Weighted blankets are a popular sleep product that can help people to feel calmer and sleep better. It’s especially useful for the end of the year when winter approaches. However, with so many brands in the market, how do you know which is the best weighted blanket for adults?
In this article, we will take a look at 5 of the best weighted blankets for adults in 2024, along with tips on how to choose the right one for you.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Gravity Weighted Blanket
Best Knit Option: Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket
Best Cooling Option: Bedtribe Iced Weighted Blanket
Best Low Maintenance Option: Baloo Weighted Blanket
Best Affordability: Luna Weighted Blanket
What Is A Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is a thick and heavy blanket that is typically used to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleeping problems.
It contains weighted balls or pellets and works similarly to deep pressure stimulation (DPS), a technique that involves applying firm but gentle pressure across the body [1].
People often describe the feeling of a weighted blanket as the feeling of a hug, warm and comforting.
Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket
Using a weighted blanket can bring about many benefits, such as [2]:
- Reduces sleep disturbances such as insomnia
- Improves sleep quality
- Treats sleep disorders for children with autism, ADHD
- Reduces anxiety
Ranking The 5 Best Weighted Blankets for Adults
Now that you know how beneficial a weighted blanket can be for your overall sleep quality and well-being, which weighted blanket should you purchase? Here are our top 5 picks for the best weighted blankets for adults.
1. Best Overall: Gravity Weighted Blanket
The Gravity adult weighted blanket is rated as the best overall for many factors. One of the key factors is that it is currently the only weighted blanket that has been scientifically tested and proven to help improve sleep quality. Aside from that, many users have also reported positive outcomes from the use of this blanket.
It does have a somewhat steep price point, but Gravity does have good sales offers from time to time where you can get it at least 50% off.
Features:
- Premium micro-plush duvet cover
- Inner made with fine-grade glass beads, secured by ties and elastic button connectors
- Gridded stitching for comfort
- Machine washable duvet cover, inner to be hand washed
Size: Single (15 lb), Single (20 lb), Queen/King (35 lb)
Color: Grey, Navy, Gold
Price: $250-$300
2. Best Knit Option: Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket
Made with natural cotton, the Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted blanket is handmade to perfection. As a hand-knitted blanket, it is made highly breathable and eco-friendly, containing zero plastic or glass beads. Its construction and comfort are what makes it the best knit option compared to others.
Features:
- 100% natural cotton construction
- Machine washable with cool water
- Breathable and sustainable
- Free of fillers
Size: 8 lb, 12 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb
Color: Nimbus Grey, Vista Blue, Tempest Blue, Chestnut, Oat, Cream, Ginger, Terracotta
Price: $150-$260
3. Best Cooling Option: Bedtribe Iced Weighted Blanket
Bedtribe Iced Weight Blanket is created for hot sleepers and for those who tend to feel restless at night. Using sleep-breathable fabric and glass microbeads is meant to replicate the feeling of a warm hug and prevent tossing and turning. This helps you to enjoy a restful sleep at night without sudden awakenings due to external disturbances.
Features:
- Made with 100% bamboo fiber shell
- Glass microbeads to replicate deep pressure sensation
- Breathable fabric for hot sleepers
- Hypoallergenic and antibacterial
- Sustainable and eco-friendly
Size: Single (5 kg), Super Single (7 kg), Queen, (9 kg), King( 11 kg)
Color: Grey, Steel, Maple
Price: $189- $229
4. Best Low Maintenance Option: Baloo Weighted Blanket
Baloo’s Weighted Blanket is made for those who are into a natural and clean lifestyle with little to no maintenance. It’s made with 100% natural and chemical-free materials, zero polyester linings or fillings, and is eco-friendly. The best part about this blanket is that you don’t even need to get it specially dry cleaned. Instead, all you need to do is throw it in the washing machine and let it tumble dry after.
Features:
- 100% cotton material
- No polyester lining or filling
- Made sustainably
- Machine washable and dryer-safe
Size: 12 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb
Color: Pebble White, Silver Sage, Luna Blue, Spruce
Price: $188-$261
5. Best Affordability: Luna Luxe Cotton Weighted Blanket
Luna’s Luxe Cotton Weighted Blanket is one of the most affordable options out there to help you reduce anxiety and fall asleep comfortably. Starting at only $99, you can still expect to receive a soft cotton fabric outer lining that is hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals. Not only that, this blanket is made easy for spot cleaning. Otherwise, you may also choose to purchase a removable cover to prevent the need for frequent washing or cleaning of the blanket.
Features:
- Made with 100% cotton, 300 thread count
- Filled with 8% polyester and glass beads
- Hypoallergenic
- OEKO-TEX 100 certified fabric
Size: 15 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb
Color: Indigo, Ivory, White, Light Grey, Beige, Dark Grey
Price: $99.99-$129.99
Types of Weighted Blankets For Adults
There are normally a few types of weighted blankets to choose from depending on your individual needs and preferences. Some may choose according to their material such as cotton, fleece, bamboo, or minky.
Some may also choose according to their filling, whether it is glass beads, plastic pellets, steel beads, or natural fillers such as rice or sand.
It can also be selected by style, by purpose, by weight, or by its size. At the end of the day, it’s all based on your needs and the type of sleep environment that you are in.
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be for Adults?
Most weighted blankets weigh between 15 pounds to 35 pounds. General guidelines suggest that the ideal weighted blanket weight should be about 10% of your body weight with one to two pounds extra if necessary [3].
Here is also a weighted blanket weight chart to help you determine the size you should be selecting:
Choosing A Weighted Blanket for Adults
When selecting a weighted blanket, it can be understandably difficult when there are so many aspects to take note of. A good tip to follow is to go through the full description of the product thoroughly and also look at what customers are saying, both good and bad.
It is also important to consider other additional features, including:
- Weight distribution: A well-designed blanket should have an evenly distributed weight. Opt for those with gridded stitching to ensure consistent pressure throughout the body.
- Size: Choose a size that fits. Weighted blankets typically come in a few sizes such as throw, single, queen, or king sizes.
- Filler type: Consider your preferences and comfort when choosing a blanket as the filler material may affect texture or quietness.
- Maintenance: See if the blanket is easily machine washable or comes with a removable cover for washing. Opt for blankets that do not need dry cleaning or spot cleaning if you prefer something low-maintenance.
- Price: Lastly, think about how much you are willing to fork out for a blanket. If you are tight on budget, opt for affordable options that still offer good quality.
Conclusion
A weighted blanket is a good sleep product to use at night as it has a calming effect and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
For other ways to help you improve your sleep quality, try out the ShutEye® app. ShutEye® is a science-backed sleep app that not only tracks your sleep patterns but also offers articles, sleep sounds, and meditations to help you sleep better each night.