Shopping for a weighted blanket?
You’ve come to the right place.
Although research is still undergoing, early scientific evidence indicates that using a weighted blanket can help you fall asleep faster and improve your overall sleep quality.
A weighted blanket works by applying a gentle but firm pressure over the top of your body which instinctively triggers your body to relax and your mind to relax.
Sleeping under a weighted blanket can also help reduce common anxieties and racing thoughts that keep you from falling asleep quickly.
Our Top 3 Picks
- The blanket is made of 100% cotton.
- It has an excellent price.
- Weight options range from 5lbs to 30lbs
- It is made with 100% Oeko-Tex certified cotton.
- It is soft and breathable.
- Weight options range from 5lbs to 30lbs.
- Lofus weighted blanket has a 7-layer design.
- It has soft fur-like texture.
- It’s machine washable.
What’s In This Buying Guide
In this guide, we review and compare the best weighted blankets in the market and recommend the best one in each of eight common situations / categories.
We then explain how weighted blankets work, what they are made of, and how to choose the right one.
Finally, we answer a handful of common questions many people ask about weighted blankets.
Hopefully, this guide will help you find the right weighted blanket for your needs in 10 minutes or less.
Table of Contents
Best Weighted Blankets 2023
- Our Top Pick: Quility
- Best Cotton Weighted Blanket: YnM
- Best Faux Fur Weighted Blanket: Lofus
- Best For Hot Sleepers: Weighted Evolution
- Best Weighted Throw Blanket: Cottonblue
- Best Budget : Amazon Basics
- Best For Travelling: BARMY
- Best for Kids: WeeSprout
Quility
Best Overall
Material
CottonDuvet
PolyesterFiller
Glass beads
YnM
Best Cotton
Material
Cotton & polyester fillDuvet
NoneFiller
Glass beads
Lofus
Best Faux Fur
Material
Sherpa fleece & polyesterDuvet
NoneFiller
Ceramic beads
Weighted Evolution
Best for Hot Sleepers
Material
MicrofiberDuvet
BambooFiller
Glass beads
Cottonblue
Best Throw Blanket
Material
Sherpa fleece & polyesterDuvet
NoneFiller
Ceramic beads
Amazon Basics
Best Budget
Material
Polyester & cottonDuvet
PolyesterFiller
Glass beads
BARMY
Best Travel Blanket
Material
CottonDuvet
PolyesterFiller
Glass beads
WeeSprout
Best for Kids
Material
Polyester & cottonDuvet
NoneFiller
Glass beads
Quility is one of the most popular weighted blanket brands. They sell a wide variety of blanket sizes and weights ranging from a 5lb option for kids to a 30lb blanket for large bodied sleepers.
And unlike many other weighted blankets, the Quility weighted blanket comes with a duvet cover.
PROS
- Wide range of options.
- Breathable cotton blanket.
- Includes duvet cover.
- High quality and durable construction.
CONS
- Can get a bit warm.
- Can be a hassle to remove and replace the cover.
Our Review
The Quility weighted blanket is our top pick due to its excellent price, use of glass beads, included duvet cover and choices of styles, sizes and colors.
The blanket is made of 100% cotton, while the outer duvet cover is 100% polyester.
We love the system Quility uses to secure the blanket and duvet. The blanket comes with loops while the inside of the duvet cover has ties. Securing the ties to the loops keeps the blanket from shifting.
The Quility blanket gets its weight from tiny glass beads that are noiseless, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. The beads are secured in squares called baffles sewn into the blanket, which prevents the beads from moving around and creating uneven weight distribution.
Weight options range from 5lbs to 30lbs while sizes are available from as small as 36” by 48” to 86” by 92”.
You can also choose from several duvet cover styles and colors, too.
Issues & Complaints
The blanket itself is breathable because of its cotton construction, but the polyester duvet cover can get a bit hot. Of course, solving this problem is easy: just remove the duvet.
The only other common complaint we have is also about the duvet cover- it can be a hassle to remove it and put it back on.
Bottom Line
The Quility weighted blanket is best for:
Anyone looking for a high quality and affordable weighted blanket that comes with a duvet cover.
Avoid if: You are a hot sleeper.
The YnM weighted blanket is made with 100% Oeko-Tex certified cotton, making it soft and breathable. This is the best choice if you prefer all-cotton bedding. But you’ll have to find a separate duvet.
PROS
- 100% cotton blanket.
- Quiet and non-toxic glass beads.
- Durable 7-layer construction.
- Wide range of sizes, weights, and colors.
CONS
- Doesn't come with a duvet cover.
- Can get a bit warm because of the microfiber filling.
Our Review
If you like the breathability and soft feel of cotton bedding, you’ll love the YnM weighted blanket. The 100% cotton fabric feels soft and luxurious.
Like most other weighted blankets, the YnM blanket uses non-toxic glass beads. These beads are distributed in pockets sewn into the blanket, ensuring the weight of the blanket stays evenly distributed.
The pockets are small (just 4.7” by 4.7”) to provide better weight distribution and reduce shifting.
A 7-layer construction prevents any leakages of the beads even after multiple washings.
Weight and size options start from a 5lb 36” by 48” blanket to a 30lb 80” by 87” blanket. Use the 10% of body weight rule to choose the right blanket weight.
For couples who want to share a single blanket, YnM recommends the 80” by 87” King size weighted blanket.
YnM offers an even wider variety of blanket colors – more than three dozen including a few with cool kid-friendly graphics.
Issues & Complaints
The YnM weighted blanket doesn't come with a duvet cover.
You can still use it without one, but it’s not recommended because YnM says washing the blanket too often will damage it. So buy a duvet cover separately to keep the blanket clean.
The cotton fabric does help a bit with breathability. YnM also says they’ve used less filling to improve airflow. But hot sleepers may still find the YnM blanket a bit too warm because of the polyester filling.
Bottom Line
The YnM weighted blanket is best for: Anyone looking for an affordable cotton weighted blanket.
Avoid if: You are a hot sleeper.
If you want the luxury and plushness of a fur blanket without the price tag, we recommend the Lofus Sherpa Fleece weighted blanket.
The faux fur fabric feels almost as good as the real thing.
PROS
- Soft and luxurious.
- Multiple color options.
- Multi-layer design to prevent leaking.
- Machine washable.
CONS
- Not suitable for hot sleepers.
- Limited size and weight options.
Our Review
If you like the soft feel of a fur or wool blanket or coat, the Lofus Sherpa Fleece weighted blanket feels almost as good.
It’s a great choice if you are looking for a soft and cozy blanket that will keep you calm and warm in bed.
The Lofus weighted blanket has a 7-layer design. Polyester layers and padding inside the blanket make it softer and keeps the beads inside from leaking.
By the way, the beads are ceramic, not glass like in most weighted blankets. They are safe, quiet and hypoallergenic similar to glass beads (plastic beads are the ones you should stay away from).
The beads are evenly distributed in pockets, providing a nice close hug over your body.
The Lofus fleece weighted blanket is available in several colors including jet black, pink, blue, and white. It doesn't come with a cover, and doesn't even have loops to tie to a cover.
It’s meant to be used like that so that you can enjoy the soft fur-like texture.
But don't worry if it gets dirty. It’s machine washable, though you’ll need a commercial size washer.
Issues & Complaints
The Lofus weighted blanket is currently available in just three size and weight options: two queen sizes of 15lbs and 20lbs and a 48” x 72” 15lb option. So you may not find the weight or size that suits your needs.
Another issue is that the Lofus weighted blanket sleeps hot because it’s made of synthetic fabrics including the sherpa fleece on top and the polyester layers and padding inside. All of these trap heat.
If you are a hot sleeper, the Lofus weighted blanket is def. not for you.
Bottom Line
The Lofus weighted blanket is best for: Anyone looking for a luxury but affordable faux fur weighted blanket.
Avoid if: You are a hot sleeper or have night sweats.
If you do sleep hot, we recommend the Weighted Evolution weighted blanket. It comes with a bamboo duvet cover that does a great job keeping you cool at night.
PROS
- Sleeps cool.
- High quality stitching.
- Multiple color options.
- Soft and silky bamboo cover.
- Cover is easy to remove and clean.
CONS
- Pricey.
Our Review
What makes the Weighted Evolution weighted blanket cool is not the blanket itself, but rather the duvet cover it comes with.
The cover is made from bamboo lyocell. And unlike most bamboo beddings that have like just 30% bamboo and the rest is polyester, the Weighted Evolution duvet cover is 95% bamboo. The other 5% is spandex to make the cover stretchy.
This makes the cover cooler than even cotton. It’s also highly moisture absorbent, making it good for hot sleepers as well as those who get night sweats.
Even with the polyester blanket inside, the Weighted Evolution blanket doesn't feel overly hot.
As for the inner blanket, it’s well made with double stitching to prevent the glass beads from falling out. The beads are contained in small 4” diamond pockets sewn onto the blanket.
The smaller size of the pockets provides better weight distribution.
Weighted Evolution doesn't have a ton of options to choose from. They currently have four choices ranging from 12lbs to 25lbs. As for size, options include full size (48” x 72”), Queen size (60” x 80”) and King size (80” x 87”).
You can also select from several colors and styles.
Issues & Complaints
The main issue with the Weighted Evolution weighted blanket is the price. Because of the bamboo cover, it’s significantly pricier than weighted blankets with a polyester or cotton cover.
Bottom Line
The Weighted Evolution weighted blanket is best for: Anyone shopping for a weighted blanket that sleeps cool and absorbs sweat.
Avoid if: You are shopping for a budget weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets are not just for the bed. They are also perfect for relaxing on the sofa.
Our favorite weighted throw blanket for Netflix-and-chill is the Cottonblue faux fur weighted blanket.
It looks and feels cozy thanks to the sherpa fleece material it’s made with.
PROS
- Soft and plush faux fur material.
- Multiple colors to choose from.
- Perfect for the bed or sofa.
- Great for cold weather.
CONS
- Not ideal for hot sleepers.
- Limited size and weight options.
Our Review
A throw blanket that’s going to be on display in your living room should be both cozy and good looking. The Cottonblue weighted blanket checks both boxes.
It has faux fur made of a sherpa fleece material that makes it super-soft and luxurious.
Additional layers of polyester underneath add to the blanket’s plushness. They also make it one of the warmest weighted blankets. It’s perfect for curling under on a snowy or rainy day and keeps you warm in bed on cold winter nights.
For weight, the Cottonblue weighted blanket uses ceramic beads which are just as good as glass beads.
The beads are distributed in small compartments to keep the blanket’s weight evenly distributed.
Note that the Cottonblue faux fur blanket is not meant for use with a duvet cover. In fact, it doesn't come with loops for securing a cover.
In case it gets dirty, you can spot clean it or wash it in a commercial washer.
Issues & Complaints
The main complaint we have is there aren’t many sizes and weights to choose from. The company sells just two sizes (full and Queen) and two weights (15lbs and 20lbs).
Most adults will find the right blanket for them among the few available options, but kids and heavier folks will not get the best weighted blanket for them. There’s also no King size blanket for couples.
The Cottonblue weighted blanket is also not ideal for hot sleepers. It can get quite hot under all those layers of fleece and polyester.
Bottom Line
The Cottonblue weighted blanket is best for: Anyone looking for a beautiful and cozy weighted blanket they can use as a throw blanket on the sofa.
Avoid if: You sleep hot. Also not ideal for kids and anyone weighing over 240lbs.
If you are shopping on a budget, Amazon Basics sells one of the most affordable weighted blankets. It’s not as luxurious as other brands, but it still feels nice and cozy.
PROS
- Affordable.
- Comes with a soft minky cover.
- High quality stitching.
- Multiple color and weight options.
CONS
- Sleeps a bit hot.
Our Review
The Amazon Basics weighted blanket is made with 80% polyester and 20% cotton, which is one of the reasons it’s cheaper than all-cotton blankets.
The duvet cover is 100% polyester. But it has a minky finish that gives it a more luxurious feel compared to most polyester duvet covers.
There are additional layers of polyester underneath to give the mattress a denser feel and ensure the glass beads inside never leak out.
The Amazon Basics weighted blanket has the usual pocketed design that keeps the beads from shifting about in the blanket. Weight is distributed evenly, ensuring the blanket hugs you closely for a full relaxing effect.
Weight and size options are limited. You can get the Amazon Basics weighted blanket in 12, 15, 17 or 20 pounds. As for size, only full and Queen sizes are available.
Issues & Complaints
With all the polyester, the Amazon Basics weighted blanket is bound to get hot. If you are a hot sleeper, sweat a lot at night, or want a light summer weighted blanket, look for something different.
Bottom Line
The Amazon Basics weighted blanket is best for: Anyone shopping for a budget but good quality weighted blanket.
Avoid if: You sleep hot.
We recommend the BARMY weighted blanket for those who’d like the comfort of a relaxing blanket on the go. It weighs just 6 pounds, and is small enough to fit in a carryon.
Our Review
PROS
- Lightweight and portable.
- Ideal for both kids & adults.
- Includes soft textured cover.
- Evenly distributed glass beads.
CONS
- Not suitable for use on a bed.
The BARMY weighted blanket is technically a lap blanket designed to drape over your lap when you are sitting.
So it’s smaller and lighter than traditional weighted blankets, making it perfect for use on the go.
You can use it in the car, in an airplane, or at a park. It’s especially helpful if you often get anxious or stressed in certain situations. The weight of the blanket over your thighs and legs creates a calming effect.
The BARMY weighted blanket is also helpful for kids with anxiety or autism. The weight of the blanket and the textured cover can help them calm down when travelling, at home, or at school.
The inner blanket is made with cotton, making it cool and breathable. The outer cover is a minky polyester fabric.
Micro glass beads sewn into small square pockets ensure the blanket’s weight stays evenly distributed.
The BARMY weighted blanket is available in just one size and weight: 48” x 24” weighing 6lbs.
Issues & Complaints
If you need a versatile weighted blanket that you can use in bed as well as when travelling, the BARMY weighted blanket is not it.
Bottom Line
The BARMY weighted blanket is best for: Anyone looking for a small and lightweight weighted blanket they can use when travelling.
Avoid if: You are shopping for an ordinary weighted blanket for use on the bed.
The WeeSprout weighted blanket is made specifically for kids. It’s made from 100% organic cotton, making it eco-friendly and breathable.
PROS
- Made from organic cotton.
- Available in several sizes, weights, and colors.
- Sleeps cool.
- Durable stitching.
CONS
- Doesn't come with a duvet cover.
Our Review
Weighted blankets have been shown to help autistic kids calm down. The weight of the blanket provides relaxing pressure therapy.
The WeeSprout can also help your kid even if they are not autistic. If they seem to have trouble sleeping, a weighted blanket can help them fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep.
The outer layer of the WeeSprout weighted blanket is 100% organic cotton. It’s soft, cool, and breathable. It’s also hypoallergenic.
The inner materials include polyester and glass beads. The beads are secured within small 4” pockets to keep the blankets weight balanced and prevent any shifting.
The WeeSprout weighted blanket is available in 5lbs, 7lbs, and 10lbs weight options. These are ideal for kids between 40lbs and 120lbs.
There are two sizes: 36” x 48” and 41” x 60”.
The WeeSprout blanket is available in several colors.
Issues & Complaints
The WeeSprout weighted blanket doesn't come with a duvet cover. You have to buy it separately if you don't want to wash the blanket too often.
Bottom Line
The WeeSprout weighted blanket is best for:
Kids who have trouble sleeping at night because of anxiety, over-excitement, or sensory issues.
Avoid if: You want a 100% organic blanket. Only the outer cotton layer in the WeeSprout blanket or organic. Inner materials are synthetic.
Weighted Blanket Buying Guide
What Is A Weighted Blanket And How Does It Work?
A weighted blanket is like a normal blanket, but purposefully made heavier than an ordinary blanket so that it applies pressure on your body.
Weighted blankets provide the same health benefits as deep pressure therapy. It helps you calm down and makes it easier to fall asleep and enjoy deeper sleep.
Sleeping under a weighted blanket is like getting a tight hug or cuddling with someone. The combined effect of the pressure and warmth from the weighted blanket is very relaxing.
Who Should Get A Weighted Blanket?
- Anyone who struggles to fall asleep because of anxiety or stress.
- Anyone who frequently wakes up during the night. A weighted blanket can help you sleep deeper.
- Kids who struggle to sleep well because of overexcitement, anxiety or sensory issues. Weighted blankets are often recommended for autistic kids.
- Insomniacs suffering from restless leg syndrome. The pressure from a weighted blanket can help hold and calm your legs.
Who Shouldn’t Use A Weighted Blanket?
The weight can be a hazard for some sleepers. For example, if a child cannot remove the blanket on their own, then they risk suffocation.
Especially be careful when buying a weighted blanket for children under the age of 2, seniors with reduced body strength, and anyone who is injured or is recovering from an operation.
In short, a weighted blanket is suitable only for healthy adults, kids older than 2 years, and teenagers.
Downsides of Weighted Blankets
We’ve talked about the benefits of a weighted blanket, but they also have a few downsides.
- Weighted blankets tend to sleep warmer than other kinds of blankets.
- A weighted blanket makes it harder to change positions in bed.
- Weighted blankets are cumbersome to lift and handle because they are heavy. Whether you are making the bed, washing the blanket or removing the cover, it’s definitely more work.
What To Look For In A Weighted Blanket
Here’s what to consider when you are shopping for a weighted blanket.
1. Weight
The most important consideration is the weight of the blanket. A weighted blanket that’s light won’t have the intended calming effect and one that’s too heavy will be uncomfortable.
The general rule when it comes to weighted blankets is to choose one that is about 10% of your body weight.
If 10% of your body weight falls between two options, go with the lighter one.
So if you weigh 180lbs, a 15lb or 17lbs weighted blanket is perfect. If you weigh 220lbs, a 20lb weighted blanket is the best choice.
That said, some people are more sensitive to pressure. If you think a blanket that’s 10% of your body weight is too much, you can go as low as 7%.
On the other hand, some people find they need more weight to feel calm. In that case, you can go as high as 12%.
2. Size
Weighted blankets are smaller than ordinary blankets. A standard Queen size blanket will be 90 by 100 inches. A Queen size weighted blanket is 60 by 80 inches, exactly the same as a Queen mattress.
That’s because a weighted blanket is not designed to cover the entire bed and fall down the sides. It’s meant to drape over just your body.
For most adults, a Queen size weighted blanket is ideal, even if you sleep on a full size bed. It’ll adequately cover you and most of the bed.
If you have a smaller body you can get a full size (48” x 72”) weighted blanket. For kids, a cot, twin or full size weighted blanket is ideal.
For couples, only a King size (80” x 87”) or bigger weighted blank will do. But make sure both you and your partner want a weighted blanket.
If only one person wants it, get a full or Queen size. If you both want different weights, get two smaller weighted blankets.
3. Material
The materials a weighted blanket is made with determine it’s comfort, breathability, durability and cost.
The cheapest weighted blankets are made with polyester. Polyester is durable and fairly soft, but it gets hot.
Cotton weighted blankets are pricier but they sleep cooler and feel softer.
If you want a weighted blanket with a luxury feel (but still affordable), look for a faux fur (also called sherpa fleece) weighted blanket.
Note: Most weighted blankets, even cotton ones, have a polyester/microfiber filling.
Next, check the filler material that gives the mattress its weight. Virtually all weighted blankets these days contain micro glass beads, which are the best. They are quiet, hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Ceramic beads are also great.
Avoid a weighted blanket with plastic beads. They may contain harmful chemicals, they are noisy, and they can make the blanket have an unpleasant smell.
Finally, check the material of the duvet cover, if there’s one. Not all weighted blankets come with a cover.
The best duvet covers are made from cotton or a blend of polyester and cotton. If you sleep hot, a 100% cotton or bamboo duvet cover is the best.
4. Stitch Quality
Make sure the weighted blanket has high quality stitching. This is important in ensuring the beads do not leak out.
The best weighted blankets secure the beads in small square or diamond pockets sewn into the blanket. Tight stitching keeps the beads contained within the pockets, and keeps the blanket’s weight evenly distributed.
Weighted Blankets FAQs
Do weighted blankets make you hot?
Weighted blankets often sleep a bit warmer than ordinary blankets. Polyester blankets are the warmest. If you want to sleep cool, get a cotton weighted blanket or one with a bamboo cover.
Are weighted blankets safe?
Weighted blankets are safe for healthy adults, kids older than two years, and teenagers.
Avoid using a weighted blanket with an infant, seniors, kids with developmental disabilities, and anyone who cannot independently handle the weight of the blanket.
Can you wash a weighted blanket?
Most weighted blankets are machine washable. But washing it too frequently will reduce its lifespan. A better way to keep it clean is spot cleaning. Alternatively, use a duvet cover and only wash the cover.
What’s the best sleeping position when using a weighted blanket?
Sleeping on your back is the best position when using a weighted blanket. It ensures the blanket applies even pressure over a wider area of your body.
Final Verdict: Which Is The Best Weighted Blanket?
As a degreed engineer, I love new technology as much as you do (perhaps more). I also understand how to sort the best products from the rest. My team and I spend dozens of hours each week reviewing the best & latest products for your bedroom. Many are tested in-house, and others we break down based on our technical understanding. Whether you need a bed-cooling system, an adjustable bed, or a new CPAP machine – we've got you covered.