If you’ve come here, it’s likely that you already know what weighted blankets are. But in the off chance you’re exploring something new, here’s the lowdown on the popular product for helping to improve sleep quality, easing anxiety, and so much more.
Weighted blankets sound like they may not be the most comfortable — perhaps when compared to your marshmallow-soft throw blanket — but, from our experience, they help you unwind and relax, even helping to “provide comfort and security, ease stress and soothe anxiety, improve sleep quality and calm the nervous system,” according to the Sleep Foundation.
RELATED: Best mattresses to order online
“A weighted blanket is designed to calm and relax you by applying even pressure over your body,” David Rubin, sleep science coach and product expert at The Sleep Doctor, told the New York Post. “They are either made from heavy knits, or in a duvet style with small beads evenly dispersed throughout the blanket.”
To best discern which ones are *really* worth your coin, we got cozy in this product review. Ahead, you’ll find the top six best weighted blankets of 2024, followed by an expert-driven FAQ section to answer more of your questions on finding the ideal weight for you and how to properly care for them.
Click to jump to a specific section:
- Best Weighted Blanket Overall
- Best Knitted Weighted Blankets
- Best Weighted Blankets for Sleeping
- Best Weighted Throw Blanket
How we tested
Let’s be honest — trying out blankets for work is fun. But, there’s certainly more to trying out a blanket than simply lying down with it one time and making a does-it-keep-or-does-it-go decision. So, here’s the testing criteria I kept in mind when testing blankets for as long as three years:
- Comfortability: Of course, comfort is the No. 1 trait I looked for when wrapping myself up in each of these. Naturally, these blankets have weight to them so, all factors considered, I took note of which ones I’d want to reach for again.
- Weight and heaviness: This factor depends largely on your body weight (more on that in our FAQ section), though I made sure to factor in if a blanket’s weight was still allowing the overall material to be breathable.
- Versatility: Some blankets are best for sleep while others are more oriented to use when lounging on your sectional sofa.
RELATED: Sleep Number c2 Mattress review
nuzzie Knit Weighted Blanket
Pros:
- Most breathable blanket tested
- Softest blanket tested
- Made from 100% sustainably sourced materials with sufficient weight support
Cons:
- None to speak of
As soon as I unboxed the nuzzie Knit Weighted Blanket, I knew it was going to be my new favorite (and, I was right).
With weighted blankets having a widespread reputation for being “too heavy” and “not soft enough,” this brand surely stands out among the pack. It’s the one I resort to when I’m reading in the evenings or watching a new Netflix movie. Not only is it ultra-soft but, for its weight, it’s extremely breathable, too.
More, the blanket is offered in a suite of vibrant and neutral options alike, from eight to 22 pounds. Its open-knit design always keeps me cozy — regardless of weather — while the 100% recycled filling allows its keen design to always be breathable.
Best Knitted Weighted Blankets
Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket
Pros:
- Chic, decorative design that looks wonderful at the edge of your bed or couch
- Durably made knit design
Cons:
- A bit denser in weight compared to other blankets tested
The Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket is the first weighted blanket I tested and one I’ve had on hand for years. It’s made of 100% organic cotton (so yes, it’s soft) though it has an almost bordered edge to it, allowing it to stay taut and unmovable while you’re underneath it.
Currently, it’s available in five neutral shades and offered from 10 to 25 pounds. What I love most about it is how it feels evenly weighted; I can tell Bearaby put much thought into the structure of its weighed blanket, in particular.
It is quite large, so I find myself draping it alongside my couch or at the base of my bed. Otherwise, it’s kind of tedious to store, given its weight and durable knit structure. But, it’s one that *never* lets me down.
Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket
Pros:
- Generous weight range offered, from eight to 25 pounds
- Rolls up into a cylindrical shape for easy storage
- Great balance of weight and softness
Cons:
- None to speak of
As its name suggests, the Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket is as soft as silk and as dreamy as snow. It’s one of the most sought-after direct-to-consumer brands in the bedding space — and, after trying the blanket out, I can understand why.
Namely, the brand touts the perfect balance of softness and weight. When I use this one, I can detect it’s a weighted blanket without having to compromise its dreamy knit quality. Woven with natural cotton, its hand-knit weighted blanket doesn’t include any of those pesky glass fillers, either.
The color variety is pastel, pretty and quite luxe. It’s also available in a vast weight range — from eight to 25 pounds — and makes the ultimate gift for anyone you’re shopping for (yourself included). I love how lightweight the. edges are, too, so it drapes over my couch nicely while keeping me supported and warm.
Oh, and drumroll please…it rolls up neatly into a cylindrical roll when you’re finished for easy storage. Among all weighted blankets tested, its design is certainly unique and detailed.
Best Weighted Blankets for Sleeping
LUXOME Weighted Blanket
Pros:
- Filled with hypoallergenic and lead-free 1mm glass beads that don’t weigh the overall blanket down
- Extremely comfortable
- Decent size and generous weight range
Cons:
- May not be the best for ultra-warm sleepers
Real story — when I first slept with the LUXOME Weighted Blanket, I truly didn’t want to roll out of bed (and that’s saying something because I’m a surefire morning person).
With this particular bedding option, I receive the benefits of a weighted blanket (feeling relaxed, helping me sleep) without the feeling of being weighed down. These traits alone, coupled with the size, make it my favorite blanket to sleep with at night.
LUXOME’s luxe weighted blankets are available in a removable cover (two-piece) and an integrated cover (one-piece). They’re also filled with hypoallergenic and lead-free 1mm glass beads to offer that “barely there” feeling that makes it a dreamboat to sleep with.
The LUXOME Weighted Blanket boasts a generous size range as well, much like the Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket — from eight to 25 pounds.
Baloo Living Weighted Blanket
Pros:
- Keeps me warm and supported
- Helps me sleep better
- Eco-friendly design
Cons:
- Feels heavier than other blankets tested
- Color selection could include more neutrals
The Baloo Living Weighted Blanket is a sustainably made, cotton-curated option that, according to the brand’s website, “feels like a hug.” After using it, I have to agree; it’s the Olaf of Weighted Blankets.
I always feel warm and snuggly when using this option and I particularly love sleeping with it. It’s not as large as, say, the LUXOME Weighted Blanket above, but it helps me sleep better and feel supported.
Additionally, the brand is eco-friendly, as its blanket is made with lead-free glass micro-beads and materials certified to be free of all toxic and harmful chemicals. I also love how it’s a quilted weighted blanket with 100% cotton throughout (that’s right — zero polyester linings or filling).
Best Weighted Throw Blanket
Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket
Pros:
- Fairly priced and well-made
- Offers enhanced support, especially great for back pain or cramps
Cons:
- Color selection could include more neutrals
- Not as soft as other blankets tested
Ah, we’ve arrived at Brooklinen — the as-seen-on-subway-advertisements brand that, yes, is as good as it looks.
Similar to the brand’s elevated bedding approach, the Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket upholds that same cozy, coveted aesthetic. It’s both 99% cotton and 1% spandex filled, with the latter material giving the blanket a bit more density and meat to it. I still love using it but you’re getting the *real* weighted experience with this one.
Given its features, I love using this one when I have subtle post-workout pain or cramps. It envelops my body well and I love how it’s a trusty option I can count on for enhanced support.
An FAQ on Weighted Blankets
Below, our team of sleep experts best explains what to look for in a weighted blanket, including how to find your size and how to properly wash them.
What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are therapeutic coverings that can weigh as little as 5 pounds up to 30 pounds and are designed to relieve stress and help create a sense of calmness.
According to Understood.org, weighted blankets do this by providing pressure on the body through the glass or plastic beads that these blankets are filled with to add extra weight.
Research shows that these heavy blankets can help induce naturally deeper sleep cycles. The weight on your body can help to stimulate the production of serotonin (also known as the “happy hormone”), reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase melatonin, which helps you fall asleep.
Many reliable sources, including Penn Medicine, have discovered that weighted blankets can help to reduce anxiety, sleep disorders, ADHD, and more.
Weighted blankets are never safe for infants and toddlers. “The weight could prevent movement and lead to suffocation,” Rubin stresses. “We also suggest people with certain respiratory issues (like asthma) or those who experience claustrophobia avoid weighted blankets.”
How to choose a weighted blanket, per experts
While shopping for a weighted blanket, it’s essential to choose the correct amount of weight — determined by your body weight. These blankets are available for adults, kids, and even pets.
The whole idea is that weighted blankets give just enough pressure on your body to soothe the nervous system, similar to how you feel when you receive a hug or cuddle with a litter of puppies.
“You can use a weighted blanket while you sleep, but I find it most helpful for winding down in the evening,” Rubin adds. “Weighted blankets can sleep hot depending on their construction, so you might get uncomfortably warm during the night.”
How heavy should my weighted blanket be?
According to the Sleep Foundation, the general rule of thumb is to choose a weighted blanket that is roughly 10% of your own body weight. However, that rule doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. A blanket weighing between five and 12% of your body weight may be comfortable, too.
How to wash a weighted blanket, per experts
Like other bedding, care guidelines depend on what your weighted blanket is made of (cotton, polyester, rayon, wool, or another material) and what the blanket uses as fill (glass beads, plastic pellets, or organic materials). Usually, the item’s tag will provide information on how to best clean your weighted blanket. However, we listed the Sleep Foundation’s suggestions below for more details.
- Machine Wash and Dry: Choose a bleach-free, gentle detergent, and wash your blanket in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid fabric softeners. Choose a light or medium dryer setting and periodically fluff the blanket while drying.
- Machine Wash, Air Dry: Put the blanket in the washing machine with a mild bleach-free detergent. Choose a gentle wash cycle and use cold or warm water. To air dry the blanket, spread it out flat and occasionally shake it out to ensure the inner fill evenly distributes.
- Machine Wash, Cover Only: Some weighted blankets have a removable cover that you can wash separately. Remove the cover from the blanket, and wash it according to the care instructions listed on the label. Generally, you can wash duvet covers in cold water on a standard wash setting. Either air dry the cover by laying it flat, or place it in a dryer on a low setting if the instructions allow.
- Spot Clean or Dry Clean Only: Spot clean small stains using a gentle stain remover or soap and cold water. Massage the stain with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush or sponge, and then rinse thoroughly. For blankets labeled dry clean only, take them to a professional dry cleaner or consider purchasing an at-home dry cleaning kit to keep your blanket clean.
How often should I clean my weighted blanket?
While this answer depends on how much you use it, the Sleep Foundation advises: “If you use the blanket every night while sleeping, wash it once every few weeks to prevent the build-up of sweat and body oils. If you only use it occasionally as a lap blanket on the couch or at a desk, cleaning your weighted blanket three to four times per year should suffice.”
For more content, check out the New York Post Shopping section.