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UK Weighted Blanket Products – Reviewed

Updated: July 12, 2019

The weighted blanket is now the #1 ranked household item in the USA to relieve stress and anxiety and improve sleep. It seems the word has spread across the pond as sales in the UK have spiked over the past 3 months.

We tested 11 blankets available in the UK and narrowed it down to the 3 top weighted blankets based on effectiveness, quality and price.

Summary Chart

A GOOD Weighted blanket will mimic the feeling of a hug and help to soothe everyday stress and anxiety and improve sleep. Scientific studies have found that weighted therapy can help to increase levels of serotonin and melatonin (happiness), while decreasing cortisol levels (stress).

But not all weighted blankets are made equal. Many weighted blankets are poorly made and are of low quality. Our team tested 11 weighted blankets. Most were low quality but we found 3 that actually do what they say.

Here are our reviews on the TOP 3 blankets currently on the market in the UK.

#1 Koala™ Theraputic Weighted Blanket

4 out of 5 of our testers felt more relaxed and had improved sleep.BEST FOR:

  • breathablity (two sided cover)
  • durable
  • inludes weighted duvet and cover
  • high quality
  • eco friendly blanket
  • using on sofa or bed
Features:
  • made of eco friendly silky bamboo and soft cotton
  • includes cover + weighted duvet
  • double stitched extra strength thread
  • machine washable
  • BPA glass beads used for weight
  • best priced & best quality
Shipping & Returns
  • free shipping
  • next day shipping
  • 30-day return window

Overall we were very impressed with the Koala Blanket. According to their website the team behind Koala is located in the UK and they worked 18 months on this blanket. Their goal was to create a blanket that solved all the issues with other weighted blankets such as bead spillage, ripping and uneven weight distribution…while providing it at the best price.

80% of our testers felt more relaxed and had improved sleep.

This blanket is made out of organic cotton and the cover is two sided. It has smaller pockets to keep the weighted beads in place. They also use extra strong thread and double stitching to ensure the blanket doesn’t break and spill beads. This is a big complaint with weighted blankets so it is nice to see feature.

The beads did not shift during our tests and the duvet stayed in place within the cover. This is a big plus as most duvet and cover weighted blankets move around making it uncomfortable when using.

They currently have a July promo for their blanket+cover which makes it £59 cheaper than the 2nd best blanket available in the UK.

#2 Snuzi Weighted Blanket £159

3 out of 5 of our testers felt more relaxed and had improved sleep.

BEST FOR:
  • durable
  • inludes weighted duvet and cover
  • using on sofa or bed
Features:
  • made of cotton
  • includes cover + weighted duvet
  • machine washable
  • BPA glass beads used for weight
Shipping & Returns
  • free shipping
  • 30-day return window

This blanket is constructed well and is similar quality to the Koala Blanket but it is priced signifincantly higher.

What we noticed with this blanket is that it has a lack of materials holding the beads in place, so the beads tend to bunch up on one side of their square. Also, you can hear the beads moving around. For instance, when you stand up with the blanket wrapped around you, all the beads fall down to the bottom of their squares, and it has a rainfall sound. This weight shift of course isn’t too much of a problem if you’re laying down flat with the blanket evenly on top of you, but it tends to fall off the side of the bed or the couch more easily if you shift your weight.

When using it while laying flat in the bed it did give our testers the feeling of being secure and helped to lower stress levels.

Overall the Snuzi was the 2nd best blanket of the 11 we tried.

#3 YMN Weighted Blanket £99

3 out of 5 of our testers felt more relaxed and had improved sleep.

This is on the cheaper end for weighted blankets BUT it doesn’t come with a cover.

They were currently sold out of their 8kg, so we got the 10kg blanket. It’s 48” x 72”, which is enough to almost cover a full size mattress. They tend to be sold out of a few options at a time, but they do restock, so just keep an eye on it.

It wasn’t the most comfortable of all the blankets. It was a little scratchy, so we recomend a cover as well. The blanket does feel very thick and durable; you won’t be worried about tearing it. We had one of our bigger production guys try out it, because it is a heavier weight, and he liked it, but thought it was too hot to use in the summertime.

As for care, the blanket we got (which is the inner layer) is advertised as machine washable on a low, gentle setting and then lay it out flat to air dry. You can also get it dry cleaned. From our observations, we think it would take just about all day for this blanket to dry out, because it’s so thick and there is that wool material holding the beads. This is probably why the company so strongly suggests you get their separately sold removable cover, which would make for much easier cleaning.

BEST FOR:
  • using on bed
  • well priced
Features:
  • machine washable
  • BPA glass beads used for weight
  • best priced
Shipping & Returns
  • £9.99 shipping

Review Team

Jack Rey – Combo Sleeper

McKenzie Fredricks – Combo Sleeper

Christison Gomez – Back Sleeper

Jon Jack – Side Sleeper

Jill Daily – Back Sleeper

In conclusion our 5 testers all agreed that the Koala Thereputic Weighted Blanket is hands down the winner in the UK for the top weighted blanket. Based on effectiveness, quality and price the uk based team at Koala have done a fantastic job.

 

Weighted Blanket Benefits

Weighted blankets help people sleep better in the following ways:

  • Reduces cortisol levels:Grounding reduces the production of cortisol, a steroid hormone triggered by stressful situations. While cortisol is not necessarily bad, nighttime cortisol production can counteract the production of melatonin, which can in turn have a negative effect on sleep quality.
  • Helps produce more melatonin: Natural light triggers melatonin, causing us to feel more tired at night and more wakeful the next morning. People with insomia tend to produce less melatonin, leading to problems with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. As a result, those who use weighted blankets for insomnia and other disorders linked to low melatonin production often experience notable sleep improvements.
  • Triggers happiness hormones: Grounding triggers the release of serotonin, and other ‘happiness hormones’ that calm the nervous system and make people feel more relaxed.
  • Reduces sleepwalking episodes: Interrupted or inefficient sleep can cause in adults and children. Weighted blankets cause people to feel more relaxed before falling asleep, which often leads to deeper sleep and more restful nights. As a result, weighted blankets can be very helpful for sleepwalkers – particularly toddlers and young children.

In addition to benefits for sleepers, weighted blankets can also alleviate stress and anxiety for many.  Dentists often provide weighted blankets to patients in order to alleviate their stress before exams. Physicians have also noted that adults and children with certain disorders and medical conditions may benefit from using a weighted blanket for anxiety. These include:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A weighted blanket for autism can be effective for several reasons, particularly among children with ASD. Individuals with ASD often have below-average serotonin and melatonin levels, which can lead to sleep difficulties. Additionally, children with ASD tend to experience anxiety, especially at night.
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Poor academic performance is a common issue among children with ADHD, and this problem may be compounded by lack of restful sleep. When used correctly, a weighted blanket for ADHD can not only improve the child’s sleep but also sharpen their focusing abilities in the classroom and boost their grades.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Like ASD, PTSD is a condition that can reduce serotonin production levels. By boosting these serotonin levels and alleviating stress – a common symptom of PTSD – weighted blankets can help people with PTSD improve their overall sleep quality.
Pros of Using a Weighted Blanket
  • Boosts melatonin and ‘happiness hormone’ production
  • Alleviates anxiety and stress
  • Improves sleep quality for people with ASD, ADHD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions and disorders
  • Wide weight selection available
Cons of Using a Weighted Blanket
  • May not be suitable for travel (especially very heavy models)
  • Children under eight should not use them without a prescription
  • Blankets may cause stress for claustrophobic people
  • Price-point often exceeds £100

Important Tips for Weighted Blanket Shoppers

When shopping for a weighted blanket and comparing different brands and models, here are a few factors to keep in mind.

  • What is your weighted blanket budget? Keep in mind that most weighted blankets cost at least £100 when sold through companies. Private sellers on sites like Etsy may price their weighted blankets lower, but they do not come with warranties and the quality is usually lower.
  • How much do you weigh? Use your body weight to calculate the most suitable weight for your blanket. Surveys have found that people generally feel most comfortable under a blanket that weighs 7% to 10% as much as they do, but testing out different models is considered the best way to find the right fit. Also keep weight loss/gain in mind, as the most suitable blanket may change if your own weight fluctuates.
  • Do you have a medical or psychological condition that may lead to discomfort under a weighted blanket? Certain individuals may feel less comfortable under weighted blankets, such as people with claustrophobia, women who are going through menopause, and people with respiratory and/or circulatory issues.
  • What is your preferred blanket size? Some sleepers like blankets with minimal coverage while others enjoy wrapping themselves in longer, wider blankets. Keep in mind that weighted blanket size is usually tied to weight; the less a blanket weighs, the narrower and shorter it will be. You may have to compromise your width and length preferences in order to find a blanket that weighs the right amount.
  • Do you sleep warm? Many people sleep excessively hot or warm, either due to their own body temperature regulation or the composition of their mattress (foam and latex sleep hotter than springs). Weighted blankets with covers made of natural fibers like cotton and wool tend to sleep cooler than synthetic fabrics like polyester. For this reason, people who sleep warm are urged to pick a weighted blanket with a natural fiber cover.
  • Does the blanket come with a cover? Be sure to scope out the product specs. In some cases, weighted blanket covers are sold separately from the blankets themselves.
  • What is your color preference? Cover color choice is purely aesthetic, although some models are available in dozens of colors for people with different tastes and decor arrangements.
  • Does the weighted blanket come with a trial or warranty? Companies that sell weighted blankets often offer trial periods, which allow purchasers to return the blanket for a refund within a certain timeframe, and/or product warranties that protect the blanket from defects. Weighted blankets sold through private merchants usually come with neither.
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