The rule of thumb is to pick a blanket around 10% of your body weight. Therefore, a 120-pound person should look for a 12-pound blanket, a 150-pound person a 15-pound blanket, and so on. (If your weight falls in between blanket sizes, go with the lighter one). It’s all a matter of personal preference, of course, but this formula should give you a blanket that feels just right. (With children, however, take this rule literally. If the blanket is too heavy for them, they could struggle to get out from under it, as can pets.)
Materials
Weighted blanket cover materials range from classic cotton and cooling bamboo to luxurious velvet and warming fleece, and a number of blankets feature a dual-sided design to make use of two fabrics. Similar to how you shop for bed sheets, consider how these different materials can support your personal preferences and overall comfort.
Another material to consider is the fill of the weighted blanket. Some feature glass or plastic beads, often within a quilted design, that distribute the weight of the blanket fairly evenly but can also make a bit of noise as you move around. Others are filled with fabrics and other fibers for a quieter experience. Meanwhile, knit-exclusive designs that resemble a cozy sweater are woven with heavier fabrics to achieve an even weight distribution.
Size
Weighted blanket sizes range dramatically and tend to lack the standardization we’ve come to know and appreciate when shopping for mattresses and other bedding. Be sure to review the dimensions of a weighted blanket before purchasing so you have a clear understanding of how it will lay across your bed or sofa.
Care Instructions
Some weighted blankets feature machine-washable removable covers that make a weekly refresh a breeze while others list dry cleaning as the preferred care method. Consider what level of maintenance works for your lifestyle when looking for the best weighted blanket for your home.
Trial Periods and Warranties
Similar to your bed frame and mattress, quality bedding and sleep accessories are investments, and we like to help you make smart ones. Pay close attention to trial period lengths with weighted blankets, as some brands let you try them out for 100 nights risk free. Similarly, some weighted blankets can come with warranties of up to five years and protect against product defects.
FAQs
What is the best kind of weighted blanket?
Based on our research, testing and reviews, we recommend the seven weighted blankets in our list based on a wide range of user preferences. For someone who enjoys the look and feel of a cable knit sweater, an option like Brooklyn Bedding’s Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket is likely the best kind of weighted blanket. Meanwhile, someone who prefers a luxe, quilted vibe should consider a style like Saatva’s Velvet Weighted Blanket.
Is it bad if your weighted blanket is too heavy?
There’s a reason experts use the aforementioned 10% rule when it comes to weighted blankets. Using a weighted blanket that’s too heavy can be problematic in a few ways, leading to overheating, joint and muscle pain, and general discomfort that disrupts rest rather than promoting it.
Is it okay to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
Generally, weighted blankets are considered safe for nightly snoozing so long as they’re sized appropriately for your body weight and don’t seem to lead to any discomfort. But when in doubt, it never hurts to check in with your health care provider.
