Best and Worst Weighted Blankets Reviews

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Best and Worst Weighted Blankets Reviews

 

I spent days researching weighted blankets so that I could make specific recommendations to my clients suffering from anxiety and/or insomnia. 

While researching weighted blankets, I found that there are so many to choose from and so many characteristics to consider that digesting the overwhelming number of options seems like a lot to ask of an already anxious person. I found the number of options so difficult to sort through myself that I created a spreadsheet to track the brands and their attributes. Amazon alone has over 40 brands of weighted blankets. (That's not different versions of weighted blankets. That's different manufacturers. If you multiply it by the number of versions each has, you're in the hundreds.)

I did that original investigation into weighted blanket brands in 2019. I updated my research each fall since. Lots has changed along the way. This is my October 2024 Weighted Blankets Review update. 

A big change I noticed while doing 2024 weighted blanket research is that refund policies appear to have evened out. The refund offered for my favorite seems to have improved and some others seem to have become less generous. 

 

What's In This Post

Weighted Blanket Considerations
The Worst Weighted Blankets
Gravity Weighted Blanket Review
Best Weighted Blankets
YnM Weighted Blanket Review
Luxome Weighted Blanket Review
Weighted Blankets Made in the US
Anti-Anxiety Worksheets, Books and Recordings

 

Note: This post is based on my research. It is not intended to replace personalized advice from your own medical professionals or personal research.

 
For information about the benefits of weighted blankets, weighted blanket research, and who should avoid using weighted blankets, check out this post: How Weighted Blankets Work for Anxiety, Sleep, and More.

 How do weighted blankets work article

 

 

Weighted Blanket Considerations

There are 12 considerations when buying a weighted blanket.

I talk more about the details of each consideration in the weighted blanket blog post that I mentioned above

What to look for in weighted blankets, Best and Worst Weighted Blanket Reviews

 

Weighted Blanket Reviews

The Worst Weighted Blankets 

    Unwashable Weighted Blankets

    Up until 2021, most of the weighted blankets I found that were under $100 had what is to me a fatal flaw: they weren't machine washable and also didn't come with a duvet cover that would at least provide a layer of protection to the blanket. 

    Some suggested you buy a duvet cover separately, but that would increase the cost and still leave you with an unwashable interior blanket. And, if they aren't designed to attach a duvet cover there aren't ties to keep the heavy blanket in place within the duvet cover.

    Some of these blankets advised dry cleaning. To me, that was a deal-breaker because of the expense and also the close exposure for all your sleeping hours to the residual harsh chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process. Besides the direct impact of not being able to keep a non-washable blanket clean, it seems to me that it reflects the general quality of the blanket and it is likely that these blankets will not hold up well to daily use.

    Now what to watch out for: hand washable vs. machine washable and air dry vs. machine dry.

    So many relatively low-cost weighted blanket brands are now machine washable that this quality should be a must when searching which one you'll buy.

    Special mention: While doing my November 2023 weighted blanket review research, I noticed that the CUTEKING Weighted Blanket Amazon listing included conflicting information. In the main product description area at the top, one of the bullet points included: “Machine-washable on gentle program in cold water, air dry. Better hand wash. Tumble dry on a low setting or line dry.” Then in their product information table lower on their Amazon product description page, it says “Product Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only.” The same mixed message is present on this blanket's Amazon listing October 2024.

     

    Large Pocket Size

     

    weighted blanket pocket size

     

    Now that most of the blankets are at least washable by hand and many are machine washable on delicate cycle, one of the biggest markers of a poorer quality weighted blanket is the size of the quilted "pockets" that hold the glass beads in place. Small pocket size is now 2"x2". 

    One of the weighted blanket maufacturers, ZonLi, makes the bold claim in their Amazon listing that their 5" x 5" pocket size is small. Compare that to the 2" x 2" pocket size of the YnM weighted blanket that is my 2023 and 2024 top pick. (I detail the YnM blanket pros and cons below.)

    One of the reasons I would NOT recommend the Amazon #1 Best Seller Yescool Weighted Blanket is its 5" x 5" pocket size. Other downsides to this blanket: 

    • It is not machine dryable
    • Some of the sales copy makes me question the quality of the manufacturer. One example is that it says, " Weighted blanket which owns 10% of your body weight is recommended." Another is a bullet point that begins with: "【DECENT GIFT IDEA】". 
    • Even though this blanket has an Amazon #1 Best Seller banner, Amazon has flagged it as a "Frequently returned item."

     

    Gravity Weighted Blanket Review

    Gravity Blanket

     

    I listed this blanket as a worst weighted blanket on my 2019 review, but it has made major improvements. (I still don't recommend it since you will overpay for the name recognition, and it has some limitations compared to my recommended blanket.)

    The Gravity Blanket is possibly the most well-known weighted blanket brand because it:

    • is the first company to mass-produce weighted blankets, 

    • began with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, and

    • was on Time magazine's "Best Inventions of 2018" list. 

    But as often happens, the first is not necessarily the best. Gravity lagged way behind while other brands made positive design innovations.

    Gravity has made improvements since I reviewed them in 2019:

    • They didn't have a duvet cover system in 2019 but have one now. 

    • In 2019 they were still using plastic pellets in some versions. They have moved to glass. 

    • Their exterior fabric used to be entirely polyester, but now have cotton.


    Gravity Blanket Pros


    Gravity Blanket Cons

    • The inner blanket is hand washable only. This is better than blankets that are not washable, but the YnM and Luxome blankets listed below are machine washable and dryable at the individual size.

    • Gravity Blanket is not very forthcoming with details such as blanket pocket size. I didn't find that level of information even on their website. 

    • The Gen 4 Gravity Blanket is expensive (The new Gravity Blanket does have the possible advantage of a zipper system for attaching the duvet cover compared to ties used in the YnM and Luxome blankets, but at $160 it is way more costly than YnM.)

     

     ________________________________________

     

    Best Weighted Blankets

    YnM Weighted Blanket

    YnM weighted blanket

     

    This is my 2023 and 2024 Weighted Blanket Reviews top choice.

    The YnM (YnM stands for You and Me) weighted blanket has made great improvements since I first reviewed weighted blankets in 2019! And the price has fallen drastically!

    YnM now makes machine washable and dryable weighted blankets with many high-quality elements and a good price point.

    You can purchase it without a duvet cover, but getting a cover will allow you to wash just the cover most of the time. When purchasing a blanket, consider that even though the weighted blanket is machine washable, having a duvet cover allows you to wash the cover regularly and only wash the heavy inner blanket if necessary.

     

    YnM Weighted Blanket Sizing

    YnM uses the sizing formula that is most common to weighted blanket sizing advice:  around 10% of body weight.  

    Here's YnM's sizing chart: 

    How do you size a weighted blanket

     

    YnM Weighted Blanket Duvet Cover Options

    YnM offers a wide variety of duvet cover colors and fabrics including bamboo (considered the most cooling for weighted blankets), cotton, and minky (a soft velvety fabric). You can click on the color variations product icons on the Amazon YnM duvet covers listing page to discover the fabric and color combinations.

    [In my 2024 review of the listing, I see that some of the YnM minky blankets only have 8 ties while most of their offerings have 16 ties. They have a combination bamboo/minky duvet cover with each side being a different fabric. This version does have 16 ties. You may want to keep this in mind when making your selection.]

     

    2024 Update re YnM Return Policy

    Prior to October 2024, the one downfall of the YnM blankets I noted was that they didn't offer a satisfaction guarantee that provided for a trial run period that some other weighted blanket manufacturers included as part of their guarantee.

    As of Oct 2024, that may have changed.

    It takes a bit of digging to find YnM's return policy. The Amazon page suggests you check the manufacturer's webpage. The current FAQs on YnM's website say:

    "If within 30 days you're not pleased with your purchase, you may request a refund or exchange. Shipping fees may apply."

    If you purchase on Amazon, you may be able to make the return without shipping fees. When I reached out to YnM's service department, they suggested that customers who purchase their blankets through Amazon check with Amazon about the shipping fee return policy.   

     

    YnM Weighted Blanket Pros

    • Washable: "Machine washable in a gentle setting. Tumble dry on a low setting or line dry."

    • Glass beads

    • Small pocket size (2" squares) and fine stitching to keep the beads in place

    • Different fabric choices including cotton, micorfiber, bamboo, and a version that is bamboo on one side and velvet on the other side

    • An amazing 16 loops for attaching duvet covers (used to be an abysmal 8 ties)
    • Good price-point. 

    • Over 4 stars rating from 40k reviews on Amazon. 

        Approximate Retail Prices for 48" x 72" 

        Microfiber Weighted Blanket  Cotton Weighted Blanket Bamboo/Velvet Weighted Blanket

        $30

        Duvet covers in bamboo or minky (velvet) are an additional cost of about $30; total cost of purchasing a blanket and cover comes in around $60

        $60

        Duvet covers in bamboo or minky (velvet)  are an additional cost of about $30; total cost of purchasing a blanket and cover comes in around $90

        100 regular price (sometimes on sale for $60)

        You would be less likely to purchase a cover for this version, but there are attachment ties in case you want to.


         

        ____________________________________

          

        Luxome Weighted Blanket 


        Luxome Weighted blanket size chart

         

        Luxome is a weighted blanket manufacturer that strove to create a better product by hands-on comparison of other brands and by addressing issues raised by blanket owners.

        They have a unique approach to sizing that is intriguing. Their individual blanket is 54" wide compared to most weighted blanket brands which are 48" wide. 

        They range from $125 to $170 for individual size. This puts the Luxome blankets in the middle of weighted blankets' price range but more expensive than YnM. 

         

        Luxome's Approach to Sizing

        Luxome describes their approach to sizing in this way:

         "Selecting a blanket based on body weight is actually incorrect and not based on science or fact. The correct measurement is actually the weight per area of the blanket. We conducted our own studies and found an ideal weight per square foot that nearly all men, women, adults, and children agreed on. All Luxome weighted blankets are optimized to this ratio, so just select a size and you can rest assured it’s the perfect weight."

        Luxome Weighted Blankets Pros

        Luxome was more forthcoming with details about their blankets when I first started reviewing weighted blankets in 2019. In November 2023, I can't seem to find information like how many duvet ties they have and the size of the quilted pockets. I suspect that YnM has surpassed them on these elements.

        The Luxome weighted blankets stood out to me for several reasons:

        • Premium stitching and high-quality natural fabrics (233 thread count cotton covers on the weighted blanket, 400 thread count cotton duvet cover, 300 thread count bamboo duvet cover)

        • Machine washable and dryable (One exception: The 30 lb. inner blanket for large beds.)

        • 1mm glass beads

        • Generous width on the individual/throw blanket (54"x72") to accommodate roll-over

        • A variety of cover fabric options including bamboo (considered the best option to reduce overheating under weighted blankets)

        • Their research-based approach to sizing makes them worth consideration


        Luxome Weighted Blanket Guarantee

        When I researched weighted blankets previously, Luxome had a very generous 30-day satisfaction guarantee exclaimed on their Amazon listing: "USA COMPANY & SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: We are a midwestern company that LOVES our customers and pride ourselves on values, quality, and service. Try our blankets for up to 30 days and if you aren't satisfied for any reason we'll provide fast, friendly service and a full refund."

        As of October 2024, the part I highlighted above has disappeared. 

        The refund policy that appears on the Luxome website offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with return shipping at your cost. 

        As with the YnM blanket, if you purchase through Amazon your return shipping fees may be covered. 

        Note: Luxome promotes itself as a "USA COMPANY", but they don't claim that the blankets are made in the US. I talk about American-made brands later in this post. 

           

          Luxome Weighted Blankets Cons

          • While reviewing weighted blankets in 2023 and 2024, some of the Luxome blanket information that was readily available when I performed earlier searches—such as pocket sizes—seems to have disappeared. From the images that accompany their sales pages, it looks like their pocket sizes may be in line with older weighted blanket best practices (5" x 5") but are not as small as YnM's (2" x 2"). 

          • They used to have more color options but have dropped down to only grey tones.
          • They are more expensive than YnM blankets.

          Luxome Blanket Options

          Luxome has 2 options: washable blankets with what they call an "integrated cover" and blanket/duvet sets. Both of these options are machine washable and dryable. When purchasing a blanket, consider that even though the weighted blanket is machine washable, having a duvet cover allows you to wash the cover regularly and only wash the heavy inner blanket if necessary.

          Both types of Luxome blankets come with a variety of cover fabric choices including bamboo and plush polyester "minky". ("Minky" blanket fabric is a plush polyester reminiscent of some baby blankets.) Minky is going to be the warmest option, bamboo the coolest. 

          Luxome Weighted Blanket with Integrated Cover

          $145 to $160 retail for 54"x72" depending on cover fabric chosen (minky in variety of colors, or bamboo).  Click here to check it out on Amazon. [The price on this product has increased in 2024.] 

          Luxome Weighted Blanket with Removable Duvet Cover

          $125 to $175 for 54"x72" depending on duvet cover fabric chosen (minky, cotton, or bamboo).  Click here to check it out on Amazon. 

          ___________________________________ 

           

          American Made Weighted Blankets 

          Weighted Blankets made in the US

           

          Since people have been asking me about weighted blankets made in the US, I've begun researching more into the place of manufacture for the blankets. So far, I've only noticed a couple of brands pointing out that they produce their blankets in the US. (Many companies distribute their blankets from a US location but manufacture them elsewhere.)

           

          Magic Blanket

          Magic Blanket has some pluses and minuses.

          Magic Blanket pros: 

          • Claims to be the 1st to manufacture a weighted blanket

          • An improvement I noticed in 2024 is that they have dropped the "polypropylene pellets" they were using previously and now use the preferred glass beads for weight. 
          • "Machine washable and dryer friendly"

          • 30-day guarantee: "If, for any reason, you are not 100% delighted with your Magic Weighted Blanket, you have up to 30 days after receiving your blanket to return it and have the cost of your blanket refunded back to your card. You will, however, be responsible for the cost of the return shipping. The blanket must still be in like-new condition – we will not be able to offer a refund if the blanket is stained, damaged, or has any pet hairs on it.


           Magic Blanket cons: 
          • Do NOT have duvet covers or duvet ties (They say that they don't like duvet covers for weighted blankets because the weight is too much for the ties.) 

          • Are pricey: the cotton 48 x 78 size is over $200.

           

          Capeable Weighted Blankets and Wearables

          Capeable manufactures their line of weighted blankets and wearables in the US. They are interesting in that besides blankets, they have wearable weighted products: vests, shawls, and scarves. 

          Their weighted blankets are around the same price as Magic Blanket and are similar in that they aren't constructed for duvet covers. Capeable blankets are more narrow than Magic's. Capeable has a 100-day satisfaction guarantee while Magic Blanket's is 30 days. 

          Magic's sizing philosophy is similar to that of Luxome. Here's how Magic answers the question "How heavy should my weighted blanket be?": 

          "You don’t have to calculate your product’s weight based on your body weight. With SmartWeight Technology, it’s not about how much your blanket weighs but about the distribution of weight across the surface of the product. Simply choose the color and size of the product you want. We take care of the weight, ensuring you have the right amount of DTP (Deep Pressure Touch)."

          Capeable weighted blanket pros:

          • 2" quilted squares to do keep the pellets in place
          • "Machine washable and dryable"

          • generous "100-day satisfaction guarantee"

          Capeable weighted blanket cons:
          • They do NOT have duvet covers or duvet ties (Like Magic Blanket, they say that they don't like duvet covers for weighted blankets.)

          • They are pricey: 40" x 72" is $220

          • Their one-person twin bed size is more narrow than other weighted blankets such as those made by YnM. Capeable's twin size is 40” x 72". YnM's is the typical weighted blanket twin size of 48 x 72. Luxome has the generous 54" width. 

           

          Anti-Anxiety Worksheets, Books and Recordings

          I've learned a lot about what helps reduce anxiety and build stress resilience through decades of helping counseling clients and a lifetime of dealing with anxiety myself. I put that learning into books, workbooks, and recordings that can help you feel better fast. Check them out: Anxiety Worksheets, Books, and Recordings by Ann Silvers.

           

          Anxiety Worksheets, Books, and Recordings by Ann Silvers

            

          Disclaimer:
          No content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other medical professionals or for your own product research. 

          Note re product links: As an Amazon Associate Partner, I may receive a small affiliate commission for purchases made through these links. My commission does NOT influence my recommendation or impact your price in any way. 

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          • Ann Silvers
          Comments 23
          • Anke Brigstocke
            Anke Brigstocke

            Hello annsilvers.com owner, Your posts are always on point.

          • the Huh
            the Huh

            everything in California causes cancer.

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Hi Tim R.

            I heard back from Big Lots about the disclaimer on the Broyhill blanket. They didn’t really tell me much, but I think that it is fair to say that they are letting us know that the blanket itself contains the chemical that California has decided is toxic at the levels present. I had wondered if the chemical was in the packaging or the blanket. The wording of the disclaimer that appears with the blanket listing on Big Lots’ website read like it was just in the packaging.

            It doesn’t make me personally feel good about the Broyhill blanket, especially considering that a blanket is a product that is in close proximity to your body for long periods of time.

            This is what they said:

            “Good evening Ann,

            Thank you for contacting the Big Lots Customer Care Department. We appreciate your interest in Big Lots.

            Placement of the Prop 65 label is required to comply with disclosure laws in many locations. Any chemical contained within this product is well within acceptable levels according to Federal law and also passes the stringent Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

            For more information go to : www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

            Thank you again, and have a nice day.

            Customer Care Department
            Big Lots Stores
            1-866-244-5687"

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Karen M. Thanks for updating your feedback. Great to hear that the reviews are helpful to you and to know about your experience with weighted blankets for patients.

            - Ann

          • Karen M
            Karen M

            Hi Ann,
            I re-read my previous post, I meant that I have had luck suggesting weighted blankets in general to my patients. I had never heard of CapeAble before your review.

            I do like what I’m reading about it.

            Thanks for including some less expensive, but also good blanket options.

            My patient population is mainly Medicaid, which doesn’t pay for anything, much less weighted blankets!
            Karen

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Hi Karen M. Thanks for letting everyone know about your positive experience with the quality of the Capeable weighted blankets. I think that the other blankets that I recommended — Luxome and SAFR — have comparable quality at a lower price. – Ann

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Hi Tim R. I’m not sure exactly what the warning on the Broyhill Blanket listing on the Big Lots website means. I just sent them an email asking them. I’ll let you know if I hear back from them. – Ann

          • Tim R.
            Tim R.

            What is the meaning of the P65 warning on the “packaging” on the Broyhill weighted blanket at Big Lots?

          • Karen M
            Karen M

            Hi Ann,
            Thanks for the info on CapeAble blankets. I’m a pediatric nurse practitioner, and have had good luck with recommending them to Autistic kids/ADHD kids.
            I’m looking at one for our 29 yr old ‘business woman’ daughter, who loves sleeping with a bunch of quilts. I love the Capeable, bc of the smaller squares, and lack of bare spots on a hip/etc, if the beads shift.
            It is very expensive though. Have you come on any other blankets that are not so pricy, but are still provide the weight, without the bare spots?
            Thanks in advance,
            Karen

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Hi Vicky Pope. Thanks for letting me know about Capeable blankets. I added a review of their products. -Ann

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Hi again Andrea. I just took another look at Broyhill and noticed that the Big Lot listing also says that the covers are “removable zippered”. I assume from this that there aren’t attachment ties on the underlying blanket. Weighted blankets are notorious for getting bunched up inside duvet covers if there aren’t adequate attachment ties. -Ann

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Hi Andrea. I took a look at the Broyhill weighted blankets that Big Lots carries. (It looks like Broyhill is a Big Lots brand.) They are relatively inexpensive. They have unwashable versions that don’t have the duvet cover option. They also have a version with duvet ties and a detachable washable minky cover. I see on the Big Lots website that both versions come with this warning: “California Customer WARNING: This packaging can expose you to chemicals including Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is known to the state of CA to cause cancer or birth control or other reproductive harm. For more information go to : www.P65Warnings.ca.gov”. I don’t know exactly what they mean by “this packaging”. -Ann

          • Vicky Pope
            Vicky Pope

            Capeable weighted blankets are made in the US.

          • Vicky Pope
            Vicky Pope

            Capeable weighted blankets are made in the US.

          • Andrea
            Andrea

            We’re you able to test Broyhill weighted blankets that are selling at Big Zlots now for $30?

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Glad you found the post helpful MT. — Ann

          • MT
            MT

            Great info. Really helpful. I was finding it hard to pick a weighted blanket — so many choices.

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            You’re welcome Ryan. Glad you found my research and post helpful. -Ann

          • Ryan
            Ryan

            I was searching for an answer to the same question. Thanks!

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Hi Catherine M. Since you’re the 2nd person to ask about weighted blankets made in the US, I started researching where the blankets are sourced. While many of the weighted blankets are distributed in the US, I only noticed one so far that is manufactured in the US. I added that info to the bottom of the blog post.

          • Catherine M
            Catherine M

            I am only looking for products made in the USA. Is there a tag on the blankets you have encountered that notes origin?

          • Ann Silvers
            Ann Silvers

            Hi Linda W. I don’t know if they are made in the US.

          • Linda W
            Linda W

            Ann, do you happen to know if either of your best weighted blanket choices are made in the USA? Thank you!

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