If you’ve heard of Weighted blankets, and think they could help with your anxiety or pain condition, read on for our recommendations for the best weighted blankets for adults.
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is a blanket that has sand or plastic or glass beads sewn into it to make it heavy. These apply equal pressure over a body when under the blanket. Weighted blankets have been used in clinical settings to treat autism and other sensory disorders. Recently they have become popular for at-home use.
Weighted blankets may help with symptoms related to:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- ADHD
- Fibromyalgia
While they are not a replacement for traditional treatment, therapy weighted blankets are great non-invasive tools to manage your symptoms at home. Further, they’re a comfortable and easy way to practice self-care.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
Weighted blankets can weigh up to 30 pounds. It is recommended that you choose a blanket that is 10-12% of your body weight.
For example, a 170lb adult would want a 20lb blanket. Weighted blankets are not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets soothe by what is called deep touch pressure. Deep touch pressure is simply distributed gentle pressure on the body. It is the same reason why swaddling a baby is calming or why we wrap our dogs in ThundershirtsTM when there’s a storm.
Studies have found that when deep touch pressure occurs even for a short time, our bodies undergo measurable physiological changes.
The use of weighted blankets causes a decrease in activity in the central nervous system. It may also reduce sympathetic arousal. These are the same responses we see through pharmacological interventions achieved with a safe non-invasive blanket.
Where to find the best weighted blankets for adults?
You can find weighted blankets at most online retailers, such as Amazon and Overstock. They have started popping up online and in stores like Target, Walmart, and Bed Bath and Beyond. We share some of our favorite options below.
If you are interested in a customized handmade weighted blanket, Etsy also has a lot of great options for you to find the perfect blanket. Further in this article, you’ll find resources to make your own DIY weighted blankets.
Note: PainDoctor.com does not endorse, nor do we make any money off the sale of these products. This information is provided for the benefit of patients based on patient reviews. Always ask your doctor if you have questions. Prices shown are at the date of the post’s publish date, and may differ.
The best weighted blankets for adults with anxiety, under $100
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option to start with, these are some of the best weighted blankets that are under $100.
1. CuteKing weighted blanket
Features: The CuteKing weighted blanket offers a 15 to 25lb weight range and comes in three colors and two sizes. The blanket and cover are made of 100% high-density breathable cotton making it perfect for sleepers who run hot.
What users say: “I have chronic gut pain and autoimmune issues such as terribly cold hands, fingers, feet & toes blah blah blah… With that said I decided to purchase the 15 pound blanket. Thank you Jesus for this find! My husband puts this blanket over my heated blanket at night and something magical happens. I stay warm and I feel secure. I can even go back to sleep when I wake up to go to the bathroom. It reduces my anxiety. I even use it when I rest and watch TV. Sometimes I don’t even need my heated blanket! I was concerned it would be to heavy for me because I’m petite – 5’3″ 110 lbs and the gut pain. NOT an issue. Sometimes it can be a challenge for me to move it from one room to another but it doesn’t make my pain worse and I do not feel trapped by the weight. It feels snuggly. Excellent blanket. Very pleased.”
Price: Starting at $65.00
Average review: 4.7 out of 5 stars
2. ZonLi Softest Weighted Blanket
Features: The ZonLi weighted blanket comes in a wide range of weights, sizes, and colors to choose from. The ZonLi weighted blanket is made from ultra-light breathable cotton so it is perfect for summer months or for users who run hot when they sleep. Small squares for even weight distribution. Machine washable.
What users say: “I want to give this thing one star cause I was late for work it works so well. On a serious note, bad anxiety and insomnia here. It’s like a warm cat laying on your chest. But your chest is your whole body. It’s like a hug for all of you. It retains that crisp cool feeling of when you first hop into bed for a long enough time to put you into dreamland. I can’t recommend this thing enough. I’m 195 lbs and the 20 lb blanket was perfect for me but could probably go higher.”
Price: Starting at $78.00
Average review: 4.4 out of 5 stars
3. YnM cotton weighted blanket
Features: The YnM weighted blanket offers a variety of weights, sizes, and colors to choose from. They also allow you to pick a cotton, bamboo, or ultra-soft minky fabric. Improved temperature control, even weight distribution, and machine washable.
What users say: “Did a lot of research about the health benefits of a weighted blanket before purchasing this one, the quality of this blanket is very well done and the way they distribute the weight is great. The material is very good also so it should stand up to the time and wear. We have a teenage son who was having a very hard time sleeping at night due to anxiety problems and from the very first night it made such a difference. He now sleeps through the night and he even said it was such a great help to him. The cover that comes with it is also very nicely made and feels nice!”
Price: Starting at $85.00
Average review: 4.3 out of 5 stars
4. Red Barn Blankets
Features: This Etsy shop offers customizable weighted blankets. You can choose the exact weight and size as well as choose from customized fabrics. Blankets are machine washable and hypoallergenic.
What users say: “This blanket was wonderfully crafted and looks extremely professional. I bought this after a sleepwalking bout and am happy to report that ever since I started sleeping with the blanket I have stayed put. I love the print! Many weighted blankets on the market aren’t nearly as adorable or customizable as the ones offered from this shop. All my friends love it as well and are even considering getting blankets of their own! Sometimes sleeping with the Minkey side to your body gets a little hot, but if you flip the blanket over to the cotton side it’s definitely cooler. Thanks for helping me get a better night’s sleep, I owe you one!”
Price: Starting at $85.00
Average review: 4.9 out of 5 stars
The best weighted blankets for adults with anxiety, $100 – $200
These weighted blankets provide an all-over hug for the body, below $200. They’d make perfect gifts for people with anxiety or chronic pain or a self-care splurge!
5. Quility weighted blanket
Features: The Quility weighted blanket offers a 5 to 25lb. weight range and four colors to choose from. It comes with a removable, machine washable cover in your choice of either cotton or minky fabric.
What users say: “How did I ever live without this and why didn’t my pain management doctor prescribe this to me years ago?! Seriously one of the best purchases I have made. The pressure of the blanket eases my joint pain. I slept for 6 straight hours!! I haven’t slept more than 3 straight hours in years because of pain.”
Price: Starting at $119.00
Average review: 4.7 out of 5 stars
6. BlanQuil Quilted Weighted Blanket
Features: The BlanQuill blanket has two sizes and six colors to choose from. It has a removable machine washable cover made of ultra soft microfiber fleece.
What users say: “I have had very bad insomnia for about ten years now. And I have tried every natural remedy possible. But always only manage to sleep a couple of hours a night, then I’m wide awake. I refuse to take prescription sleep meds, but really need to sleep. So after lots of research & a recommendation, I decided to try the BlanQuil. Boy am I glad I did! I have had it for about a week & have slept an average of 7 to 8 hours a night. Very comfortable with the 20lb one. I am astounded at how well this has worked. You can actually feel it relaxing your body, one muscle at a time. And even if you get up, a couple of times a night, to use the bathroom, it helps you go right back to sleep. I absolutely love this product & just hope it continues to work.”
Price: Starting at $169.00
Average review: 4.3 out of 5 stars
7. The Magic Weighted Blanket
Features: The Magic Blanket is made in the United States and comes in 11 different size-and-weight combinations, and a variety of fabrics including cotton and flannel. Free returns and exchanges so you can find the perfect weight for you. One-piece blanket design with duvet cover securely sewn onto the inner line. No zippers or ties. Machine washable.
What users say: “I received the 16lb blanket for Christmas and I love it! I have always liked the feeling of the heavy X-ray covering they put on you at the dentist. Also love the weight of several blankets while I sleep. I knew when I heard about this weighted blanket that I would love it. I suffer from depression and anxiety and as soon as I am under this blanket I feel a sense of calm flow over me. I’ve been sleeping great and am going to purchase one for my son and daughter in law as I think they will both benefit from it. Now the question is, how am I going to travel? My blanket is too heavy to pack!”
Price: Starting at $179
Average review: 4.6 out of 5 stars
The best weighted blankets for adults with anxiety, $200 – $300
If you’re ready to splurge on comfort, these are the best weighted blankets to choose from.
8. The Gravity Blanket
Features: The Gravity blanket set off a viral Kickstarter campaign that raised over $4 million dollars. They offer three different sizes and colors to choose from. The price is the same for all three weights. Comes with a removable, machine washable cover. The cover is made of super soft micro-fiber.
What users say: “This is definitely worth the hype! The blanket is so soft and luxurious and really does instantly slow the heartbeat and calm the nerves. I fell asleep to a jackhammer at first use!”
Price: Starting at $249
Average review: 3.9 out of 5 stars
9. Rocabi luxury weighted blanket
Features: Rocabi specializes in creating weighted blankets for adults. They offer three weights and two sizes to choose from. Removable, washable duvet style cover included. The cover has two sides: a smooth microfiber side and a plush minky side with “textured dots” for additional sensory feedback. Both cover and weighted blanket are both machine washable.
What users say: “LOVE! The blanket is cuddly and heavy. I have joint problems and this feels wonderful! Helps me fall sleep faster and stay asleep longer. I notice the difference when I sleep without it. LOVE IT. Would highly recommend to anyone!”
Price: Starting at $269
Average review: 4.3 out of 5 stars
10. Make your own DIY weighted blanket!
If you want to get creative and customize your own weighted blanket you can also make you own!
The materials are easy to find at your local fabric store or online. Making your own blanket gives you the freedom to use any color or printed fabric you’d like as well as choosing fabrics with different tactile experiences. They’re also fairly simple to make with some basic sewing skills.
Here are a few online resources to get started:
- DIY weighted blanket kits
- Guide to your own weighted blanket
- DIY weighted blanket instructions
Get help
While weighted blankets are great tools to manage your pain, anxiety, and insomnia at home, they are best used in conjunction with traditional pain management treatment and anxiety therapy.
To learn more about your treatment options, you can find a pain specialist in your area by clicking the button below or looking for one in your area by using the tips here: https://paindoctor.com/pain-management-doctors/.
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