Pick a weighted blanket about 10 percent of your body weight. Glass-bead fill is denser and cooler than plastic pellets. Choose a breathable cotton or bamboo cover if you sleep hot. Weighted blankets are not recommended for infants or toddlers.
A weighted blanket uses gentle, even pressure that many people find calming and sleep-promoting. Choosing the right one comes down to weight and fill. Here is the simple version.
The 10 percent rule
Choose a blanket around 10 percent of your body weight. A 150 lb adult does well with about 15 lb. Too heavy feels restrictive; too light loses the calming effect. When in doubt, round down.
Fill type
Modern blankets use small glass beads, which are denser, quieter and sleep cooler than older plastic pellets. Glass-bead fill also drapes better and feels more even.
Cooling
Weighted blankets can sleep warm. If you run hot, choose a breathable cotton or bamboo cover, or a model marketed as cooling. Pair it with breathable sheets.
Safety
Weighted blankets are not safe for infants or toddlers because of suffocation risk, and people with certain respiratory or circulatory conditions should ask a doctor first.
Browse all options in our blanket and quilt reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
About 10 percent of your body weight. A 150 lb adult suits roughly 15 lb. When between sizes, round down.
What is the best fill for a weighted blanket?
Small glass beads. They are denser, quieter and sleep cooler than older plastic pellets, and they drape more evenly.
Are weighted blankets safe for kids?
Not for infants or toddlers, due to suffocation risk. Older children should use a lighter blanket sized to their weight, with a caregiver’s judgment.
