The Best Weighted Blanket of 2021 – Sleep Better Today

For anybody struggling with insomnia or anxiety, the answer may just be a weighted blanket. While some are happy to fall asleep with regular covers, others like to feel a little pressure and support from their blanket, and this is where this product comes into its own. Today, we have a guide that will help to choose the best weighted blanket for you. 

With the right product, there is now mounting evidence of the link between serotonin production and weighted blankets. If you’re unaware, this is a neurotransmitter known to make us feel calm, relaxed, and happy. When production increases, we can sleep better, and the digestive system also receives assistance. Often referred to as ‘deep-pressure therapy’, it should never replace medication or medical treatments. However, it has proven a useful way to tackle insomnia, anxiety, and other sleeping problems. 

While there will be a focus on sleep in this guide, we all know that blankets are used more than just at bedtime. Ever like to snuggle under a blanket while reading a book or watching TV in the winter? Some days, we have a tough day at work and just need some comfort. As we’re going to discover, a weighted blanket for adults utilizes either plastic or glass beads to make them heavy. Fortunately, the polyester fiber fill padding keeps it soft too. 

What’s the best weighted blanket for you? Well, this is a great question, and we hope you get closer to an answer after this guide. You’ll need to consider the weight of the blanket, your budget, the option of a duvet cover, and whether you want one that is machine washable. With the first consideration, for example, experts suggest choosing one that weighs 10% of our body weight. 

Without further ado, let’s start this informational guide with weighted blanket reviews. This way, you’ll get an idea of the type of products available on the market! 

The Best Weighted Blankets 

YnM Weighted Blanket Review

The YnM weighted blanket has a seven-layer system that can encourage a healthy and deep sleep for both adults and children. As we sleep, it contours to the body, while the more glass beads and less fiberfill design allows us to remain cool (rather than overheating and feeling uncomfortable!).

With the small compartments measuring at 4.7x4.7 inches, the YnM provides even weight distribution. Also, we don’t need to worry about leaking beads because of the 3D lock bead sewing method. Just in case you wondered about the different compartments, the weight cannot move between them because of the clever stitching. Even after all of these benefits, we can confidently say that the glass beads are hypoallergenic, odorless, and non-toxic.

Why did we include the YnM Weighted Blanket on this list? Aside from everything we mentioned, it has two additional benefits - affordability and comfort. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, you’ll be comfortable in your bed.

With the manufacturer themselves, they offer free repairs if the damage is unexpected and occurs within the first three years. Whether you’ve tried these heavy blankets before or this will be your first, try to give it some time before giving up. For the first week or so, it might feel too light or too heavy. After this, you’ll grow accustomed to the feel of the blanket, and the luxurious experience will begin.

Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket Review

For our second product, we’ve got one suitable for younger children. With comfort in abundance, the Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket has provided us with a seven-layer blanket, non-glue polyester padding, breathable materials, and 100% cotton outer layer. Thanks to this clever design, the temperature is regulated, and you don’t have to worry about losing beads over time. Also, the micro glass beads themselves are lead-free, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and odorless.

Once you’ve ordered, you will receive a soft-to-the-touch Minky duvet cover, which is incredibly useful in the winter. Once the summer months roll around, take the cover off, and you’ll have a cooler blanket. To remove it, simply unzip the zipper and remove the string ties on the edges of the blanket.

For your children, they will love the feel of the Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket, and it’s available in a single and twin size (as well as full sizes). As mentioned in the introduction, it’s best to choose one at around 10% of your child’s weight. If you do the calculations and it falls between two sizes, choose the lighter one just to be sure. If you don’t like the product or your toddler doesn’t get along with it, the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee. Also, contact a doctor before using a heavy blanket with your child.

ZonLi Adults Weighted Blanket Review

For our next product, we have an option for adults, and its benefits start with the breathable 100% natural cotton material. When you started reading this guide, you might have been thinking that a heavy blanket will have you sweating through the night. However, the ZonLi Adults Weighted Blanket is cool, durable, and optimized for a comfortable temperature. The new technology distributes the weight evenly through small squares, and the two microfiber layers secure the beads in place in order to prevent leakages.

In terms of the structure of the ZonLi, it starts with the two layers of cotton fabric before then reaching another two layers of microfiber. From here, the glass beads are next followed by non-glue polyester padding, which prevents noise and movement of the beads. The beads themselves are odorless, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic.

The product won’t break the bank, and we can choose one that matches our needs thanks to the different weights and heights available. We recommend choosing 6%-10% of your body weight (you might want to go lighter when using it first).

Another reason we like the ZonLi Adults Weighted Blanket is that you can employ it however you wish. While some wrap it around the shoulders, others like it across their lap or covering the whole body. Whether you’re just watching TV, reading, or taking a nap, the blanket will always be ready to help. If you have a problem with overheating, the new bamboo series are highly recommended to feel cooler when sleeping.

CuteKing Weighted Blanket Review

The CuteKing Weighted Blanket is extremely durable with 100% high-density cotton fabric and a seven-layer system to make sure their blankets will not leak beads. Ultimately, this combination also provides temperature control, which means it can be used throughout the calendar. The weight is evenly distributed, which will make you feel more comfortable when you are under it.

If you don’t want to worry about tears, rips, and the blanket losing life, this is a superb option. The manufacturer has combined clever sewing techniques with strong materials to really extend the life of the product. To keep the CuteKing Weighted Blanket in place, attach it to the duvet cover via the six loops.

As we’ve mentioned before, there’s no need to be concerned when the twin, queen, or king-sized blanket arrives and seems smaller than expected; the product is designed to cover your body rather than your bed. The manufacturer offers free repairs during the first three years, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and after-sale service for life.

Good Knight Weighted Blanket Review

Every night, there are millions of people around the world tossing and turning, hoping desperately just to get some sleep. Whether it’s insomnia or anxiety, we highly recommend giving the Good Knight Weighted Blanket a try.

The non-toxic poly pellets combine with 100% premium cotton and reinforced stitching for even weight distribution. With the extra weight, we’re more likely to fall asleep faster, ease the nervous system, and improve sleep quality too. For many customers, they’re able to effectively deal with anxiety, sleep disorders, sensory disorders, and more.

Although the Good Knight Weighted Blanket is machine washable, it doesn’t offer a duvet cover, so this is something to consider. If you try the product and decide it isn’t for you, you will get a refund from the manufacturer with no questions asked.

CALMFORTER Premium Weighted Blanket Review

If comfort is your priority, we want to bring the CALMFORTER Premium Weighted Blanket to your attention. Firstly, we love the EVENFLOW technology, which stands alongside the Stardust Minibead and CloudSoft Polyfill weighting system to provide an experience you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry.

On one side of the blanket, you’ll have the SensaCool Dot System that keeps users cool while the other is all about softness. Depending on how you feel, you can flip the blanket and stay comfortable at all times. While some heavy blankets can be a little lumpy, this one has the entire weighting system hidden inside the cover, which means it has a universal appearance. While on the topic of appearances, you can even choose from a number of colors.

To combine comfort and therapy, research suggests that balance can be found between 12 and 15 pounds. According to the manufacturer themselves, anything over this boundary will be too hot and too constricting, and may actually increase anxiety. On the other hand, fall below 12 pounds, and the effect won’t be strong enough.

Whenever you want to freshen the blanket, simply unzip the cover and put it in the machine. That’s right, you don’t need to wash the whole thing and wait days for it to finally dry. Not only does this save time, but it should also extend the life of the blanket compared to more traditional options.

Would the CALMFORTER Premium Weighted Blanket work for you? We’ve chosen it as the best for the weight, which means it has the potential for those who experience anxiety, restless legs, depression, night terrors, or even sleep talking.

Dr. Hart’s Weighted Blanket Deluxe Set Review

As the name suggests, our next option comes from a practicing medical doctor for treating serious sleep disorders. Using premium materials and clever design, the Dr. Hart’s Weighted Blanket Deluxe Set has received fantastic reviews from all so far, and we can’t see this changing any time soon.

Firstly, let’s talk about the patented DreamBeads. Exclusive to Dr. Hart’s brand, they’re made of quartz micro-spheres and were actually developed by NASA initially. Better than glass beads or poly pellets, they are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, odorless, soft, and quiet.

Secondly, we love the ContourWave design, and this is another patented feature. As you’re probably starting to notice, this product is unique. With this design, weight is distributed evenly, and it also contours to your body for an amazing experience. With the large size at 60x80 inches, we’re confident that people of all shapes and sizes will find value in the blanket. In fact, with twin, full, queen, and king sizes available, it’s even ideal for couples who like to snuggle together.

Next, we have a Minky, micro-plush cover which can be thrown in the machine and will remain extremely soft in the long-term. With the inner blanket, we recommend either hand washing or putting on a moderate cycle before air drying since it’s 100% organic cotton.

When under the blanket, you should feel soft pressure from your shoulders to your feet, and this activates the deep touch receptors and brings about the release of serotonin we mentioned earlier.

We should also note that the Dr. Hart’s Weighted Blanket Deluxe Set is considered a ‘sensory blanket.’ What does this mean? Well, it can be used to help with a sensory processing disorder. What’s more, it is also considered an ADHD, autism, and therapy blanket. Due to the light pressure in all the right areas, it promotes a feeling of safety, allowing you to reduce stress.

Sonno Zona Weighted Blanket Review

These days, we know about the dangers of anxiety and about how to deal with the problem more effectively than ever before. With this in mind, we turn our attention to Sonno Zona, a brand focused on wellness and dealing with anxiety without medication. For both sensory and stress disorders, it’s a holistic and natural way to deal with the problem.

Not only does the Sonno Zona Weighted Blanket come with a deluxe duvet style cover, but this cover also has an easy-to-use zip and security ties on the inside. In this intricate design, the glass beads are secured within the quilted sections, and this helps with temperature regulation as well as keeping noise to a minimum.

In terms of the fabric, it has two different sides; while one has a downy texture (almost like Cashmere), the other has Minky dots (sensory receptive). Not long after draping the blanket over you, the stress and anxiety will release from the body, and the hypoallergenic material means we can have peace of mind with allergies. As the pressure points are stimulated, the production of serotonin increases, and we’re in a better position to deal with ADHD, physical sensitivity, insomnia, and mood sensitivity.

As well as the help for anxiety, we appreciate the brilliant stitching and the durability of the Sonno Zona Weighted Blanket. The soft duvet is connected via sewn loops, both blanket and cover are machine washable, and you can even put it in the tumble dryer on a gentle, warm cycle. This way, you keep it clean, and it stays with you for a number of years.

Hypnoser Weighted Blanket Review

As our final product, we’ve gone for the Hypnoser Weighted Blanket, which offers relaxation for both adults and children. Not only will it work on helping physically, but this product is also designed to boost your mood, too.

Rather than overheating and having to throw the blanket off after ten minutes, it uses 100% cotton - healthy, soft, breathable, and cool. As we’ve seen throughout, clever sewing processes is utilized, which should keep leaking to a minimum. For the glass beads, they are distributed into small 4x4-inch diamond pockets. This has two main benefits;

It keeps us feeling comfortable and prevents too much weight gathering in one section of the blanket
It means that noise is reduced when moving (this isn’t always the case with heavy blankets!)

If you’re between 130 and 170 pounds, the company recommends choosing the 15-pound blanket. With the weight that comes with this product, it’s better to go under than over. If you have a full or twin bed, we advise the 48x72-inch blanket. Alternatively, the 60x80-inch blanket is better for full, queen, and king beds.

If you look online, you’ll notice that Hypnoser talk about their premium-quality materials and therefore offers 100% durability. Thanks to the double-lined nature and stitching, you can wash this blanket (as long as you keep it on a cold and gentle cycle and air dry). Luckily, the brand has also launched a duvet cover to make cleaning even easier. Although this does mean a larger initial expense, it will save lots of time and effort over the life of your blanket.

As a product that aids with all sorts of sleeping issues, we fully support the Hypnoser Weighted Blanket and what they want to achieve. They provide a free repair service, a three-year warranty, and believe their product helps with jet lag, restless leg syndrome, night terrors, nervousness, sleeplessness, autism, and more.

What’s a Weighted Blanket and Can They Help Sleep?

We’ve gone through some weighted blanket reviews, but what’s the definition of a weighted blanket? Well, for the most part, they tend to be at least three times heavier than a regular duvet (this can extend to five times). Though similar in size and shape, they carry a weight of anywhere between five and 30 pounds. Across the market, you’ll come across different manufacturers who fill their blankets with different materials. These days, the most popular option is either plastic or glass beads. 

If you’ve never slept under one of these blankets, it’s hard to imagine the sensation. However, they have fantastic reviews. Though compared to an x-ray vest, they have the comfort of a regular duvet…only with extra weight. When you order a product in this field, you’ll receive the outer layer, which is all about softness and comfort, and the inner layer, which contains the weight. 

Improving Sleep 

The biggest benefit of using a weighted blanket is encouraging the production of hormones that promote sleep; not just sleep, but a deep and restful sleep. Sometimes referred to as ‘grounding’, we get under the blanket and feel a slight pressure. As we’re pushed into the mattress slightly, we receive a night of rest as the nerves are calmed by the aforementioned hormones. 

Additionally, some studies have pointed towards a reduction in cortisol with grounding. If you aren’t aware, unlike the good hormones, this is one that is related to stress. The more cortisol in our body, the harder it is to fall asleep and enjoy a restful sleep. 

Furthermore, melatonin (another hormone that helps sleep) may increase with the use of grounding. Without intervention, the body should start to produce melatonin to induce sleep as the night goes on. Yet, some people don’t get enough melatonin and they find it difficult to switch off. We’re sure you’ve all had one of those evenings where you’re just staring at the wall or ceiling? This could be a result of insufficient melatonin production. 

For all these reasons, grounding can help us to relax and get the sleep we need in the evenings. Aside from the scientific aspect, grounding is also comfortable. It could be a reaction from the increased serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, or it could be that we just like the increased pressure and feel a sense of comfort there. Almost like a hug, we’re able to just let go and drift off into a deep sleep. 

With any product on the market, it’s important to be careful when talking about real physical or mental conditions. Fortunately, science has linked grounding with the release of so-called ‘happy’ hormones so we can tell you that they may help with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), anxiety, depression, anxiety, and stress. 

Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket 

If you buy a weighted blanket for adults, how exactly will you benefit? We’ve hinted at some of the ways already, but here’s a list of the main benefits! 

Improve Sleep 

As we’ve just seen, improved sleep is the obvious reason you might invest in a weighted blanket. With the grounding effect, positive hormones are released, and we find it easier to relax. Also, it can prevent tossing and turning through the night because we feel more comfortable in one position. For those with insomnia, they get the comfort they crave while melatonin production is encouraged. In the past, many people with such problems have posted positive results after using a weighted blanket. 

Deal with Stress

There’s no getting away from it, life is stressful. Whether it’s work, family, relationships, or something else entirely, nobody ever has a smooth ride through life. In recent years, we’re beginning to learn more about how stress affects our mental health. Rather than just accepting stress and letting it affect our sleep, you can get some relief with a weighted blanket. By encouraging the hormone changes we’ve discussed, we get the sleep we need, have more energy the next day, can take problems in our stride, and boost our mental health overall. 

Help the Elderly 

As we go through life and get older, our sleep/wake cycle continually changes. Once we also consider chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and other issues, this plays a huge role in our sleep. Therefore, introducing a weighted blanket can really help to manage this problem. 

Feel Security 

This is especially true for children, but this isn’t to say that adults don’t also like to feel secure in bed. With the added weight in a blanket, we feel like we’re being hugged, and this makes us feel great in bed. If you like to cocoon yourself into your duvet, you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t buy a weighted blanket sooner. 

Relieve Pain from Fibromyalgia and Arthritis 

With fibromyalgia a form of arthritis, the two problems are characterized by joint inflammation and, eventually, chronic pain. If this is something that plagues you as you try to sleep, a weighted blanket works in much the same way as a massage. Discomfort reduces, the nervous system relaxes, and it’s possible to drift off into a nice sleep. 

Help with Restless Leg Syndrome 

As an aching or tingling sensation in the leg, sufferers know how frustrating this gets while trying to sleep. Often, it leads to insomnia and can ruin relationships; one partner needs to continually move the legs while the other is trying to sleep. Instead of compression socks and overheating, a weighted blanket can bring very similar results. 

Assist Sleepwalkers 

Finally, sleepwalking is a problem for both adults and children. With weighted blankets bringing relaxation and comfort, we get into a deeper sleep and sleepwalking episodes are less likely. 

Who Benefits from a Weighted Blanket Most?

In addition to those wanting to increase their comfort and relaxation in bed, we believe there are three main groups who should consider a weighted blanket. 

ADHD

Short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, this is a problem that leads to an impulsive character, a lack of focus, and restlessness. With the deep pressure stimulation of a weighted blanket, ADHD sufferers can feel relaxed and soothed. Thought to be a result of serotonin and melatonin production, it can boost mood and help with sleep issues. 

ASD 

Standing for autism spectrum disorder, there are several reasons why a weighted blanket can help, and this is especially true for children. Since low levels of melatonin and serotonin are a side effect of ASD, it’s easy to see why and how a weighted blanket can assist. For children, anxiety at night is common too. 

PTSD 

As the third group, serotonin levels are also generally lower in those with post-traumatic stress disorder. As the blanket helps to boost these levels while alleviating stress, sleep quality and duration can improve. 

Although these are the three main groups we wanted to discuss in this guide, more medical studies are creating links between weighted blankets and; 

• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Restless leg syndrome 
• Anxiety disorder 
• Depression 
• Obsessive compulsive disorder 

Who WILL NOT Benefit from a Weighted Blanket?

We’ve spoken positively about the best weighted blankets, but we would be wrong in saying they work for everyone. Here’s a small list of people who should avoid weighted blankets; 

• Hot Flashes - Since there’s a danger of heat retention with some blankets, those dealing with hot flashes may find that a weighted blanket exacerbates the issue. 
• Circulatory/Respiratory/Cardiovascular Problems - If you have a cardiovascular, respiratory, or circulatory problems, we highly recommend talking to your doctor before using a weighted blanket because these products can affect circulation and breathing. 
• Small Children – We’ve mentioned children throughout this guide, but we must state that a conversation with a doctor is advised. Especially where special circumstances are present, it’s best to allow your doctor to weigh up the pros and cons before coming to a decision. 
• Claustrophobia - As you can imagine, having a fear of enclosed spaces can also cause problems with a weighted blanket. 

If you suffer from a medical condition or just want advice, we recommend getting in touch with your doctor and having a simple conversation. 

Choosing the Right Weight 

Since the weight of the blanket is so important, we want to offer a brief section on this very matter. As we’ve said before with bedding products, taking recommendations from friends is great, but you MUST choose a weight that’s designed for you. The general rule is to choose a blanket between 5% and 10% of your body weight; as an example, a 10-15-pound blanket would be perfect for somebody at 150 pounds. 

Despite this general rule, you might still want to experiment since some prefer blankets on the lighter side while others push the boundaries (or even go beyond) of the 10%. If you’re buying for a child, err on the side of caution and start light. Please don’t buy a blanket that your child will ‘grow into’; it’s better to allow your child to outgrow a blanket and purchase a replacement.

Buying Considerations 

You’ve seen some fantastic products, you’ve learned lots about the best weighted blankets, but how do you actually choose one? Don’t worry, we have the main considerations below! 

Shape Maintenance 

Let’s face it, we all want a blanket that will maintain its shape and stay with us for a long time. When a blanket gets bunched up, it feels uncomfortable and we don’t benefit from the grounding effect. With this in mind, you need a blanket with sewn quilted boxes or baffles. This way, the pellets or beads remain in their designated sections and the blanket keeps its shape over time. In other designs, you’ll find internal clasps, and this will essentially do the same thing. 

Temperature Regulation 

If you already sleep hot, the last thing you want is to add more potential for heat retention, so this should be the next consideration. Whether it’s a memory foam mattress or your own temperature that causes problems, we recommend steering clear of polyester and other synthetic fabrics. Instead, choose wool, cotton, or any other natural fiber since these will sleep cooler.

Comfort 

How often will you use this blanket? For many, the answer is ‘every night’ which means you need to think about stress relief, support, pain relief, breathability, warmth, and more. Yet, comfort is also a factor that we cannot ignore. It’s all well and good a weighted blanket offering all sorts of benefits, but this all comes to nothing if you aren’t comfortable and start to dread bedtime. Look for ergonomic support, luxurious materials, even distribution, and more to keep you comfortable and relieve anxiety/stress. 

Size 

We’ve hinted at this a couple of times in this guide, but many people make mistakes when it comes to choosing a size. Yes, products will be listed under twin, full, queen, king, and other bed sizes. But sizing applies to covering you as opposed to the bed itself. Therefore, a weighted blanket won’t hang off the sides of the bed. This is actually a positive thing because otherwise you will shift your weight and pull the blanket out of position. 

If you don’t want a full blanket, there’s no reason why you can’t buy a shoulder or lap blanket instead. For some children, it helps them to sit still and stop fidgeting (finally!). 

Weight 

We’ve covered weight already, so we won’t dwell on the topic too much. Currently, manufacturers tend to produce blankets in increments of five pounds. With the lowest at five pounds, some reach 30 pounds and can be adjusted by folding and maneuvering in other ways. After considering your own weight and the 10% rule, look at the guides that manufacturers present and choose a product you think will match your needs. 

Cover 

Next, we have an interesting one because not all weighted blankets will come with a cover in tow. You might need to factor a cover into your budget, think about breathable materials, and how warm/cool you need it to be. As well as cotton, available cover materials include fleece, flannel, polyester, and Minky. 

Which is best? Well, this comes down to needs and preferences. If you have sensory problems, Minky will have a luxurious feel. If you need a cool material, look for a breathable cotton blend. Although not a necessity, we should also note that loops or hooks will prevent the blanket from bunching, and this is an option on some covers. 

Fill 

Currently, the most common fill materials are probably micro glass beads and plastic poly pellets. This isn’t the end of the decision-making process though, you may also discover rice, sand, and others. Here’s our breakdown of the most popular two choices; 

• Micro Glass Beads - Free from toxins and hypoallergenic, glass beads stay cool, they will have extra padding for the user, but they’re also on the more expensive side. Depending on the blanket, the padding may consist of fleece, polyester, chenille, or cotton. 
• Plastic Pellets - On the other hand, plastic is obviously lighter, and this means more are required for the weight. Sadly, small amounts of toxins are possible, but this will never step into ‘dangerous’ territory. On the positive side, the blankets are generally cheaper. 

Once you’ve decided on a favorite, you can consider other features like water resistance. With some products, the fabric padding will have a layer of moisture-wicking material. 

Other Considerations

Here are some of the other buying considerations for finding the best weighted blanket; 

• Trial - Do you want to try the weighted blanket to make sure it suits you and your sleeping habits? If so, look for a manufacturer that offers a sleep trial. Often, the company will allow you to test for 30 days. If you don’t get on with it, return and receive your money back. 
• Budget - This is a simple enough one, but people often forget it. Once you know what you can spend, it’s possible to filter the available products and make your search easier. Remember that private sellers will be cheaper (but without the warranties and security) while websites like Amazon will be more expensive (but with warranties and extra protection). 
• Cleaning - In order to keep the blanket feeling and smelling fresh, it might be wise to choose a product with a washable cover. If you’re accustomed to washing your duvet covers, adding one more shouldn’t make too much of a difference. Be careful, not all covers will be suitable for a tumble dryer. 
• Design - Do you want a blanket with one color or perhaps a more extravagant design (even two-tone) to fit with the decor of your bedroom? 
• Durability - Although it sounds simple, those with higher quality materials will generally have a longer life. Even if it means parting with more money, durability is important because it means you aren’t looking for a replacement quite so soon after buying. 
• Warranty - With the best weighted blankets, the manufacturers will offer a warranty because they value customer service and believe in the product. Make sure you check the warranties and guarantees to ensure you’re protected should something happen that isn’t your own fault. 
• Safety - Especially when buying for children, check the material of the blanket and see whether it meets regulations and avoids health hazards. The last thing you want from a weighted blanket is materials that are harmful to health, considering we will use it every night. 
• Company Reputation - Lastly, the internet is a wonderful place and it takes seconds to see reviews for all sorts of companies, so take advantage of this. Is there a small brand that has brilliant reviews and offers cheaper blankets than the larger names? Check reputation, read customer reviews, and feel confident and comfortable with your decision. 

Caring for and Washing Your Weighted Blanket 

Caring 

In truth, this is a difficult section to provide advice because each weighted blanket will have unique care instructions (make sure you read the label and instructions carefully!). This being said, we can provide some general information; 

• Wash - If possible, wash your weighted blanket alone to prevent damage. Furthermore, we advise against stronger fabric softeners, detergents, and chlorine bleaches. While non-chlorine bleaches and gentle detergents are best, be wary that fabric softener will eventually remove the softness. Over time, your blanket can become a little rough. Meanwhile, bleaches containing chlorine will break down the fabric’s fibers. 
• Dry - Since many weighted blankets need air drying, make sure you spread it over the laundry line evenly so that it dries quickly. By doing this, you also help it to retain shape wash after wash. 
• Iron - We have one thing to say to anybody thinking about ironing a weighted blanket; don’t. 

Washing Different Materials

Here’s some advice on washing the different types of weighted blanket; 

• Fleece - With fleece, it should be allowed to soak in warm water for 30 minutes. From here, it can go in the machine to dry but only ever on a low heat. 
• Cotton - Next up, cotton can be washed in cold or warm water before then drying on a low or medium heat. If you’re worried about running colors, start the process by washing in cold water and one cup of salt. 
• Minky - This is perhaps the easiest to wash with warm water, as long as you don’t use fabric softener because Minky fabrics are actually resistant. Without it, your blanket will still come out just as soft as it went in. Perhaps the children have been using it or you spilled a little morning coffee? Non-chlorine bleach will help to remove stubborn stains. 

General Weighted Blanket Tips 

In the next section, we’ll provide some common questions and their answers. First, here are some general tips we have for weighted blankets and their use in the home! 

• For those with insomnia or anxiety, we recommend choosing a blanket that is big enough for the whole bed. With smaller blankets, they wrap around the shoulders and this is more suitable for improving calmness and focus. 
• Only those strong enough to remove the blanket should they need to are suitable for weighted blankets. Therefore, NEVER use them on a baby. Unlike an adult, or even a child, they don’t have the strength to push the blanket away when in danger. 
• There are some fantastic lap weighted blankets on the market, and they help to improve focus in children with ADHD and sensory disorders. 
• Similar to young children, some elderly individuals will struggle with heavier blankets so it’s always better to err on the side of caution and lean towards 5% of body weight rather than 10%. 
• What about storage? If there’s a period where you don’t need the blanket, you have a few options. While some buy an ottoman for their bedroom, others go for storage under the bed, a small chest, or even just a dresser for those with space. 
• Feel free to experiment with different weights; if you suffer with anxiety, you might actually find that going above the 10% really helps. 
• Although this sounds obvious, we urge you not to place a weighted blanket for adults on a pet of any kind. Whether a dog, a cat, or something else entirely, you could be doing more harm than good. Even if your pet suffers with anxiety themselves, you could end up compressing their bodies. Elsewhere, they might chew into the blanket and swallow glass beads. When this occurs, the beads may not pass through the digestive track and suddenly you’re racing down to the vet for emergency assistance. 
• If you have restless leg syndrome, try a lap blanket over the legs in the evenings and when you want to sleep. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the weighted blanket for myself and my child?

No, experts will advise against this idea. When a blanket is heavy enough for the grounding effect on an adult, just imagine how heavy this will be for your child. 

Will I find King or Super King sizes with weighted blankets?

It may be difficult, but don’t give up just yet. These days, the most common sizes are single, double, or somewhere in between. For children, there are smaller sizes available. As mentioned previously, the blanket fits the person and not the bed, so you don’t need to go for the biggest size. Even if you have a King or Super King bed, this doesn’t mean you need a King or Super King blanket. The more it hangs over the edge of the bed, the more likely it is to fall to the floor overnight. 

Can I use the weighted blanket with a partner?

This is a question we see often, and it’s a good one because a significant percentage of the population share the bed with a partner. While the logistics of sharing a blanket are simple, it’s not necessarily the best thing to do because weighted blankets are designed for one person. When draped over two people, you don’t get the same therapeutic benefits and you may both feel underwhelmed at the experience. 

Will a weighted blanket help with my condition?

In recent years, we’ve come to learn the extent to which weighted blankets can help. They can assist with sensory processing disorders, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain issues, and more. 

Will the weighted blanket work with other bedding?

Of course, and this is true for both adults and children. There’s no need to change anything about your duvet or sheets, just place the weighted blanket on top. Away from the bed, you will also find comfort with the blanket while reading on the sofa and in other circumstances. 

Are weighted blankets considered safe?

Weighted blankets are incredibly safe, assuming that you use them correctly, follow the instructions, and pay attention to the tips in the previous section. This being said, there will always be exceptions with a product like this and the first is babies and small children. Similar to the elderly, these groups have limited upper body strength so wouldn’t be able to remove the blanket if they wanted. 

Aside from this, we recommend having a conversation with your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory illness, breathing problems, or another health concern. 

Summary 

That brings our guide on weighted blankets to a close, thank you for joining us and we hope you’ve learned something you can take away and apply. Starting with weighted blanket reviews, we went on to buying considerations, tips, benefits and drawbacks, and much more. By using this information and considering your own position, you should be able to choose the best weighted blanket for you without too much trouble. 

Remember, many companies will offer money-back guarantees which means you have a short period to test. If you decide you need a heavier, lighter, or even a completely different blanket, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer and take advantage of their guarantee. If they didn’t expect customers to do so, they wouldn’t offer the guarantee in the first place. 

Enjoy your weighted blanket for adults and have a great day!