift when sleeping. The Luna Weighted Blanket doesn’t do that due to its microfiber filling and quilted design. It’s also Oeko-Tex 100 certified and hypoallergenic.
Machine washable: Yes
Material: Cotton
Weight: 10 lbs., 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs. and 30 lbs.
Filling: Microglass beads, polyester and microfiber
Amanda Capritto/CNET
The key to deep touch pressure stimulation is that the weighted blanket must touch as much of your body as possible. This can become problematic for hot sleepers who struggle with normal blankets. The added weight and materials of weighted blankets can be too hot for some.
The Gravity Weighted Blanket is one of the most popular brands out there. When testing, we found that the soft microfiber fleece feels similar to the Luna Weighted Blanket. However, there is one key difference between the two. The Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket is the solution for hot sleepers who want to use a weighted blanket. It’s made with moisture-wicking fabric designed for hot sleepers who need extra breathability.
Machine washable: Machine washable cover, insert hand-wash only
Material: Polyester blend
Weight: 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 35 lbs.
Filling: Glass beads
Amanda Capritto/CNET
If you want your weighted blanket to be stylish enough to drape over your couch, consider the Yaasa Weighted Blanket. It looks like a chunky, knit blanket that is extremely soft cotton. The knit design gives it a breathable design that will keep you from getting too hot.
The knitted design gives the Yassa Weighted Blanket a more flexible feel than traditional weighted blankets with glass beads. It’s available in attractive colors like olive green, gray, black, sand and ivory. The weighted blanket market is on the more expensive side at $249. However, if you’re looking for a knit weighted blanket, you can’t beat the Yaasa Weighted blanket.
Machine washable: Spot cleaning recommended. However, you can wash the blanket on a cold cycle. Do not machine dry.
Material: Organic cotton
Weight: 15 lbs. or 20 lbs.
Filling: Recycled polypropylene
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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.
We also think it’s one of the best weighted blankets for people with pets because it is so easy to clean. Fur can easily be brushed off without getting stuck in the fabric. The Layla Weighted Blanket is snuggly warm. So, we wouldn’t recommend it for warmer climates or extremely hot sleepers. If you still want to try the Layla weighted blanket and see if it works for you, there is a 120-night trial and a 100% money-back guarantee.
Machine washable: Yes
Material: Side one: Cotton / Side two: Polyester and mink
Weight: 15 lbs., 20 lbs. and 25 lbs.
Filling: High-density micro glass beads
Amanda Capritto/CNET
Kids shouldn’t use just any weighted blanket on the market. Kids weighted blankets are designed specifically for the weight and size that kids can handle. The Mini Weighted Blanket from Baloo is the best weighted blanket for kids with its soft, quiltlike design. It’s made from natural cotton for breathability and has a glass microbead filling.
The Baloo kids weighted blanket is only available at 9 pounds, making it a good choice for a kid over 75 lbs. It’s not a great option for smaller children who weigh less than the recommended amount. This blanket is machine washable, but note that it dries quickly in the dryer, so if you leave it in too long it can damage the blanket.
Machine washable: Yes
Material: Cotton
Weight: 9 lbs.
Filling: Glass microbeads
Amanda Capritto/CNET
The product of a family-owned and operated company, Mosaic Weighted Blankets are the most customizable weighted blanket you can get. You get a fully customizable experience with this weighted blanket — it comes in three weights, multiple fabrics and various patterns. If you’re someone who values the chance to create your ultimate weighted blanket experience, then you’ll like the Mosaic Weighted Blanket.
If you don’t want to deal with customization, there are better options. The Mosaic Weighted Blanket is a solid option, but it’s not the best weighted blanket we tested. We found that the weighted beads shift when you move, which can result in the weight pooling in one area.
Machine washable: Yes
Material: Cotton
Weight: 5 lbs., 8 lbs. and 10 lbs.
Filling: BPA-free, hypoallergenic, FDA-compliant plastic pellets
BlanQuil
Weighted blankets can get expensive — upwards of $250 for some brands. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Blanquil Weighted Blanket, which retails for $50. We think it’s the best value-weighted blanket on the market. We found it to be more of a lounge-around-on-the-couch type of blanket than a bed comforter, but that’s what some people are looking for. It features a removable outer blanket that is machine washable.
Note that the lightest weight option is 15 pounds, which may make it too heavy for some.
Machine washable: Yes
Material: Poly-blend
Weight: 15 lbs., 20 lbs. and 25 lbs.
Filling: Eco-friendly glass
Amanda Capritto/CNET
You want your weighted blanket to feel good and look just as good. The SensaCalm Plus 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 weighted blanket looks like it could be displayed on your bed or couch all year.
The all-weather version of this weighted blanket features two sides, a warm fleece side and a cool cotton side. So you can use the SensaCalm Plus weighted blanket all year. It’s one of the warmest weighted blankets for cool weather. This is one of the most expensive weighted blankets on the list. The high-quality materials and luxury look will cost you around $265.
Machine washable: Yes
Material: Cotton
Weight: 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 30 lbs. and 40 lbs.
Filling: Hypoallergenic, non-toxic glass beads and poly-fil
How we tested the best weighted blankets
Our sleep experts carefully curated this best weighted blanket list based on their experience testing the products. We tested weighted blankets exactly as you expect — we snuggled with them, noting how they helped the experts sleep and relax.
Each weighted blanket is evaluated on its performance, cost and materials during testing. The fill materials, weight and cleaning instructions were also considered when writing this list.
What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets use deep touch pressure stimulation; a therapy meant to calm the nervous system. When we get stressed or are experiencing anxiety, our sympathetic nervous system kicks into high gear, our hearts start to race, our muscles contract and our body is 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 symptoms.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are helpful tools we can use to sleep better at night. But the benefits don’t stop there. Benefits of weighted blankets include but are not limited to:
- Creating a sense of calm by reducing cortisol levels in the body
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety
- Increasing serotonin and oxytocin levels
- Improving quality of sleep
What to look for in a weighted blanket
If you’re looking to improve your sleep or ease your anxiety, a weighted blanket can help. So how do you choose the right one for you? There are a lot of weighted blankets on the market, so sorting through the brands can be tough. Keep these things in mind when looking for a weighted blanket:
- 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. Glass beads usually bump the price. Also, consider what material you want the outside of the blanket to be.
- Weight: Weighted blankets can be too heavy. Getting a weight appropriate for your needs and body type is important. It’s recommended that your weighted blanket should be 10% of your body weight for optimal comfort. So if you weigh from 160 pounds to 190 lbs., you want a 15-lb. or 20-lb. weighted blanket. Typically, 35 lbs. is too heavy for most people.
- Price: The price range of weighted blankets is really wide. Some are as affordable as $35 or as expensive as $250 or more. Many cheaper options are just as soft as the expensive ones, while some more luxury options have special technologies for cooling. No matter your preferences, there is a weighted blanket at every price point.
The best weighted blanket FAQ
Do weighted blankets really work?
Weighted blankets aren’t a magic pill to cure anxiety and interrupted sleep. However, weighted blankets do work. They use deep pressure stimulation to calm the nervous system and relax you enough to sleep soundly. Weighted blankets are for adults, like swaddling blankets are for babies.
More research is needed to fully investigate how weighted blankets work and their benefits; however, various studies show they do work in triggering the parasympathetic nervous system.
How do I wash a weighted blanket?
Depending on the brand and blanket, care instructions will vary. 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. However, others are spot clean only. Always read the label on your blanket for the exact details.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
Weighted blankets are available in several different sizes and weights. But you shouldn’t just pick any weight. The general rule is to choose a weight close to 10% of your body weight, not more than that. You can choose less than that if that’s your preference, but not over. For reference, if you weigh 150 pounds, you’re suited for a 15-lb. weighted blanket. If you weigh 200 lbs., then opt for a 20-lb. blanket.
Do weighted blankets make you hot?
Given that they work by lying across your body, weighted blankets can get hot for some. Brands combat this with knit materials or special cooling technology. If you’re a particularly hot sleeper, stick to a brand that focuses on cooling, like the Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket.
More sleep recommendations
- You Shouldn’t Flip Your Mattress — Here’s Why
- Shopping for the Best Mattress? 7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Shop
- Best Meditation Apps
- How to Buy Bed Sheets
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.
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