How to Know What Size Weighted Blanket to Buy

Best weighted blanket for hot sleepers: Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket
Best dual-side weighted blanket: Purple + Gravity Weighted Blanket
Best weighted comforter: Brooklinen Weighted Comforter
Best budget weighted blanket: HomeSmart Weighted Throw Blanket
Best all-season weighted blanket: Degrees of Comfort Cooling Weighted Blanket
Best eco-friendly weighted blanket: Bearaby Tree Napper
Best customizable weighted blanket: SensaCalm Custom Weighted Blanket
Best knit weighted blanket: YnM Chunky Knit Blanket
Best weighted blanket for kids: Luna Weighted Blanket for Kids

The search for a good night's sleep has become something of a fixation. Maybe it's because many of us always seem to go without.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 70 million Americans deal with chronic sleep issues.

But before turning to sleep aids and medications, a weighted blanket might actually be the answer.

We break down the best way to help you select the perfect weighted blanket to try to correct a poor night's sleep. Plus, get a list of our top picks.

Weighted blankets can be beneficial for sleep disorders of any kind. Though studies are limited, they may help with insomnia, falling asleep, and staying asleep.

"Weighted blankets have been quite the phenomenon over the last year or so," said Bill Fish, a certified sleep science coach. "People are beginning to understand the benefits of using a weighted blanket to set themselves up to get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep on a nightly basis."

According to a study from 2020, evidence suggests that weighted blankets can help reduce anxiety in people undergoing chemotherapy.

Additionally, a randomized controlled study from 2020 found that weighted blankets were a safe and effective way to help with insomnia in people with various mental health conditions including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Laura LeMond, owner of Mosaic Weighted Blankets, believes that weighted blankets are increasingly popular because you learn to relax under the weight naturally and fall asleep more quickly. Your blanket can become a natural, comforting sleep solution.

A 2015 study noted showed that 31 participants who slept with weighted blankets had a calmer night's sleep, with less tossing and turning. The subjects believed that using the blanket provided them with a more comfortable, better quality, and more secure sleep.

Weighted blankets weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds. A wide range of weights are available, but how do you know which is right for you?

Your own body size will help you determine the right blanket weight.

The general guideline? 10 percent of your own body weight

Both Fish and LeMond agree that the ideal weighted blanket is 10 percent of your body weight so that it fits your frame. For children or older adults, the formula is 10 percent of body weight plus 1 to 2 pounds.

That said, if you're finding it difficult to roll over under the blanket and feel like you're trapped, going lighter is better. However, going lighter than 10 percent of your body weight may not have the same benefits.

"By utilizing a blanket that is roughly 10 percent of your body weight, you feel like the blanket is hugging your body, giving you a sense of calmness, which can reduce stress, as well as help you to stay asleep so your body can go through the necessary stages of sleep to allow you to wake up fully rested," notes Fish.

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What if I'm in between the standard sizes that weighted blankets come in?

While buying a blanket that's 10 percent of your body weight is a good rule of thumb, selecting the right weighted blanket can be highly personalized.

For example, if you fall between standard weights of blankets (typically 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 pounds) and are unsure of whether to size up or down, experts typically recommend adding 1 to 2 pounds. But, ultimately, it's a matter of your preference.

Additionally, one small study conducted in 2006 using 30-pound blankets suggests that more than 10 percent of body weight can be both comfortable and calming.

Is my height a factor?

Blankets come in different dimensions as well. To choose your ideal dimensions, consider the size of your bed and also your height. Height is not as important as weight, but you do want to feel covered and comfortable. Buy a blanket that's the same size or slightly larger than you.

If you're looking for a place to start, we found a few options that we think are good picks. Here are the criteria we used to select the best weighted blankets:

Customer reviews. All our picks made a good impression on customers and have very positive reviews.
Brand reputation. We focused on brands with solid reputations.
Weight options. Our list includes a variety of blanket weights to suit many needs.
Blanket variety. We included blankets made with a variety of materials and at a variety of price points, from budget picks to premium options.

Pricing guide

$ = under $50
$$ = $50–$150
$$$ = over $150

Best weighted blanket for hot sleepers

Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket

Price: $$$
Sizes: 66 x 42, 74 x 48, or 90 x 90 inches
Weights: 15, 20, 25, or 35 pounds

The Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket is specifically designed for people who sleep hot and comes with a moisture-wicking cover that's removable and machine washable.

Reviewers like that the glass beads don't bunch up — clumping of filling material can be a problem with weighted blankets. But some reviewers complain that the blanket's cooling effects don't live up to its "cooling" moniker.

Best dual-side weighted blanket

Purple + Gravity Weighted Blanket

Price: $$$
Sizes: twin/twin XL, full, queen, king/California king, or split king
Weight: 35 pounds

This weighted blanket is pretty heavy, but its glass pellet and polyester fill are evenly distributed. You can toss the cover in the washing machine, but the interior blanket is hand wash only.

What makes it unique? Its dual-sided design features cool and warm sides, so you can flip it over depending on the weather and how you feel.

Reviews are mostly positive, and people compare the blanket feel to that of a hug. A few people complain that it's too heavy, but keep in mind that it's meant to cover your whole bed.

Best weighted comforter

Brooklinen Weighted Comforter

Price: $$$
Sizes: twin/twin XL, full/queen, or king/California king
Weights: 15, 20, and 30 pounds

You can toss a weighted blanket onto your bed to up the coziness factor, but this weighted blanket from Brooklinen isn't just another layer. It's meant to replace your comforter completely. It features a cotton sateen shell and a baffle box construction to keep the microbeads in check.

Most people love the Brooklinen comforter, describing it as cozy and comfortable. However, a handful of reviewers complain that it sleeps too hot.

Best budget weighted blanket

HomeSmart Weighted Throw Blanket

Price: $
Sizes: twin, queen, king, or throw
Weights: 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 50 pounds

This budget-friendly weighted blanket has a quilted design with a soft sherpa underside. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

Reviewers like that the quilted design keeps the weight evenly distributed and doesn't feel overly warm. Some people say that the blanket was rougher to the touch than they expected.

Best all-season weighted blanket

Degrees of Comfort Cooling Weighted Blanket

Price: $$
Sizes: 36 x 48, 41 x 60, 48 x 72, 60 x 80, or 80 x 87 inches
Weights: 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 25, or 30 pounds

You don't have to put away your cozy weighted blanket when warmer weather comes along. The Degrees of Comfort blanket comes with two covers so that you can use it year-round.

Most people love the blanket and say it helped them get some quality shut-eye. A few people say the cooling cover isn't quite cooling enough for hot summer weather. It may work best for areas that don't get super hot in the summer.

Best eco-friendly weighted blanket

Bearaby Tree Napper

Price: $$$
Sizes: 40 x 72, 45 x 72, or 48 x 72 inches
Weights: 15, 20, or 25 pounds

This premium weighted blanket is vegan and features a handknit design perfect for boho bedrooms or living rooms. The blanket is made of natural eucalyptus fibers and a cooling Tencel lyocell fabric — both materials are biodegradable.

Additionally, the blanket is machine washable and comes with an organic cotton storage bag.

Almost all the reviews are positive, with a few exceptions that complain about the blanket bunching.

Best customizable weighted blanket

SensaCalm Custom Weighted Blanket

Price: $$–$$$
Sizes: varies
Weights: varies from 4 to 50 pounds

SensaCalm allows you to tailor a blanket to your specific needs. Choose from multiple patterns, fabrics, weights, and features — including waterproof fabrics. SensaCalm even has a handy guide to help you make your selections.

There aren't any reviews specifically for the custom blankets, but reviews for other weighted blankets from the company are overwhelmingly positive.

Best knit weighted blanket

YnM Chunky Knit Blanket

Price: $$
Sizes: 50 x 60, 60 x 80, or 80 x 87 inches
Weights: 10, 15, or 20 pounds

The YnM chunky knit blanket is a solid pick for those who want a blanket that doesn't scream, "I'm weighted!" The handknit blanket is also machine washable.

Reviewers like the soft feel and unique look of the blanket, but some people complain of durability issues. The blanket comes in seven colors to match a variety of decor.

Best weighted blanket for kids

Luna Weighted Blanket for Kids

Price: $–$$
Sizes: 36 x 48 or 41 x 60 inches
Weights: 5, 7, or 10 pounds

This highly rated weighted blanket is available in multiple sizes and weights, including a 5-pound option that's ideal for kids. The OEKO-TEX certified blanket contains glass beads and a multi-layer design to prevent bunching.

With over 9,000 reviews and an almost 5-star rating, the Luna blanket is a kid-friendly option beloved by parents and guardians. A few people complain that the material isn't as breathable as they expected.

What size weighted blanket should I get?

The weight should be about 10 percent of your body weight. Additionally, while it may be tempting to get the biggest blanket you can find, one that's too large is more likely to hang over your couch or bed. Because this type of blanket contains weights, an overhang can cause it to fall off while you're sleeping.

Can kids use weighted blankets?

It's generally safe for children over the age of 2 to use a weighted blanket, provided the weight is right for their size. If your child has any risk factors, such as asthma, a weighted blanket might not be a great choice. Before buying a weighted blanket for your child, talk with their pediatrician.

How do you clean a weighted blanket?

Follow manufacturer instructions. Most weighted blankets have a cover and inner blanket. While the cover is often machine washable, the insert is usually spot- or dry-clean only.

Whether you're looking for a way to soothe anxiety or just want to increase the snuggle factor when watching your favorite TV show, a weighted blanket might be what you're looking for.

To select that "just right" blanket, make sure to pick one that's about 10 percent of your body weight.

Meagan Drillinger is a travel and wellness writer. Her focus is on making the most out of experiential travel while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in Thrillist, Men's Health, Travel Weekly, and Time Out New York, among others. Visit her blog or Instagram.

How to Know What Size Weighted Blanket to Buy

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/choose-right-size-weighted-blanket