Tips for Choosing a Weighted Blanket: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Weighted blankets are becoming more and more popular—and for good reason! These special blankets are designed to help you feel calmer, fall asleep faster, and sleep more deeply. But if you’ve never bought one before, choosing the right weighted blanket can feel a little confusing. There are different styles, weights, and sizes to pick from.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll keep it super simple and easy to understand, so by the end, you’ll feel confident about choosing the right weighted blanket for you or your loved one.

Which Style to Choose?

Before you choose a weight or size, it’s important to understand the three main styles of weighted blankets. Each one feels a little different and has its own pros and cons.

1. Weighted Insert + Duvet Cover

This is the most common type of weighted blanket. It comes in two pieces:

• The weighted insert: This is the heavy part filled with tiny glass beads.

• The duvet cover: A soft outer cover that wraps around the insert.

The insert has many small stitched pockets that keep the beads evenly spread. You can use it by itself, but most people prefer to use the duvet cover because it feels softer and is easier to clean.

Attaching the cover can take a bit of time. Most have about 8 to 12 ties and loops that connect the cover to the insert. Some also include zippers or buttons to help keep it in place. Once you get the hang of it, it’s not too hard—and many companies offer step-by-step videos to help.

One of the best things about this style is flexibility. You can choose different cover colors and fabrics to match your room. And since you can remove the cover, it’s much easier to wash than cleaning the whole blanket.

2. One-Piece (Integrated Cover) Weighted Blankets

Some weighted blankets, like those from Layla and Luxome, are made as one solid piece. The cover and the weight are sewn together and can’t be separated.

The big benefit here? No ties, no loops, and no fuss. You just use it like a regular blanket. It’s a great option if you don’t want to spend time connecting or removing a duvet cover.

But there’s a catch: you have to wash the entire blanket when it gets dirty. So make sure your washing machine and dryer can handle the weight. If not, you might need to take it to a laundromat.

This style is perfect if you want something simple and low-maintenance.

3. Chunky Knit Weighted Blankets

If you’re looking for something stylish, cozy, and a little different, a chunky knit weighted blanket might be right for you. Instead of glass beads, these blankets are made by knitting large loops of fabric (usually cotton or polyester). The thick yarn gives the blanket its weight.

They look beautiful and feel super soft. And because of the open weave, they’re more breathable—great if you get hot while you sleep.

There’s no cover to remove, and no beads to worry about. Just one soft, heavy blanket. The only downside? They take a long time to dry after washing. For example, my chunky knit Bearaby blanket took two full drying cycles on low heat.

Still, if you want a natural, modern look and breathable design, this style is definitely worth checking out.

How to Choose the Weight

Once you know what style you like, the next big decision is choosing the right weight. This part is super important. If the blanket is too heavy, it might feel uncomfortable. If it’s too light, it might not give you the calming feeling you’re hoping for.

There are two main ways to choose the weight of a weighted blanket.

Method 1: Choosing Based on Your Body Weight

A common rule is to choose a blanket that’s about 10% of your body weight. Some brands say you can go anywhere from 8% to 12%, depending on your comfort level.

Here’s an example:

• If you weigh 100 pounds → try a 10-pound blanket

• If you weigh 150 pounds → try a 15-pound blanket

But here’s the tricky part: most companies don’t make every single weight. You might only find options like 10 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb, and so on. So what if your perfect number is in between?

Let’s say you want 22 pounds but can only pick between 20 or 25. In my experience, it’s usually better to go lighter if you’re unsure. A slightly lighter blanket is often more comfortable, especially for beginners.

Also, the size of the blanket affects how it feels. If two blankets weigh the same but one is smaller, the smaller one will feel heavier because the weight is more concentrated.

Method 2: Choosing Based on Your Bed Size

Some companies, like Luxome, design their blankets based on bed size instead of body weight. They use something called “weight per square foot” to make sure the blanket feels right no matter how big it is.

This method is helpful if you:

• Want to share the blanket with a partner

• Want it to cover the whole bed (queen or king size)

• Prefer to choose by size rather than weight math

Just remember: a 20-pound queen-size blanket will feel lighter than a 20-pound single-size blanket because the weight is spread out more.

Some people also prefer single-size blankets even on large beds because it keeps more of the weight directly on their body. It really comes down to personal preference.

Final Advice

Choosing the best weighted blanket for you is all about comfort. There’s no one “right” choice—just what feels good for your body and sleep style.

Here’s a quick summary:

✅ If you want a single-size blanket just for you, go with 8% to 12% of your body weight. If in doubt, go lighter.
✅ If you want a larger blanket to share, look at brands that focus on bed size and weight per square foot.
✅ If it’s your first weighted blanket, make sure the company offers easy returns or exchanges—just in case the weight doesn’t feel right.

Remember, the goal of a weighted blanket is to help you feel relaxed, cozy, and safe. Take your time, choose carefully, and enjoy the calming hug of your new blanket!

Do Weighted Blankets Feel Hot? Everything You Need to Know

Weighted blankets have become very popular for helping people relax, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. But many wonder: do weighted blankets feel hot? In this detailed guide, I’ll explain how weighted blankets work, why some feel warmer than others, and everything else you need to know before buying one. Whether you’re a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper, this post will help you pick the right blanket for your needs.

Do weighted blankets feel hot?

Most weighted blankets add warmth, especially if your bedroom is already warm or if you use them on top of your existing bedding. The heaviness and layers tend to trap your body heat, making you feel cozy but sometimes too warm.

That said, there is a big difference between warmer and cooler blankets, mostly because of the fabrics used and the way they’re made. For example, the Bearaby knitted weighted blanket has many holes in its weave, making it very breathable and less likely to trap heat. This makes it ideal for people who want the weight without the warmth.

In contrast, thicker blankets with polyester or minky covers, like the Quility or Gravity Blanket, can feel much warmer after lying under them for a while. If you tend to feel cold at night or live somewhere cold, these blankets might feel perfect. But if you sleep hot or live in a warm climate without air conditioning, a thick polyester blanket might not be the best choice.

Some companies use the word “cooling” to describe their blankets, but this mostly means the outer fabric feels cooler to the touch, like cotton or bamboo. The weighted core is usually the same, so the blanket still holds heat. It’s better to think of these blankets as “more breathable” rather than truly cooling.

If you want to stay cool while using a weighted blanket, your best bet is to combine it with a fan or air conditioning.

Do you need a cover?

Weighted blankets come in different styles. Some are one-piece blankets with no removable cover, often available in different colors and patterns. These are ready to use straight away.

Many companies sell weighted blankets that come with a pre-attached cover, which you can choose by fabric and design. Some also sell the weighted insert and cover separately, allowing you to skip the cover if you want to keep the blanket cooler or save money.

Having a removable cover is a big advantage because washing a heavy weighted blanket can be difficult. Most washing machines can’t handle blankets weighing 20 to 25 pounds, but you can wash the cover just like regular bedding.

Also, the inside weighted blanket is usually not very soft on its own. The cover is what gives the blanket a cozy, luxurious feel. Covers often use fabrics like ultrasoft minky, bamboo lyocell, or cotton.

Some covers have sensory nodes — little bumps that add a comforting texture. These are usually only on one side of the cover. If you want this feature, be sure to pick a cover that specifically includes sensory nodes.

The glass microbeads used

Most weighted blankets use tiny glass microbeads inside to create the weight. These beads are about 1 millimeter in diameter and are sewn into small pockets inside the blanket. These pockets keep the beads spread out evenly, so the weight feels balanced.

The blanket’s fabric and filling add some weight, but the glass beads are the main source of heaviness. The beads are smooth and don’t make noise when you move.

Strong stitching is very important. If the seams come undone or a pet bites through a pocket, the beads could spill everywhere. Many blankets have double stitching or many small pockets to keep the beads secure.

From my experience, I’ve never had a blanket rip open accidentally, only when I intentionally opened a pocket to see the beads inside. Some blankets also include polyester fiberfill inside the pockets to stop beads from shifting around too much.

How much do weighted blankets cost?

Weighted blankets vary widely in price depending on size, weight, brand, and materials.

Premium blankets tend to cost more because they use higher-quality fabrics and careful craftsmanship. Whether they’re worth the extra cost depends on your personal preference and budget.

For example:

• The Baloo weighted blanket with a French Flax linen cover costs around $348 total for a queen-size 20-pound blanket plus cover.

• A more affordable option is the YNM weighted blanket, costing about $60 for the 20-pound insert and $42 for a bamboo cover, totaling roughly $102.

There are many blankets between these prices, so you can find something that fits your budget.

Can you exchange or return weighted blankets?

If you buy a weighted blanket from Amazon, you generally have 30 days to return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

Most companies selling weighted blankets on their own websites also offer 30-day return or exchange policies. However, policies vary, so always check before you buy.

Some companies require that you return the blanket in the original packaging and may charge shipping or restocking fees.

Be sure to read the return policy carefully, especially about whether you can return the blanket after opening or using it.

More information about weighted blankets

What are weighted blankets?

Weighted blankets are specially designed blankets filled with materials like glass beads or made with chunky knit yarns to add weight. They usually weigh between 15 and 30 pounds for adults and lighter for children.

The weight spreads evenly across your body to create deep pressure stimulation — a gentle pressure that feels like a hug or swaddle. This pressure can help some people feel calmer and more relaxed.

Unlike regular blankets, weighted blankets are designed to provide sensory comfort, though they also add warmth.

They come in different sizes, weights, and materials to fit your needs.

How do weighted blankets work exactly, and what can they help with?

Weighted blankets work through deep pressure stimulation. This pressure encourages your brain to produce more serotonin, the chemical that helps you feel calm and happy.

At the same time, it may reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. This combination helps many people feel less anxious and more relaxed, which can improve sleep.

Some companies say weighted blankets increase melatonin (the sleep hormone), but there isn’t strong scientific evidence for this yet.

Remember, weighted blankets are not a replacement for medical treatment but a helpful tool for relaxation and better sleep.

Is there any scientific evidence that weighted blankets work?

Yes, there is some research supporting weighted blankets.

A 2008 study with 32 adults showed that 63% felt less anxious after using weighted blankets, and 78% preferred them for calming.

Another study in 2020 with 120 adults used heavy chain blankets and found improved sleep, less fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

While promising, weighted blankets don’t work the same for everyone.

My experience

Personally, weighted blankets help me feel calm and secure at night. The gentle pressure feels like a hug, which helps me relax after a busy day.

I also enjoy using them on the couch while reading or watching TV. However, I avoid using weighted blankets in the summer because they can feel too warm.

Everyone is different, so if you get hot at night or dislike feeling confined, weighted blankets might not be right for you.

Are weighted blankets safe to use?

Weighted blankets are generally safe for healthy adults and older children.

However, infants, toddlers, and very young children should not use them, as the weight may be unsafe.

If you have health issues like sleep apnea, breathing difficulties, or circulation problems, consult a doctor before use.

Also, if you don’t like pressure on your body or feel claustrophobic, weighted blankets may not be comfortable.

Final thoughts

The best weighted blanket is one that feels comfortable — not too heavy or too light — and made with soft fabric at a temperature you like.

It might take a little trial and error to find the right one, but once you do, a weighted blanket can improve your relaxation and sleep.

If you want to see some top options, check out my recommended weighted blankets for adults.