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Best weighted blankets for a comforting and relaxing night's sleep
Having trouble sleeping? A weighted blanket could help you reach the land of nod more easily by easing anxiety and bringing comfort to your night's sleep. We round up the best of the bunch, as tried and tested by Mumsnet users.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Nov 17, 2022
There’s nothing quite as important as getting a good night’s sleep, and there aren’t many things nicer than a hug. But what if you could combine the two?
Weighted blankets take advantage of the science behind why a squeeze feels good by using evenly-distributed weights to give you the feel of a hug to release serotonin (one of nature’s happy hormones) and help you drift off.
They're popular as a sleep aid in the bedroom, but lots of people find them great for relaxing on the sofa too. But with such a wide variety on sale, how can you find the best weighted blanket for you? Our guide has got you covered.
With energy prices rising and the nights drawing in, many of us are looking for a bit of extra comfort and cosiness. With our guides to the best blanket hoodies, best heated gilets and best heated throw blankets, we've got you covered. Or if you're shopping for kids, check out our round-up of the best kids' weighted blankets.
Here are the best weighted blankets to buy in 2022.
best weighted blankets for 2022: at a glance
1. Best overall weighted blanket: Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket
Price on writing: £174.99 | Buy now from Simba
Key specs: Size: 135 × 200cm | Weight: 6.8 or 9kg | Filling: Nano-beads (glass) | Removable cover: Yes
Reasons to buy:
- Single size, so won’t bother your sleeping partner
- Machine washable
- Two weights to choose from
Reasons to avoid:
- Pricey
- You will need to buy two if your partner wants in on the weighted blanket experience
What Mumsnet users say:
"I bought this one after lots of research. It has a cover so washable and the ties inside the cover secure it to the blanket – so no bunching" - Recommended by Mumsnet user puellanovella
Our verdict:
You might know the Simba brand from its well-rated foam mattresses – but its range of products to help you get a better night’s sleep don’t stop there.
This weighted blanket claims to ‘anchor your body and mind so you can float away,’ so if you think the sensation of a big hug will help you drift off, this could be the weighted blanket for you.
It comes in ‘single’ size so, if you’re sharing a double, it shouldn’t bother your sleep buddy, and there are two weights to choose from. And as it’s 100% cotton, it’s easy to look after and machine-washable too.
2. Best budget weighted blanket: Brentford’s Weighted Blanket
Price on writing: £25.99 |Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Size: 150 × 200cm | Weight: 8kg | Filling: Micro glass beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable
- Comes in a handy bag for convenient storage
Reasons to avoid:
- Dry clean only
- You may struggle to find a removable cover that fits
What Mumsnet users say:
“OP I have several of these. They are absolutely brilliant and extremely cheap. I have the 6kg Silver and purchased 2 others for my DC's.” - Recommended by Mumsnet user KilledByWitches
Our verdict:
Proving that a quality weighted blanket doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg, the Brentford’s Weighted Blanket is a great option if you are watching the pennies.
Not only do Mumsnetters love the Brentford for its appealing price, but they also rave about the blanket’s deep touch pressure stimulation therapy, which applies gentle pressure to stress points in your body, sending you happily off to the land of nod for a truly restful night’s sleep.
3. Best cotton weighted blanket: Highams Weighted Blanket
Price on writing: £27.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Size: 150 × 200cm | Weight: 6.8kg | Filling: Glass | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable
- Comes in a handy bag for convenient storage
- 100% cotton padding
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as warm as other weighted blankets on the market
- Dry clean only
Our verdict:
If you’ve started investigating weighted blankets, you might have noticed that many of them can be well over a hundred pounds. But the Keeptop Weighted Blanket shows that, if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to spend that much.
The blanket uses non-toxic odourless glass beads in a 100% cotton fabric to provide the weight that can help you get a good night’s sleep. The beads are stitched into 10cm square pockets – so there’s less chance of the weight moving around and the blanket slipping off.
4. Best weighted blanket for allergies: Silentnight Weighted Blanket
Price on writing: £51.85 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Size: 152 × 203cm | Weight: 6.8 or 9kg | Filling: Glass beads | Removable cover: Not included
Reasons to buy:
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine washable
Reasons to avoid:
- Available in one size only
Our verdict:
The Silentnight Weighted Blanket is hypoallergenic so it doesn’t contain any materials that can trigger allergies - it's a great choice for anyone that’s worried about sneezes or runny noses.
It still feels like a nice big hug thanks to the soft-quilted microfibre fabric and it boasts an ‘undetectable’ even distribution of the glass beads used for the weight. However it does only come in a size and in two different weights (6.8kg and 9kg). It’s recommended that you choose one which is about 10% of your body weight. As with all weighted blankets, it’s worth remembering that it’s not recommended for use by anyone who is pregnant or who has asthma or diabetes. So, if you’ve got any concerns at all on that front, make sure you speak to a medical professional before buying.
5. Best weighted blanket bundle: Oodie Grey Weighted Blanket Bundle
Price on writing: £133 | Buy now from The Oodie
Key specs: Size: 198 x 121cm | Weight: 4.5-9kg | Filling: Glass beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy:
- Comes with an Oodie wearable blanket
- Machine washable (at low temperature)
Reasons to avoid:
- A little on the pricey side
What Mumsnet users say:
“I got one from oodie at the same time as buying my oodie. It works well, I like it (they do 3 different weights). You want one that's stitched in squares so the weighting beads don't all migrate.” - Tried and tested by Mumsnetter SnowyMouse
What’s better than getting your hands on a soothing weighted blanket? The answer is getting your hands on a soothing weighted blanket AND a cosy wearable blanket! When it comes to all things snuggly, Oodie is king and is now offering its funky oversized wearable blanket and a premium weighted blanket all in one glorious bundle.
The blanket is filled with non-toxic glass beads, separately sewn pockets and can even be machine washed at low temperatures (although hand wash is recommended). What more could you need to get you through those cold winter months!?
Looking for the ultimate in cosiness? Check out our guide to the best heated throw blankets.
6. Best weighted blanket for couples: John Lewis Specialist Synthetic Weighted Blanket
Price on writing: £80-£110 | Buy now from John Lewis & Partners
Key specs: Size: 150 × 200cm | Weight: 4.5, 7, 9 or 11.5kg | Filling: 93% glass, 7% polyester | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy:
- Comes in various weights
- 100% cotton cover
Reasons to avoid:
- A little on the pricey side
- Not machine washable
What Mumsnet users say:
"I bought one last month from John Lewis. It’s improved my sleep massively. I generally sleep under a giant feather duvet year-round which DH hates, and I’ve realised how that it wasn’t the warmth I was after, it was the weight. I can sleep under this without overheating, and I’m sleeping so much better. I bought it to help me with postnatal depression and the insomnia I’d developed with that. I’m amazed at the difference it’s made" - Recommended by mumsnet user AwkwardAsAllGetout
Our verdict:
This John Lewis & Partners weighted blanket is recommended by Mumsnetters as being a good choice for couples, thanks to the range of weights you can choose from, as well as the evenly stitched pockets creating even pressure across the whole blanket.
The 200-thread count cover (which isn’t removable) is made from 100% cotton, with the internal part made from a specialist synthetic material; the beads are a mix of 93% glass and 7% polyester. One thing to bear in mind is that it isn’t machine-washable – if it needs a clean, you can spot-clean it with a damp cloth and then air dry it.
Feeling the chill at night? We've got the best electric blankets that'll keep you toasty for pennies.
7. Best king-sized weighted blanket: Kudd.ly Weighted Blanket
Price on writing: £79 | Buy now from Kudd.ly
Key specs: Size: 60-80 inches | Weight: 7kg | Filling: Glass micro sand beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy:
- Machine washable (and can even be tumble dried)
- Made of warm fleecy material
- Single unit blanket
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited colour options
What Mumsnet users say:
“DS and I have 5kg kuddly ones. I'm 54kg so it's 9% of my weight. I use it on top of my duvet and sleep much better once it's on when the temperature drops.” - Recommended by Mumsnetter MinervaTerrathorn
“My DD and I both have the Kudd.ly one. We love them and use them every night. I would recommend them.” - Rated by Mumsnet user PawPrintsInMyPansies
As smooth as velvet and just as soothing, the kuddly Weighted Blanket is beautifully soft and contains ultra-silent glass sand beads, which stay quiet when they move to form and hug your body.
Made with breathable, ultra-soft MicroCool Fleece to help you to stay comfortable, whatever the temperature, the beads sewn into the kuddly stay in place which means no bunching and the whole thing can be put in the washing machine if needed. What’s not to like?
8. Best compression blanket: IRQ Sensory Compression Blanket
Price on writing: £27.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Size: Standard single | Weight: N/A – wraps around mattress | Filling: N/A – sheet is made from a breathable nylon/spandex mix | Removable cover: N/A
Reasons to buy:
- Machine washable
- Same ‘hug’ effect as a weighted blanket
Reasons to avoid:
- Not a weighted blanket
What Mumsnet users say:
"This is a sensory blanket which is like a cocoon on the mattress that they snuggle into. It could be an intermediate step." - Recommended by Mumsnet user angel0071987
Our verdict:
Weighted blankets aren’t suitable for absolutely everyone and there are particular things to bear in mind if you’re thinking of getting one for your little one. It’s not recommended for children under three (more info in the buyer’s guide below), and it’s really important that anyone that uses one is able to take it off themselves – for safety reasons.
With that in mind, if you think the ‘huggy’ feel of a weighted blanket could help your child get better sleep, this sensory compression blanket (not a weighted blanket, as such) is worth considering. It wraps round the duvet like a giant sleeping bag, and the machine-washable mix of nylon and stretchy spandex gives that ‘hug’ feel, without relying on glass beads to create weight. You need to make sure the mattress you’re using it on is less than 20cm thick though so that there’s enough stretch to move around, while still feeling snug as a bug in a rug.
For more like this, we've rounded up the best weighted blankets for kids.
9. Best weighted blanket for anxiety: Original Gravity Weighted Blanket
Price on writing: £159 | Buy now from Gravity
Key specs: Size: 135x200cm | Weight: 4kg-12kg | Filling: Glass microbeads | Removable cover: Yes - all season and summer cover
Reasons to buy:
- Cover choice makes it perfect for all year round
- Great colour choice
- Machine washable
Reasons to avoid:
- A bit on the pricey side
What Mumsnet users say:
“I got one for Xmas. I love it. It lives on my sofa though. It helps with day time naps ;). I have a summer cover that came with it that is meant to be quite cooling.” - Tried and tested by Mumsnetter U2HasTheEdge
Our verdict:
If you are considering a weighted blanket but are concerned about things getting a little too toasty when the weather warms up, Mumsnetters recommend the fab Gravity Weighted Blanket.
The blanket comes with two covers, a soft and breathable one that can be used all year round and a second which is made of 100% cotton and velvet and is perfect for those summer nights. The covers are attached to the blanket insert with 12 loops and can be safely machine washed.
10. Best single weighted blanket: Mela Comfort Weighted Blanket
Price on writing: £129.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Size: 135x190cm | Weight: 7kg | Filling: Quartz glass pellets | Removable cover: Yes.
Reasons to buy:
- Machine washable
- Ultra-soft material
Reasons to avoid:
- Lack of colour choice
What Mumsnet users say:
“Love mine which is Mela. The weight should be about a 10% of your body weight.” - Tried and tested by Mumsnetter IamnotaStepfordHousewife
“I have a mela and love it. I had restless sleep and would wake several times a night and not be able to get to sleep. Now I sleep right through and fall asleep much quicker. They say 10% but I got the heaviest largest one they do and it’s perfect.” Recommended by Sexykitten2005
Our verdict:
The Mela Comfort Weighted Blanket will help you to feel cosy and calm, whether you are snuggling down on the sofa with a good book or settling down for a good night’s sleep. The inner blanket is weighted with quartz glass pellets that are padded with polyester so they move around silently, with no irritating noises every time you move. The pellets stay evenly distributed across the blanket and they’re encased in a breathable, 100% cotton outer shell, to keep the temperature just right.
The super soft reversible outer cover is made from quilted grey minky fabric on one side and 100% white cotton on the other and can be conveniently removed and popped in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
What is a weighted blanket and how do they work?
The idea behind weighted blankets is to recreate the feeling of a hug by being a bit heavier than a normal blanket. This feeling of being held releases serotonin (one of nature’s happy hormones) to help you feel more relaxed. Lots of people find they can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, and promote a better night’s sleep.
The blankets are typically filled with tiny glass or plastic beads to provide the pressure. Glass beads are most popular because they're more dense than plastic pellets. Weighted blankets aren’t just for bedtime either – lots of people like to use them to snuggle up on the sofa too.
Can anyone use a weighted blanket?
In short, no – they aren’t for everyone. They aren’t recommended for any children under three, and you shouldn’t use one if you are pregnant, have breathing difficulties like asthma or sleep apnoea, or a circulatory problem like type 2 diabetes.
It’s really important that they’re used correctly – particularly weighted blankets for children – so make sure they don’t restrict movement, and the cover should never go past a child’s shoulders or cover their head or face. The NHS offers more advice on how they can be safely used for children.
What weight is best for a weighted blanket?
By far the most important thing is to make sure that you (or whoever is using the blanket) can remove it without any help.
Most manufacturers recommend that your weighted blanket should be around 10% of your body weight, but there’s no need to worry if it’s a little bit either side (aim for between 7 and 12%). And if you’re buying one for a child over three, typically the weight should be a little bit less – around 5 to 10% of your little one’s body weight – but make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many products have a size guide on their website.
Getting a weighted blanket in this range should mean you feel the nice hug-like pressure of the weight, without feeling crushed.
Another thing to consider is the size of the blanket. You don’t want one that is bigger than your bed, as the weights could mean that it slides off the edge – the last thing you need just when you’re getting cosy. And if you share your bed, it’s worth thinking about whether your sleep partner would like the feel of the weighted blanket too. You could get one that is a ‘single’ size to cover just your side of the bed.
What’s the best filling for a weighted blanket?
Micro glass beads are considered the best filling for a weighted blanket. These beads, which resemble fine grains of sand, move silently around the blanket and are an environmentally sound choice.
How do you clean a weighted blanket?
This depends on the brand of blanket that you buy. Some can be put in the washing machine while others have removable covers which can be machine washed if required. Others are dry clean or wipe clean only. Carefully check the care instructions before attempting to clean your blanket.
What’s the best weighted blanket UK?
The Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket is the best weighted blanket to buy. It has a premium feel, a washable cover and the blanket has corner ties so you can attach it to your duvet to stop it sliding about. Simba has a good reputation for its foam mattresses, pillows and other bedroom products – and this weighted blanket is a great addition to their range.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on their favourite weighted blanket.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality or didn’t work.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best weighted blankets on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, John Lewis and Lakeland to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.