What weight blanket should I get
William Cox
Updated on May 11, 2026
The general wisdom is to pick one that’s 10 percent of your bodyweight. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you’d get a 15-pound blanket. If you are closer to 200 pounds, a 20-pound blanket is a good fit, and so on. Most adult weighted blankets are 10, 15, 20 or 25 pounds — kids blankets are lighter, starting around 5 pounds.
How heavy weighted blanket do I need?
As a rule of thumb, the weight of a weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight. Of course, the ideal weighted blanket weight depends on what feels right to you. Preferred weights can vary between 5% and 12% of the sleeper’s weight.
Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
Should Everyone Use a Weighted Blanket? Adults and older children can use weighted blankets as bed covers or for relaxing during the day. They are safe to use for sleeping throughout the night.
How heavy is too heavy for a weighted blanket?
Can a Weighted Blanket be Too Heavy? Yes, a weighted blanket can be too heavy if you don’t get the correct size. Weighted blankets that are 35 pounds and over should generally be avoided. If you feel like you can’t move under your blanket, look for one that is lighter.Is a 20 lb weighted blanket too heavy?
Young adults and teens who weigh about 100 – 160 pounds can use a weighted blanket that’s 10-15 lbs but for adults weighing from 165 – 200 pounds, a 20 lb weighted blanket works the best. However, for adults weighing above 200 pounds, a 25 lbs (or higher) weighted blanket is perfect.
Do weighted blankets help with back pain?
To fight back pain, many people are turning to a natural solution to eliminate their pain: weighted blankets. Weighted blankets have a unique ability to use therapeutic pressure to reduce pain while improving our overall health.
What are the side effects of a weighted blanket?
- obstructive sleep apnea, which causes disrupted breathing during sleep.
- asthma, which can cause difficulty breathing at night.
- claustrophobia, which the tightness of a weighted blanket may trigger.
Can you sleep on your side with a weighted blanket?
For best results, we recommend sleeping on your back. This way, it covers your entire body with an even pressure. You can sleep on your side, but this means less area covered by the blanket.Do you use a duvet with a weighted blanket?
Tailor it to your sleep routine, ensuring it’s cozy and calming. Replace your current comforter or use both: A weighted blanket can replace the comforter or duvet you currently use, or you can use them both. If you choose to use both, the weighted blanket can be placed either on top or below your bedding.
When should you not use a weighted blanket?Some sleepers should take extra precautions and speak to their doctor before using a weighted blanket. A weighted blanket may be unsuitable for people with certain medical conditions, including chronic respiratory or circulatory issues, asthma, low blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and claustrophobia.
Article first time published onAre weighted blankets good for side sleepers?
It is important to consider your sleeping position when choosing the most suitable weight for you. In general, the 20 lb weighted blanket may be just right when you sleep on your back, and the 15 lb weighted blanket, or any weight lighter, is generally best for side or stomach sleepers.
How do I choose a weighted blanket?
The first step in buying a weighted blanket is determining the right weight for you. The general wisdom is to pick one that’s 10 percent of your bodyweight. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you’d get a 15-pound blanket. If you are closer to 200 pounds, a 20-pound blanket is a good fit, and so on.
How long does it take to get used to a weighted blanket?
Once the week is up, you can slowly move the blanket up each day until it covers you completely. It can sometimes take up to 14 days for your body to full adjust to the new added weight. It takes roughly 14-21 days for us to form new habits, so give your body time to adjust to the weight and to the benefits.
Has anyone died from a weighted blanket?
But it should be noted that two deaths have been linked to the misuse of weighted blankets: one of a 9-year-old boy with autism in Quebec who had been rolled up in a heavy blanket, and one of a 7-month-old baby. … Weighted blankets are one tool therapists use to provide “deep-touch pressure,” May-Benson said.
Why are weighted blankets so expensive?
“[Weighted blankets] require thicker materials of better quality than regular blankets,” Osmond says. “They also need double stitching to help keep everything together. The extra time, high-quality materials and special equipment needed to make them drives up the price.”
Can a dog sleep under a weighted blanket?
“Some dogs may panic underneath the blanket and this can cause a heightened sense of stress,” warns Dr. … Similar to the weighted blanket recommendation for us humans, any blanket or weighted product your pet sleeps beneath should be less than 10 percent of their body weight.
Can a weighted blanket cause anxiety?
In addition, a weighted blanket may also be unsuitable for those people who are claustrophobic, as it may cause anxiety rather than ease it.
Are weighted blankets good for older adults?
Seniors with dementia need a good night’s sleep. Weighted blankets can help by promoting relaxation and increasing your loved one’s comfort. This blanket, since it feels like a warm hug, can help your loved one feel as though someone is there and ready to help if needed, much like a security blanket.
Can weighted blankets be washed?
Because of the heavier construction of weighted blankets, they cannot be washed as easily as a regular blanket. … If the blanket only needs to be spot cleaned, then use a gentle soap, detergent, or stain remover to treat those stains, rinse with cold or warm water, and let your blanket air dry.
Do weighted blankets relieve anxiety?
The pressure of weighted blankets puts your autonomic nervous system into “rest” mode, reducing some of the symptoms of anxiety, such as a quickened heart rate or breathing. This can provide an overall sense of calm.
Why are there tabs on my weighted blanket?
Some weighted blankets even come with a cover included. Whether it comes with a cover on not, look for snaps or tabs on the weighted blanket. These are useful in securing the weighted blanket within a cover. Also, think about how the cover will affect the feel and temperature of the weighted blanket.
Do weighted blankets make you feel hot?
While weighted blankets are heavy by definition, they’re not necessarily hotter than an average blanket. Unlike an electric heated blanket, weighted blankets don’t have heat settings or any way to generate heat.
What is the best weighted blanket for anxiety?
- Casper Sleep Weighted Blanket. Weight: 10–20 pounds (lbs.) Price: $$ The Casper weighted blankets are designed for relaxation. …
- YnM 2.0 Weighted Blanket. Weight: 5–30 lbs. Price: $ …
- Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket. Weight: 5–30 lbs. Price: $
Can weighted blankets cause high blood pressure?
Another study published in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health revealed that participants who used weighted blankets had lower blood pressure, pulse rates and pulse oximetry — all signs of reduced stress levels.