Research suggests an increase in serotonin can lead to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a sense of calmness and relaxation. Other benefits of weighted blankets may include an increased sense of security, reduced pain levels, and improved sensory processing skills in those with ADHD or ASD.
“Weighted blankets are often used to help people with anxiety or sleep disorders,” Steve Carleton, licensed clinical social worker and executive clinical director at Gallus Detox, tells Verywell Health. “The added weight of the blanket helps provide a sense of security and comfort to users, leading to improved sleep quality. And the constant gentle pressure of the weighted blanket can help to reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation.”
The best weighted blankets create a helpful sensory environment. We tested 35 weighted blankets in The Verywell Testing Lab to evaluate their quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value.
Here are the best weighted blankets on the market today.
For the price point, the Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket feels like a high-quality product that will last for years. We loved the removable exterior cover, which doesn’t shift when sleeping, thanks to the attached inner ties. Our tester rated this blanket highly for its ease of cleaning—the cover is machine washable in cold water and can be dried on low heat.
Price at time of publication: $200
The Threshold Microplush Weighted Blanket features a machine-washable cover with duvet ties to keep it in place, and the inner weighted blanket is filled with non-toxic glass beads. Even coffee stains came out quickly in our tests, which is a huge bonus for most. Although it’s not large enough for couples, it’s a great size for one person and is available in 12, 15, and 18-pound options.
Price at time of publication: $63
The Degrees of Comfort Coolmax Weighted Blanket is available in 10 weight options and five sizes. We liked the 10-Point Locking System, which evenly distributed weight throughout the blanket. While the cover is machine washable, it had a few minor “pills” after washing in our tests. However, stains lifted easily, and the overall quality of the blanket is impressive for the price.
Price at time of publication: $78
The Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket also features a special quilted design that separates the weight into pockets. The company claims this blanket is scientifically proven to help you sleep better, and based on our test, we agree. We loved the different sizes and color options, but the blanket had minor frays after washing.
Price at time of publication: $250
The Waowoo kept a stable temperature during our tests, making it ideal for all types of sleepers. It also held up to our stain and durability tests, proving to be an excellent investment for the price. Even though the cover is sold separately, it’s still one of the most affordable weighted blankets on the market.
Price at time of publication: $55
As the name suggests, the machine-washable cover has a unique quilted design that helps distribute the weight evenly, and we found it very comfortable. It features eight duvet ties and a zipper closure to keep the blanket in place. One note is that the Quility isn’t ideal for hot sleepers as it can trap heat. But overall, we think it’s an excellent choice for anyone needing a little extra warmth.
Price at time of publication: $105
The Napper is available in four weights ranging from 10 to 25 pounds and five color options. It’s also machine washable on the gentle setting with cold water. We didn’t notice any shrinkage in our lab, and the fabric held up well to our stain test. The only significant downside is the price, but given its quality construction and luxury materials, it’s worth the investment for those who want a showcase piece.
Price at time of publication: $199
The Snug Crystal blanket cover is machine washable on the gentle cycle in cold water and can be tumble dried on low heat. The small quilted design evenly distributes the blanket weight while still being breathable. We were impressed with how well the blanket repelled coffee during our spill test, and the remaining liquid came out instantly when blotted. We noticed slight shrinkage after washing, but the fabric held up well overall.
Price at time of publication: $269
The Saatva is one of the more expensive options on our list, but a 1-year limited warranty backs it. The organic cotton velvet also has a bit of a coarse feel, but it’s still cozy and large enough to wrap up in. The only downfalls are that the fabric is dry clean only, and there’s no outer cover—so you’ll need to be careful when handling it. However, the blanket was somewhat repellant in testing and extremely easy to spot clean.
Price at time of publication: $345
While the fabric is machine washable, the manufacturer recommends using a commercial washer only—meaning you may have to go to a laundromat to clean it. We also found the blanket more challenging to spot clean— the liquid seeped into the fabric. However, it’s still an ultra-soft option at a price point that’s lower than most.
Price at time of publication: $95
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These weighted blankets are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great weighted blankets, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These weighted blankets are just average.
During our quality assessment, we examined the stitching of each blanket and checked for any loose beads or fabric defects. We also took note of the type of fabric used and how it felt against the skin. For comfort, we evaluated how evenly distributed the weight was and whether the blanket felt too heavy or light.
To assess warmth, we evaluated how well each blanket trapped heat and whether it felt too warm or not warm enough. We also considered the fabric’s breathability and whether it caused sweating during use. Finally, we looked closely at the material’s qualities and how easy they were to care for. We spot-cleaned each blanket with common household stains like coffee and washed and dried it according to the manufacturer’s instructions (and noted any shrinkage). We then considered the price of each blanket and how it stacked up against similar products, given the data we collected.
We Also Tested
Luna Adult Weighted Blanket: While reasonably priced, the Luna stained easily in our tests. Casper Sleep Weighted Blanket: This affordable option has a 100-night trial program, but it didn’t stand up to our stain tests and isn’t machine washable. Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket: This option distributed weight nicely, but the fabric is rough and shrank slightly in the wash. The Company Store LaCrosse All Seasons Weighted Blanket: The LaCrosse has beautiful cover stitching that adds an extra touch of personality but is also easier to snag. Cariloha Weighted Bamboo Blanket at Cariloha: Our top-rated bamboo pick is sustainable and has a machine-washable cover, but it’s also expensive.
What to Look for in Weighted Blankets
Weight
The weight of a blanket is typically expressed in pounds (lbs) and corresponds to the user’s body weight.
“The best weighted blanket is no more than 10% of your body weight,” says Dr. Ferri. “This offers the right amount of pressure and input without being too heavy that it restricts movement.” Many manufacturers include a size chart to help you choose the right weight and size based on your body type.
For example, a person weighing 200 pounds should choose a 20-pound blanket at most, while someone weighing 80 pounds would need an 8-pound blanket.
Weight distribution is also crucial—you want the weight evenly distributed across the blanket, so it feels like a gentle hug, not a heavy burden. The best weighted blankets have small pockets that uniformly spread the fill material and prevent it from shifting during use. Blankets with removable covers should have duvet ties or loops to keep the weighted insert in place.
Cover Material
Like traditional blankets, weighted blankets are made of either natural or synthetic fabrics. Each material has different benefits and drawbacks, so choosing one that fits your needs is important.
Cotton is a popular choice for weighted blankets because it’s soft, breathable, and easy to care for. It’s also relatively inexpensive. However, cotton blankets are less durable than other options and may not last as long. Polyester is often used in weighted blankets because it doesn’t shrink and is less likely to pill than other fabrics. It’s also relatively inexpensive. However, polyester is less breathable than natural fibers and may cause sweating during use. Bamboo is soft, eco-friendly, and naturally antibacterial. It’s also one of the most expensive options. Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made of ultra-fine fibers that are woven together. It’s often used in weighted blankets because it’s soft, durable, and easy to maintain. Fleece is a synthetic fabric made from recycled polyester. While soft, fleece is less breathable than other fabrics and may retain heat. Fleece is ideal for colder climates or those who prefer a warmer blanket. Wool is a natural fiber often used in weighted blankets because it’s breathable and naturally moisture-wicking. Wool is also one of the most expensive options.
Fill Material
The inner fill makes up the majority of the weighted blanket’s weight. Fill material commonly seen in weighted blankets include:
Plastic poly pellets are small, round balls made of polystyrene. They’re often used in weighted blankets because they’re less expensive than glass beads. However, plastic pellets are not as durable as glass beads and may leak if the blanket is damaged. Glass beads are small, round balls made of tempered glass. They’re often used in weighted blankets because they’re non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly. Glass beads are also less likely to leak than plastic pellets. Ceramic beads are small, round balls made of ceramic. Ceramic beads are also less likely to leak than plastic pellets. Steel beads are small, round balls made of steel. They’re heavier than other fill materials, meaning it takes less of them to reach the desired weight. Grains, such as rice, millet, and oats, may be used in weighted blankets because they’re inexpensive and easy to find. However, grains can shift and clump over time, making them less durable than other fill materials.
Some weighted blankets are fill-less, meaning they don’t have any inner fill material. These blankets rely on the weight of the fabric to provide the desired pressure. Fill-less blankets are often knitted or crocheted from heavyweight cotton or polyester, such as the Bearaby Cotton Napper.
Cooling
Certain materials cool the body and promote airflow, making them ideal for use in warm weather or for people who tend to be hot sleepers. Cotton is a natural fiber that’s known for its cooling properties. It’s often used in weighted blankets because it’s soft, breathable, and easy to care for. Polyester is also breathable and repels moisture, making it another good choice for a cooling weighted blanket. Bamboo offers the same cooling benefits as cotton but is eco-friendly and naturally antibacterial.
Blankets with knitted or crocheted construction are often more breathable than those with quilted construction. This is because the fabric is less dense, allowing more airflow. Fill-less blankets are also typically more breathable than filled blankets.
Why Trust Verywell Health
Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. She has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience as a nurse. She also holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information to make the best health decisions.
