Weighted blankets help people sleep better: This was an unexpected discovery.
In the late 1990s, an occupational therapist named Tina Champagne used weighted blankets to help patients "self-nurture, increase coping skills, increase reality orientation, and actively engage in self-care."
At that time, deep pressure therapy was focused on children with autism or pervasive developmental disabilities. Ms. Champagne's research at UMass Amherst and Cooley Dickinson Hospital focused on how adults would respond to a weighted blanket. Many used it as a sleep aid.
Years later, a clinical study entitled "Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia" demonstrated that weighted blankets can help patients fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and awake more refreshed. (The Gravity Blanket capitalized on this research, raising nearly $5 million on Kickstarter and making weighted blankets one of the most popular products on social media.)
More recently, the results of a randomized, controlled trial published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine concluded that those participants who used a weighted blanket for four weeks (and suffer from clinical insomnia) "reported significantly reduced insomnia severity, better sleep maintenance, a higher daytime activity level, and reduced symptoms of fatigue, depression and anxiety."
Are Weighted Blankets Safe?
Healthy adults can safely use a weighted blanket, according to clinical research. The vital signs of 32 adults (with body weights between 112-234 pounds) remained in a safe range while participants were beneath a 30 pound blanket. A second study confirmed these findings among a 30 person group.
Those who are pregnant, asthmatic or suffer from respiratory problems like obstructive sleep apnea should speak with a physician before using a weighted blanket.
Neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor the American Academy of Family Physicians offer weighted blanket guidelines: Always consult a doctor before buying a weighted blanket for a child.
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be?
For a healthy adult, a blanket’s weight is a matter of preference, not a simple formula or ratio. Choosing a blanket that’s "10% of body weight" is merely a rule of thumb, not a clinical recommendation.
This article focuses on 60-by-80-inch weighted blankets that weigh between 15-20 pounds.
Choosing the Right Size Weighted Blanket
A “queen-size weighted blanket” will not drape over the edges of a queen-size mattress because, like the mattress, the blanket is 60 inches by 80 inches corner to corner. To fit a queen-size mattress like a traditional comforter should, a blanket should be 90 inches by 88 inches, according to the American Blanket Company. This misconception is the reason why many online reviewers wish that they had bought a “size up.”
How Much Does a Good Weighted Blanket Cost?
A good weighted blanket (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $67, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same blankets cost around $49 while on sale: an average discount of 27%. A well-reviewed weighted blanket that’s made in the USA will cost approximately twice as much as many of the bestselling weighted blankets which are often made in China.
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1. Bare Home Weighted Blanket (17lb., 60" x 80")
Good Value: $50 | Great Deal: $35
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Overstock
Bare Home's weighted blanket is soft, warm and easy to care for, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish that a duvet cover was included; others say that the filling shifts and bunches.
2. Weighted Idea Large Weighted Blanket (15 lbs, 60''x80'')
Good Value: $68 | Great Deal: $43
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Weighted Idea's blanket has stellar reviews, with most customers liking or loving it. The blanket's care tag says "Dry Clean," but some customers claim that no dry cleaner would accept the blanket. The manufacturer recommends purchasing a duvet cover separately (to reduce washing frequency).
3. YnM Weighted Blanket (15 lbs, 100% Cotton)
Good Value: $68 | Great Deal: $41
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Many online reviewers had a better sleep (or felt more relaxed) after using YnM's weighted blanket. The blanket sleeps cool according to most customers, but a few felt overheated. Some reviewers say this blanket may arrive with loose beads inside the package, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it has a hole.
4. ZonLi Cooling Weighted Blanket (60''x80'', 15 lbs)
Good Value: $80 | Great Deal: $60
Check Current Price on: Amazon
ZonLi's weighted blanket is described as a giant hug by happy customers who suffer from restless leg syndrome. Online user reviews are very positive overall. One customer cautions that the blanket is a few inches shorter than its stated size and doesn't fit perfectly into a queen-sized duvet cover as a result.
5. Amy Garden Weighted Blanket (60"x80",15 lbs)
Good Value: $59 | Great Deal: $41
Check Current Price on: Amazon
This budget weighted blanket from Amy Garden was heavily discounted during Amazon Prime Day and is one of the cheapest weighted blankets available when it’s on sale. A majority of online customers love this blanket, though some complained that the blanket runs small and leaks glass beads over time.
6. P&R Ultra Plush Minky Weighted Blanket (60"x80", 15 lb.)
Good Value: $57 | Great Deal: $22
Check Current Price on: Overstock | Amazon
Pine & River's plush weighted blanket is smug, comforting and soft, according to several customers. Some reviewers say the stitching isn't durable; a few others complain that their blanket leaked sand.
7. Beauty Kate Weighted Blanket (Adult, 20 lbs. 60''x80'')
Good Value: $58 | Great Deal: $41
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Beauty Kate's affordable weighted blanket is well-stitched and the filling is evenly distributed, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this blanket sleeps hot; others say the material is rough. Many customers misunderstood the dimensions of this blanket and advise buying a size larger than the mattress.
8. Isilila Glass Weighted Blanket (60" x 80" 15 lbs.)
Good Value: $48 | Great Deal: $34
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Isilila's weighted blanket "feels like a hug," according to several customers who say the blanket reduces anxiety and helps them fall asleep more quickly. Some reviewers wish they had ordered a king size blanket.
9. ZZZhen Weighted Blanket - 60''80'' 20LBs
Good Value: $55 | Great Deal: $39
Check Current Price on: Amazon
This weighted blanket is soft, well-made and it doesn't leak beads, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this blanket sleeps hot and weighs five pounds more than it should (for better or worse).
10. Hypnoser Weighted Blanket 15 lbs, 60"x80" Queen (5421)
Good Value: $68 | Great Deal: $50
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Hypnoser's weighted blanket contours itself to the body and makes good sleep easier, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the blanket is too hot; others wish it came in more vibrant colors.
11. Hiseeme Anxiety Weighted Blanket (60''x80'', 15 lbs)
Good Value: $55 | Great Deal: $40
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Hiseeme's plastic-filled weighted blanket is comfortable and sleeps warm according to several online customers. Multiple customers found this blanket to be 5 inches shorter than its stated measurements.
12. HomeSmart Products Cotton Weighted Blanket (20lbs)
Good Value: $60 | Great Deal: $40
Check Current Price on: Amazon
HomeSmart's weighted blanket is cozy, comfortable and a good value, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this blanket sleeps hot; others complain that it feels lumpy over time.
13. Pine and River 15-Pound Bamboo Weighted Blanket
Good Value: $70 | Great Deal: $40
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Urban Outfitters
This inexpensive weighted blanket is soft, comfortable and sleeps cool, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this blanket retained less heat; others complain that it sheds beads.
14. Smart Queen Weighted Blanket (20 LBS., 60"x 80")
Good Value: $48 | Great Deal: $40
Check Current Price on: Amazon
This affordable 20-pound weighted blanket is an effective antidote for anxiety, restless legs and sleepless nights, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this blanket isn't warm enough to be used as a primary comforter; others complain that this blanket is shorter than its stated dimensions.