At SleepFoundation.org, our expert team personally tests every weighted blanket that appears in our product guides and reviews. Hands-on testing enables us to evaluate these products using a wide range of criteria and make informed, accurate, and data-driven recommendations to our readers.
Guidelines for our weighted blanket testing methodology are as follows:
We prioritize safety during our weighted blanket tests. As a rule, the weight of each tester must represent at least 10% of the blanket’s weight for all testing stages. If we are evaluating a blanket for couples, both participants must meet this weight threshold.
Depending on availability, we test up to three weights for each blanket. This allows us to gauge how comfortable the blanket is for different weight groups.
Some performance ratings are assigned from hands-on tests. These include breathability, warmth, comfort, and quality of materials. Other testing criteria, such as weight options and ease of cleaning, are based on observable qualities.
To establish testing controls, we use the same mattress for each weighted blanket and maintain a constant room temperature throughout all testing stages.
Bearaby launched in late 2018 with a focus on producing breathable weighted blankets made of sustainable materials. The company now produces several weighted bedding options:
Bearaby Cotton Napper: The Cotton Napper, also known as the Bearaby Weighted Blanket, is the company’s flagship option. It is hand-knit from organic cotton yarn with a bit of spandex for stretch.
Bearaby Nappling: The Nappling is smaller and lighter to accommodate children. Like the Cotton Napper, it uses thick yarn made of spandex and organic cotton.
Bearaby Tree Napper: Made of Tencel, organic cotton, and spandex, the Tree Napper is engineered for exceptional cooling. It also features Bearaby’s popular chunky knit appearance.
Bearaby Hugger: The Hugger is a queen size blanket designed for couples to use. It is made of 100% cotton.
Velvet Napper: Similar in design to the other Napper blankets, the Velvet Napper is composed of upcycled polyester derived from recycled plastic.
This review focuses on the flagship Bearaby Cotton Napper, but it will also cover basic information on the other models to give you a better idea of which might be best for you. The Cotton Napper comes in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-pound options. It is built with over 280 yards of layered yarn and sized for one individual. Nine vibrant hues are currently available.
We’ll examine the Cotton Napper to rate its performance, assess its materials, summarize company policies, and help you decide which weight option you may prefer.
Bearaby Cotton Napper Video Review
Watch the video below to see how the Bearaby Cotton Napper performed when put to the test in our lab.
Bearaby Weighted Blanket Review Breakdown
In recent years, chunky knit blankets have gotten more and more attention for their distinctive, cozy look. The Bearaby Weighted Blanket embraces that trend but infuses it with added function. Not only is the blanket heavy to provide soothing comfort, but it is also more breathable than the vast majority of weighted blankets, so it may be especially comfortable for hot sleepers.
While most weighted blankets get their heaviness from fill encased inside a fabric shell, the Cotton Napper is made up exclusively of thick cotton/spandex yarn. Since the cotton is natural, organic, and sourced ethically and sustainably, eco-conscious shoppers may prefer it to other blankets. These materials are also high-quality and durable, so those looking for a blanket they can continue to use for years to come might also gravitate towards the Cotton Napper.
Overall, the Bearaby Weighted Blanket is an excellent option for shoppers concerned with style, breathability, quality, and durability.
Materials and Options
Bearaby’s size options vary between its models. The Cotton Napper and the Tree Napper are sized for one person, ranging between approximately twin size and nearly full size depending on the weight you select. The Bearaby Hugger comes in a queen size only. Since the Nappling is built for children, it is the company’s smallest blanket option.
The Cotton Napper, the Tree Napper, the Nappling, and the Velvet Napper all come in several color options, while the Hugger is available in two colors: moonstone grey or asteroid grey.
Product
Size Options
Weight Options
Fill Material
Shell Material
Dimensions
Bearaby Cotton Napper
Throw
10 lbs., 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs.
Organic cotton, spandex
Organic cotton, spandex
10 lbs.: 40″ x 64″
15 lbs.: 40″ x 72″
20 lbs.: 45″ x 72″
25 lbs.: 48″ x 72″
Bearaby Nappling (kids)
Child
6 lbs., 8 lbs.
Organic cotton, spandex
Organic cotton, spandex
6 lbs.: 36″ x 48″
8 lbs.: 40″ x 60”
Bearaby Tree Napper
Throw
15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs.
Tencel, organic cotton, spandex
Tencel, organic cotton, spandex
15 lbs.: 40″ x 72″
20 lbs.: 45″ x 72″
25 lbs.: 48″ x 72
Bearaby Hugger
Queen
35 lbs.
100% cotton
100% cotton
Queen: 90″ × 90″
Bearaby Velvet Napper
Throw
15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs.
Recycled polyester
Recycled polyester
15 lbs.: 40″ x 72″
20 lbs.: 45″ x 72″
25 lbs.: 48″ x 72″
25 lbs.: 48″ x 72″
Pricing Information
Weighted blankets typically cost between $100 and $300, and most of Bearaby’s options fall into this price range. The Cotton Napper and Tree Napper come with identical price tags, while the Nappling is less expensive. The Hugger is the heaviest and most expensive Beareaby blanket.
Price differences between weighted blankets typically occur due to variations in materials, size, and weight, and the same holds true in Bearaby’s product line. The brand’s larger and heavier blankets cost more than its smaller and lighter options because they use more materials. Since all of the models use at least some organic cotton, Bearaby blankets are on the higher end of the average price range because high-quality materials like this cost the manufacturer more.
Whether or not a more expensive blanket is worth it will depend on your personal preferences. Eco-conscious shoppers may be happy to pay more for sustainable, organic materials. Similarly, it could be a better long-term investment to buy a quality weighted blanket you can use for years to come than to purchase a lower-priced option that may wear out more quickly.
Bearaby Weighted Blanket Pricing
Product
Price
Cotton Napper
10 lbs.: $199
15 lbs.: $249
20 lbs.: $259
25 lbs.: $279
Nappling
6 lbs.: $139
8 lbs.: $149
Tree Napper
15 lbs.: $269
20 lbs.: $279
25 lbs.: $299
Hugger
35 lbs.: $399
Velvet Napper
15 lbs.: $269
20 lbs.: $279
25 lbs.: $299
Weighted Blanket Performance Ratings
Various performance factors can influence which weighted blanket is best for you. Depending on your personal preferences, key criteria to consider may include material quality, temperature regulation, weight options, fill distribution, and durability.
The Cotton Napper earns strong marks in all our categories and truly exceptional scores for several performance factors. Its organic cotton yarn is high quality and durable, and the knit construction allows for excellent air circulation to reduce the likelihood of excessive heat retention. As the Cotton Napper is a knit rather than a shell with fill, the weight should also remain evenly distributed throughout the life of the blanket.
Its weakest rating is for weight options, but at least one of the three choices should accommodate most sleepers regardless of their body types. Shoppers should also be aware that the open-knit design does not insulate to the same extent as many weighted blankets, so it may not be ideal for those looking for added warmth. However, sleepers could pair the Cotton Napper with another blanket to stay toasty on cold nights.
We’ll walk through our ratings for the Cotton Napper. As Bearaby’s weighted blankets share similar materials and construction techniques, the performance should also be similar between models.
Quality of Fill
5
/ 5
While most competitors use glass or plastic beads as their fill, the Cotton Napper contains exclusively wide yarn made of 95 percent organic cotton and 5 percent spandex. This high-quality material adds to the blanket’s durability and distinctive style.
Quality of Shell
5
/ 5
Since the blanket is a chunky knit, it does not have a conventional shell or cover. However, the material should hold up well over time.
Temperature Control
5
/ 5
There is enough space between the Cotton Napper’s wide yarns to allow ample airflow. While this can help prevent overheating, it does not provide much insulation for cool nights.
Weight Options
4
/ 5
The Bearaby Cotton Napper covers a solid range of weights with its four options of 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds. Other Bearaby products capture different weights.
Distribution of Fill
5
/ 5
The Cotton Napper does not contain conventional fill, like plastic or glass beads, so there’s little to no possibility of shifting. Unless damage occurs that stretches the yarns so that they’re no longer consistently spaced, the weight should remain evenly distributed across the blanket for the entirety of its lifespan.
Durability
4
/ 5
Bearaby is still a relatively young company, so there is not yet long-term data on the durability of its blankets. However, the Cotton Napper’s thick yarns are strong and resilient, so we would expect it to enjoy a longer-than-average lifespan
How Heavy Should My Weighted Blanket Be?
The conventional wisdom is that a weighted blanket should be around 10 percent of the sleeper’s body weight, give or take. Personal preferences may vary, however, with some liking a lighter option so that they can move around more easily and others favoring a heavier blanket for extra hug.
Four weight options are available for the Cotton Napper: 10 pounds, 15 pounds, 20 pounds, and 25 pounds. If you’re unsure of which of these options is best for you, Bearaby has a quick three-question quiz to help you decide. The Tree Napper is available in a similar range of 15, 20, or 25 pounds.
The Hugger is exclusively sold in a queen size design that weighs 35 pounds.
At 6 or 8 pounds, the Nappling may be better suited for children and those looking for light pressure. If you’re considering a weighted blanket for your child, you should also pay attention to safety. The blanket shouldn’t be too heavy or restrictive, and the child should be able to remove it themselves. Experts do not typically recommend weighted blankets for children under two because they could present safety concerns.
Bearaby weighted blankets are available through the Bearaby website and West Elm. Orders directly through the company ship within the United States and Canada.
Shipping
Most orders are processed within 1-2 business days. Customers located in the contiguous United States can take advantage of free shipping.This offer uses USPS and generally takes 6-10 business days. For an extra fee, customers can receive their blanket through FedEx, which typically takes 2-5 business days. Depending on their location, some customers may be able to choose expedited FedEx shipping for an additional fee. Orders to Alaska and Hawaii carry an additional fee and typically arrive via USPS 10-15 days after they leave the facility. Canadian customers receive their package through FedEx, and pricing varies by location.
Trial
Bearaby has a 30-day return policy that gives customers a refund of the purchase price if they decide they don't want to keep their weighted blanket. Items should be in their original condition and unwashed. A $14.99 processing and inspection fee applies. If the item is washed, damaged, or stained, Bearaby may issue a partial refund. Limited edition blankets may be excluded from this policy.
Warranty
Bearaby does not currently offer a warranty policy.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.