Weighted blankets began as a treatment by therapists for patients with sensory processing or autism disorders. The use of weighted blankets have been around for years, it's only recently where they have gained mainstream attention and has been used for coping with occasional insomnia and anxiety.
Many brands hopped onto the weighted blanket bandwagon with their versions and technologies to help during these stressful times. We have come up with our findings on some of the most important things to consider when buying a weighted blanket, as well as our top recommendations for you to look into.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
| TYPE | FILLING | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mela Weighted Blanket | Glass pellets | 30 Nights 1 Year | £120 |
| Sommio Knitted Weighted Blanket | Organic Cotton | 30 Nights 1 Year | £184 |
| Cloverlane Weighted Blanket | Organic Cotton | 100 Nights 2 Years | £200 |
| Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket | Nano glass beads | NA Nights NA Years | £169 |
| ZZZNEST Weighted Blanket | Glass beads | NA Nights 3 Years | £40.99 |
| Echor Luxe Weighted Blanket | Glass beads | NA Nights NA Years | £89.99 |
| John Lewis Specialist Synthetic Weighted Blanket | Glass beads | NA Nights 2 Years | £80 |
| Jaymag Weighted Blanket | Glass beads | NA Nights NA Years | £49.99 |
| ISAAC Weighted Blanket | Glass beads | NA Nights NA Years | £94.99 |
1. Mela Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Anti-rustle glass pellets • Double-sided cover • 30-night trial | • Individuals seeking breathability • People looking for added softness • Those seeking a trial period |
The award-winning Mela Weighted Blanket comes in 3 different weights and is also available in 3 sizes. The weighted blanket has received many positive reviews, with customers commenting on the comfort, appearance and how it helps them to relax.
The weighted blanket consists of SGS certified anti-rustle glass quartz pellets, which move around silently while moulding to your body shape. These glass quartz pellets make up the weight of the Mela weighted blanket and are coupled with breathable cotton, which offers temperature regulation and airflow. In addition, the removable cover is double-sided, with 100% cooling cotton on the bottom and a soft quilted fleece on the top. Conveniently, the weighted blanket can be placed in the washing machine at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celcius on a gentle cycle.
The Mela Weighted Blanket also includes a 1-year warranty and a 30-night trial, which allows you to try the blanket out in your home for a full 30 nights. When you purchase the weighted blanket, Mela donates 1% of profits to their partner charity, Young Minds, as well as protecting five trees from the Amazon rainforest.
2. Sommio Knitted Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 100% organic cotton • Extra cotton carry bag • 30-night trial | • People who prefer a choice of colours • Eco-friendly individuals • Those who prefer natural materials |
The Sommio Knitted Weighted Blanket is made by hand in the UK and uses 100% organic cotton to provide breathability and comfort. Sommio offers this weighted blanket in various colours, such as Canyon, Midnight, Mulberry and Wasabi.
The Sommio weighted blanket has been made without any artificial fillers or synthetic beads, which means the cotton materials are natural and ethically sourced. The weighted blanket has been designed to help reduce stress levels and promote calmness to help the sleeper get a better night's rest. To maintain hygiene, it is advised to wash the blanket individually in the washing machine with cool or lukewarm water. Additionally, the blanket comes with a cotton carry bag for easy transporting when leaving the house or storing.
The Sommio Knitted Weighted Blanket comes with a 30-night trial, so you can return it for free if you are not happy with the blanket. Sommio also offers free next day delivery and simple returns if you're within the UK.
3. Cloverlane Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 5 kilos • Added cotton bag • 100-night trial | • Eco-conscious people • Those with a bigger budget • People who enjoy organic materials |
The Cloverlane Weighted Blanket from Nectar was made in Portugal and comes in 1 standard size, with a width of 150cm and a length of 200cm. The blanket also has a weight of 5 kilos.
Nectar promises quality craftsmanship with its weighted blanket, which has been constructed with organic cotton. The cotton helps to provide comfort and softness. In addition, the Cloverlane Weighted Blanket has been certified as sustainable, and there has been no harmful chemicals or dyes used in the manufacturing process. When you are not using the weighted blanket, Nectar has provided a heavy cotton bag so you can store it away easily.
After purchasing the weighted blanket, you should receive a 2-year warranty and a 100-night trial, which allows you to test the blanket in your own home. You should also receive free delivery and receive your item within two working days.
4. Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Glass nano-beads • Quilted pockets • Comfort fill layer | • Individuals seeking pressure relief • People looking for extra cushion • Those who prefer a removable cover |
The Simba Orbit™ weighted blanket is constructed with a multi-layer design featuring their pressure-relieving nano-bead technology. Simba describes their weighted blanket as providing a gentle, full-body hugging feeling. This helps the Simba weighted blanket stimulate a calming process known as 'deep pressure therapy', which can help anchor your body and allow your mind to drift off.
The weighted blanket is made of 3 layers. The first is the outer surface, which is made from cotton and produces a soft exterior. The next layer contains thousands of glass nano-beads which are included to help relax you while moulding to your body. The pressure-relieving nano-beads are evenly spaced and contained in quilted pockets. Below this is the comfort fill layer, which is included to offer cushion and comfort. The Simba Orbit™ Weighted Blanket has been completed with a removable and washable cover, which is made from 100% cotton and is designed to add breathability.
The Simba blanket has received hundreds of positive reviews, with customers highlighting the relaxing properties of the weighted blanket. The blanket has also been recognised by third-party establishments and won several awards.
5. ZZZNEST Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 7-layer design • Diamond pocket tight stitching • 3-year warranty | • People with allergies • Those seeking durability • Individuals on a budget |
The ZZZNest weighted blanket has been constructed with a seven-layer design, which includes various materials, such as cotton, polyester and glass beads. In addition, the weighted blanket comes in seven different sizes and weights to choose from.
The central layer of the weighted blanket consists of tiny glass beads, which make up the weight of the blanket. The glass beads help produce a deep touch pressure designed to help improve your mood, calm your body and promote restful sleep. This is done by the hugging feeling of the blanket as it moulds around your body. This layer is also non-toxic, hypoallergenic and breathable. Additionally, the polyester layer and the 8cm diamond pocket tight stitching have been included for durability and to prevent any beads from leaking through the layers. Lastly, the cotton layers have been included for breathability and comfort.
The ZZZNest weighted blanket can be hand washed or machine washed, up to 30 degrees Celsius. You also receive a 3-year warranty with your purchase, giving you some additional peace of mind in the long run.
6. Echor Luxe Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Glass bead technology • Grounding effect • Washable cover | • Those seeking weight distribution • People looking for relaxation • Hot sleepers |
The Luxe Weighted Blanket by Echor comes in 2 different sizes, 6.8kg and 9.1kg. The blanket uses glass bead technology and a grounding effect to help the sleeper feel more relaxed and promote a good nights sleep.
Echor uses glass bead technology in their blanket by including hypoallergenic, non-toxic glass beads within the layers. These beads are also odourless and environmentally friendly. The glass beads are encased in breathable fabric to offer comfort and even weight distribution. Moreover, the weight of the blanket helps promote deep touch pressure, which is described as a therapeutic technique to encourage relaxation and restful sleep. In addition, the weighted blanket also utilises a grounding effect, which aims to decrease movement and make it easier to fall and stay asleep.
The layers fillings are completed with a washable duvet cover, which comes with internal ties to keep everything in place. To get the best results, Echor recommends choosing a blanket weight that is closest to 10% of your body weight.
7. John Lewis & Partners Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 100% cotton cover • Polyester filling • 2-year guarantee | • Those seeking a 'hugging' sensation • Individuals aiming to reduce restlessness • People looking for free delivery |
The synthetic weighted blanket from John Lewis & Partners comes in several different sizes with a guide that allows you to match the blanket weight to your body weight. The weighted blanket has also received positive reviews and has been rated as excellent for quality, value and comfort.
The John Lewis & Partners Specialist Synthetic weighted blanket features a 100% cotton cover, which can provide a soft and comfortable feel. Internally, the John Lewis weighted blanket consists of glass beads and polyester filling. The ratio is 93% glass beads to 7% polyester filling. This layer works to hug your body and can help promote relaxation while reducing restlessness. John Lewis also recommends this weighted blanket for those who tend to sleep cold.
Included in your purchase of the John Lewis & Partners Specialist Synthetic weighted blanket, you receive free delivery, which usually takes up to 7 working days to arrive. To protect against the passing of time, John Lewis includes a 2-year guarantee with your weighted blanket.
8. Jaymag Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • High-density stitching • Diamond lattice pockets • Hypoallergenic glass beads | • People with sensitive skin • Those looking to reduce stress • Individuals seeking added comfort |
The well-reviewed weighted blanket from Jaymag comes in 4 different weights. Jaymag offers a kids/ teen weighted blanket; however, we will concentrate on the adult version to relieve stress and anxiety.
The weighted blanket consists of premium 100% cotton fabric and high-density stitching which helps to offer comfort and breathability. It is also filled with hypoallergenic glass beads, which are non-toxic and provide a cooling pressure sensation to give the blanket weight. To prevent the glass beads from leaking out, they are evenly filled into small diamond lattice pockets, which also help with weight distribution. The weighted blanket from Jaymag is also hand-washable, so you can rest easy knowing it is easy to keep hygienic as well.
Overall, Jaymag states that their blanket can help to manage anxiety and improve your mood, as the blanket offers a hugging sensation. The company also highlight how the weight distribution can calm aching legs and promote relaxation.
9. ISAAC Weighted Blanket
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 400TC breathable cotton • Poly-stuffed compartments • Oxford-style carry bag | • People between 9.5 -13 stone • Those seeking a calming effect • Individuals who value durability |
Issacsleep, a British owned company, produce the ISAAC weighted blanket, which can be purchased on Amazon. When you make a purchase, you should receive your weighted blanket alongside an Oxford-style carry bag so the blanket can be easily transported.
To provide deep pressure therapy, the ISAAC weighted blanket has been filled with glass beads, which have been placed in square-shaped, poly-stuffed compartments. This prevents any leakage and helps offer even weight distribution, which can produce a calming effect. The weighted blanket also includes 400TC cotton, which is breathable and can adapt to the temperature. ISAAC recommends that this blanket be best suited for those between 9.5 and 13 stone, although they also acknowledge personal preference.
An added bonus is that the removable cover can be machine washed at 30 degrees celsius. Isaacsleep suggests that you allow it to air dry after that. Included in your purchase of The ISAAC weighted blanket, you will have 30 days to return the item with a full refund if you're not satisfied.
Do Weighted Blankets Work?
Weighted blankets were purposefully created and designed to induce a calming experience/effect for the sleeper. Research has been done about the blankets benefitting people who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, and autism.
What makes weighted blankets different from regular or traditional blankets are the fillers that are generally the plastic poly pellets, glass beads, or steel shot beads which add weight to the blanket. This generates what is known as deep touch pressure, sort of like a hugging and cuddling feeling which causes a calming and relaxing effect.
A research article published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders✓ found that overall, users that slept with a weighted blanket had a calmer nights sleep. They also found that weighted blankets may help in reducing insomnia and that weighted blankets may provide an innovative alternative that is non-pharmacological to improve sleep quality.
From what we have found, weighted blankets work for some. You will know if it has worked for you if your sleeping improves and you feel no discomfort. It is still important to remember that although a weighted blanket may work for you, you should still maintain a regular sleeping pattern, regularly excessive, refrain from technology just before bed and keep a hygienic bedroom environment.
Weighted Blankets: Studies & Research
Many companies have made claims regarding the benefits of weighted blankets. This can include mild benefits, such as providing comfort and security, whereas more bold claims relate to autism, anxiety, and insomnia. Here are some studies and research that legitimise or nullify these claims.
Autism
It is not uncommon for those on the autistic spectrum to experience sleep disturbances, and weighted blankets are frequently recommended to try to combat this.
A study✓ involving young children on the autistic spectrum✓ aimed to explore whether weighted blankets can help stimulate calmness and reduce sleep disturbances. The study concluded that the weighted blankets helped to improve overall sleep quality, including sleep duration, number of awakenings and the time taken to fall asleep.
On the other hand, another study✓ involving 73 autistic children with severe sleep problems found that significant changes were minimal. It was concluded that there was no evidence for changes in sleep disturbances and time to fall asleep. However, it was noted that both parents and children favoured the weighted blankets.
Insomnia
Insomnia✓ exists throughout the UK, with an estimated 36% of UK adults struggling to fall asleep every week. With that being said, weighted blankets have been reported to have a calming effect and can help decrease movement, which could help combat insomnia.
Research✓ has indicated that weighted blankets can help increase sleep time, decrease sleep movement and encourage a calmer night's sleep. Participants also stated their sleep had improved, and they woke up feeling more refreshed.
In 2020, another study✓ was conducted involving 120 patients who have insomnia alongside other mental health conditions. After four weeks, patients reported experiencing better sleep maintenance, higher daytime activity level and reduced daytime fatigue.
Anxiety
Weighted blankets are often used in occupational therapy for emotional regulation, which can help with insomnia and anxiety. It has been claimed that the pressure of the blanket can help evoke a sense of calm while placing your nervous system into 'rest mode'.
A systematic review✓ involving eight studies found that while the weighted blanket can be used as a therapeutic tool to reduce anxiety, there is little evidence-based research to support this practice.
Harvard Health also stated that there was little evidence to support that weighted blankets can help reduce anxiety as it can be difficult to conduct accurate tests and studies.
A randomized clinical trial to test the blankets would be very difficult… a blind comparison is impossible because people can automatically tell if the blanket is heavy or not.
Dr Cristina Cusin, Harvard Medical School.
Weighted Blanket Features
If you're thinking about purchasing a weighted blanket, there are many features that you can consider to be certain you make the right decision. Features such as the materials and cover can help make a difference to the weighted blanket's benefits. Below are some key features to help you make your decision.
- Glass Beads: Weighted blankets often consist of glass beads which can help to add weight and pressure. If you suffer from sensitive skin, it’s worth checking that the glass beads are hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Whatsmore, the glass beads should be sealed properly to prevent any leakages.
- Materials: While most weighted blankets contain glass beads, you can also find other materials available, such as polyester and cotton. The latter is known for offering breathability and comfort, whereas polyester is known to be durable and lightweight.
- Cover: Many weighted blankets provide cotton covers that can offer comfort and softness. For those looking for easy cleaning, some blanket covers are removable and machine-washable.
- Eco-Friendly: For eco-conscious individuals, you can also find plenty of weighted blankets which use organic cotton. Some brands also state that their materials are natural and ethically sourced, which often means there has been no harmful chemicals or dyes used in manufacturing.
- Trial Period: As online shopping becomes increasingly more popular, many mattress and bedding companies are allowing trial periods with their products. This allows you to test the weighted blanket at home and return it free of charge within the trial period if you’re not satisfied.
Guidelines When Choosing a Weighted Blanket
With the myriad of offers, brands and options for weighted blankets, we have put together what we think are the most important factors to keep in the back of your mind when looking for a weighted blanket.
- As a rule of thumb, a weighted blanket should be around 10% of your body weight.
- Test the blanket for about a week to notice how you feel and if you will need to go lighter (if uncomfortable) or heavier (if you are not feeling the deep touch pressure effect).
- If you have a partner, keep their preferences in mind and share the blanket with him/her to see how they feel.
- Some brands offer a trial, take advantage of it.
- Make sure the dimensions of the weighted blanket fits the size of your body or bed.
- You should consult a doctor or medical professional before using a weighted blanket, especially for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is typically a heavy, thick blanket that is commonly filled with glass beads to add pressure and help provide a hugging sensation.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
The weight of a blanket should depend on your personal preferences and body weight. Generally, a weighted blanket can range from 12 to 20 pounds, and it is recommended to choose a blanket that is 10% of your own body weight.
What does a weighted blanket do?
The benefits that a weighted blanket offers can differ depending on the individual. However, weighted blankets are often designed to reduce stress and induce calmness and relaxation.
