Weighted blankets, do they really work?
Chances are you’ve seen the hype around the products on TikTok, where the hashtag #weightedblanket has gotten over 146 million views.
In one video that’s had 42,000 views, Sophia Panella said she had “been gatekeeping this” after using her weighted blanket at night for the last two months.
“I cannot believe I have lived my entire life without sleeping with a weighted blanket until recently,” she said.
“The first night that I slept with a weighted blanket I had the deepest, most restful sleep … it’s changed the game.”
Another TikTok user Jaclyn Forbes shared how she had slept with a weighted blanket for the last 18 months and now swore by it.
“When I tell you this is a game changer I truly mean it. I took this off my bed for like a week and I’ve been having the worst sleeps ever,” she said in a video that had over 172,000 views.
“It just like cocoons you in the best way and I am obsessed with it.”
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good weight blanket by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
Oodie Blue Weighted Blanket Bundle, $159 (down from $268), The Oodie
on sale
Oodie Blue Weighted Blanket Bundle. Picture: The Oodie
What You Need To Know
Size: 198cm x 121cm
Weight: 6.8kg
Vegan-friendly, these generously-sized, sherpa fleece-lined hoodies come as part of this weighted blanket bundle – assured to help you sleep peacefully through the coming cold months. You’ll score an oodie and a weighted blanket filled with non-toxic glass beads in separately sewn pockets.
One five-star review says, “The warmth and comfort is unbelievable and perfect for those cold winter nights. I’ve been living in mine while I’ve been working from home.”
The Oodie Weighted Blanket, $134 (down from $159), The Oodie
What You Need To Know
Size: 198cm x 121cm
Weight: 4.5kg to 9kg
If you’ve already got an Oodie, or just require a weighted blanket this time around, The Oodie Weighted Blanket is a great option. Even better, you’ll get free shipping on this item.
Five-star reviewers say the blanket “has really helped me sleep” and “I have never had a better sleep in my life”.
YnM Weighted Blanket, $45.49 (down from $69) at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Mariela Summerhays
Size: 122cm x 183cm
Weight: 5.4kg
I think it’s a brilliant investment. I don’t sleep with it most nights – but can attest to surely feeling calmed after only minutes of wearing this blanket, whether laying in bed or reclining on my couch. Well worth its asking price (and more).
It’s weighted inner layer is made from pure cotton, while sewn compartments are filled with hypo-allergenic, non-toxic, odourless beads – infinitely more delicate and comfortable than plastic alternatives.
One five-star reviewer aptly noted: “If you’re wondering whether to buy this, ask yourself whether you want to feel like a warm, little burrito baby, wrapped just tightly enough every night. If the answer is yes, then I would highly recommend this blanket.”
“My wife absolutely loves this weighted blanket … It is incredibly warm and it has made a tremendous difference in the quality of her sleep. I’m so glad I got this one instead of paying the extra money as it has been the answer she has been looking for in a nice, restful sleep. Great value,” another wrote.
Ecosa Weighted Blanket, $176 (down from $220) at Ecosa
What You Need To Know
Size: 140cm x 210cm
Weight: 7kg
Beloved for their innovative mattress and pillow designs – find more on their side sleeper-friendly pillows here – Ecosa has designed a cooling weighted blanket, ideal for those of us who sweat in the night.
Sitting on a five-star ratting with close to 100 reviews, this blanket has earned itself votes of confidence from users including, “Amazing blanket that helps me to fall asleep … great quality and lovely feel fabric.” Another five-star review write that it feels “like a hug”.
“Helps me sleep like CRAZY GOOD, feels like I’m being squished by god’s greatest creation. It also makes me fall asleep like that *snap*. Perfect purchase in every way. Defo recommend,” another wrote.
Royal Comfort Chunky Hand Knit Thick Weighted Blanket, $149.95 (down from $189.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Size: 203cm x 153cm
Weight: 6.3kg
Made from a chunky 100 per cent polyester knit that’s handknitted, this blanket has a lovely soft plush feel without the price tag.
It’s machine washable and is also breathable thanks to its knitted design making it ideal for summer use.
Giselle Bedding Weighted Blanket 7kg, $83.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
Size: 152cm x 203cm
Weight: 7kg
Made from a soft-touch microfibre, a high-density filling of man-made-material and eco-friendly, glass beads create an ideal level of pressure; while leak-proof stitching and a five-layer construction ensures durability and comfort. Bonus? This weighted blanket is machine washable for the ultimate convenience.
Earning itself a 4.6 star rating from close to 25 reviews – and costing just over $50 – we had to name this option from Giselle Bedding our pick for best affordable weighted blanket. “Love the way it folds around me without the bulk. And so warm!” says one five-star review.
“Absolutely love my new weighted blanket. Helps me have a good night sleep and I always wake up feeling refreshed in the morning!” another wrote.
Jason Super Soft Weighted Blanket 3kg – Pale Pink, $28 (down from $70) at Woolworths
What You Need To Know
Size: 105cm x 142cm
Weight: 3kg
This affordable blanket is a great lighter option for those looking to experience some of the benefits of a weighted blanket.
Featuring a super soft coral fleece cover, this blanket has gridded stitching for even weight distribution of its fine grade glass bead fill.
Costway Cooling Weighted Blanket 9kg Queen, $59.90 (down from $170.90) at OzSale
What You Need To Know
Size: 152cm x 203cm
Weight: 9kg
Made from 100 per cent polyester cooling fabric, this weighted blanket features a 7-layer design for weight structure and temperature control. It’s filled with evenly distributed non-toxic and eco-friendly glass beads and eight fixed ropes to keep the blanket and cover connected. It’s perfect for using in bed or on the couch and will have you catching Z’s in no time.
Buzio Weighted Blanket 1.3kg for Kids, $54 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Size: 90cm x 120cm
Weight: 1.3kg
With a five-star rating from over 130 reviews and a wallet-friendly price tag, this was an easy choice for best weighted blanket for kids. Available in other designs like cars, cats, and leopard print – this blanket has a mink-like surface for warmth in colder months, while its flip side is a breathable cotton for when the seasonal Aussie heat sets in. Featuring a seven-layer structure filled with non-toxic glass beads, it can be fastened to familiar quilt covers (for extra comfort), thanks to eight interior corner straps.
“Great product, kids loved it and (made) them stay at bed till they wake up,” says one five-star review. Others loved how well it worked for their children.
Another five-star review said, “This blanket has been utter bliss. Miss eight has gone from taking 1.5 – two hours to settle at night to now settling within 30 minutes. She is now waking easier and more refreshed every morning which means a more refreshed mum too.”
Aroma Season Butterfly Heated Neck Warmer, $42.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Honestly, praise the person who came up with this ergonomically-shaped, weighted shoulder wrap. As most of us spend our days leaning towards screens of all sizes, this weighted compression promises to offer you deep muscle relaxation. It’s also microwavable, which is super helpful if you have any pain.
This review is sitting at 4.3 stars on Amazon with reviews loving how soothing and relaxing it is for the neck. One five-star review said, “As someone who uses heat packs daily, I am obsessed with this one. It is the only design that I have seen that completely covers your neck, shoulders, and goes down your back. You feel instant relief as soon as you put in on and it has such a calming smell. “
“I’ve used it a number of times with complete satisfaction It comes right up to my neck where I need it and the filling stays put. I’ve rarely received an item of such evident care and value for money,” says one five-star review.
According to sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo studies have shown that not only can weighted blankets help you relax, but they can also make you drift off to sleep more easily.
“They provide pressure therapy, which relaxes the body like a massage, hugging or stroking,” she told news.com.au.
“This enhances the release of happiness hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, the love hormone oxytocin, and reduces stress hormone cortisol. Collectively, this makes us feel more at ease.”
Olivia, who is the author of Bear, Lion or Wolf: How Understanding Your Sleep Type Could Change Your Life, says that weighted blankets can help ease the anxiety many of us feel around bedtime, as well as helping you sleep better in general.
“Research in Occupational Therapy in Mental Health found 63 per cent of participants felt less anxious and 78 per cent felt more relaxed with a weighted blanket, compared to no blanket,” she said.
“As anxiety can manifest as an inability to switch off or feeling wired, I know many Aussies will find this helpful come bedtime.
“Similarly, Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders found for those using weighted blankets, regardless of anxiety, slept deeper and longer compared to those without a weighted blanket.”
Unlike regular bed linen, weighted blankets require more careful attention when cleaning. The first, most important, step is to refer to any specific cleaning instructions that come with your weighted blanket — the biggest mistake you can make when caring for your weighted blanket is not following what the label tells you to do with it.
Though success is dependent on the individual and their specific conditions, weighted blankets have been reported by some users to minimise effects of stress and anxiety; one of the most significant ones being loss of sleep. The considerable weight applied across the entire body emulates the treatment offered by deep pressure stimulation and massage therapy, used to relax the nervous system. However, if you’re experiencing anxiety and stress, it’s important to always speak to your GP, or a mental health professional, about the options available that could assist you.
If you or a loved one requires mental health support, please contact Lifeline by calling 13 11 14 or head here.
The rule of thumb of knowing which weighted blanket you should get is 10 per cent of your body weight. Weighted blankets are strongly discouraged for children under three years of age.
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Oliva Arezzolo is a Sydney-based sleep expert who after experiencing severe depression, anxiety and anorexia in her teens, and recovering, made it her mission to help others to move from their darkest dark to their lightest light, so they can live fully and without fear. After outstanding success with her initial clients, Olivia decided to specialise in the area of sleep. Olivia holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), a Certificate of Sleep Psychology, and Advanced Diploma of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine) and has four years of experience as a sleep coach and sleep expert – now working with private clients, and brands such as Sealy Posturepedic, Ikea and Google.
Originally published as Top rated weighted blankets to buy in Australia in 2023
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