While they’re commonly mistaken for a new invention, weighted blankets have been used for years by occupational therapists thanks to their calming effects. Size: Avoid oversize options. The blanket shouldn't hang off the side of your bed, as the weight can make it fall off during the night. If you plan to use it yourself, opt for a Twin or throw size. If you plan to share it with a sleeping partner then you can use a Queen or King, but note that a larger size will mean the weight is more spread out and won't feel as heavy. Distinguished by an innovative design and a breathable cotton construction, the Bearaby Cotton Napper is one of the most exciting weighted blankets on the market. Unlike most weighted blankets, which feature a more traditional duvet-style design with an interior filling consisting of weighted beads, Bearaby blankets feature a layer on layer fabric design that improves temperature neutrality and ensures an even weight distribution along the blanket. Filling: Weighted blankets are usually filled with small glass or plastic beads to provide pressure. Glass beads are the most popular filling because they're denser than plastic and you won't typically feel the individual pellets. We recommend looking for small grid-like stitching that helps keep the fill evenly distributed. You can also find some weighted blankets with down alternative polyester filling along with the beads, which helps add a plush feel. Most sizes for the blanket are sold with white or gray colors, but the 12-pound throw is available in four other colors: white, silver, navy, and rose. All three are derived from sustainable, 100% natural dyes.

Like many weighted blankets, the Mela blanket is filled with tiny glass pellets inside its cotton casing. These give the blanket its weight and help it mould to your body. Its removable cover is cotton on one side, with the other made from a soft, fleece-like recycled polyester. Although this is not always the case, some heavier weighted blankets are wider and/or longer than their lighter counterparts. Most weighted blankets are designed for single person use, so twin is the most common size offered by manufacturers. A common size for larger weighted blankets is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, which corresponds to a queen size mattress. It is one of the most natural things to hug a family member or friend when they are upset or anxious," according to Rocchio Mueller. "While a hug might not solve all your problems, it often helps you feel better by calming your body, which then allows you to think a little bit clearer." Storage & organisation Furniture Textiles Kitchenware & tableware Kitchens Lighting Decoration Rugs, mats & flooring Beds & mattresses Baby & children Smart home Bathroom products Laundry & cleaning Plants & plant pots Home electronics Home improvement Outdoor living Food & beverages Christmas Shop Shop by roomFor most people, weighted blankets are completely safe to use, but there are a few groups who should be more cautious. For example, if you are pregnant or suffer from respiratory or circulatory problems (such as asthma or type 2 diabetes) you should always consult with a doctor before purchasing. The same goes for children, as they can potentially become trapped underneath a weighted blanket. How heavy should weighted blankets be? Some people should avoid weighted blankets, or at least consult with a physician before using one. For instance, you should definitely have a word with your doctor about weighted blankets if you live with a chronic respiratory or circulatory issue, such as asthma, low blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes. Some weighted blanket manufacturers actively discourage people with these conditions from using their products. Helix is a company best known for mattresses, but the brand also offers a line of bedding that includes the Helix Weighted Blanket. The blanket’s outside cover is made of cozy fleece on one side and soft microfiber on the other, both of which have an exceptionally soft feel.

The idea behind weighted blankets is the offer of pressure stimulation, similar to the pressure from a deep touch or a hug," Dr AlBendar explains. "This comforting feeling can release feel-good hormones such as serotonin, often called the 'happy chemical', helping to decrease nervous system activity and give us that warm feeling of wellbeing." Machine wash cover only:For these blankets, you’ll need to separate the inner shell housing the beads or pellets from its outer cover. Unless the care instructions say otherwise, you can wash and dry the cover in a machine. Spot-cleaning with water and mild detergent is usually advised for the inner shell. We prioritize safety during our weighted blanket tests. As a rule, the weight of each tester must represent at least 10% of the blanket’s weight for all testing stages. If we are evaluating a blanket for couples, both participants must meet this weight threshold. The vast majority of people are able to use a weighted blanket, and those suffering from anxiety, stress and insomnia have all experienced the benefits.The Baloo Living Weighted Blanket is a great choice for its temperature regulation. The blanket is constructed with a quilted cotton cover and a glass microbead fill padded with cotton batting. The cover provides excellent breathability to keep you cool in the warmer months, but the blanket also provides decent insulation when the outside temperatures drop. The blanket is ideal for couples, especially those who have different temperature preferences. Usually ranging from between 4.5kg to 11.5kg, a good rule of thumb is to select a blanket that is about 10% of your bodyweight. Though you can opt for a heavier or lighter throw, depending on personal preference. Who shouldn’t use weighted blankets?

We didn’t like: The cover doesn’t come as standard, so if you’d like one, you’ll have to shell out extra. Not sure where to start in your search for the perfect blanket? Don’t sweat it! Our Women's Health Lab experts have sought out the best weighted blankets on the market and put them to the test, so you can buy with confidence. A weighted blanket is like a regular blanket, except they have glass (or sometimes plastic) beads stitched inside to give them added weight when you pull it around you. The more beads inside, the heavier they are. The blanket is machine-washable, ideally in front-loading washers on a delicate, cool water cycle. Due to the chunky knit, the product should not be hung to dry. Instead, place the blanket on a flat surface or tumble dry on a low setting for two or three cycles.The humble weighted blanket has become a must-have for cosy comfort and relaxation, with a growing range of products flooding the market in the name of self-care. Depending on availability, we test up to three weights for each blanket. This allows us to gauge how comfortable the blanket is for different weight groups.