Best Weighted Blankets

What is a weighted blanket?

Weighted blankets are, as the name suggests, blankets filled with beads that give them weight.

This weight acts as a form of deep pressure therapy which can comfort the user by relaxing the nervous system and boosting the production of ‘happy chemicals’ such as serotonin and dopamine.

Weighted blankets vary greatly in weight, ranging from 2kg to 15kg, meaning you’re likely to find a weight that suits your body and preferences.

Weighted blankets can be used as a replacement for a quilt (with a blanket cover) or in tandem with a quilt depending on what’s the comfiest for you.

Pros and cons of a weighted blanket

Pros

Sleep is something we do for a third of our lives and is extremely important to our health, therefore, it’s worth investing some bucks into your bedtime set up to make sure you get the highest quallity of sleep possible.

Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular in the last decade for their many health benefits, thus leading to an array of happy users.

There have been many claims proclaiming the benefits of a weighted blanket including their ability to ease anxiety, stress and lower cortisol levels. The pressure emitted through the blanket can help people overcome insomnia by getting to sleep faster and staying asleep throughout the night by preventing tossing and turning.

Weighted blankets have also been said to ease symptoms of:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Restless leg syndrome
• Depression
• Autism

For a product that can benefit both your mental and physical health, it can be something well worth investing in.

Cons

While it may be marketed as a magical cure to insomnia, it’s not guaranteed to work on everybody, nor is everyone going to enjoy sleeping under a heavy blanket. Those who feel claustrophobic or simply enjoy sleeping under a light and fluffy quilt may not get all the benefits of a weighted blanket that are advertised. It may also not be an all-year-round option for those who live in tropical climates, although weighted blankets for hot sleepers are now being sold.

While weighted blankets can be effective in reducing symptoms of certain conditions, they are not a prescribed medical treatment. Those who suffer from any of the conditions above may derive more benefit from taking medication or engaging in different therapies. It’s important to consult your GP for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Weighted blankets also do not come with a small price tag, they can range anywhere between $100-700+, making them inaccessible to some.

There are some restrictions regarding who can use them. Weighted blankets should not be used on toddlers under the age of 2, children under the weight of 9kg or those with developmental disabilities as they may pose a risk of suffocation. Speak to a paediatrician before using a weighted blanket on a child.

People with respiratory health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea should take care to avoid weighted blankets which may exacerbate their symptoms.

What’s the right weight for me?

As a rule, children weighing less than 9kg should never use a weighted blanket of any kind.

Weighted blankets for adults generally come in 4.5kg to 10kg and the weight you choose should be dependent on your body weight. Following is a general guide to choosing the right weight for you:

The weight most comfortable for you is normally 10% of your body weight and you can go up or down a category depending on how ‘tucked in’ you would like to feel.

Weighted blankets for side sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper, you can still benefit from using a weighted blanket. However, keep in mind that since the weight won’t be spread evenly throughout the body, you may want to opt for a lighter blanket to avoid excess weight on your hips and joints.

You can opt for a blanket anywhere between 1-4 kg lighter than the guideline suggests - try taking advantage of a ‘30 night free trial’ that many companies offer to play Goldilocks with weighted blankets until you find the one perfect for you.

Weighted blanket sizes

Ideally, weighted blankets should cover your body from the neck down and fit snugly over your body without much material leftover. For most people, that means getting a single adult-sized blanket.

There are weighted blankets made especially for children which usually comes in a smaller size and weight.

It's important to note that your weighted blanket should be snug and shouldn't hang over the sides of your bed since that can cause the blanket to slide off the bed during the night.

Generally, sizes include a kids size, adults size and a queen size which covers a whole queen bed for couples:

• Kids: 121x91cm
• Adults: 196x121cm
• Queen: 203x152cm

Other types of weighted blankets

Some specialised weighted blankets are meant to help reduce some of the cons of weighted blankets. These include small blankets, cool blankets and lavender-scented blankets.

Small blankets, ideal for travel are compact-sized and not too heavy, making them a good option for individuals who suffer from symptoms of ADHD or travel anxiety.

Cool weighted blankets are meant to keep you cool throughout the night and can be used in hot climates or for warm sleepers.

Lavender-infused weighted blankets add another layer of comfort to your sleep through the use of aromatherapy.

Glass bead vs poly pellet weighted blanket fillings

The filling inside your weighted blanket can be a number of different materials. The most common are plastic poly pellets (made of polypropylene) and micro glass beads.

Poly pellets are commonly found in stuffed animals and bean bags. They’re a cost-effective option that allows the blanket to contour to your body’s shape. Poly pellets are a type 5 plastic which means they are non-toxic.

However, because they are larger than glass beads, the blankets will also be bulkier and they tend to be noisier to use. If choosing a weighted blanket with this filling, be sure to check that they are machine washable as not all poly pellets can withstand high temperatures.

Micro glass beads are similar in size to grains of sand, thus the blankets tend to be thinner than those made with plastic pellets. Micro glass beads make less noise when moved compared to their plastic counterparts. They have a smoother texture than poly pellets which leads to a higher quality finish. Micro glass beads are an environmentally friendly alternative to poly pellets as well as being hypoallergenic.

Some weighted blankets also include polyester fiberfill, similarly to a quilt, for added warmth and loft.

Weighted blanket covers

Weighted blankets can be tough to wash because they are quite heavy. For blankets that are 4.5kg and above, you'll want to use a heavy-duty washer and dryer. Some blankets are not machine-washable which means you’ll need to do it by hand.

If you're worried that your blanket may be too hard to wash frequently, consider purchasing a removable cover. Covers are usually available in a breathable cotton or a soft minky fabric.

Things to consider

Returns policy

Take a close look at the company’s return policies. Does the company try to work with their customers to find the right size and weight for their needs or do they swindle the customer by charging heaps of money for returns?

Choosing a reliable company that will help you choose the style, size and weight for you is essential in finding your perfect weighted blanket.

Customer service

Does this company have a track record of delivering quality products on time? Does it have a long list of satisfied customers?

You can find out by reading reviews to see what others have to say about the company and its products. It’ll give you valuable information such as: Have other customers received their orders on time? Did their weighted blanket hold up after months or years of use, and what kind of experience did they have overall?

You can read reviews on our website by scrolling up to help guide you in your purchasing decision.