The 9 Best Weighted Blankets, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested and Selected 

We tested 34 of the most popular weighted blankets in our lab, looking at comfort, quality, and warmth. To start the test, our testers measured and weighed each blanket to see how well they stood up to manufacturer measurements, deducting points for ones that were off. We also put each blanket through a coffee spill test to see how easy they were to clean. Following the spill test, our testers laundered each machine-washable blanket and noted any shrinking.

Our testers laid under each blanket to note its warmth and comfort, identifying if the blanket was cool to the touch if it claimed to have cooling properties. They also turned over under each blanket to see how easy they were to maneuver. During this test, they also shook the blanket to note how noisy it was as the filling moved.

In addition, we consulted with Peter Polos, MD, PhD, FCCP, FAASM, sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number.

What to Know About Weighted Blankets

Sizing

A general rule of thumb is that your weighted blanket should be around 10% of your weight, but anywhere between 5% and 12% should allow you to feel the benefits of the blanket.

When it comes to the blanket’s dimensions, it might feel natural to use the same sizing you would for other blankets or comforters, you might not be getting the full benefit of a weighted blanket if you shop this way. Because of how weight is distributed in weighted blankets if you shop for a larger blanket, the most weight will end up unused or on the floor as the blanket slides around at night. Many blankets are available in smaller dimensions even at higher weights, so you might want to consider buying a smaller size—like 48 x 72 inches, which is considered a “single” size by most blanket manufacturers.

Filling Material 

Micro glass beads and poly pellets are two of the most common weighted blanket fillings.

Poly pellets are tiny plastic beads typically found in more budget-friendly weighted blankets thanks to their lower cost. While there are environmental concerns about this filling (namely that it’s difficult to recycle), they are machine washable. Another downside is that they are more likely to trap heat than other fillings.

Micro glass beads are considered a higher-end filler, typically used in more expensive blankets (such as Gravity’s blanket). However, they are heavier than other fillings while still being quite small, giving blankets with glass beads a more lay flat appearance. They also tend to make less noise while moving around. 

Steel beads are another filling that’s become more common, especially as they’re as easy to wash as poly pellets while still being environmentally friendly.

Something else to look for is whether your blanket has an additional filling. Some blankets are filled with a polyester fiberfill, which is sometimes inserted to help keep the weighted fillings in place, but it also makes weighted blankets warmer; if you’re a hot sleeper, look for blankets that don’t use this filling. “Increased temperature can impact our ability to fall and stay asleep, so a weighted blanket with breathable materials and cooling components can help promote sleep even more,” says Dr. Polos.

How Much to Expect to Pay for a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are fairly expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find one that fits your budget. As weighted blankets have become more popular, more budget picks have become available that compete with higher-end blankets. Two things that will play a part in a blanket’s price are size and filling type. A larger, heavier blanket will cost more, and the same is true for one that uses higher-quality fillings like micro glass beads.

Overall, it’s much easier to find a quality weighted blanket for under $40 than when the blankets first became popular—two of our choices on this list are around that price: the Waowoo Adult Weighted Blanket comes in at $40, while the TOPCEE Weighted Blanket was $36 at the time of publication.

On average, weighted blankets will cost between $50 and $70, with some costing as much as $200 that tend to last longer and come with higher-end features like temperature regulation, such as the Sleep Number True Temp blanket or the Gravity Blanket.

More Weighted Blankets to Consider

• Bearaby Cotton Napper: Our tester thought that this blanket was soft and high quality, but it should have weighed more for the price.
• Cariloha Weighted Bamboo Blanket: This blanket was warm without overheating and cleaned easily, but its measurements—including weight and post-wash shrink—were inaccurate compared to the manufacturer’s specs.
• Sunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket: Our tester thought this blanket performed well in all of our tests and was incredibly well made, but at almost $300, it was more expensive than other blankets that performed just as well in our tests..
• Ella Jayne Reversible Weighted Blanket: Our tester liked the weight and material of this blanket, but they found that the removable cover made it a hassle to use.

Your Questions, Answered

Can weighted blankets help with anxiety?

Deep-pressure touch can help relieve symptoms of anxiety. Weighted blankets can provide DPT, which may help people with anxiety in the following ways:

• Help minimize repetitive behaviors like foot tapping or fidgeting
• Lower impulsive behaviors, such as engaging in potentially harmful activities
• Increase attention and focus 
• Improve performance of fine motor tasks 
• Boost oxytocin levels

One study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine found that using weighted blankets significantly reduced anxiety for adults at an inpatient facility. Participants who used either a 14-pound or 20-pound weighted blanket for at least 20 minutes reported feeling less anxious and had a lowered heart rate.

Another study followed 120 adults with anxiety or depressive disorders who also experienced insomnia. Researchers found that 92% of participants reported better sleep and lowered anxiety after using a weighted blanket for one month.

Researchers are still investigating whether weighted blankets benefit young people with anxiety. So far, research on whether weighted blankets are useful for anxiety in children with autism remains inconclusive, but some occupational therapists use them to help children keep calm.

Are weighted blankets good for sleep?

In addition to reducing anxiety, studies have shown that weighted blankets can sometimes help improve other anxiety-related symptoms, such as insomnia and fatigue. Dr. Polos notes that while studies have shown conflicting results about the true effectiveness of weighted blankets for helping with underlying sleep problems, they are always worth trying. “[I]f anxiety plays a role in your sleep disturbance, a weighted blanket may help,” he says. “The pressure of the blanket can alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of comfort. This can have a significant impact on insomnia.”

In one study, adult participants with insomnia used a weighted blanket to see if it would improve their sleep. Researchers found that the weighted blankets helped participants fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.

The same study also investigated whether weighted blankets could improve daytime fatigue. People with anxiety may have difficulty falling asleep, affecting how tired they are during the day. The majority of study participants who used weighted blankets for sleep felt more awake during the day, had more energy, and could stay active for longer periods.

Can weighted blankets help relieve pain?

People living with persistent anxiety may also experience physical side effects like chronic pain and muscle aches, which research suggests DPT can help relieve.

In one study, 94 adults with anxiety and chronic pain were given a weighted blanket weighing either five or 15 pounds. While both weighted blankets were helpful, most study participants felt the heavier blanket was better for relieving chronic pain symptoms.

Who shouldn’t use a weighted blanket?

While weighted blankets can provide several benefits for sleep and relaxation, some people should avoid them. These include people with health issues such as “low blood pressure, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or certain respiratory disorders,” says Dr. Polos. “In some cases, the additional weight and subsequent pressure can impact their sleep, increase the work of breathing or impact peripheral circulation.”

If you have any of these conditions and would still like to try a weighted blanket to manage anxiety, speak to your healthcare provider to determine whether a blanket is safe for you.

Who We Are

Jaylyn Pruitt has a Master of Library and Information Science with a focus on health information. Her goal is to provide easy-to-understand information with a patient perspective in mind.

Melissa Fiorenza is a writer with over 15 years of experience covering topics in health and fitness, parenting, beauty, and women's issues. Her work appears in Health, Prevention, Cosmopolitan, Time Out New York, and The TODAY Show. Melissa also authored the book Twentysomething Girl.