Simba Orbit Weighted Cotton Blanket, Single. For help with Stress & Anxiety. 6.8kg (135 x 200cm)

Product Information

The dimensions put it somewhere between a single and double duvet which is a good size, but there’s no choice of weights. And while it’s a nice, premium fabric, it doesn’t have the cosy, snuggly feeling that you get from some of the other blankets. Lastly, cost will inevitably come into your decision making process. Some weighted blankets have very high RRPs but we regularly see them discounted, so if there’s a pricey one that takes your fancy, it’s always worth a look to see if it’s on sale. How we tested the best weighted blankets Sadly we weren't able to get our hands on the Oodie in time for this review so we can only compare this one in terms of specs. However, it’s the only blanket on this list that’s available in three weights, giving you ample opportunity to get the right weight for you.

The attractive and sturdy box contains the blanket and a cover. The blanket comes in single size measuring 135x200cm, but in two weights – 6.8kg/15lbs or 9kg/20lbs. Simba recommends choosing a blanket that is approximately 10 per cent of your body weight. If your weight lands between the two options, you should choose the lighter one. A weighted blanket might be the perfect solution if you struggle to fall asleep or find yourself restless at night. Giving you the soothing feeling of a full-body hug, it allows your mind to relax and switch off. Known as 'deep pressure therapy', it helps to combat the 'fight or flight' response that often causes anxiety throughout our day. Try the Simba Orbit™ Weighted Blanket to help ease stress. Using therapeutic weight to lull you into an undisturbed sleep.

Stress & anxiety: the no.1 barrier to a good night's sleep

The most common recommendation is that a weighted blanket should be around 10% of your body weight. However, this varies from person to person and you must feel comfortable under the blanket. It’s important that you feel relaxed but not too constricted. You should be able to move around easily if you need to. Simba has done a lot of research on how weighted blankets can help with stress, anxiety and insomnia which is worth a read if you want to learn more. They do caveat that a lot of the evidence of them being effective is anecdotal, though there is plenty of science to explain why it could help. Some people find the weight comforting and liken it to being hugged or swaddled. It is also said to help with a variety of issues such as stress and anxiety that may adversely affect sleep. How heavy should a weighted blanket be? Weighted blankets contain lots of small beads spread throughout. This means the blanket is heavy enough to simulate deep pressure therapy, but not so heavy it becomes uncomfortable.

The short answer is yes – for me it did. Whether everyone would find it therapeutic is another question, but my sleep graph speaks for itself and I always feel better having not had a broken night's sleep. What I didn't expect is that the removable cotton cover makes this blanket feel the most like a duvet. It just felt a bit more familiar having this on the bed at night than a fleecy blanket or one of the ones without a cover on. A very important consideration is cleaning, especially if you plan to use it as a bed cover. It either needs to be washable or come with a washable cover. And remember, if it’s washable but too heavy for your washing machine, that’ll be a problem. Helen tested four of these blankets in her own home. She tried sleeping with each one and also sat with them covering her on the sofa to get an understanding of how they felt in real life scenarios, like a cosy evening in watching TV.This blanket has a 100% cotton snuggly soft cover. A naturally breathable material, the cotton cover helps to keep you feeling fresh and cool at night. When you need to, the cover can be zipped off and machine washed. It's that simple.

A weighted blanket can help you to feel safe and reduce restlessness, but it really does depend on the individual. We delve a bit further into the topic and talk to some experts in this article. Lots of weighted blankets are spot clean only as they don't have removable covers like this one. That means you will not want to sleep directly under it, as you can with the Simba Orbit.

For Simba, protecting the planet is as important as restful sleep. We’re proud to be the first UK-born sleep brand to be awarded certified B Corp™ status. For the washable blankets she machine washed them as per the care instructions to see how they fared in the washing machine and how easy they were to get dry afterwards. As the second most expensive weighted blanket on this list, the Simba Orbit feels very good quality. It’s about the size of a single duvet and only comes in one weight. But, unlike the pricier blanket from Emma, this one comes with a removable cover included. What I would say is that if you are not sure if a weighted blanket is for you, it could be worth trying a friend's or relative's first, then take the plunge on the Simba Orbit. It really is the best, but you need to be sure the compression therapy will be right for you, before forking out for the benefits. The verdict? However, the catch is that the cover is somewhat of a pain to put on and take off. This is partly due to the weight of the blanket making it a bit of a workout. But also because to keep the cover properly positioned, you have to tie it to the blanket - in seven places! But it’s worth noting that this is the case for most weighted blanket covers.

We are founding members of BRC climate action roadmap. All Simba mattresses are made in the UK in zero waste factories from 100% recyclable materials, reducing air miles in the process. Our foam is CertiPUR® verified and free from dyes and heavy metals. Nothing is sent to landfill and all waste is recycled or repurposed into other products – like dog beds and carpet underlay! The Simba Orbit and other weighted blankets are not just for sleep though. If you struggle to decompress after work, then you might find relief lying under it while you watch telly, or even while listening to your favourite music or audiobook. Our official B Corp™ accreditation is an accolade that is only awarded to select businesses that promote social and environmental change through how we work and operate, something we consistently strive for.The Simba Orbit is a slate grey colour that is sure to match many a scheme. There aren't other colour options, but also nothing to stop you adapting an existing duvet cover to go over the top should you be crafty (and bothered). Using the washable cover The best alternative to the Simba Orbit is the Eve Weighted Blanket. While it's a little more expensive than the Orbit by Simba, the Eve model has a more tradition blanket feel with its natural cotton knit. It's also made out of nano-beads, and has an easily washable cover.