Summary Chart
**(Important: There is a £17 OFF voucher (17OFF) you add after the cart page (On mobile it can be difficult to find. Click “order summary” after the cart page to find the voucher code field). We don’t know how long this code will be active but as of today it is still working.) 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™ Therapeutic Weighted Blanket
Best For:
- breathability (two sided cover)
- durable
- includes 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
#2 Snuzi Weighted Blanket £159
3 out of 5 of our testers felt more relaxed and had improved sleep.
BEST FOR:
- durable
- includes 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
#3 YMN Weighted Blanket £99
3 out of 5 of our testers felt more relaxed and had improved sleep.
BEST FOR:
- using on bed
- well priced
Features:
- machine washable
- BPA glass beads used for weight
- best priced
Shipping & Returns
- £9.99 shipping
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 recommend 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.
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
- 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 insomnia 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. Weighted blankets also promote the production of a hormone released during hugging.
- Reduces sleepwalking episodes: Interrupted or inefficient sleep can cause sleepwalking 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.
- 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
- 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.