Can the best weighted blanket actually help you deal with anxiety and get some proper rest?
For some people, it can be quite troublesome to have a good nightβs sleep – especially if they don't use a weighted blanket.Β More than 8 million people in the UK suffer from anxiety at some point in time.Β That's why we did thorough research and tested the best weighted blankets in the UK,Β to find the best match to replicate the feeling of being hugged.
However, there's a big difference between getting any random and the perfect one for your needs! Not to mention that most of these might be too heavy or too light for you.
So, we're going to go over some of our picks and then dive into the science of how these can help you relax and sleep like a champ!
And if you're having trouble picking out the perfect weighted blanket, just use our weighted blanket calculator. It will show you the ideal weight and model for your build, so you can rest assured you're getting the very best.
Our picks for the best weighted blanket UK
To start things off, we're going to go over our best picks. So, if you don't care about the science behind them and just want to know which ones are the best, this is for you!
And don't worry, we test these the same way we test mattresses. That is to say that we've made sure to include at least one model that will tick all of your boxes!
For our number one pick, we had to go with the Mela Weighted Blanket as it's more than excellent in every department!
Best Overall
If you're looking for a luxurious and high-quality pick, the Mela Weighted Blanket is definitely worth considering. It's made of 100% cotton on the bottom to keep you cool, with a super soft quilted fleece top that's perfect for snuggling up under. That's why we have awarded it with as the Best Weighted Blanket 2024.
The glass quartz pellet filling is smaller than plastic, so the blanket is thinner while having the same weight, making it easy to manoeuvre. And because the cover is removable, it can be easily washed in any washing machine.
This one can positively affect a wide range of conditions,Β from autism and ADHD to PTSD and insomnia. (more on that later on). So if you're looking for a product that can help improve your sleep and your health, this is a great option! Although we will admit it's not the best affordable one for this category.
Two-sided cover. Washable at cold cycle. Not tumble dry or ironing.
Will suit just about anyone
Deep Pressure Therapy helps with conditions like anxiety stress, insomnia, RLS.
Disadvantages
A bit expensive
There are more budget-friendly options.
Best Low Maintenance: Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket
If keeping your bedding clean is a srouce of stress for you, then this pick is the ultimate chill pill!
Best Low Maintenance
To say that the Simba Orbit is one of the most comfortable blankets on the market would be an understatement. If weβre being honest, we wouldnβt expect anything less from Simba.
This one comes with a removable, 100% premium cotton cover, which makes this an incredibly easyΒ to clean. Not to mention that the cotton cover is also very soft to the touch.
ItβsΒ filled with what Simba calls nano-beads, which are essentially very small, glass beads. And these beads are supposedly a lot better at keeping the weight evenly distributed than larger, chunkier fillings.
Plus, both the cover and even the inner blanket are very breathable, meaning that this is an excellent choice for hot sleepers. Although we do admit that the price is anything but affordable.
It may have a higher price tag than similar products on the market.
Best Luxury: Emma Hug Weighted Blanket
If price isn't a concern and you just want a premium option to snuggle with, this is the perfect match!
Best Luxury
After all, Emma wouldn't be offering a 10-year warranty if they weren't confident their blankets could stay in top condition for a long time!
This pick is also incredibly cooling, with multiple steps taken to keep the breathability up. For one, the removable bamboo cover is cool to the touch and keeps air circulating all night long.
And if that wasn't enough, the Emma Hug Weighted Blanket also has a top cotton layer that further enhances the temperature regulation of the blanket.
And underneath that layer, we have two layers of padding that ensure that the extra-fine glass beads don't cause any discomfort.
Both the bamboo cover and the cotton layer ensure proper cooling.
10-year warranty
10 years without stress.
Will keep everyone comfortable
The added padding ensures everyone can stay nice and comfortable.
Disadvantages
Only one size
Comes in one size only.
Best Safe Pick: GnO Wellbeing Weighted Blanket
If you're somewhat hesitant about getting one or just can't find the perfect one for you, this is likely your safest option!
Best Safe Pick
But what makes this pick a βsafe optionβ? Well, for one, it's the best choice when it comes to getting the perfect weight for your build.
This is because the GnO Wellbeing Weighted Blanket comes in weights ranging from 6 to 15kg and in three different sizes!
Aside from just the abundance of choice, this one is also very high-quality and gives you everything you need.
A solid 7-layer structure, a breathable bamboo cover, and even a plush bag to carry it around! Honestly, we'd be pressed to think of anything else you might need to stay comfortable.
However, we will note that while they advertise this one as having a lifetime warranty, it's a bit misleading.
This blanket comes in many different sizes and weights.
Bamboo cover
Bamboo is both eco-friendly and breathable.
Disadvantages
Warranty details not clear
The warranty details could have been worder better.
Best Hypoallergenic: Silentnight Weighted Blanket
The best choice for allergy sufferers who struggle to fall asleep!
Best Hypoallergenic
The Silentnight weighted blanket offersΒ a hypoallergenic sleep environment and two distinct weight points: 6, 8, and 9 kg.
The premium glass beads are noiseless,Β while the high-quality stitching and loops ensure evenly distributed weight. This is good news if you share the bed with someone and tend to toss and turn in your sleep.
It also comes with a 12-month warranty and free delivery. Given that this is one of the cheapest picks in the UK, we found this quite surprising.
It can also be machine washed, meaning that it's rather easy to keep it clean.
And overall, if you want a cheap model, this is one of your best options as it's pretty well-rounded for its price point. The fact that it's also hypoallergenic is more of a bonus!
Throw it in a washing machine & wash at 30 degrees.
Good for stress, anxiety, DPT
Get rid of stress, anxiety, & enjoy comfortable hugs.
Hypoallergenic
Microfibre is hypoallergenic & therefore good for people with allergies.
Disadvantages
Only one colour
Unfortunately, you can choose only one colour.
Weighted Blanket Quiz
Weighted blanket calculator
Let's find the right weighted blanket weight for you!
How do weighted blankets work?
Now that we've covered all the best models in the UK, it's only natural to ask – how do weighted blankets work in the first place?
Well, they rely onΒ something called deep pressure stimulationΒ to help us calm down and fall asleep. Deep pressure stimulation or deep pressure therapy is known to stimulate the secretion of mood-boosting and sleep-inducing hormones called serotonin and melatonin. Furthermore, deep pressure therapy is also known to lower the levels of cortisol β a well-known stress hormone. Therefore, you can use these when you are too stressed to sleep.
The effects on our bodies are various. By affecting the hormone levels in our body, these can help improve our mood, put us to sleep, and even alleviate symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, autism, and depression. After all, few things are more calming than a warm hug β even when it comes from these.
But that was just the TL;DR explanation of how they help us relax. Let's now go a bit more in-depth on the science behind it. And after that, we can discuss what makes some better than others.
What is deep pressure therapy?
In layman's terms,Β deep pressure therapy is a form of therapy that relaxes our nervous system by applying gentle pressure on our body.Β Whether the pressure is applied through hugging, squeezing, holding, or covering yourself with a gravity blanket does not make that big of a difference.
According to research, applying βfirm, but gentleβ pressure, otherwise known as deep touch pressure, stimulates our body's parasympathetic system.
TheΒ parasympathetic system is the one responsible for putting us in a state of relaxation.
As opposed to the sympathetic system that's responsible for our fight or flight response, the parasympathetic system handles our “rest and digest” response.
So, when stimulated, the parasympathetic system lowers our blood pressure and pulse, slows down breathing, and increases the secretion of hormones like dopamine and serotonin promoting relaxation and calmness.
All of that is to say that getting the best option and feeling more relaxed isn't an empty promise β there is actual science to back it all up! However, like most things in life, it's not always that simple.
Can weighted blankets help with ASD?
One of the more commonly asked questions is how they can potentially help people with autism. And this is especially true when it comes to children. The fact of the matter is that we can't tell you with certainty whether they will or won't help you or your child. However, here's what we've found researching this topic.
According to this study put forward by Harvard, touch can play a role when it comes to helping children with ASD calm down. However, not all children will have a positive effect nor will the positive effect be noticeable to the same degree.
This is because some children might have tactile sensitivities and simply not like the feeling of these. However, at the same time, other sources have claimed that weighted blankets can help lower this hypersensitivity to touch.
In other words, these can help but don't assume that they 100% will. Talk to a medical professional, try it out, and don't be afraid to search for other means if they don't calm you down.
Do you have to have a weighted blanket to deal with stress, anxiety, and ASD?
To go off of what we stated in the previous section, it's also important to note that you don't have to get one. While we do believe it can help some people take the edge off, it's by no means a miracle cure that solves all of your problems!
For example, when talking about children with ASD, some sources have put forward alternatives – like different types of massages. These can be done by the parents at no cost and might even fair better than a weighted blanket in certain cases.
And if you go to one of the many communities for people with ASD, we're sure you'll find a treasure trove of different advice.
Lastly, if the purpose of getting these is to help a person with ASD to fall asleep, it can be worth reading our article on the relationship between autism and sleep. After all, the more you know, the easier it will be to find what works best for you.
What is the right weight of a weighted blanket for me?
These tend to come at various weight points. And some have only one weight option. And, as a general rule of thumb, you don't want to overdo it and get one that's too heavy for your build.
Besides just getting claustrophobic, a weighted blanket that's too heavy can also cause discomfort β completely negating the main benefit! Plus, it can be more difficult to ensure even weight distribution if the blanket is too heavy.
This is where the 10 per cent rule comes into play. Basically, this just means that you don't want to get a model that's heavier than 10 per cent of your body weight. So, if you weigh 80 kg, try to find a pick that's around 8 kg.
And if there isn't an exact match among the weight options, we'd generally suggest going under. So, if from the previous example you find the best pick on the market, it's better to get a 7kg option than a 10kg one..
What to consider when buying the best weighted blanket
When looking for a weighted blanket, itβs important to know which features to look for. Itβs not enough just to buy the first pick you come across. Many important features make up a good one β like the weight, the material, how breathable it is etc.
In the following section, weβve decided to break things down for you and highlight some of the most important features, so you can easily find the perfect match for yourself.
Weight
When it comes to the weight, the general rule of thumb is to follow the 10 per cent rule. You could go a little lower than that if you prefer a lighter feel, but in general, a good one should weigh around 10 per cent of your body weight. That is, by far, the simplest way to find the perfect fit for you β just divide your body weight by 10 and you should be good to go.
However, itβs important to note that this rule might not apply to everyone. So, before you buy, make sure to test it out.
Cover yourself and see how it feels. If you find yourself struggling to move or you just feel like youβre under too much pressure, go lighter. The point of getting the best pick is to make you feel at ease, not trapped. This is especially important if you have any tactile sensitivities.
Cover material
Even though it is not necessary, finding the perfect cover for your model can improve the overall experience significantly. That is why many recommend that you do so.
Finding the perfect cover shouldnβt be too troublesome. It all boils down to the material of the cover if weβre being honest. And that's because the cover material dictates all of the important features you'd want: how easy it is to wash, how well it can regulate the temperature, and how soft it is to the touch.
Firstly, washing is far from impossible, but it can get a bit troubling. Thatβs why a removable cover is a welcome addition.
Secondly, while these are nice and snug, your skin will be in direct contact with the covers. So, making sure that the cover is actually nice to the touch is very important.
Lastly, since it is going to be snug against your skin, it needs to have decent temperature regulation. After all, few of them are going to help you keep your cool if you're melting under there!
What's the best cover material?
Although we can't go too in-depth here, we'd like to give you a few tips when it comes to the covers you use. Most of the time, a cotton cover is going to be your safest option. Cotton covers and sheets typically have a high level of breathability, are soft to the touch, and aren't too expensive.
From the eco-friendly options, bamboo and eucalyptus are clean forerunners. Just like cotton, they make for a breathable fabric and even offer a bit of cooling to keep your body temperature down. Although they can be a bit more expensive.
And for you luxury lovers, silk covers are the way to go. While you won't often find a model with a silk cover, you can typically just use a duvet cover instead.
The material of the blanket
When it comes to the material, there are two things to take note of – the padding and the filling.
In most cases, the fills will be either plastic poly pellets, micro glass beads, steel shot beads or in some cases even sand or grain. Weβd suggest steering clear of the organic fillings. As you'll soon see, models with organic fillings tend to be a nightmare when it comes to keeping them clean.
When it comes to the padding, it's more in the realm of personal preference.
Generally, if it has a lot of padding, you might not feel the filling coming through that much. For some this is ideal but others might prefer a slightly “rougher” approach.
It's also important to note that your pick might not have a filling to begin with. Sometimes, these will simply be made from a tightly woven fabric that's naturally heavy and thus doesn't require a filling. In these cases, it's essential that you like the feel of the material itself.
Easy cleaning
Cleaning a weighted blanket can be challenging β if you pick the wrong one.
As we said a second ago, stay away from the onesΒ filled with organic materials like sand, pebbles, buckwheat or grain. You see, when an organic material comes into contact with water β it tends to soak it up. When that happens, getting it dry becomes pretty much impossible.
This makes it mouldy or even causes fillings' rotting – and thatβs something youβd want to avoid. Sticking to glass, steel and plastic poly fillings will make your life a lot easier.
In addition to that, cotton and minky covered ones are the easiest to clean. Just make sure not to use hot water. Cold or warm water should do the trick. Also, try and wash them separately from other clothes or sheets to avoid additional agitation to the fabric.
And, when in doubt, simply read the care label. Like all bedding items, these always come with a care label and the last thing you'd want to do is damage yours so soon after getting it!
Level of breathability
As we've mentioned when talking about the materials, breathability is very important – especially for hot sleepers. So, generally, you want a cover that utilises some sort of breathable fabric. Typically, bamboo, cotton, and eucalyptus are safe bets.
However, it's important to note that some also have their own “cooling system”. Usually, this means that they has multiple layers that are designed to maximise airflow. You can also use a duvet cover that's extra breathable if it has a stuffy cover.
Lastly, be mindful of how you layer yours during colder months. If it is breathable, you can cover yourself with it and then throw on a duvet on top. However, if the cover is a bit more stuffy, you can do it the other way around and rely on the duvet cover instead.
Tips for buying and using the best weighted blanket
When it comes to tips and tricks when shopping for the best weighted blanket, weβd advise being thorough in your research and trying it out before you buy it. You see, you can have all the necessary knowledge on how to find the perfect one, but that doesnβt mean youβll be satisfied with it.
Plus, quite a few of the best contenders come with trials. So, you can properly test them out with no worries!
Secondly, don't overlook the size of the blanket. Just like it's important to get the right weight, you also want to nail the size and understand it.
Lastly, while it can be romantic, we don't typically advise sharing. This is especially true if you plan on sleeping with it. The last thing you'd want is for your partner to toss about and accidentally cover your face with it.
Always try it out before you buy it or look for one with a return and cash-back policy
Donβt go too wide or too long β you want it to cover your whole body below the neck without hanging off the bed; these are heavy and they can easily end up on the floor if too large. Plus it can make having an even weight distribution more difficult.
These arenβt meant for sharing. It sounds sad, but this is a one-person party.
The advantages of owning one of the best weighted blankets
The main purpose is to make you feel at ease when you go to sleep and help improve the overall quality of your sleep. A study that has been conducted on 26 children (6-15 years old) showed improvement in ADHD and improvement in sleep quality. So, when you think about it, the advantages of these are the same as a good nightβs sleep. People suffering from anxiety can benefit from weighted blankets the most, but overall, most people can benefit from weighted blanket hugs.
The impact of quality sleep on your life canβt be stressed enough. Here are only a few of the benefits and advantages of owning these:
Improved quality of sleep
Anxiety and stress relief
Improved focus, motivation and overall mood
Improved physical and mental health.
How to wash my weighted blanket?
Start by reading the care label. Then, according to the instructions, soak it in a tub filled with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent for 15 minutes. Then, rinse and repeat until you're left with nothing but clean water. Or, wash it in a machine.
However, not every model is machine washable. For example, an model filled with rice can't come in contact with water because rice is organic and can decompose and get mouldy if wet. Therefore, each model is a different story β so we suggest checking the care label carefully.
Washable ones are the ones filled with glass beads, poly pellets, steel shot beads, or the ones entirely made from organic cotton. You can wash any of these by hand or in a washing machine (provided that they fit). Also, if they come with a removable cover β you can wash the cover in a washing machine, as well.
For additional information on washing and drying, feel free to take a look at our in-depth weighted blanket washing guide.
Conclusion
And that's all you need to know to find the best weighted blanket in the UK! Just make sure that the weighted blanket isn't too heavy (no more than 10% of your body weight) or too stuffy (natural materials for the win) and you should feel all your anxiety melt away in no time!
And while we have tested all of these weighted blankets to narrow down which one was the best, we want to know what you think as well! Has any of the options we've recommended caught your eye? Or do you have your own pick? Make sure to let us know in the comment section. And if you have any questions about weighted blankets, make sure to check out the FAQ section.
Spread the word
Comments (0)
There are no comments yet
"*" indicates required fields
FAQs about weighted blankets
Finally, let us answer some of the most frequently asked questions, just to make sure weβve covered all grounds, so when the time comes for you to pick the perfect model for yourself β you do it without a doubt in your mind.
How heavy should my weighted blanket be?
Ideally, it should weigh approximately one-tenth of your body weight.
How do I choose the right weight?
It's rather simple. Divide your body weight by 10 and try it out. If it feels good β you've found the perfect match.
How do I clean my weighted blanket?
You should clean these with cold or warm water, without any harsh chemicals or laundry detergents.
How often should I wash my weighted blanket?
Depending on whether you use covers or now, it varies between 2 to 4 times a year. If necessary, wash more often.
Are weighted blankets suitable for everyone?
Anyone over the age of 4 can use and benefit.
Should I use a weighted blanket every night?
This is up for debate. Some experts claim that you should only use it for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time, while others swear by the benefits of a full night's sleep.
Can I sleep on the side with a weighted blanket?
You may sleep on your side, but this sort of defeats the purpose of it because you're not covering a large portion of your body. For best results, we'd recommend sleeping on your back.
Will my weighted blanket affect blood pressure?
In theory, it should temporarily lower your blood pressure as a result of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Why do weighted blankets have loops?
Thy come with loops in order to prevent bunching and to keep them in place when inside of a duvet cover.
There are no comments yet
"*" indicates required fields