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Since some sleep studies showed the benefits of a weighted blanket, people with difficulty sleeping have rushed to buy their personal weighted comforter.
However, there are a few factors to keep in mind before grabbing the prettiest weighted blanket and rushing off to the cashier to claim your sleep miracle worker.
Although many sleep studies show a positive impact on sleep cycles, they don’t set the findings in stone—or dreamy feathers if you prefer—and it’s mostly other user’s personal experiences that drive the massive increase in interest and sales.
“Those that like them, really like them. I suspect they associate the weight of the blanket with comfort and it helps the person feel better.”
—Rafael Pelayo, MD, Sleep Specialist.
That said, further benefits recorded by users are a dream come true—literally and figuratively.
So, with such optimistic feedback, let’s weigh up the facts on weighted blankets and explore all their ins and outs.
We’ll also look at our four top picks for the best-weighted blanket in 2021.
What Is the Best Weighted Blanket on the Market?
We’ve concluded that there are best-of-the-best in various categories.
Here are our top four picks for the best-weighted blankets in 2021.
The Bearaby Cotton Napper
“Comforting AND Beautiful. My friends and family can’t believe the Bearaby Napper is a weighted blanket when I show it to them in pictures or on FaceTime. It’s so beautiful. It’s also SO comforting. I’ve definitely been falling asleep faster since I got it. I’m already plotting how to justify getting another one.”— Breanne L.
| Blanket price | $249 |
| Cover material | Organic cotton—100% |
| Filler material | Spandex and organic cotton |
| Available weights | 3 Weight options: 15lbs, 20lbs, and 25lbs |
| Recommended for | Hot sleepers looking for a cooling weighted blanket and eco-conscious buyers |
Layla’s® Weighted Blanket
“One of our editors swears by Layla’s® weighted blanket and says she can’t sleep without it.”—Good Housekeeping.
| Price | $159 (Memorial Day Sale - Save $30) |
| Cover material | 300 thread-count, pure cotton bottom layer with hexagon stitching and a mink-like top layer |
| Filler material | Glass beads in layers of poly-fill batting |
| Available weights | 3 Weight options: 15lbs, 20lbs, and 25lbs |
| Recommended for | Buyers who require a luxurious and smooth texture with a body weight from 150lbs–250lbs |
Vellux Heavy Weight Blanket
“My 17-year-old said it was her favorite gift and that she’s been having her best sleep ever with this weighted blanket! I bought each of us one and have two as gifts and definitely a great investment! The blankets are so soft and comforting! We will definitely buy more!”—Eileen Wi.
| Price | $180 |
| Cover material | Made from 100% Polyester plush fleece side and finished with poly satin piping all around the edges |
| Filler material | Polystyrene pellets |
| Available weights | 4 Weight options: 12lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs, and 25lbs |
| Recommended for | Shoppers who enjoy a variety of styles and color options while keeping a luxurious texture. Consumers looking for a weighted throw blanket for multiple use. |
Aricove
“I purchased the Aricove 10lb, 48’x72′ weighted blanket as a birthday gift for my wife, and I could not be more excited for her. She loves the comfort and contentment she feels with the way the blanket encompasses her entire body. The first night was good but the second night she used it was heavenly and she slept through to the next morning for the first time in ages. She also really appreciates the quality of her “new, favorite” blanket and I am pleased to take some credit for that as I spent many hours on the internet researching weighted blankets and of all the names and models that I saw, Aricove was my choice. I can honestly and happily say this was the best blanket for her as a gift.”—John M.
| Price | $160 |
| Cover material | Bamboo viscose |
| Filler material | Glass beads |
| Available weights | 3 Weight options: 10lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs |
| Recommended for | Hot sleepers looking for a cooling blanket, and buyers with sensitive skin |
The Benefits of Buying a Weighted Blanket
Some of the positive effects of sleeping under some extra weight include:
- Insomnia relief for individuals with sleep problems
- Reduced sleep inertia
- Reduced anxiety in adults and children
- Reduction in cortisol levels—leading to less stress
- Added relaxation that helps you fall asleep faster
The consensus among users who love their weighted blanket is that it feels like a gentle, persistent hug—and they have determined that hugging holds loads of emotional and psychological benefits.
According to manufacturers of weighted blankets, the additional weight on your body while asleep increases melatonin production. It’s the magical sleep hormone that makes you feel happier and is released during your natural sleep cycle.
“Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep. Being exposed to light at night can block melatonin production..”—NCCIH.
So, Are Weighted Blankets Really Worth It?
Yes, absolutely.
If your health doesn’t prevent you from using a weighted blanket, it’s an excellent investment into getting a comfortable and comforting night’s sleep.
You’ll find a wide variety to choose from in various weights, price ranges, and styles.
Whether you want a king-size bed duvet cover, a comforter, or throw blankets you can cleanse in your washing machine regularly—you’re spoiled for choice today.
Paired with one of our highly recommended mattresses, you’ll be off to dreamland in no time under a weighted comforter with equal weight distribution.
Our team of product experts and medical sleep advisors provide unbiased reviews and wisdom to get your more Zzz’s.
We worry about the best sleeping aids so that you don’t have to, and our primary concern is your sleep time.
Read more reviews about all things sleep-related here.
FAQ
When Should You Avoid Weighted Blankets?
Carrying the extra weight while sleeping isn’t for everybody, unfortunately.
If you show symptoms of or a medical expert has diagnosed you with any of the following conditions, please consult your physician before using a weighted blanket.
- Sleep apnea
- Any chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma
- Type 2 diabetes
- Low blood pressure
- Claustrophobia
Children younger than three years, or that weigh less than 50 pounds, shouldn’t sleep under weighted blankets as it poses a risk of suffocation. Weighted blankets for kids must be very specific to their weight and age requirements.
What Makes a Weighted Blanket Heavy?
To add weight to the blanket or duvet cover, manufacturers add a variety of objects like ball bearings, glass beads, or plastic pellets.
They can range from as little as five pounds to 30 pounds—you choose the desired weight according to your body weight.
We’ll explore more on the recommended blanket weight in comparison to your body weight a bit further down.
How Do I Choose a Weighted Blanket?
Every person must choose their unique type of weighted blankets based on their health, weight, budget, and personal style.
Price Tag
You can pay between $100–$300 for weighted blankets, in various sizes.
The same weighted blanket can vary in price for each weight-range too. Some manufacturers keep the pricing the same, irrespective of weight and/or size.
Keep in mind that you’ll be liable for shipping costs from some manufacturers. You’ll determine that once you place your order online.
Weight
The consensus and unspoken rule is that your gravity blanket should equal 10 percent of your total weight.
It’s, once again, not a set-in-stone mathematical equation, and you could find comfort from weighted blankets between five and 12 percent of your weight.
Quality of Materials and Breathability
Manufacturers that use higher-quality materials such as 100% cotton with a thread count of 300+ or Viscose to make weighted blankets do charge more than the average price range, which is acceptable and expected, as it adds value to your product.
The cheaper synthetic weighted blankets do wear out faster, especially if you regularly clean it in your home washing machine.
Ease of Cleaning
Fortunately, most covers can be removed and washed separately, and you can dry them in a household machine.
It’s better and adds to your blanket’s lifespan if you spot clean your blanket or have it dry cleaned.
