Best Weighted Blankets

Buying guide for best weighted blankets

If you've been wrestling with restless nights and you can't seem to reach that deep sleep needed to restore you to your best you, the answer might be as simple as a weighted blanket. A weighted blanket provides a comforting embrace that can calm anxiety and soothe your senses, allowing you to get the rest you need.

The best weighted blanket covers you but doesn't hang over the edges of your bed, is made of your favorite fabric, and fits in with the decor of your room. You'll need one that is baffled to provide even weight and has a removable cover so it can be easily washed. Remember not to purchase one that is too heavy and never use a weighted blanket to cover a baby or a toddler.

Check out the assortment of weighted blankets that we've found to be superb. When you're ready to buy, be sure to consider our selections. However, if you want to learn more about these remarkable sleep aides, read on.

Weighted blankets are similar to comforters, but they have sand, beads, or another heavy material between the two layers of fabric.

How weighted blankets work

Occupational therapists have used weighted blankets and vests for years to help soothe the anxiety of patients with various developmental and physical conditions and to calm children with sensory processing disorders. But over the past several years, weighted blankets have spread beyond the therapist’s office and into the home.

While there is not extensive research on weighted blankets, the assumption is that they work by providing deep pressure that stimulates the release of serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate mood. This leads to decreased anxiety, a feeling of calm, and an easier time falling asleep. It’s similar to the good feeling you get while hugging a loved one or the calming effects of swaddling a newborn.

Choosing a weighted blanket

While weighted blankets aren’t complicated, there are still a few things to consider when purchasing one.

What size do you need?

Weighted blankets come in a range of sizes, including the usual twin, full, and queen, but it’s important to realize that a weighted blanket is not meant to cover your bed the way a regular blanket does. Weighted blankets normally cover the top of the bed without hanging down at the sides. Otherwise, the weight would tend to pull the blanket over the edge as you shifted during the night.

You’ll also find small weighted blankets meant to wrap around the shoulders, lap blankets that help fidgety children sit still, and even weighted vests.

What fabric do you like?

Most custom makers of weighted blankets let you select the fabric you like best. This is mostly a matter of preference; if you’re just looking for a heavy blanket to help you sleep, you’ll probably prefer a soft fleece or flannel fabric. Children with sensory issues can be quite specific in their preferences: fabrics that are satiny, fleecy, chenille, slightly rough, or nubby are all possibilities.

Color and pattern are also a matter of preference. Pre-made blankets sold for adults are often gray or another neutral tone. Custom blanket makers typically offer a very wide range of kid-appealing patterns and colors as well as adult-pleasing options.

What provides the weight?

There are a variety of fills used in weighted blankets, including sand, plastic pellets, rice, and glass beads. One type of fill isn’t necessarily better than another, but it’s generally easier to wash blankets filled with plastic pellets.

Is the blanket quilted or baffled?

Unless the blanket has quilted baffles or boxes sewn through the full thickness of the blanket, the pellets or sand will shift to one side. Just about every weighted blanket is baffled to prevent this and keep the weight in place. If you come across a product option without this feature, move on.

Does the blanket have an outer cover?

Because many weighted blankets are difficult to wash and dry, duvet covers that slip over the blanket and protect it from body oils, fluids, and general grunge are quite common. When the duvet cover needs cleaning, you simply remove it from the blanket and wash it. Be aware that some weighted blanket manufacturers offer the blanket and duvet cover separately, not as a set.

What about poly-fil?

Some weighted blankets have poly-fil along with the weighted material to give the blanket more of a “traditional” blanket appearance. This may be important for children who are embarrassed about their weighted blanket and want a bed cover that doesn’t draw attention.

Choosing a blanket weight

When shopping for weighted blankets, you’ll find a wide range of weights. That’s because there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to these therapeutic and comforting blankets.

As a rough rule of thumb, most blanket makers and occupational therapists recommend that a blanket for an older child, teen, or adult should weigh 10% of that person’s body weight, plus a pound or two if a bit of extra weight is desired. So for example, if you weigh 150 pounds, your blanket should weigh between 15 and 17 pounds.

However, this formula isn’t written in stone, and some people prefer blankets that are lighter or heavier than 10% of their body weight. Still, it’s particularly important to watch the weight if buying the blanket for a child; if your child is heavy for his age, go with a slightly lighter blanket. Also, while it’s true that your child will “outgrow” his weighted blanket eventually, it’s not a good idea to buy a heavier blanket with the idea that he will “grow into it.”

Tips

• Weighted blankets are not safe for babies or toddlers. Never use a heavy blanket on anyone who is not able to easily remove the blanket if they desire.

• A weighted blanket should never be used as a restraint or punishment.

• Keep your adult-weight blanket away from your kids.

• If the blanket is for someone elderly or with limited strength, go with a lighter blanket, not the full 10% of their body weight.

• If you are looking for relief from anxiety, you may find a blanket that’s a few pounds above the usual guideline helps you the most.

• Sufferers of restless leg syndrome often find relief with a small weighted blanket covering their legs at night.

• If you are seeking relief from anxiety or insomnia, you’ll want to spend the night under a blanket sized to fit your bed. If you are hoping for better focus or calm during the day, a small blanket that wraps around your shoulders might be all you need.

• Many children with sensory disorders or ADHD find it easier to focus and sit still with a small weighted blanket across their lap.

Weighted blankets prices

You might be surprised at the price of a weighted blanket; these therapeutic blankets are far more expensive than regular blankets. Generally, weighted blankets cost between $100 and $200, with custom-made blankets hovering at the higher end of the range. Depending on the vendor, you might also pay quite a bit to ship the blanket to your home because of its weight. Don’t scrimp, however; a cheap weighted blanket is likely to fall apart quickly.

If prescribed by an occupational therapist or other medical professional for a specific health condition, your insurance might cover all or part of the cost of your weighted blanket. Check with your health insurance provider.

FAQ

Q. Are weighted blankets safe for everyone?
A. While the majority of people are perfectly safe with a weighted blanket, there are a few exceptions. Babies and toddlers under the age of two should never be given a weighted blanket. Avoid heavy blankets with anyone who has limited upper body strength or general weakness that would make it difficult to remove the blanket when desired. And if you have a respiratory illness, high blood pressure, breathing difficulties, or diabetes, check with your doctor before buying a weighted blanket.

Q. Can I wash my weighted blanket in the washing machine?
A. It depends. Some blankets are washer-and-dryer safe and some are not. The blanket maker will specify washing directions. If you want to buy a blanket that isn’t safe for the washing machine, consider purchasing a duvet cover to protect the blanket. That way, you simply wash the cover, not the blanket itself.

Q. For what conditions are weighted blankets helpful?
A. Weighted blankets are helpful with a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorders, restless leg syndrome, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.