Bestcovery’s Metrics for Ranking Weighted Blankets
Wondering how we made our determinations about the best weighted blankets? Our choices were based on several key factors, including weight, material, comfort, and price.
Weight
The weight of a weighted blanket can be the difference between a comforting product and one that causes additional problems. You need one that provides just the right amount of deep-touch pressure therapy. The top weighted blankets we chose come in various weights so that you can select the right one for your body weight, preferences, and medical conditions.
Fill Material
High-quality fill material determines how effective a weighted blanket will be in terms of anxiety and stress relief — and whether or not it will trigger an allergic reaction or emit odor. Our selections above, which included glass beads most commonly, were chosen for having maximum filling distribution and being hypoallergenic, odor-free, and eco-friendly. Most of our best weighted blanket choices also included premium reinforced stitching to prevent the beads from pooling or leaking.
Outer Material
The outer material of a weighted blanket is one of the top factors impacting durability and comfort. We selected the best-reviewed weighted blankets that were soft, breathable, and long-lasting, such as cotton, bamboo, microfiber, and microplush fabric. These can regulate body temperature and withstand frequent use without compromising their buttery feel.
Washability and Durability
Few people have time in their daily lives to spend spot cleaning a weighted blanket. That’s why one of our considerations in our weighted blanket review was washability and durability; we picked options that could withstand many washes over time without losing shape or weight distribution.
Feel
If a weighted blanket isn’t soft and breathable, it won’t be as effective in promoting relaxation and stress relief. In our review, we considered feel and texture to ensure the one you pick offers maximum comfort and efficacy.
Price
Weighted blankets have a wide price range because they vary in weight, size, brand, materials, and overall quality. We’ve included the best weighted blankets in a range of price points to cater to different budgets and preferences. While some blankets we’ve reviewed above are priced below $100, others are well over $200. We understand that price is an essential consideration for many customers when choosing a weighted blanket, so we’ve evaluated the value of each top weighted blanket in relation to its quality, features, and effectiveness to ensure our customers get the best value for their money.
Frequently Asked Questions When Shopping for a Weighted Blanket
Here are some common questions consumers commonly ask about weighted blankets.
What can weighted blankets help with?
Weighted blankets were made to help alleviate the symptoms of a wide range of conditions, such as ADHD, restless leg syndrome, stress, autism, insomnia, anxiety, and others that make it difficult to relax. They are filled with plastic pellets or glass beads to provide deep-touch pressure therapy, which imitates holding, stroking, swaddling, and hugging. When someone uses the best weighted blanket for anxiety, the gentle yet firm pressure of the beads on the body helps to relax the nervous system.
Deep-touch pressure therapy is also known to stimulate serotonin and dopamine production, which are neurotransmitters that help regulate bodily functions like sleep and mood, leading to a calm, relaxed feeling that improves mental and physical well-being. Even those who suffer from chronic pain from arthritis or fibromyalgia have found relief from the best weighted blankets.
How heavy should my weighted blanket be?
The proper weight of a weighted blanket depends on the individual. A general rule of thumb is that it should be 10% of a person’s body weight plus a few additional pounds. Say you weigh 170 pounds. In this case, you’d probably be best off with a 20-pound blanket.
Take care not to pick a weight that is too heavy, as it could be uncomfortable or even dangerous to those with certain health conditions like epilepsy, low blood pressure, claustrophobia, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions related to breathing or circulation. Talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition and would like to try a weighted blanket.
Can kids use a weighted blanket?
Yes, most weighted blankets, including the top weighted blankets we’ve reviewed, are safe for kids over age one, but only if the blanket is specific to their body weight. Apply the same guidelines for their blanket as mentioned above (10% of their weight plus a few pounds). Additionally, it might be a good idea to supervise your child while they use the blanket to ensure they can handle the weight on their own and remove it when needed.
How to wash a weighted blanket
As you might have noticed above, most of the best weighted blankets feature a cover that can be removed and washed normally — just be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand to ensure the proper water temperature and cycle. In most cases, the cover and inner blanket should be washed separately. Because of the interior filling, the inner blanket most often needs to be hand washed to prevent damage to the weight distribution. The inner blanket can usually be spot cleaned by hand and air-dried, but you probably won’t need to do this often thanks to the protection of the outer cover.
Are weighted blankets too hot?
If you’re concerned about a weighted blanket being too hot, look for one specifically made to promote cooling and regulate body temperature and avoid ones constructed from flannel or wool. The coolest weighted blankets are usually made of bamboo, cotton, or other breathable, lightweight materials. We recommend this construction if you sleep hot or live in a warmer climate.
Who shouldn’t use a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are made to be safe for most people, but they can pose a danger to people with Raynaud’s disease, asthma, or other respiratory or circulatory conditions. They are also not recommended for people who experience trouble breathing while lying flat or struggle to move or turn over in bed. If this describes you, speak with your doctor before purchasing a weighted blanket.
Some of the top weighted blankets we’ve evaluated also contain tiny beads or pellets, so if the blanket were to rip, the beads could pose a choking hazard. Make sure to supervise children as they use the blanket, and do not put them on infants under the age of one, as they cannot move the blanket off when they need to.