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If you’re looking for a new way to relax or sleep better, it might be worth rolling the oversized fabric dice and seeing if you’re one of the people that seems to love weighted blankets. Roll a double one though, and you might find they feel too heavy, too hot, or too constricting.
The thing is, it’s hard to predict whether it will hug you all the way to the promised land of stress relief and blissful sleep, or end up landing on the not-so-glamourous bedroom floor in the middle of the night.
Personally, I do like weighted blankets and usually find them relaxing to sleep under. However, if it’s a roasting hot summer night and the air con is on the blink, I don’t need 20 pounds of extra material, I need a light cotton sheet and an electrician (not at the same time).
So, although I believe that weighted blankets have a lot of potential, my most important piece of advice is to look after your blanket well in case you decide to return it, which often needs to be done in the original packaging and within 30 days. So please keep that in mind, more so than any other sleep product I review.
In this article, I’ll first briefly discuss the different styles of weighted blankets, then give you an overview of the best weighted blankets I’ve tested in the last few years.
Below that, you’ll find two video reviews I’ve done, and in-depth written sections about each blanket. Finally, there’s a buying guide with my answers to some of the most common questions when it comes to choosing a weighted blanket.
Which style to choose?
The most common style of weighted blanket is an internal section with thousands of glass microbeads sewn into pockets, and an external cover that attaches to it, usually with loops and ties (but sometimes zips).
Many companies offer a standard insert in different weights, with more design choices when it comes to the fabric, color, and pattern of the external cover. The main benefits are that you can wash the cover rather than the entire heavy blanket, and choose a cover to match your home decor.
Some companies have a one piece weighted blanket with an integrated cover. This is simpler in some ways because you don’t need to faff around with removing the cover to wash it, which can be fiddly and time consuming.
If you don’t like the idea of all those glass microbeads or are worried about them spilling out, a knitted cotton style might be a better choice. The Bearaby napper was the first of these and the only one in this article, but there are other companies that also make this style now.
Overview of the weighted blankets
Baloo
Price: $$$
The Baloo is my top choice if you’d like a comfortable and stylish weighted blanket that’s also very robustly made. The white insert is beautiful enough to use on its own, while the French flax linen covers add a touch of rustic style. The pockets are double stitched, so it will last the test of time. The company shines when it comes to sustainability, but there’s a downside in that it’s one of the more expensive brands.
Bearby Napper
Price: $$$
The Bearaby Napper is the most breathable weighted blanket, so it’s my top choice for hot sleepers. The weight is created by a giant cotton weave instead of pockets with microbeads and filler, so there are air holes that allow your body heat to escape. It looks great too, both in the living room and bedroom. Like the Baloo, it’s one of the most eco-friendly weighted blankets. Washing is the main issue in cooler weather as it takes a day or two to air dry.
Gravity Blanket
Price: $$$
Gravity was arguably the first company to make consumer weighted blankets popular. The internal pockets are strong, and the hallmark cover design looks unique and pretty. The latest version uses zips on three sides instead of multiple loops and ties, so it’s the easiest blanket to remove the cover for washing. There’s a warm microfleece or cooler cover to choose from, but a limited number of weights and sizes.
Luxome
Price: $$$
The Luxome looks elegant, and has a different way to choose the weight. Instead of choosing based on 10% of your body size, you simply select a small, med, large, or extra large to match your body or bed size. There’s a wide range of cover materials and colors to choose from, with sensory nodes if you want them. It’s a warm blanket though, with slightly fiddly ties when removing the cover.
Layla
Price: $$
The Layla is a convenient one-piece weighted blanket that can be machine washed and tumble dried. There’s no cover to remove and no waiting for it to dry. They don’t have many weight or other color options, so it won’t be for everyone. One major plus is that they have the most straightforward returns policy and a long 120 trial period, so it’s a good choice if you’d like to try one for the first time.
Quility
Price: $$
The Quility is a good option for cold sleepers who are shopping on a budget. It feels snug in cold weather, and is considerably less expensive than the top brands. They have a wide range of sizes, weights, and covers to choose from too. It doesn’t look as elegant as the Baloo, Bearaby, or Gravity, but holds its own compared to other low-budget options such as the YNM (below).
Weighted Evolution
Price: $$$
The Weighted Evolution has a unique look with its shiny cover material and very pronounced sensory nodes. Running your hand over the surface might be a relaxing experience for tactile people. The internal section has very robust stitching, similar to the Baloo, so it should last a long time. The main downside is that some bunching happens in the corners and edges when using the cover.
YNM
Price: $$
The YNM is a reasonable option if you’d like to spend a bit less on a weighted blanket. It’s one of very few that offers the internal section in different colors, so you can save even more money by just getting one that matches your bedroom. If you do want a cover, there are plenty of styles to choose from though. It does looks and feel more basic than the higher-quality brands, but it’s still robust enough to get your money’s worth.
Video reviews
In the first video below, you can see seven of the eight weighted blankets in this article. The only one missing is the Gravity Blanket, which is in the second video.
In the next video, I talk about the Gravity Blanket. I actually compare four different versions of the Gravity Blanket in this one, which is why I didn’t include it in the comparison of the other seven.
The weighted blankets in detail
Please note that this section isn’t an exact transcript of the videos. I’ve included all the important information from the videos, but I’ve also added more details to reflect changes the companies have made to the blankets since I filmed them.
Contents
1. Baloo
A breathable and beautiful weighted blanket with robust stitching that will last the test of time
In the photo above, I’m using the 20 lbs (60″x80″) queen size Baloo weighted blanket in my bedroom. I’m using it without the linen cover because it looks and feels good enough on its own.
The Baloo weighted blanket looks beautiful, feels soft, conforms well to your body, and is very breathable. So it’s one to consider if you value form and function equally.
They give you the option to buy just the internal weighted blanket on its own or add a cover if you like. The internal blanket looks stylish and is machine washable, so you could just get that and skip the cover to save some money. It’s also worth noting that all the materials are Oeko-Tex certified, so they are free from harmful chemicals.
The main weighted blanket has a cotton exterior, with cotton fill and glass microbeads in the pockets to create the weight. It’s unusual for a weighted blanket to use cotton fill as most use polyester fiberfill.
Perhaps using just cotton is one of the reasons it feels more breathable than comparable weighted blankets of this style. The only one in this article that’s more breathable is the Bearaby (see below). So if you’re a hot sleeper, the Baloo is one I recommend considering.
Even if you’re a cold sleeper, you could add the cover for some extra warmth. Alternatively, you can use the main blanket on top or underneath your normal warm bedding. There’s no rule about how to organize the bedding, so it’s fine to use the weighted blanket as an extra layer in the winter. I’ve done that over the last few winters, and it helps create a nice cozy cocoon to sleep in.
In this photo, I’m relaxing on the sofa with the Baloo. I also like to use a weighted blanket on the sofa while watching a movie in the winter to keep cozy.
With thousands of microbeads inside the pockets, it’s important that a weighted blanket is well made with robust stitching. The Baloo excels in that department as it has double-stitched pockets.
The pockets are also smaller than most other blankets, so even in the unlikely event of one tearing, far fewer beads will spill out than the blankets with pockets that are two or three times the size. The small pockets also help keep the weight evenly distributed and inprove the way it conforms to your body.
I’ve had my Baloo for two and a half years now, and not a single stitch has come undone as far as I can see. So it’s one that I think you can trust to last for a long time, which is what you’d want considering it’s one of the more expensive weighted blankets.
My main criticism of the Baloo is the limited range of sizes and covers to choose from. There’s just one cover choice of French flax linen cover, which will bump the price up considerably.
The good thing about having a cover is that you can just wash that rather than the heavy internal blanket. And even though I think the Baloo looks good without the cover, adding a cover does open up some color options and has a more uniform look compared to the boxed pockets.
Below, you can see the linen cover on the left, with the wooden buttons. On the right, you can see the robust, double-stitched pockets.
Verdict: The Baloo is an effective weighted blanket because of the even distribution of weight thanks to the complex pockets and stitching. It’s a good choice for hot sleepers because of the cotton they’ve used, but it will also work in the winter alongside other layers on the bed.
It looks good, feels good, and is very robust. It might not suit people shopping on a tight budget. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful and effective weighted blanket that will last the test of time.
Weights and sizes: They currently have five sizes: 9lbs mini (40″x60″), 12 lbs twin (42″x72″) 15 lbs and 20 lbs full/queen (60″x80″), 25 lbs (80″x87″) king. That means you may need to go up or down a bit in weight if choosing the blanket based on the standard rule of thumb of 8% to 10% of your body weight.
Price: The price varies by size and whether you want a cover or not. For example, they range from $179 for the small throw size up to $249 for the largest king. That’s just the internal section though, and you’ll need to pay more for a cover.
Trial period and returns: There’s a 30 day trial period, with free shipping for exchanges in some areas of the U.S. If you want a full refund, they may ask for shipping costs to be paid depending on where you live.
Pros
- Breathable.
- Elegant design.
- Feels soft.
- Even weight distribution.
- Robust double-stitched pockets.
- Cotton fill instead of polyester.
- Stylish linen cover (optional).
- Machine washable.
- Eco-friendly company ethos.
Cons
- Not the warmest in cold weather.
- Limited number of sizes.
- Expensive cover.
Where to buy
You can find the Baloo on:
2. Bearaby Napper
A stylish and breathable organic cotton weighted blanket that has no artificial filler
In the photo above, I’m using the 20 lbs (45″x72″) Bearaby Napper. Note how well it conforms to the body.
The Bearaby Napper is an outlier among weighted blankets because the company hasn’t adopted the standard approach of filling a blanket with thousands of microbeads inside stitched pockets.
Instead, each blanket is hand knitted with chunky cotton, so there’s no internal filling. It’s literally just the cotton weave that creates the weight, and the result is a blanket that looks very stylish, both in the bedroom and the living room. It also conforms really well to your body, which is what a weighted blanket should do ideally.
Other than looking cool, a key benefit of the cotton weave design is that it creates natural air holes for your body heat to escape through, which helps you keep cool.
Weighted blankets made from synthetic materials can feel very warm, especially if you’re a hot sleeper in the middle of the summer with no air conditioning! So if that’s you, and you really want to try a weighted blanket, the Bearaby would be my top choice.
In another article, I tested the temperature of weighted blankets to see which one had the least heat build up between the blanket and my body after 30 minutes. The Bearaby Napper was the clear winner.
In the photo, you can see the space between each loop of the cotton weave. This design makes it much more breathable than weighted blankets that have filled pockets.
Interestingly, the smaller 10 lbs version is made from pure cotton, but they add 5% spandex to the larger sizes to give it a little stretch. The resulting fabric feels soft on the skin, especially if you like the feel of cotton.
Admittedly, some of the weighted blankets I’ll be discussing that use materials like minky in the cover feel softer to the touch, but the Bearaby’s cotton feels less artificial.
Importantly, the materials of the Bearaby have the Made In Green by Oeko-Tex certification. So if you’re concerned about the environment and sustainability, the Bearaby might appeal to you more than the standard budget ones that tend to use polyester for the filler and/or the cover.
My only practical criticism of the Bearaby is that washing it isn’t as straightforward as some of the other brands. Since it comes with no cover, you have to clean the entire blanket. You can machine wash it on a cold cycle, which is good, but drying it isn’t so easy.
Bearaby say you can tumble dry it on a low heat, but it takes three cycles to completely dry it in my machine, which takes a long time and consumes more energy. You can’t hang it up either, so as an experiment I lay it flat on a sheet in a warm room to dry, which took nearly two days. So if you prefer your laundry day to be simple and fast, the Bearaby might not be right for you.
Another potential downside is that it’s one of the more expensive weighted blankets. If you’re on a tight budget, I will be looking at a couple of more budget friendly options later in the article though.
In the photo, I’m relaxing with the Bearaby Napper on the sofa. It works well in the living room because it looks less like bedding than weighted blankets typically do.
Verdict: Despite being a relatively expensive weighted blanket that’s somewhat trickier to clean, the Bearaby Napper is one of the best weighted blankets in my opinion.
If you’re a naturally hot sleeper or regularly sleep in a hot bedroom, it’s a great option. If you like the idea of having a weighted blanket that looks stylish on display in the living room, it’s also a good pick. And the appropriately sized Nappling for kids is a good option for older children.
Finally, if you take sustainability into account when shopping, the Bearaby Napper is made by an ethical company that shares those values.
Weights and sizes: It’s available in a 10 lbs (40”x64”), 15 lbs (40”x72”), 20 lbs (45”x72”), and 25 lbs (48”x72”) weight for adults. They also have a 6 lbs (36”x 48”) and 8 lbs (40”x60”) version for kids called the ‘Nappling’.
Note that the Bearaby comes in individual sizes rather than a queen or king size for sharing. Personally, I prefer that as it means you can control the weight just on your side of the bed without needing your partner’s agreement to use, or not use, a weighted blanket on any given night.
It also means that more of the weight is actually on your body rather than covering the bed or hanging off the side.
Price: The price varies by weight. Currently, they range from $199 for the 10 lbs up to $279 for the 25 lbs. The kids versions cost $139 for the 6 lbs and $149 for the 8 lbs.
Trial period and returns: They offer a 30 day exchange or return period for people in the contiguous United States. They do charge a $14.99 shipping fee to return the Napper and $19.99 for the Hugger.
Pros
- Very breathable.
- Looks stylish.
- Organic cotton, with no glass beads or polyester fill.
- Hand knitted.
- Even weight distribution.
- Conforms well to your body.
- Robust.
- Machine washable.
- Eco-friendly company.
Cons
- Takes a long time to dry.
- Limited number of sizes.
- Relatively expensive.
Where to buy
- Bearaby.com
- You can find similar designs on Amazon, but they are not the original Bearaby.
3. Gravity blanket
A warm weighted blanket for cold weather, with an easier zipper system to attach the cover
In the photo above, I’m using the 20 lbs single size Gravity Blanket with the plush cover.
Gravity did a lot to raise awareness of weighted blankets following their successful Kickstarter campaign back in 2017. Since then, many other companies have started making them, and Gravity continue to innovate, with their improved systems for attaching the cover.
I’ve tried four different versions of the Gravity Blanket in the last couple of years: the original plush microfleece cover with ties, the cooling cover, the queen size, and the new zipper system.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the queen size because experience has taught me that not all couples agree on when to use one or not. Having a smaller size to yourself means you can avoid nightly discussions about what bedding to use.
The cooling cover is more breathable than the plush cover, but still not as breathable as the Bearaby or the Baloo without a cover. So it’s not my first choice for hot sleepers.
In my experience, the best version of the Gravity Blanket is the one with the plush cover and the new zipper system. It’s very comfortable, looks good, will keep cold sleepers warm, and it’s much easier to remove and attach the cover.
In the photo below, you can see the cooling cover on the left and the plush cover on the right:
The inner weighted blanket has a cotton exterior, with standard polyester filling and glass microbeads to create the weight. The beads are housed in 6 inch square pockets. That’s a larger pocket size than the Baloo, and they aren’t double stitched. However, the stitching is robust and I’ve had no issues with any beads escaping.
The exterior duvet cover is made from a plush polyester, which feels very soft and will keep you nice and warm in colder months of the year. So if you’re a cold sleeper who appreciates warm bedding, this version of the Gravity Blanket is one I recommend considering.
If you’ve had a weighted blanket before, and found it painfully slow to remove the cover for washing, the Gravity Blanket’s new zipper system will appeal to you. Instead of having ties on all four sides, the latest version comes with ties on one side and zips on the other three. This makes it significantly faster to remove and attach the cover.
I timed myself one day: it took nine minutes to attach the cover with the old ties system, and five minutes with the zipper system. If you have finger sensitivity issues, I can see it taking even longer if you only have the ties. The new system is much more convenient, and I like how the company has tried to make life easier for their customers.
In the photos below, you can see the external zip on the left, and one of the internal ties and loops on the right. The ties and loops are only on one side, as the other three now use zips on the inside.
In the next photo, you can see how the inner weighted blanket has a zip on different sides. It’s much easier to attach and remove the cover with this zip system compared to blankets that use 12-16 ties and loops all the way round.
My main criticism of the Gravity Blanket is that you can’t machine wash the internal section, only the cover. You can spot clean it, but I’d prefer it if both could be machine washed.
Another criticism is the lack of information about sustainability in the materials used and the manufacturing process. Considering how much polyester is used, I imagine the silence speaks for itself.
One final downside is the small number of available weights. With just three weights to choose from, some people will potentially have to go up or down a lot from the ideal 8% to 10% of their body weight.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a warm weighted blanket to keep you from shivering through the winter, the Gravity Blanket with the plush cover could be a good choice. And if you’d like one with a cover that’s easier to remove than standard weighted blankets, it’s one to consider too. The grid pattern design looks stylish, and the overall feel is one of quality.
If you’re a hot sleeper, on a tight budget, or like to see information about a company’s manufacturing process, it might not be right for you though.
Weights and sizes: It’s available in three sizes at the moment: a single 15 lbs (72”x48”), a single 20 lbs (72”x48”), and a queen/king 35 lbs (90”x90”). There are several cover options: the original plush, the cooling cover, linen, cotton, and a double sided ‘Z’ blanket with plush on one side and cooling on the other. The plush and cooling also come in three different colors.
Price: Each size is priced differently on the Gravity website. The Gravity Blanket with the plush cover ranges from $249 to $299, and the Gravity Cooling Blanket from $250 to $295.
Trial period and returns: Gravity offers a 30 day returns period. You have to return it unwashed and in the original packaging, and pay all shipping costs.
Pros
- Unique zip system for easier cover removal.
- Warm cover and blanket.
- Multiple covers to choose from.
- Stylish grid design.
- Feels soft.
- Even weight distribution.
- Robust stitching.
- Machine washable cover.
Cons
- Inner section can’t be machine washed.
- Limited number of sizes.
- Relatively expensive.
Where to buy
Find out more in my comparison of comparison of four Gravity blankets.
4. Luxome
If you’d rather choose a weighted blanket according to the bed size rather than your weight
Luxome do things a little differently to most weighted blanket companies I’ve seen. Rather than offering weighted blankets of similar width and length in different weights, they make a small, medium, large, and extra large to suit your bed size instead, with the same weight per square foot in each of them.
They say they invited people of different ages, weights, and sizes to try different blankets and discovered an average weight per square foot that most people found comfortable. I haven’t seen any research that recommends this method instead of the 8% to 10% of your body weight method, so I can’t comment on which is best.
However, it does make life simpler, especially if you’re thinking of buying someone a weighted blanket as a gift and don’t want to ask them how much they weigh! And if you’re put off by the idea of choosing based on your own body weight, then perhaps it’s an option to consider as well.
Does it work though? To find out, I bought the large size, which was definitely very comfortable. The way the weight was distributed made it slightly lighter on top of my body than those that weigh the same but are made for individual use, but I could still feel the weight. To give you an idea, the large 20 lbs Luxome is 60″x80″, compared to the 20 lbs Bearaby, which is 45″x72″.
So my feeling is that people who like a good amount of weight might find it underwhelming, but those who are worried about feeling trapped under a weighted blanket might like the lighter weight.
As for the materials and design of the Luxome, the internal weighted blanket is solidly constructed, with the usual microbeads to create the weight. The pockets are six inch squares, but not double stitched. I’ve had no issues with wear and tear though and the blanket seems robust on the whole.
Below, you can see the pockets of the internal weighted blanket section:
The exterior is cotton, but it’s not as soft or pretty as the Baloo, so I think you do need a cover for this one. For the cover, the options are 300 thread count Bamboo Lyocell and a plush Minky. Some are double sided, while others just have the same material on both sides, so you can take your pick.
Additionally, they have a version with an integrated cover. This means you never need to go through the tedious process of removing the external cover, which is more convenient if you’re happy to wash the heavier section. And on that note, both the internal blanket and covers can be machine washed.
Interestingly, they have a page on their website dedicated to sustainability, saying they are making improvements, such as using Bamboo instead of cotton or silk. It’s good to see they are aware of environmental factors in their material choice, and I wonder if they will phase out the polyester minky in the future.
My main complaint with the Luxome is that the loops were quite tight and I found it fiddly to attach the cover after washing it. Some of the cover’s internal stitching wasn’t quite as neat as other weighted blankets in this review either, and I think it could have been finished with more precision.
In the photo on the left, you can see the bamboo on the lower part and the minky on the top. In the right photo, you can see an example of the loose thread from the stitching around the loop used to attach the cover.
The price puts it in the mid-high end of the spectrum for weighted blankets. It’s good that you can find some of the smaller blankets for a lot less than the Baloo or Bearaby, for example. The larger sizes can still be quite costly though, getting close to $300.
Verdict: The Luxome weighted blankets have an elegant look to them because of the cover, which looks and feels good. It’s great that they can be machine washed, and people who are confused about the way to choose the weight might prefer their method for selecting the right size.
If you’re buying it as a gift, or prefer to have a blanket that covers the whole bed rather than single sizes on one side, it might be one to consider.
If you’re a hot sleeper, I wouldn’t recommend this one though. It’s one of the warmest weighted blankets I’ve used, even with the bamboo cover. The inner weighted blanket section seems quite well padded, and I didn’t find it as breathable as the Bearaby, Baloo, or cooling Gravity.
Weights and sizes: Their blankets are available in four sizes: small 8 lbs (42″x56″), medium 15 lbs (54″x72″), large 18 lbs (60″x80″), extra large 30 lbs (100″x85″). They also have a good range of colors and fabrics in both the removable cover and integrated cover categories.
Price: The price varies according to the style and fabric. For example, the lowest price I found was $105 for the small 8 lbs integrated cover with bamboo lyocell and minky. The most expensive were the extra large 30 lbs blankets, costing up to $290.
Trial period and returns: Luxome has a 30 day return policy. To get a refund, you must return it in ‘like-new condition’, unwashed, and with the original bag or tote. They will charge you a shipping fee, but send you a prepaid shipping label which will work out less than standard postage for an item of that weight.
Pros
- Easy system to choose the weight.
- Looks elegant.
- Multiple covers to choose from.
- Good for people who don’t like too much weight.
- Even weight distribution.
- Machine washable inside and cover.
Cons
- Fiddly ties and loops.
- The cooling cover doesn’t really cool you.
- Internal stitching could be neater.
Where to buy
5. Layla
A stylish one-piece weighted blanket that’s machine washable and avoids the need to remove fiddly covers
In the above photo, I’m using the 15 lbs (48”x72”) Layla blanket. Note the hexagonal design of the pockets and how it conforms well to the body.
Layla is primarily a bed and bedding company rather than a dedicated weighted blanket company. However, I think they’ve done an excellent job in creating a unique weighted blanket that looks great, feels comfortable, and is very practical to use.
Like the Bearaby Napper and the integrated cover version of the Luxome, the Layla blanket is one piece. The main benefit of that is not having to faff around with the ties and loops when you want to wash it.
You can machine wash and tumble dry the blanket, so it’s much more convenient for people who’d rather not spend a second longer than necessary on laundry day. They haven’t sacrificed the visual aesthetic side in making it practical either. It looks very stylish with the hexagonal design for the pockets.
The dark green and black colour combination looks elegant too. Just be aware that it doesn’t come in any other color, so if your bedroom color scheme is a minimal white, you might not want a giant splash of dark green and black in there.
Below, you can see the hexagonal pockets and the minky side of the blanket. Most weighted blankets use squares or rectangles, so the Layla is quite unique in this respect:
To create the weight, they use glass microbeads, which is fairly standard nowadays. The stitching is fantastic across the whole of the Layla blanket – definitely one of the best in that respect. The robust and precise stitching gives me confidence that it will last a long time.
There’s just enough fiber fill inside the blanket to keep the beads evenly distributed, and it conforms well to your body. So in that respect, the structure and materials used work well together.
The top side of the blanket is a plush soft minky that feels very soft against the skin. The underside is 300 thread count cotton, which also feels smooth on the skin. It does tend to show up any lint that’s been floating around though.
Despite minky being a warmer fabric, I don’t find the Layla overheats too much. It’s one you could use all year round unless you’re a particularly hot sleeper, in which case there are some even more breathable options.
Below, I’m having a little nap on the sofa with the Layla blanket (otherwise known as posing for a photo). Because it doesn’t have a cover, it’s easy to transport it from room to room without worrying about putting too much strain on cover ties and loops.
My main criticism is once again the lack of weights and sizes to choose from. With just three weights, all in different dimensions, I think they could have catered to more weight needs. It seems similar to the Luxome in that the weight increases as the blanket size increases, rather than giving people more than one weight option for a single blanket.
As with the Luxome though, perhaps some people will appreciate the simplicity of choosing the blanket size to fit them and their bed rather than calculating the right weight.
Verdict: The Layla shines as a practical weighted blanket because you don’t need to remove a cover and it can be machine washed. It’s well designed, it feels good, and they have one of the longest trial periods and an uncomplicated returns policy.
However, it perhaps won’t suit people who aren’t into black and green, very hot sleepers, or those who really want that 10% body weight in a single size blanket.
Weights and sizes: It comes in three sizes at the moment: 15 lbs (48″x72″), 20 lbs (60″x80″), and 25 lbs (80″x87″).
Price: It’s hard to say what the normal price of a Layla blanket is because they always seem to have a sale price listed on their website alongside the original price. Even though the original prices seem to be closer to $200, they are often listed for around half of that.
Trial period and returns: Layla has a 120 day returns period, which is the longest of the companies in this article. They don’t charge for return shipping, usually asking that you donate an unwanted product to a local charity. They also have a five year materials and craftsmanship warranty, which is unusually long for weighted blankets.
Pros
- No cover to remove, and can be machine washed and dried.
- Looks stylish.
- Robust and precise stitching.
- Feels soft.
- Even weight distribution.
- Conforms to the body well.
- Good returns and warranty period.
Cons
- Limited number of weights and sizes.
- Only available in black and green.
- Lint shows up on the cotton side.
Where to buy
6. Quility
A reasonably priced and warm weighted blanket for colder weather
In the above photo, I’m using the 20 lbs, 60 x 80 inch Quility. You can see the sensory dots on the grey surface, while the green underneath is smooth.
If you’re a hot sleeper like me, skip to the next section; the Quility weighted blanket is unlikely to be the one for you! If you’re a cold sleeper, however, or you’d like to add an extra warm layer to your bed in the winter without spending too much, it could be a good choice.
The Quility is one of the warmest weighted blankets I’ve slept under, and you don’t need to spend much time underneath it before you start to feel warm again if you’ve come in from the cold.
The main weighted blanket insert is pure cotton, with glass microbeads in the pockets to create the weight. The pockets are six inch squares and the stitching is strong – I haven’t seen any rogue beads escaping in the four years I’ve had mine. The cotton exterior isn’t particularly soft, so I’d recommend getting a cover as well, even though you can just buy the insert if you prefer.
The external cover is made from minky and it feels very soft to touch and cozy to have over your body. One side has sensory nodes all over it, which are kind of fun to play with. If you’re a tactile person, you might enjoy the sensory experience they provide. If not, you can turn it over as the other side is smooth. The reverse side of the cover is also minky, but it’s a smooth surface and a different color.
In the photo below, you can see the other side of the Quility blanket that doesn’t have the sensory dots and is smooth instead.
There are eight loops and ties to keep the cover and the blanket attached, and the loops are well stitched. One small issue I had is that the cover and insert don’t come together as tightly as I’d like because of the dimensions and stretch in the cover. So if you move it around a lot, you may find the blanket bunches up a bit in a corner or on one side.
It’s quickly fixed with a bit of a shake, but over time it’s going to put stress on the ties. And if you don’t have the strength to shake a heavy blanket, you might be frustrated by the occasional bunching up.
Another criticism is that the inner blanket can’t be machine washed – only the external cover can. This is probably my main criticism of the Quility, as there are plenty of weighted blankets that can be machine washed.
One of the best points about the Quility weighted blanket is that there are a lot of different sizes and weights to choose from. It makes it more likely you’ll find a weight that’s 8% to 10% of your body weight, especially if you’re a bit lighter as they tend to have more variety of weights at the lighter end of the spectrum.
I also like how they offer the same weights in different dimensions, so you can essentially choose a single size just for you, or a larger size to potentially share – assuming you don’t mind having less weight in your half.
Verdict: The Quility weighted blanket will potentially suit cold sleepers who want a warm blanket and are shopping on a budget, as the price is very reasonable compared to some of the luxury brands. And if you like the feel of minky and sensory dots, it’s also one to consider.
It won’t be right for hot sleepers, and doesn’t look as elegant as the Bearaby, Baloo, Gravity, Luxome, or Layla. It’s also a shame the insert can’t be machine washed. However, it’s still a good weighted blanket that conforms nicely to your body and feels relaxing to use.
Weights and sizes: At the time of writing, the Quility blanket is available in 13 different weights and sizes, ranging from a small 5 lbs (36″x48″) up to the large 30 lbs (86″x92″).
They have a couple of in-between weights too, such as the 7 lbs and 12 lbs. And some weights are available in blankets with different dimensions. For example, the 15 lbs is available in 48″x72″, 48″x72″, and 48″x72″.
Price: The prices vary according to the weight and size. For example, the small 5 lbs costs around $50 and the largest 30 lbs is closer to $180.
Trial period and returns: You’ll get the standard Amazon 30 day returns period, but no extended warranty from Quility. Make sure you return it in good condition if you’ve used it.
Pros
- Good price.
- Soft cover.
- Many weights and sizes to choose from.
- Sensory dots / smooth double sided cover.
- Robust stitching.
Cons
- The insert must be hand washed.
- Bunching can occur between the cover and insert.
- Looks basic.
Where to buy
7. Weighted Evolution
A cozy weighted blanket with pronounced sensory dots
Above, I’m using the 20 lbs (60″x80″) Weighted Evolution with minky on one side and bamboo lyocell on the reverse.
The Weighted Evolution is one that I think will appeal to people who like shiny things. And maybe even sci-fi fans because of the metallic, shiny exterior that the minky side with all the nodes has. It has a fun, futuristic feel to it.
My favorite feature of the particular Weighted Evolution cover style I chose (there are two covers) is the touch sensory dots embedded in the soft minky that they use on the top side. There’s bamboo lyocell on the other side, which feels smooth, soft, and a little cooler against the skin.
The external stitching of the cover is robust and neatly finished. I also like the fact that the small zip to open the cover is well hidden, so you don’t feel it when you’re using the blanket.
It’s good the larger sizes have 12 loops and ties, which helps keep the blanket and the cover in place. But like all heavy weighted blankets, you need to be careful how you use it to avoid damaging the stitching if you put too much strain on them. After a few months, I noticed a couple of the loops were pulling on the stitching, possibly from me shaking it to get the cover in place.
I was very impressed by the design of the main internal weighted blanket itself. It has tight double-stitched pockets that are four inch squares, which means that the glass microbeads are kept well distributed and less likely to come out due to wear and tear. And it has just enough fiberfill in each pocket to spread the beads out and stop them bunching up in the corners.
Below left, you can see the tiny zip to open the cover, and how the two sides have a different design. On the right, you can see the double stitched pockets of the weighted blanket insert.
To use around the home, the Weighted Evolution is one that looks good and feels cozy enough to use when you’re relaxing on the sofa. It’s just one that you wouldn’t mind having out on the sofa compared to some of the more basic weighted blankets.
To use in the bedroom, I’d put it in the middle in terms of breathability. It’s not as breathable as the Baloo or Bearaby, but it’s more so than the Quility and Gravity, for example. Having said that, they also have a cover version with 95% bamboo and 5% spandex, with no minky. So if you’re a hot sleeper, I’d consider that one instead.
Once again, the main downside is that only the external cover can be machine washed. So you’d need to hand wash or spot clean the heavy insert.
Another potential problem is the lack of weights and sizes to choose from. If you don’t fall close to one of their main weights, then you’d have to go up or down in weight potentially more than is generally advised, going outside the 8%-10% band.
Verdict: The Weighted Evolution is a good choice if you like the sensory dot style and would like a robust internal section to reduce the risk of microbeads spilling out. Those tight pockets also help keep the weight uniformly spread throughout the blanket, improving how well it conforms to your body and giving you the weighted pressure sensation as it should be done.
Weights and sizes: It’s available in four sizes currently: twin 12 lbs, queen 15 lbs, queen 20 lbs, and king 25 lbs. The cooling version has slightly different weight choices.
Price: Prices are adjusted according to the weight. They range from just under $125 for the twin to just under $190 for the king. This puts the blanket in the middle of the range of weighted blankets I’ve looked at.
Trial period and returns: They offer a 100 night trial period, which is longer than most of the others in this review. You would have to pay shipping costs though. For exchanges, the window is just 30 days and you have to send it back like new and in the original packaging. There’s a one year manufacturer’s warranty, which doesn’t extend to wear and tear.
Pros
- Large sensory nodes on one side, smooth on the other.
- Good pocket design in the inner section.
- Conforms well to the body.
- Feels cozy.
- Cooler or warmer cover options.
- 100 night trial period.
- Socially responsible company that gives 5% of proceeds to non profits.
Cons
- Not many sizes to choose from.
- Insert is hand wash only.
Where to buy
8. YNM
A basic and robust weighted blanket for a low price
In the photo above, I’m using the 15 lbs YNM internal weighted blanket section without a cover.
I bought the YNM as an experiment to see what you could get if you tried to spend as little money as possible on a weighted blanket. What you get is a weighted blanket that weighs what it’s supposed to and does its job, but doesn’t look or feel particularly special.
This is the only one that you could get a cover for if you want to, but I chose not to. I wanted to adopt the position of being on a tight budget and see if you could use the weighted insert without adding a fancy cover.
The first thing to note is that the bare YNM internal weighted blanket isn’t made from the softest cotton. On a more positive note, they say the cotton is Oeko-Tex certified, which is always reassuring to see. I also like how they make the internal section in different colours and patterns, including some more playful patterns I haven’t seen many other companies do.
They use glass microbeads to create the weight, which seems to be the norm. And the pockets are 4.7″x4.7″ – a good small size that will help keep the beads evenly distributed. The stitching is robust too, and I’ve had no issues with wear and tear or beads spilling out.
Below, you can see the pockets of the YNM and a loop ready to tie it to a cover if you get one.
The entire blanket can be machine washed cold and tumble dried on a low setting. I tested it a couple of times and it came out just as it went in. It’s great that it can be washed this way, and it’s more convenient than some of the luxury brands like the Bearaby and Gravity Blanket.
One of the main points I like about YNM is that they offer a lot of variety in terms of the dimensions and the weights of the internal blanket. They have far more choice than even the most expensive weighted blankets, and for a much lower price.
If you would like an external cover, they offer cotton, bamboo, and minky – with or without the sensory nodes, and many different colors and patterns. Again, there’s a lot of flexibility to tailor the weighted blanket to your style.
To use around the home, the YNM without a cover probably wouldn’t be my top choice for relaxing on the sofa, just because of the lack of softness in the cotton that they’ve used. It’s also not the most aesthetically pleasing, so might not suit those who like their living room to look beautiful.
For sleep, it’s not the most breathable that I’ve tried, but neither is it the hottest. There’s quite a bit of fiberfill inside those pockets, so some heat does build up compared to the more breathable weighted blankets I’ve discussed. And if you use a cover, I imagine it will feel even warmer.
Verdict: If you’re happy to use a basic weighted blanket as long as the price is good, the YNM offers a way to try a weighted blanket on a low budget.
Arguably, the main job of a weighted blanket is to provide weight, and it will do that the same as any other. However, if your main criterion when choosing a blanket are breathability, softness, or stylish design, it might not be the right one for you.
Weights and sizes: The YNM is currently available in 16 different sizes, and a wide range of cover options as well. They range from a small 5 lbs up to 30 lbs. Some of the weights come in different blanket dimensions too. For example, the 20 lbs is available in 48″x72″, 60″x80″, and 80″x87″.
Price: The prices change according to the color of the insert and the cover. They typically range from around $50 to $160. All of the covers cost under $100. Prices fluctuate a lot on Amazon though, so you’ll need to check what the current listings are.
Trial period and returns: The YNM falls under the standard Amazon 30 day returns policy.
Pros
- Tight pockets and strong stitching.
- Many sizes, colors, and patterns.
- Good price.
- Both the internal blanket and cover can be machine washed and tumble dried.
Cons
- Insert isn’t very soft.
- Basic design.
- Not very breathable or elegant without a cover.
Where to buy
Weighted blanket buying guide
Below, you’ll find my thoughts on some of the key questions I know people have about weighted blankets.
Contents
- Do weighted blankets work?
- Do weighted blankets feel hot?
- How to choose the weight
- Cover options
- The materials used to make them heavy
Do weighted blankets work?
Weighted blanket manufacturers often suggest that their blankets are good for sleep and relaxation because they mimic the feeling of deep touch pressure, sometimes comparing it to the reassuring feeling of being hugged. The basic idea is that the feeling of pressure over your body from the weight helps regulate your body’s chemistry naturally and promotes calmness.
If you’re feeling skeptical about these claims, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that they might help some people beyond just being another way of keeping warm and cozy.
For example, a piece of research in 2008 involving 32 adults appeared to show that using a weighted blanket might help with anxiety. In the study, 33% showed a lowering of electrodermal activity, 63% reported that they felt lower anxiety after using the blanket, and 78% preferred it as a calming method.
In another study involving 120 adults in 2020, participants were given a metal chain blanket to use during sleep. It’s not the same as the commercial weighted blankets in this review, but the concept of the weight is similar. The researchers found that the people who used the weighted blanket showed “significantly better sleep maintenance, a higher daytime activity level, and reduced daytime symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety.”
My personal experience has been that weighted blankets give me a sense of calm at night that’s more noticeable than normal bedding. Even during the daytime, I find them comforting to use – as long as they don’t make you feel too hot in the summer months.
As for sleep, I don’t feel it’s fair to say that they will definitely help you sleep better because it depends on the individual and what causes your sleep problems in the first place.
If you’d like to see more studies about the effectiveness of weighted blankets, there’s a useful article on Healthline.com that summarises some of the latest research studies into them.
For most healthy adults and older children/teenagers, weighted blankets should be safe to use. However, according to WebMD.com, infants, toddlers, or very young children shouldn’t use a weighted blanket.
They also recommend consulting a doctor before using one if you have any of the following conditions:
- Sleep apnea.
- Breathing problems.
- Circulation problems.
- Any other chronic health condition.
Do weighted blankets feel hot?
When you think of putting a 20 lbs to 30 lbs blanket on top of you, maybe even on top of your existing bedding, it’s natural to wonder about heat build-up.
In my experience, most weighted blankets do feel warm, especially if your bedroom is already warm. But there’s a big difference between the warmest and coolest ones, which is largely determined by the fabrics used and how they are filled.
For example, the Bearaby is very breathable because of all the holes between the weave, and it doesn’t trap your body heat so much. The thicker blankets with polyester/minky covers, such as the Quility and Gravity Blanket will quickly make you feel quite toasty. While that’s great in the winter, it’s a problem in the summer if you live somewhere warm and don’t have air conditioning.
I’ve noticed in the last couple of years that some weighted blanket sellers use the word ‘cooling’ quite liberally. When you check the details, it’s often the case that they just use a cooler fabric for the external cover, but the internal weighted blanket is the same as the one you get if you select a warmer cover.
The fabric might feel cooler to the touch and be a bit more breathable, but it’s still a heavy blanket with lots of material that’s not going to do any real ‘cooling’. If you want to be pedantic about it (which I do), perhaps the words ‘cooler’ or ‘more breathable’ would be more accurate.
So, I personally think it makes sense to assume a weighted blanket will not ‘cool’ you. Yes, some are more breathable than others, but it’s best to keep your expectations in check. If you want cooling, you need air conditioning, a fan, or some other technique – not an extra blanket.
That said, as a hot sleeper myself, I’ve had no problem using the knitted weighted blankets like the Bearaby all year round. And even others like the ‘cooling’ Gravity Blanket and the Baloo have been fine in the summer unless it’s a particularly hot night.
How to choose the weight
There are two approaches to choosing the weight of the blanket. The most common method is that you choose a blanket that’s ideally 10% of your body weight, but it’s usually fine if it’s within the 8% to 10% range too.
Weighted blanket manufacturers don’t typically make a 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 ,15 lbs version to cater to every possible required weight.
They are more likely to have a combination of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 lbs blankets available. Occasionally there’s an in-between weight to choose from, such as an 8 lbs or 12 lbs, but many seem to stick to increments of 5 lbs.
If you do the math and ideally need a 22 lbs blanket, for example, you might need to decide whether to go down to 20 lbs or up to 25 lbs. This is a personal choice, but my experience, and those I’ve given blankets to, has been that going down a bit usually feels more comfortable than going up.
The second approach is that you have a set weight for each square foot, which a couple of manufacturers do, such as Luxome. They claim that people prefer that rather than having a particular weight based on your body size.
I can see some logic in that approach; two people can weigh the same but have completely different body dimensions. So an average weight per square foot across different blanket dimensions might suit more people.
Interestingly, three weighted blanket manufacturers I spoke to – Baloo, Gravity, and Bearaby – all told me that the most common reason for exchanges is wanting a different weight. This is a good reason to check that the company you’re buying from offers exchanges, and to be mindful of the window of time within which they permit exchanges.
One other point to consider is the width and length of the blanket. Personally, I prefer single sizes as you’ll then get most of the weight on your body rather than large sections being wasted on parts of the bed you’re not even sleeping on. So it’s important to bear in mind that if you choose a 20 lbs queen or king size, it’s not going to feel the same as a 20 lbs single size.
In summary, my advice would be to choose a weighted blanket that’s 8% to 10% of your body weight if possible. If you’re in between weights, drop down unless you’re close to the upper weight. And unless you really want a large blanket to look uniform on your bed, I’d stick with a single size rather than spreading the weight over a large king size blanket.
Cover options
Some weighted blankets, like the Bearaby Napper and the Layla, don’t come with a cover because they are designed as one piece. This style will suit people who think they’ll struggle to tie and untie all those ties when it’s washing time. It can be a fiddly job, and not fun when you realize you’ve attached the cover the wrong way round and have to start over!
Most companies sell the weighted blankets with a pre-attached cover though, so you just choose the style and the material that appeals to you and it will arrive ready to go.
In the photo below, I’m attaching the Baloo weighted blanket cover to the inner section. Each corner and halfway down the sides has a tie and loop that need to be attached. After that, you need to turn the blanket inside out. It isn’t difficult, but it can be time-consuming.
In some cases, you’re given the choice to buy a cover separately. So if you’re a hot sleeper or on a tight budget, you could just get the main weighted blanket and skip the cover to reduce the heat and the expense.
However, one major benefit of having a cover is that you can just wash that, instead of having to stuff a heavy blanket into your washing machine – assuming your washing machine can even cope with a 25 lbs blanket (not all can).
Another point to think about with the cover is that the internal blanket doesn’t always feel so soft. It’s usually the cover that creates a luxurious feel, such as ultrasoft minky, bamboo lyocell, or cotton. And if you like the style with sensory nodes, that will normally be on the cover, not the internal blanket.
The materials used to make them heavy
Most of the weighted blankets in this article have glass microbeads inside robustly stitched pockets of the internal blanket to create the weight. The cover and fabric fill will contribute a little weight, but it’s mostly the beads that make them feel heavy.
The one exception is the Bearaby, which doesn’t have any fill as it’s made from a thick cotton weave instead. There are some newer companies that also use this style, so if you see a giant fabric weave in the design, it’s likely to be just material and no beads.
For those that use microbeads, there’s one important point to keep in mind: if the stitching comes undone, or a pet bites through a pocket, a lot of tiny beads are going to spill everywhere. It’s a good reason to get a blanket with strong stitching, and the main reason I think it’s good if they have more individual pockets to contain each section of microbeads.
On a positive note, none of the weighted blankets I’ve personally used have ever come undone, other than the one I intentionally opened, which you can see in the photos below.
In these photos, you can see some of the tiny glass microbeads I removed from the pocket of the YNM weighted blanket:
And that’s it for my advice for choosing weighted blankets. I hope these tips were useful, and remember that most companies offer a trial period so you can get your money back, or exchange for a different style if you’re not satisfied.
My final tip would be to check the returns policy carefully as they sometimes stipulate you have to return them in the original bag and pay for shipping. And all that internal weight can mean a hefty surprise shipping fee!
