Mattress Accessories & Bedding
Best Wool Blankets
A guide to the best wool blankets, the pros and cons, who they’re good for, and what to consider when shopping for them.
A weighted blanket, or gravity blanket, is a heavier-than-usual duvet, comforter or throw blanket that’s meant to provide gentle pressure to the body that feels like a soothing embrace. These blankets were originally designed as therapeutic tools for people on the autism spectrum, struggling with anxiety or PTSD or diagnosed with sensory disorders. However, weighted blankets have become much more commonplace over the last five years.
If you’re considering purchasing a weighted blanket or simply wondering whether the benefits of this bedding trend are backed by scientific facts, this article will serve as a guide. Keep reading to learn what a weighted blanket is, the benefits of using one, who they’re best for, and the risks of weighted blankets. We’ll also share our top five picks for the best weighted blankets of 2021 and share tips for choosing the right one for you.
A weighted blanket is a therapeutic blanket that usually weighs between five and thirty pounds. The firm-yet-gentle pressure applied by the blanket is said to mimic a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation.
Deep touch pressure stimulation (DPS), or pressure therapy, uses hands-on pressure to improve mood, ease anxiety, lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate and alleviate pain. Deep pressure touch works by switching the body from its sympathetic nervous system to its parasympathetic nervous system. In other words, the nervous system moves from “flight or flight” to “rest and digest.”
DPS was first used for people with disorders that keep them in the sympathetic nervous system state for too long, but weighted blankets have become popular in recent years as a tool to help reduce stress and improve sleep habits for the overworked, exhausted, and more.
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The science of weighted blankets is spotty, but self-reported studies show that some adults report benefits. The Journal of Sleep Medicine has also published research articles about the positive effects from the use of a weighted blanket for insomnia. Here’s how you may benefit from the use of a heavy blanket.
Weighted blankets are often used in occupational therapy for people with mental health issues or those who have a sensory processing disorder, such as autism spectrum disorder. Although heavy blankets have been used for these patients for years, weighted blankets have recently become attractive to the general population and people with other medical conditions for a wide variety of other benefits. Here’s who a weighted blanket can benefit and how.
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While weighted blankets are appropriate for most adults and children, there are a handful of risks associated with weighted blankets to be aware of.
The most important factor to consider when deciding on a weighted blanket is the right weight for your body type. The general recommendation is to find a blanket that weighs about 10% of your body weight, so if you weigh 200 pounds, look for a 20 pound weighted blanket.
That being said, it’s important to make sure your weighted blanket feels comfortable to you. Look for options that are breathable, durable, and filled with high-quality materials.
Which weighted blanket should you buy? It depends. These are some of our top picks for weighted blankets. We listed options for shoppers on a budget, light and heavy body types, and more.
The Gravity Blanket—Editor’s Pick
The Gravity Blanket, available on Amazon, is sold in 15 pound, 20 pound and 25-pound options and comes in three neutral colors. It has a gridded stitching for even weight distribution and an eco-friendly micro glass bead filling. The cover features a velboa plush that’s soft and warm for people who sleep cold. If caring for the environment is one of your primary concerns, take a look at our best organic mattresses.
Layla Weighted Blanket—Most Versatile
The Layla Blanket is sold in a 15- to 25-pound range and has a reversible, 2-in-1 design with two sides (one with plush microfiber and the other with 300-thread count cotton). The softer side is warmer for winter, and the cotton side is cooler for people who tend to sleep hot. The cover is filled with glass beads between two layers of polyester batting.
Blanquil Chill Weighted Blanket—Best Cooling
The Blanquil Chill is the perfect weighted blanket for sleepers who want to ensure they’ll sleep cool with the extra layer. The Chill is designed with a special fabric that disperses body heat and is filled with eco-friendly glass beads. It’s not the most affordable option on this list, but it comes with a 60-night sleep trial. If you sleep hot, our best cooling blankets roundup could also help you find your next favorite blanket.
Baloo Weighted Blanket—Best Value
The Baloo Cool Cotton Weighted Blanket has a 15- to 25-pound weight range and is made with a quilted cotton cover that makes it especially warm for winter. It’s priced very affordably considering its quality, and the cotton makes it breathable for summer. It’s filled with lead-free glass microbeads and is free from harmful chemicals.
Looking for more options? Check out our other best weighted blankets!