How to Choose a Weighted Blanket

Weighted Blankets' Weight and Size Explained

A weighted blanket can be a great investment in improving sleep and reducing anxiety. In this guide, you will find the top 4 most important factors in selecting a weighted blanket.

1. Weighted Blanket Weight

The weight of your weighted blanket affects the level of pressure and comfort that the blanket provides. Ideally, your blanket should be heavy enough to provide a comforting, "hugging" sensation, but not so heavy that it becomes uncomfortable or difficult to move.

Being a weighted blanket company, we are privileged to get feedback from our customers for their first-hand experience to continue fine-tuning our guide and updating our range over time. Consider our reference guide below when you choose your weighted blanket:

how to choose a weighted blanket

It’s important to note that the size of a weighted blanket can affect the level of pressure you feel. For instance, a 15-pound weighted blanket in 60”x80” will feel lighter than a 15-pound weighted blanket in 48”x72” as the blanket weight is spread out more across a larger surface area.

2. Weighted Blanket Size

A weighted blanket should be large enough to cover your body completely to create a cocoon-like feeling, but not too large that it becomes unwieldy to handle or too heavy for you to move.

The small-size weighted blankets (36”x48” and 40”x60”) are great for both adults and kids. They may be just right for you if you have joint sensitivity or are concerned that the larger-size weighted blankets may be too heavy for you or too difficult to move. They are popular among frequent travelers, too.

The twin-size weighted blanket (48”x72”) is the original size of weighted blanket when it was first introduced to the public for sleep and relaxation. It provides a personal fit and is designed to cover your entire body with some weight on your bed, making it easy to get in and out of bed.

The full-size weighted blanket (60”x80”) is a larger-version the weighted blanket designed for individuals who find bliss sleeping under a larger blanket or has a larger body-build. It is designed to cover your entire body and the top of your bed like a traditional blanket or comforter.

The queen-size weighted blanket (80”x87”) is ideal for those who want more coverage without overwhelming the bed. It’s designed to drape nicely over the top of a queen-size mattress, giving you full-body coverage and extra room to move without losing that calming, cocoon-like pressure. This size is perfect for solo sleepers who enjoy sleeping in the center of the bed or for couples who prefer a generously sized shared blanket.

The king-size weighted blanket (88”x104”) offers the most coverage among all sizes. It is designed to comfortably cover a king-size mattress and is ideal for couples or individuals who love to spread out under a generously sized blanket. With more surface area to distribute the weight, it provides a luxurious sense of calm while still being easy to manage thanks to its thoughtful construction.

3. Weighted Blanket Materials

Since the weighted blanket will be in close contact with your skin given the weight it carries, the wrong material can cause discomfort or skin irritation, which can affect the quality of your sleep.

The bamboo material is an excellent choice for weighted blankets because it is soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin. It also has moisture-wicking properties that can help regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.

You'll also want to consider the fill material. Plastic pellets are the most common fill material and provide a consistent weight distribution. You will find glass beads in more premium weighted blankets as they are smaller and have better thermal regulation properties, which allow for more even weight distribution and prevent overheating. Organic fill materials can be a good choice for people who prefer natural materials, however, they are vulnerable to moisture and water.

4. Weighted Blanket Maintenance

Most weighted blankets are not machine washable and require special care, such as hand washing or air drying.

If you have a busy lifestyle and prefer to keep your bedding fresh regularly, we trust that you will find our machine washable weighted blankets beneficial. Our line of weighted blankets is made of high-quality materials and have been treated for domestic washes. They tend to get softer after wash, too.

Being said, be sure to read the care instructions carefully before purchasing to ensure that you can properly care for your blanket. You can find more information on caring for a weighted blanket in our How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Guide.

Putting It All Together

Choosing the right weighted blanket is a personal decision that depends on your preferences and needs. Consider your size, weight, materials, and maintenance requirements when making your selection. By taking the time to choose the right blanket, you can enjoy the comfort and relaxation benefits of a weighted blanket for years to come.