Best Weighted Blankets of 2024

Sales of weighted blankets have soared in recent years. While the research behind the purported health benefits of weighted blankets is still fairly inconclusive, those who swear by them say that hunkering down under the added weight helps to reduce anxiety and, in some cases, relieve insomnia. As weighted blankets rise in popularity, our testing team has researched and tested all kinds of weighted blanket models in our Seattle Test Lab.

Most weighted blankets contain plastic pellets, ball bearings, and other objects that make them feel significantly heavier than a standard cover or duvet. However, some newer weighted blankets feature open-knit designs that many sleepers find more breathable. Typical weights for these blankets range from 5 to 30 pounds. Sleepers tend to feel most comfortable beneath a blanket that comprises roughly 10 percent of their own body weight.

Best Weighted Blankets Video

Watch our video below to get a closer look at the construction and performance of some of our top weighted blanket picks.

For a closer look at each pick on our list, you can read our reviews below. Further down, we also provide an in-depth guide to shopping for weighted blankets. In our guide, we discuss how to choose a weighted blanket, common materials and designs, purported benefits, typical pricing, and safety concerns for children as well as adults with certain health conditions.

What is a Weighted Blanket and Why Should You Use One?

A weighted blanket is made to be much heavier than a standard blanket. The added weight usually comes from extra fabric, glass or metal beads, or plastic pellets stuffed inside the baffles. The weight is designed to be evenly distributed so that it settles uniformly on top of your body. 

Weighted blankets are designed to reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation, which in turn may help you fall asleep more quickly. 

The sensation you get from using a weighted blanket is intended to simulate a big hug. In health terms, that’s referred to as deep pressure touch (DPT), a type of therapy that alleviates anxiety by distributing even weight across the body. Some studies have shown DPT to be effective at promoting calmness, but some people find this sensation to be much more relaxing than others.

Research is limited about the use of weighted blankets for specific conditions, such as autism, depression, or PTSD. People with these or other health conditions should consult with their doctor about the benefits and downsides of using a weighted blanket.

Who Shouldn’t Use a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets have the potential to exacerbate some preexisting health issues. You should either avoid weighted blankets entirely or consult with a physician before using one if you have certain conditions, including: 

• Breathing disorders like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Conditions that affect the cardiovascular system such as low blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or circulatory problems
• Obstructive sleep apnea, which involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep
• Claustrophobia or other issues that impact how you might perceive the sensation of being under a weighted blanket

Can Children Use a Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets are generally safe for children who are at least 3 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds, but it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor before giving a child a weighted blanket.

Any weighted blanket can pose a suffocation risk to younger or smaller children, but an excessively heavy blanket can still pose a risk to children who are over 3 years old or 50 pounds. 

As a rule, a weighted blanket should not weigh more than 10% of your child’s body weight. If you are considering a weighted blanket because your child is having problems with sleep or anxiety, we suggest raising these issues with their pediatrician, as other strategies may be more effective to improve your child’s sleep and relaxation.

How To Choose a Weighted Blanket

If you think a weighted blanket might be just what you need to help you relax and settle in for sleep, there are a few factors to consider, including weight, size, price, materials, ease of cleaning, and breathability. 

Weight

For a healthy adult, a comfortable blanket can weigh between 5 and 12 percent of your body weight. Using this range, we’ve calibrated which blanket weights are the best match for sleepers of different weights.

Blanket Weight	Ideal Sleeper Weight	Acceptable Sleeper Weight Range
5 lbs.	50 lbs.	25 to 60 lbs.
7 lbs.	70 lbs.	35 to 84 lbs.
10 lbs.	100 lbs.	50 to 120 lbs.
12 lbs.	120 lbs.	60 to 144 lbs.
15 lbs.	150 lbs.	75 to 180 lbs.
17 lbs.	170 lbs.	85 to 194 lbs.
20 lbs.	200 lbs.	100 to 240 lbs.
22 lbs.	220 lbs.	110 to 264 lbs.
25 lbs.	250 lbs.	125 to 300 lbs.
30 lbs.	300 lbs.	150 to 360 lbs.

Keep in mind that the 10-percent rule doesn’t work for everyone. Some people may prefer a lighter blanket, especially if they tend to sleep hot. 

If you aren’t sure, make sure to buy a weighted blanket with a sleep trial so that you can return it if it’s too light or too heavy. 

Size

Weighted blankets aren’t always available in the same sizes as traditional blankets. In fact, some models only come in one size. Make sure to look carefully at dimensions before you buy.

Most of the time, weighted blankets are designed for a single person to use, but some brands offer larger sizes for couples. If you’re looking for a blanket to use on your couch, a throw size may be ideal. 

If you’re looking for a blanket for your child, look for a kid-friendly size. Giving them a blanket intended for adults can cause problems if the blanket gets doubled over, which increases pressure on the body.

Price

The average weighted blanket costs between $100 and $300. Luxury blankets or models with special features or materials may cost even more. 

A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better quality, but be wary of pricing that looks too good to be true. Very low prices may be a reflection of inferior materials or shoddy manufacturing. Proper construction is essential to keeping the fill material in place so that weight is applied evenly across your body. 

If you’re on a tight budget, look for promo codes and discounts during major holidays and sales events like Black Friday.

Fill Material

The fill material is the source of the weight in the blanket. High-end blankets usually use thick fabric or glass beads, both of which tend to offer better durability. Cheap fabrics and plastic pellets often wear out more quickly, especially if you wash and dry them in household machines.

Cover Material

The cover of a weighted blanket is called the shell. Because it rests against your skin, the shell material should have a feel and texture that you like. Cotton, bamboo-viscose, and microfiber are popular choices for the shell of a weighted blanket.

Keep in mind that a plusher material may hold in more heat than one that is more airy and breathable. If you are having a hard time choosing, look for a model with a reversible design.

Ease of Cleaning

If you’re going to use a weighted blanket every night, ease of cleaning can be a major selling point. With some models made entirely of fabric, you can put the whole blanket into your washer and dryer. Other models have a removable cover that is machine-washable.

Alternatively, you can opt for a weighted blanket that can only be spot-cleaned, but keep in mind that these require delicate handling and may be difficult to freshen up.

Breathability and Cooling Features

A weighted blanket should give some warmth and insulation, but it shouldn’t make you overheat. As with standard blankets, whether or not a weighted blanket sleeps cool depends largely on its materials and design. 

If you want a weighted blanket with less warmth, an open-knit model may be a good choice for you. With plenty of space for airflow, these blankets are extremely breathable. 

If you prefer more warmth, look for a weighted blanket with a thicker outer cover that encases the fill material. You’ll get more insulation from a quilted shell or a blanket with extra batting. 

Materials like cotton and bamboo-viscose are among the most breathable options used in weighted blankets. Microfiber, a type of brushed polyester, is warmer. Jersey fabric has a more moderate level of temperature regulation.

Adult vs. Kids

Think about who you are shopping for when looking for a weighted blanket. For children, you’re more likely to find the appropriate materials, weight, and size in a weighted blanket designed specifically for children. 

That said, if your child weighs over 100 pounds, some standard weighted blankets may be suitable for their needs.

Keep in mind that the 10-percent rule doesn’t work for everyone. Some people may prefer a lighter blanket, especially if they tend to sleep hot. 

If you aren’t sure, make sure to buy a weighted blanket with a sleep trial so that you can return it if it’s too light or too heavy. 

How To Shop for a Weighted Blanket

When shopping for a weighted blanket, you may find it helpful to consider a few important elements:

• Brand reputation: Buying from an established company can help ensure you get a quality product and attentive customer service.
• Reviews: Seek out verified reviews from actual customers who may share insights that can inform your buying decision.
• Shipping: You’ll normally get free shipping, but it’s worth double-checking to avoid unexpected costs.
• Returns: A sleep trial or no-risk return window can keep you from getting stuck with a weighted blanket that you aren’t satisfied with.

Shopping Online vs. In-Store

The experience of buying a weighted blanket is different online and in-store. When shopping online, you’ll usually have access to the widest variety and lowest prices. You can browse at your own pace and compare different brands and models.

In a brick-and-mortar store, your options are more limited, but you’ll have the opportunity to see a weighted blanket in person. If the store has floor models, you may be able to touch and feel a weighted blanket. 

You can find great deals for weighted blankets at almost any time, but the best prices are typically offered around holidays like President’s Day and Labor Day when many mattresses and sleep products are on sale. Big discounts may be available around big shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday.

How We Test

We use an objective rating system and subjective feedback from our testing team to evaluate weighted blankets and other sleep products in our Seattle-based Test Lab.

Our process analyzes a weighted blanket’s design and materials, which influences performance, durability, and ease of cleaning. We conduct hands-on tests with multiple users who give ratings for comfort and temperature regulation. We also gather feedback from customer reviews from verified blanket owners who are using these products in their homes. 

Our testing team takes all of these data points into consideration when assessing overall quality and making recommendations for weighted blankets.

In-Depth Weighted Blanket Guides

For more personalized weighted blanket recommendations, check out the following pages: