Weighted blankets have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to provide a calming and relaxing experience. These blankets are designed with added weight, typically made of glass or plastic beads, evenly distributed throughout the blanket to create a gentle pressure that mimics the feeling of being held or hugged. Here are our top picks for weighted blankets and why we love them.
Our Top Rated Picks:
- Gravity Blanket – Known for its high-quality materials and even weight distribution, the Gravity Blanket is a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious weighted blanket experience.
- YnM Weighted Blanket – Offering a variety of weight options and colors, the YnM Weighted Blanket is a great choice for those looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality.
- Cottonblue Weighted Blanket – This machine-washable weighted blanket is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance option that still provides the benefits of deep touch pressure.
What are Weighted Blankets? Weighted blankets are designed to provide deep touch pressure, which is a type of therapy that uses firm but gentle pressure to help calm and relax the nervous system. This pressure can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and even alleviate symptoms of conditions such as ADHD, autism, and PTSD.
Why We Love Them
Weighted blankets offer a variety of benefits that make them a popular choice for those seeking a better night’s sleep or a way to reduce anxiety and stress. Here are just a few reasons why we love them:
- Improved Sleep – Weighted blankets have been shown to help improve sleep quality by reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the amount of deep REM sleep.
- Reduced Anxiety – The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Eases Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder – Weighted blankets can provide the deep touch pressure that many individuals with sensory processing disorder need to feel regulated and focused.
Sensory Benefits
Weighted blankets can offer a variety of sensory benefits for those who are seeking additional sensory input. The gentle pressure of the blanket can help provide a calming and organizing effect on the nervous system, making it a great tool for those who are seeking sensory input.
Which Kind of Sensory Seekers Would Like Them? Weighted blankets can be a great option for a variety of sensory seekers, including those who:
- Seek deep pressure – Weighted blankets can provide the deep pressure input that many sensory seekers crave.
- Struggle with anxiety or stress – The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Have sensory processing disorder – Weighted blankets can provide the deep touch pressure that many individuals with sensory processing disorder need to feel regulated and focused.
Types of Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets come in various types, primarily differentiated by their filling material, outer fabric, and construction. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Here are the main types:
By Filling Material
The material used to create the weight is a primary differentiator.
- Glass Beads:
- Description: Small, smooth, sand-like beads (often quartz or silica). They are very dense, allowing for a good amount of weight in a smaller volume.
- Pros: Even weight distribution, very quiet (don’t shift or make noise), hypoallergenic, washable, feel like a “firm hug.”
- Cons: Can sometimes feel like fine gravel if not properly distributed or if the blanket fabric is very thin.
- Popularity: The most common and generally preferred filling due to their density and quietness.
- Plastic Poly Pellets:
- Description: Small, rounded pellets made from non-toxic, BPA-free polypropylene (plastic).
- Pros: More affordable, durable, good for larger-volume blankets.
- Cons: Can be bulkier, make a slight rustling noise when moved, less breathable than glass beads, and not as environmentally friendly.
- Popularity: Less common now as glass beads have become more affordable and popular.
- Sand/Grain Fill:
- Description: Fine sand, rice, or other grains (e.g., corn, beans).
- Pros: Conforms very well to the body, very quiet.
- Cons: Not recommended for most users. Difficult to clean (cannot be washed), prone to mold/mildew if exposed to moisture, can attract pests, and degrade over time.
- Popularity: Very rare in commercially sold blankets due to hygiene and durability issues. Only found in DIY projects, which are not recommended for long-term use.
- Steel Chains/Bearings:
- Description: Individual small steel chains or tiny steel bearings woven or sewn into the blanket compartments.
- Pros: Very durable, good airflow (less insulating than solid fillings), can offer a unique “drape” and feel.
- Cons: Can be more expensive, potentially noisy depending on the construction, unique feel might not be for everyone.
- Popularity: Niche, often found in higher-end or specialized therapeutic blankets.
By Outer Fabric / Material
The material of the blanket’s shell or cover affects its feel, breathability, and temperature regulation.
- Cotton:
- Description: A classic choice, often 100% cotton or organic cotton.
- Pros: Breathable, soft, durable, good for all seasons, hypoallergenic.
- Cons: Can wrinkle, might not be as “silky” as other options.
- Best For: General use, people who prefer natural fibers, good for most climates.
- Minky / Fleece:
- Description: Soft, plush, velvety polyester fabrics. Minky is often smoother and softer than standard fleece.
- Pros: Extremely soft, cozy, warm, comforting, excellent for sensory seekers.
- Cons: Can trap heat, making it less suitable for hot sleepers or warm climates.
- Best For: Cold sleepers, colder climates, those who love a super soft and plush feel.
- Bamboo / Tencel (Lyocell):
- Description: Fabrics derived from bamboo or wood pulp, known for their silky feel and excellent thermal regulation.
- Pros: Very soft, silky, naturally cooling, highly breathable, moisture-wicking (great for hot sleepers or night sweats), often eco-friendly.
- Cons: Can be more expensive.
- Best For: Hot sleepers, warmer climates, those who prefer a luxurious, smooth feel.
- Linen:
- Description: Made from flax fibers, linen has a distinctive texture.
- Pros: Highly breathable, durable, moisture-wicking, becomes softer with each wash, offers a relaxed, natural aesthetic.
- Cons: Can be more expensive, has a slightly coarser texture compared to cotton or bamboo.
- Best For: Hot sleepers, humid climates, those who appreciate a rustic yet sophisticated feel.
- Velvet / Plush:
- Description: Luxurious, often polyester-based fabrics with a dense, soft pile.
- Pros: Very soft, rich appearance, provides excellent warmth and coziness.
- Cons: Can be quite warm, less breathable than cotton or bamboo.
- Best For: Cold sleepers, adding a touch of luxury, creating a very comforting experience.
By Construction / Design
How the filling is held within the blanket affects weight distribution and maintenance.
- Quilted Pockets / Compartments:
- Description: The most common design, where the blanket is stitched into small, evenly sized pockets (often squares or rectangles) to keep the weighted filling from shifting.
- Pros: Ensures even weight distribution, prevents clumping, makes the blanket more flexible and conforming.
- Cons: Stitching can sometimes come undone in cheaper blankets if not well-made.
- Popularity: Standard and effective design.
- Duvet-Style with Removable Cover:
- Description: The weighted inner blanket (often with quilted pockets) is placed inside a separate, washable duvet cover.
- Pros: Easy to clean (just wash the cover), allows you to change the outer fabric seasonally (e.g., a bamboo cover for summer, minky for winter), extends the life of the weighted insert.
- Cons: Can be slightly more expensive initially.
- Popularity: Highly recommended for hygiene and versatility.
- Integrated Weight (Woven/Knitted):
- Description: The weight is built directly into the yarn or weave of the blanket, often using chunky, dense knits or interwoven weighted strands.
- Pros: Seamless feel, often more breathable due to open knit, very aesthetic (looks like a regular chunky knit blanket).
- Cons: Can be more expensive, harder to wash (some are dry-clean only), specific weight might be harder to achieve precisely.
- Popularity: Growing in popularity for its aesthetic appeal and unique feel.
Similar Things People Might Like
If you’re interested in weighted blankets, you might also enjoy:
- Weighted vests – These vests provide deep pressure input and can be worn during daily activities to help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
- Compression clothing – Compression clothing, such as leggings or shirts, can provide gentle pressure and help calm the nervous system.
- Sensory toys – Sensory toys, such as fidget spinners or stress balls, can provide additional sensory input and help reduce anxiety.
In conclusion, weighted blankets offer a variety of benefits for those seeking a calming and relaxing experience. From improved sleep to reduced anxiety, weighted blankets can be a great tool for those looking to improve their overall well-being. Our top rated picks for weighted blankets include the Gravity Blanket, YnM Weighted Blanket, and Helix Weighted Blanket, all of which offer high-quality materials and even weight distribution. Whether you’re a sensory seeker or simply looking for a way to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, a weighted blanket might be just what you need.
