Best Weighted Blanket of 2020
The Luna weighted blanket is a high-quality product that shows in its every detail the design team's concern for health (the cotton exterior is Oeko-Tex certified), proper fit (it comes in 5 sizes), proper weight (it comes in 10 weight options), and superior comfort (it has 7 layers of insulation). From the medical-grade glass beads used to increase the mass of the throw to the near-perfect sized 5.5" x 5.5" pockets evenly distributing the weight of said beads, and the heavy-duty stitching, Luna is serious about making a product that will fulfill the promise of being comfortable, soothing and long-lasting.
Of all the products that we tested to produce this review, the Luna proved the hardest to find issues of concern. However, we will say that despite the company's claims of being cooling as well as warming, the dense insulation may turn out to be more than some folks will want. To put it plainly, this blanket is toasty. Additionally, our model's color tended to show dust and dirt more readily than other models in the line-up. That said, this throw comes in 10 different color/ pattern options and a cover is available for purchase should you want to simplify the cleaning process.
Whether you are a super-seer or just have a discerning color palette, then YnM will not only provide a snuggly, hug-like sensation but will also satisfy your need for the perfect color match to your living or bedroom decor. The worry-free Oeko-Tex certified) cotton exterior and durable glass weights separated into 4.7" x 4.7" pockets provide a gentle touch to those under the weight of this throw. The blanket is machine-washable but you can purchase an aftermarket cover to simplify the process.
While we were quite impressed with all the color options, the Oeko-Tex certified cotton, and the small, distributive pockets, we were less than impressed with the stitching quality. After just a few washes and an admittedly heavy testing regiment, some of the stitching had begun to fray. Despite our experience with what we'd consider so-so stitching, we still think that the YnM's color options, high-end fabric, and ease of cleaning make it well worth the outlay in cash.
Our opinion of the Quility was greatly increased by it having a duvet cover included with the purchase of the blanket. While putting a cover on after washing can be a bit of a pain, the longer-term clean look of the blanket is without a doubt worth the effort. Like many of the weighted blankets, cleaning this model is burdensome because tumble drying is not advised due to the weight. Yet, you get the same clean outcome when washing the cover and hang drying it is a cinch in comparison. Asides from this benefit, the blanket has batting on both sides of the glass beads and it comes in several sizes and weight options.
While cleaning the Quility blanket is made much easier by the cover, if you need to wash the actual blanket, it's an involved process to be sure. Additionally, the relatively large 6.25" x 6.25" quilted pockets make for a relatively uneven distribution of weight. Despite these shortcomings, we still like this blanket simply for the ease of cleaning provided by the cover. Call us lazy.
The Waowoo is a competitively priced blanket that allows interested customers to get a feel for the potential benefits of a weighted blanket without betting the farm on the product. The 5" x 5" pocket design does a fair job of spreading out the weight evenly. The durable glass beads are tough. And, perhaps most importantly, the blanket comes in 7 weight options so that you can match it to your body type.
Unfortunately, the Waowoo does not come with a duvet and one is not available for purchase through the manufacturer. Additionally, the batting insulating the throw is only one-sided so you have to pay attention that the weights are facing up for maximum comfort. Lastly, this model only comes in 3 size options (36" x 48", 48" x 72", 60" x 80") and one color option. Despite these shortcomings, we think that at the price, this blanket is worth the money if you are unsure about the benefits of weighted blankets.
The WONAP stands apart from the class of blankets due to its unique bamboo textile exterior. Bamboo offers greater wicking, and arguably, greater cooling properties than cotton. It is also considered a more sustainable agricultural crop as well. In addition to the alternative outer material, this blanket uses a 4" x 4" diamond pocket pattern to house the glass beads which facilitate an even spread of weight. The batting is dual-sided as well, rendering superior insulation and padding. Finally, the blanket comes in 5 size options (41" x 60" to 86" x 92") and 6 weight options (10 to 30 lbs) so that you can assure the desired coverage and pressure.
Conversely, the WONAP only comes in one color: folkstone gray. Also, the blanket does not come with a cover which exacerbates the difficulties in cleaning. Machine washing can only be done with cold water on the gentle cycle, and it can't be tumble dried due to the glass beads. However, this is the unfortunate reality of cleaning weighted blanks in general. All said, this blanket is a good choice for those looking for cotton alternatives.
The Hypnoser's 4.25" x 4.25" diamond quilt pattern, plush batting, and 9 weight options produce a satisfying weighted sensation. The blanket showed no signs of poor construction and it has an aftermarket duet cover available to simplify cleaning. However, it is machine-washable if needed.
On the flip side of the coin, the one-sided batting limits insulation. Moreover, the blanket is quite steeply-priced in comparison to better performing models. That said, we could not deny the distinct and pleasant feeling that this product produced.
The ZonLi's distinguishing characteristic is the wide variety of original color patterns. At the time of this writing, the blanket comes in 12 color options. The careful reader might say, wait a second. That's not that many. While some companies offer greater color options, the ZonLi's colors are arguably the most diverse.
Aside from the plethora of color options, the ZonLi suffers from the same issues that ail all weighted comforters. Namely, the blanket is hard to wash and even harder to dry. This model has square pockets as well, which, while not terrible, are not the best design for distributing the weighted beads. Moreover, it doesn't come with a cover. However, one is available for purchase and we, as well as the manufacturer, encourage you to buy one.
The Baloo stands apart from the other products here reviewed because each blanket purchase comes with a link to download Tibetan and crystal singing bowl sounds. Additionally, the manufacturer states that it is possible to tumble dry the blanket. This, of course, means that it's a whole lot easier to launder this product.
The tumble dry option is appreciated all the more as the duvet for this blanket is sold separately and is almost the same price as the throw itself. Finally, this model lacks batting on both sides, and its size, weight, and color options are very limited at 3, 4, and 1 respectively. Yet, what the Baloo lacks in options, it makes up with a classy quilted pattern.
Why You Should Trust Us
Senior Research Analyst Austin Palmer has over a half a decade experience testing home and health products ranging from electric toothbrushes to portable air conditioners. However, the recent birth of his child has perhaps given him a redoubled focus on products that promote quality sleep. While Senior Review Editor Nick Miley has been testing, reviewing, and writing about consumer product for over a decade, his background in scientific research made him best suited to vetting and collating the rapidly growing body of sleep and relaxation research that informed the team's analysis of weighted blankets.
Our review began with hours of research on the various types of blankets including the different weights and dimensions, as well as the exterior construction material, the batting material, and the types of weights used. We then washed each blanket and its duvet cover if it was included. We also spent several days causally using each blanket for deep sleep, napping, and relaxing on the couch.
Analysis and Test Results
Interest in weighted blankets has spiked over the last few years as people searching for new and better ways to relax and unwind in the face of a fast-paced world. Given this interest, it is unfortunate that it isn't easier to suss out the best blankets. It is our aim to simplify the research and selection process with the following review. So, rest easy as we have identified, tested, and organized all the important features needed to select the right weighted blanket.
Weight Distribution
Perhaps the most important aspect of a weighted blanket is the way the blanket feels. This feeling is largely the product of even weight distribution and the sensation of compression produced by that weight. One does not want the weight to be lumpy, nor do they want to feel squeezed by too heavy a weight. The Luna, YnM, and the Quility had the best distribution to be sure. Conversely, the Baloo was the most uneven due to the bunching of the beads.
While the desire for even weight distribution will be common to all users, the preferred weight of a blanket will not. There is a growing consensus on appropriate weight as a percentage of the user's body weight, though the ultimate decision is personal. However, somewhere in the range of 7 - 12% of one's weight is preferred. Thus, a product with several weight options will facilitate the best match.
The amount of batting and the use of a duvet contributes to the sense of compression observed. By this measure, the Hyponser, Waowoo, and ZonLi produced the greatest feeling of compression. On the other hand, the YnM and Luna have a stiffer quality that is produced by their exterior fabric and batting which works to keep the weight off the user.
Size, Weight, and Color Options
When you're looking for comfort, you shouldn't have to make any sacrifices, That is why we favored blankets with the largest number of size, weight, and color options. When it comes to the number of options, no other product comes close to the YnM. This blanket comes in 5 size options (36" x 48" to 86" x 92"), 10 weight options (5 - 30 lbs), and 21 color options including multiple shades of gray.
The Luna is the next best for size, weight, and color options. This product comes in Kid, Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes, 10 weight options ranging from 5 to 30 lbs, and 11 colors — including patterns such as striped gray and boxed. The Quility follows up with 5, 8, and 6 options respectively. While the Baloo has the fewest option of the lot, it does have a sharp-looking quilted pattern.
Ease of Cleaning
It might not be at the forefront of your mind when researching weighted blankets but, due to the increased mass of these products, washing them can be more challenging than some might expect. This is where the Baloo shined in our evaluation. This blanket is machine-washable and, due to its microbead weighting, it's dryer safe, too. The Luna and the YnM are also machine-washable and their manufacturers say that it's safe to dry on low. However, we wouldn't recommend tumble drying them regularly as the larger-sized weights may beat up the blanket over time.
The previously discussed blankets are outliers in their ease of cleaning. Most products in the class must be hung to dry. Some products such as the Quility and the ZonLi require hand washing and must be laid flat to dry. Given the difficulty that washing these products poses, we suggest looking at products that come with a duvet cover or that offer one for purchase as this accessory can be removed and washed like a sheet. The Quility comes standard with a cover and the Luna's can be purchased for a reasonable price.
Materials and Construction
The materials and construction metric is a cataloging of features that relate to comfort and overall user satisfaction. This evaluation looks at the weighting medium, the interior fill, and whether it's on one side of the weights or sandwiching them, as well as the material used to cover it all. We preferred blankets that have batting on both sides of the weight as these tended to be a bit stiffer and thus distributed weight more lightly and evenly. The Luna and Quility blankets are prime examples of this design. While we found the feel of this design to be very nice, it may be more insulating than some might want.
We also preferred blankets that use glass beads and synthetic fills such as polyester. Again, the Luna checks both these boxes, as does the Waowoo. Both these models had a cotton exterior as well, a material that felt pleasant against the skin.
In the course of our testing, we put a good amount of wear on these products which allows us to evaluate the quality of construction. We are happy to report that only one model showed wear at the conclusion of our tests. The YnM's stitching began to fray following the first washing.
Conclusion
The pleasure of sleeping with a heavy blanket isn't a new one. However, the large number of products on the market making claims about design and potential benefits has muddied the waters of what should be a simple purchase. This review catalogs the size, weight, and color options as well as the construction materials of the leading blankets on the market. It also evaluates the ease of cleaning and the quality of the manufacturing. Our evaluation of each model should clear up the selection process. So, here's to snuggling up and getting a better night's sleep.
— Nick Miley and Austin Palmer