Here are our favourite weighted blankets, tried and tested

weighted blanket uk
Our fave weighted blankets for winter Aeyla/Remy Sleep

Autumn is here, so it's finally time to light our favourite scented candle, put on our cosy pyjamas and curl up under a weighted blanket. What could be better than that?

Over the past few years, weighted blankets have seen a huge surge in popularity. The trend started in the lockdown-heavy times of 2020 and has continued to this day. But, they’re not just supercharged bed throws. In fact, the hype around these blankets is mostly due to their purported anxiety-quashing benefits.

"Weighted blankets were originally created for medical use," says Dr Nauf AlBendar. "They are typically one of the sensory tools commonly used in psychiatric units and occupational therapy to help comfort restless individuals."

Recently, more and more brands have been releasing their own versions, but they can be a little pricey at around £80+, so it's worth doing your research before you invest in one.

What is a weighted blanket?

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.

They’re typically made of cotton or a velvet-like material for added softness. Some come with removable covers that you can throw in the washing machine and mostly they come in standard neutral colours such as grey and navy.

a bed with a canopy
Aeyla

Newer versions sometimes swerve the beaded inners entirely, instead creating heaviness by layering up cotton into a weave. This makes it easier to wash, and they can look a little cuter when hung over your sofa arm or bed, too.

Do weighted blankets work?

The science behind them isn't rock-solid, as studies into the effects of weighted blankets are limited. However, one study found that people who slept with a weighted blanket reported higher quality sleep and more energy during the day as a result. There is also evidence that 'deep touch pressure', or the feeling these blankets simulate, can help improve anxiety.

"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."

That sounds pretty good to us — and science aside, there are plenty of rave reviews online from people claiming that they have helped to improve their sleep and feel more relaxed. So there must be something in it, right?

How much should a weighted blanket weigh?

"Research suggests a target of 7% to 12% of your body weight," says Dr AlBendar, and the brands’ blanket recommendations generally keep to these guidelines, give or take a few kgs.

You shouldn’t give these blankets to children under three-years-old and, if you have a respiratory or chronic medical condition, you should check with your GP before using one.

So, keeping these weight guidelines in mind, we tried out the most-hyped weighted blankets on the market. Here’s the lowdown on what we thought.

The best weighted blankets

Aeyla weighted blanket

The lowdown: Aeyla (previously Mela) has a good selection of weighted blankets with three covers to choose from. So when the sun comes out and you don’t want to be snuggling up under a velvety blanket, you can switch to a more cooling eucalyptus or cotton cover instead and continue to reap the relaxing benefits.

We liked: I love that the covers are interchangeable for warmer weather — that’s a real bonus some of the other brands can’t match. The blanket is good quality and stayed in place overnight. I was recommended the 7kg blanket for my weight, but it did feel a little light — I’ve tried heavier blankets and felt they were a better match. So, if you’re not prone to overheating or feeling claustrophobic, consider bumping up a bracket for max benefits.

We didn’t like: While it’s a definite plus that the cover can be removed for washing, the corner ties that attach it to the weighted blanket were a little fiddly. It took me a couple of attempts and about 15 minutes to get the cover on properly, which might get tedious if you want to wash it on the reg.

Need-to-know:
Weight we tried:
7kg for a double bed
Removable cover?
Yes
Weight range available:
There are four weights, ranging from 5.5kg-11kg and three sizes, plus two weights and sizes for kids.

Simba weighted blanket

The lowdown: From the mattress-in-a-box company comes its signature weighted blanket. It’s available in two different weights and comes in grey. The beads are made from glass and, while not necessary for use, there’s a removable 100% cotton cover you can add for hygiene purposes.

We liked: I loved this blanket. It was a little lighter than some of those I’ve tried, but still heavy enough to stop me tossing and turning in bed, so I sleep really deeply when I use it. The cover is removable but there are enough ties inside to keep it secure, so it’s easy to move. Even better, unlike the John Lewis one, which can only be spot cleaned, I can throw this one’s cover in the wash to refresh it if I ever need to.

We didn’t like: There wasn’t much to dislike, although I’d prefer a choice of colours. It’s also on the pricey side, but I felt that it was worth it.

Need-to-know:
Weight we tried:
6.8kg
Removable cover?
Yes
Weight range available:
There’s two - 6.8kg and 9kg

Echor weighted blanket

The lowdown: This is a cheaper option than most on this list, which is always a bonus. Echor’s option comes with a removable cover which is super fluffy; if you wanted a weighted blanket to stave off the chill in winter, this is a good pick.

We liked: This had a good weight to it; I was a fan. I also loved the cosy cover — it’s perfect now the weather is cooling down, so I felt very snug when curled up on the sofa. The cover was also easy to get on and off, which is not always the case with these blankets, so that was appreciated.

We didn’t like: The beads were bunching up a bit when I was using the blanket on the sofa, although this problem didn’t occur when using it on the bed. Perhaps I’m just nitpicking.

Need-to-know:
Weight we tried:
6.8kg
Removable cover?
Yes
Weight range available:
6.8kg, 9.1kg

John Lewis Weighted Blanket

The lowdown: First up! This weighted blanket from John Lewis & Partners may not be the most eye-catching, but it’s available in four different weights ranging from 4.5kg to a hefty 11.5kg — one of the heaviest options we've found.

We liked: The wide range of weights available mean this blanket has something to suit people of all shapes and sizes. The soft outer was comfy for the sofa and in bed and it stayed in place overnight without restricting movement.

We didn’t like: It’s not machine washable and is only available in grey. Also, while this isn’t really the blanket’s fault, I tried the 4.5kg option and, frankly, it wasn’t heavy enough.

Need-to-know:
Weight we tried:
4.5kg
Removable cover?
No
Weight range available:
4.5kg, 7kg, 9kg, 11.5kg

Baloo weighted blanket

The lowdown: If eco creds are important to you, you’ll like this one. It’s made from 100% cotton — no polyester or synthetic materials in sight. That means it should be more breathable when you’re sleeping too, which might be helpful if you tend to get hot.

We liked: The whole blanket is machine washable, which is handy if you don’t want to buy a cover. It’s white, so it’s a good neutral that will go with whatever room scheme you have if you want to leave it out (and there’s a dedicated bed comforter version designed for just that purpose).

This one only comes in one size — that of a single bed, which is unusual, but it was much easier to tuck around myself on the sofa. You don’t lose any of the weight of the larger blankets and it’s easier to extract yourself if you need to jump up or shift positions.

We didn’t like: The cover doesn’t come as standard, so if you’d like one, you’ll have to shell out extra.

Need-to-know:
Weight we tried:
6.8kg
Removable cover?
Yes
Weight range available:
5.4kg, 6.8kg, 9kg, 11.3kg

Some other weighted blanket recommendations

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