EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Temperature regulating
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Removable, washable cover
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37.5 active particle technology
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Hidden zipper on cover
Cons:
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Limited weights, sizes and colors
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Interior must be spot cleaned only
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Non organic materials
I had the pleasure of testing Sleep Number’s True Temp blanket last year. It’s still one of my favorite blankets in my bedding rotation. The original True Temp is breathable in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter—it truly is the goldilocks of blankets for those that suffer from night sweats. When I heard that Sleep Number released a weighted version of my beloved blanket, I had to test it—and I was not disappointed.
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Sleep Number uses a fill with its proprietary 37.5 active particle technology that moves heat away from the body. While it’s not a cut-and-dry cooling blanket, the cover is incredibly breathable and offers excellent temperature regulation for sleepers that swing from toasty to chilled throughout the night. Unzip the cover and a pretty standard weighted blanket greets you. The panels, filled with glass beads, are also stuffed with a pleasant-feeling fill for extra comfort.
Available in both 12- and 20-pound sizes, this blanket is ideal for single sleepers. It’s not as soft or silky as some of the other options, so it might not appeal to those seeking a cozy couch blanket. That said, it certainly does a good job at cradling my body at night without trapping any heat. I love it so much that it has a permanent place on my side of the bed.
My only complaints are the same as my gripes with the original True Temp blanket: the way it looks. Let’s be honest, the sleeping bag-ish material and wrinkly exterior aren’t exactly eye catching. Additionally, I don’t love that it only comes in a single navy hue.
That said, while the material is unmistakably polyester instead of organic like, say, cotton, the blanket does such a good job with heat regulation that I’m willing to work with it. It’s also one of the only weighted blankets in the list with a removable cover, which makes it so much easier to wash.
Size(s): | 48″ x 70″ | Weight(s): 12, 20 lbs | Color(s): Dark blue | Outer Material: 100% polyester | Interior Fill: 94% glass beads, 6% polyester | Machine Washable?: Yes
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Cozy, comforting pressure
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Not too hot or smothering
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Wide range of sizes, weights and colors
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100% organic
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No interior fill that shifts
Cons:
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Difficult to clean
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Colors are muted
In the wide world of weighted blankets, few offer options without beads. That’s where the Silk & Snow hand knit weighted blanket comes in. This filler-free blanket derives its weight from its chunky, dense knit. This makes it less prone to holding heat than its competition. And, according to Senior Editor Katie Bandurski, that’s only part of what makes this a great comfort gift or couch buddy.
“I’ve been testing this Silk & Snow blanket for about a month,” says Katie. “I use the blanket most evenings, on rotation with other blankets I love. This certainly isn’t the softest blanket I’ve ever tried, but it has a breathable feel; both due to the cotton fabric and the open knit holes. I don’t feel ‘smothered’ at all, thanks to the generous gauge of the knitting and 100% organic cotton fibers.”
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
“Silk & Snow makes a weighted blanket for everyone,” she continues. “With weights ranging from 8 to 25 pounds, kids and adults alike can enjoy a soothing, relaxing sensation. As someone who suffers from anxiety, this blanket really helps me ‘turn my brain off.’ After a tough day, it helps me slow down my thoughts and focus instead on soothing pressure. It’s very easy to fall asleep under this blanket!”
That said Katie notes that she is a bit disappointed in the care instructions. “It claims to be machine washable, but only if I can ‘ensure my washing machine can handle the weight of the blanket before attempting to wash it,'” she warns. “I’ll likely just spot treat and set out in the sun when the weather gets nice, but I don’t love knowing I might not be able to ever properly wash it.”
With a range of colors and sizes, this option far surpasses the other comparable knit weighted options we’ve tried. And, as a bonus, it doesn’t pill or pull apart easily. Win!
Size(s): | 41” x 60”, 41” x 72”, 45” x 72”, 51” x 72”, 54” x 72” | Weight(s): 8, 12, 15, 20, 25 lbs | Color(s): Nimbus grey, vista blue, tempest blue, chestnut, oat, cream, ginger, terracotta | Outer Material: Natural cotton | Interior Fill: N/A | Machine Washable?: Yes
What To Look for When Buying Weighted Blankets
Former weighted blanket business owner Nicole Doster notes that when it comes to shopping for weighted blanket, size does matter.
“The thing that most people may not realize when shopping for weighted blankets is the size-to-weight ratio matters,” she says. “Most weighted blankets have panels that distribute the filling evenly throughout the blanket, so if you are tempted to order a larger sized blanket, you may lose out on the amount of pressure or weight against your skin. I usually opt for a smaller, heavier blanket to feel the full ‘hugging’ effect.”
Additionally, Nicole urges customer to consider the following when shopping for the best weighted blanket for you:
- Weight: Unsurprisingly, weight may be the most important aspect of a weighted blanket. While the perfect weight depends on personal preference, the general ratio is to aim for around 10% of your body weight.
- Material: “A lot of people want glass beads instead of plastic; some knit blankets (like the one I tested) don’t use beads at all, which is cool,” says Nicole. The external material is also a consideration, especially if you plan to sleep with your blanket. If so, a softer option might be best.
- Size: Weighted blankets come in a variety of sizes, from lap throws to king-sized options. The best weighted blanket size is based on preference, but keep in mind that larger blankets offer less weight per panel, and smaller panels tend to offer better coverage. “The smaller the panels, the less likely you are to have uneven distribution of the glass beads,” notes Nicole.
- Washing: The biggest complaint with weighted blankets is that they’re often difficult to wash. While washing a weighted blanket is possible, many require machines rated for heavier items. Circumvent this by spot-cleaning or dry cleaning your blanket. Additionally, consider one with a removable cover for easy cleaning.
How We Found the Best Weighted Blankets
We put 10 different blankets to the test for over a month—and in some cases, even longer. There’s a lot more that goes into testing blankets than simply sleeping with them. To get a sense of the full experience, testers used their blanket for snuggling up on their couch, cuddling with partners, napping and getting a full night’s sleep.
Testers detailed their experience, noting negatives like audible rusting, shifting beads, overheating and whether the blanket easily washes in an at-home machine. While washing weighted blankets can be tricky, we opted to give more points to those that can easily be machine washed, rather than those which can only be spot cleaned. We also preferred blankets with multiple different weights and sizes that cater to a variety of sleepers.
Additional considerations include softness, interior fill, material and available colors. Blankets that offered a variety of shades received bonus points, along with those that were nice and cozy to cuddle up with. If the blanket has glass beads, we tested to see whether the beads offered good coverage or shifted around inside the panels. Sustainable fabrics are our preference, though a few blankets that made our top picks use man-made materials.
The final consideration is probably the most important: price compared to value. We noted whether—after testing for several weeks—we felt we’d pay the purchase price for each blanket we tested.
Other Blankets We Tested
- Avocado Knitted Blanket: While we love the look and feel of this chunky knitted option, it’s a bit too indistinguishable from the other knitted blankets.
- Bearaby Cotton Napper: I absolutely love my Bearaby Napper. That said, the very similar Silk and Snow version offers more colors and weights.
Why You Should Trust Us
I am a professional shopping editor with over three years of experience testing and recommending the best products for Taste of Home. My experience focuses mainly on kitchen and home. I’ve lent my expertise to dozens of tests, ranging from the Our Place Wonder Oven to the best modular sectionals. As someone who works from home, the importance of cultivating a comfortable space to live in is a passion of mine. I take pride in recommending only the best home essentials for every budget, space and lifestyle.
FAQ
Which weighted blanket weight is best?
The general rule for the perfect weighted blanket weight is to aim for around 10% of your body weight. That said, the best weighted blanket weight depends on personal preference.
Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
We recommend checking with your doctor if you have certain medical conditions that affect breathing or cause circulatory problems before sleeping with a weighted blanket. For most other adults, it’s generally safe sleeping with a weighted blanket.
Who should not use a weighted blanket?
Folks with medical conditions including sleep apnea, diabetes, or respiratory issues should ask their doctor before using a weighted blanket. Additionally, kids should only use weighted blankets made for children—and pets should never go underneath weighted blankets.