Best weighted blanket UK 2022: Reviewing top gravity blankets that soothe anxiety

Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

• Sizes available: Single, double
• Weights available: 5.5kg, 7kg, 9kg
• Removable cover included? Yes

The number one spot in our weighted blanket review had been held by a competitor for the past year or so, and we thought it would be impossible to topple it, but Mela’s chill has proved us wrong. The main sway for us has been the luxurious 100 per cent eucalyptus silk shell surrounding the weighted blanket inner and the 300 thread count outer cover. The fabric is soft and looks remarkably similar to real silk – we’d struggle to differentiate between the two if we weren’t told. And because it’s what’s inside that counts, the blanket is filled with anti-rustle glass pellets to create the weight. We’ve yet to hear a peep from them after a couple of weeks of use. Another thing that hasn’t changed since we’ve started using the blanket is the fact that the weighted inner is still attached to the cover, thanks to several ties that keep it secured in place despite daily use.

The result of these elements is a super breathable, ultra-comforting blanket that somehow always keeps our tester at the perfect temperature in bed for a restful, restorative night’s sleep. The eucalyptus silk, meanwhile, feels buttery soft and smooth next to the skin. You might also sleep a little better knowing that your purchase could have a positive impact because Mela donates one per cent of profits to the charity Young Minds, and helps protect trees in the Amazon. The eucalyptus is also harvested from regenerative forests and needs 10 times less water than cotton. Wash this blanket’s cover at 30C to keep it as good as new.

Best: Luxury weighted blanket

Rating: 9.5/10

• Sizes available: Single
• Weights available: 6.8kg, 9kg
• Removable cover included? Yes

The firm that brought us perhaps the most-hyped mattress in history also offers a weighted blanket. And it was this one that is our former best buy for its exceptional quality and sleep-inducing powers. The orbit is made from several elements, including a cushiony layer that envelopes the quilted pockets holding the glass nano-beads for maximum comfort and a machine-washable grey 100 per cent cotton cover.

We tried the blanket in 6.8kg and found it was comfortable and breathable enough to keep us sound asleep through the night, with no hint of restlessness. Indeed, this blanket has been helping our tester fall asleep every night for well over a year, and the fact that it looks as good today as it did when we first opened the box is a testament to its quality.

Read our full review of the Simba Orbit weighted blanket

Best: For options

Rating: 8/10

• Sizes available: Double, queen
• Weights available: 6kg, 8kg, 10kg, 12kg
• Removable cover included? No

The only downside to most weighted blankets is that they are typically one shade and mostly grey. Grey is a fantastic colour because it fits any décor, but sometimes a little colour is needed to brighten your area – and mood. That’s where the Karmara comfort comes in. The handmade weighted blankets come in six different designs, including block colours of deep-sea blue, elephant grey and peppermint paradise green, and patterns: Aztec adventure, starry night and herby, which we tested. Herby has a pretty floral and foliage design on one side and a minty green on the reverse.

Each blanket is made from breathable, soft 100 per cent organic cotton, but note that there is no removable cover (although you could always add your own). The absence of a removable cover doesn’t mean they can’t still be kept clean and hygienic, because the blankets are machine washable at 30C. The lack of layers does mean that you can feel the beads inside each quilted pocket, but this is not uncomfortable. We love the freedom of choice that Karmara’s blankets offer, with the gorgeous designs, two sizes and four different weights.

Best: Faux fur weighted blanket

Rating: 8.5/10

• Sizes available: 150cm x 200cm
• Weights available: 6.8kg, 9.1kg
• Removable cover included? Yes

Biting cold nights call for a blanket that adds a whole lot of warmth, and this from Echor is as cozy as they come. A plush, astonishingly soft grey velvety faux fur cover encases a weighted blanket that features several layers and pockets that hold the glass beads. This means the weight is distributed evenly over your body to avoid overly heavy spots or lumps. And despite being warm, we didn’t feel too hot under the blanket in bed.

Our tester has taken to using the blanket as a throw on the sofa more than in bed because it’s perfect for dark winter nights in front of your favourite TV show. They have found this the perfect way to wind down before a good night’s sleep and like that the cover is also machine washable on a 30C cycle. Overall, this is a decent quality, comforting blanket at a fantastic price.

Best: For hot sleepers

Rating: 8/10

• Sizes available: 150cm x 200cm
• Weights available: 7kg
• Removable cover included? Yes

People who quickly get hot in bed will likely think a weighted blanket is not for them, but our tester is a hot sleeper who keeps one foot out of the covers all year long, and loved how this blanket kept them at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Despite the inner weighted blanket having seven layers to hold and evenly distribute the extra fine glass beads and a cotton shell, it was somehow still really breathable. It also comes with a removable 100 per cent bamboo fibre grey cover. This was our tester’s first experience with bamboo fabric, and they loved how silky smooth, soft and luxurious it is and that it has an almost cooling feel. Our tester was surprised at how relaxing it was to sleep under the weighted blanket and was able to enjoy the calming effect for a tranquil nights’ sleep without becoming overheated.

The options with this blanket are limited – it comes in one weight and size – but it will be suitable for most users, especially as weighted blankets are typically most comfortable if not shared in bed. There’s also little risk when buying it because Emma gives you 200 nights to decide if it’s right for you and, if not, will allow you to return the blanket at no cost.

Best: Cotton weighted blanket

Rating: 7.5/10

• Sizes available: 150cm x 200cm
• Weights available: 4.5kg, 7kg, 9kg, 11.5kg
• Removable cover included? No

If only 100 per cent cotton will do in your bed, this weighted blanket is a great option. The grey blanket features a plump, quilted design with an embroidered white contrast logo detail. Each pocket is filled with glass beads to add weight, and we found that it is distributed evenly across the body for maximum cosiness and calming effects. We like that there are four different weights to choose from, making it easy to find one that is closest to 10 per cent of your body weight, and you don’t pay a premium for a heavier blanket – they are all the same price. But remember that this doesn’t come with a removable cover and can be only spot cleaned with a damp cloth, so we’d recommend adding a cover to keep it in superb condition for the life of the blanket. It will need regular shaking to ensure it is evenly spaced inside, or, you can keep it for use on the sofa only.

Best: For children

Rating: 9.5/10

• Sizes available: 2.2kg blankets are 91cm x 122cm, 3.1kg and 4.5kg are 102cm x 152cm
• Weights available: 2.2kg, 3.1kg, 4.5kg
• Removable cover included? Yes

Snoozzzy is a children’s wellbeing brand that specialises in weighted blankets, so its products are designed with the needs of little ones in mind. It’s no wonder then that the 7lb (about 3.1kg) blanket that our dinky nine-year-old tester tried went down a storm. He loved the fun design on the cuddly fleece cover and the raised, dotty sensory pattern on the reverse, and he adored the plush owl cuddly toy that comes as an added extra for £7.99.

His parents like that the blanket has eight loops around the edges to keep it in place inside the cover if he wriggles around in bed, and that the cover can be unzipped and popped in the washing machine for cleaning on a cool cycle.

What makes this brand special is the attention to detail and consideration for children’s safety. The stitching on the covers and blankets, and the zips, underwent rigorous strength-testing during development to ensure safety, and all the dyes used are formaldehyde-free.

Best: Budget buy

Rating: 8/10

• Sizes available: 150cm x 200cm
• Weights available: 6.8kg, 9kg
• Removable cover included? No, but a reversible cover is available as a bundle with the blanket (£69.99, Sleepypeople.com)

At 9kg, this blanket is one of the heavyweights, but it does not feel overly oppressive. It is supremely soft on the skin, and the glass beads that give it its weight are evenly distributed thanks to the equally sized stitched pockets. Sleeping beneath it is a joy, and it will send you off to the land of nod fast.

But because the cover is not removable to put in the washing machine, we think it is best suited for use on the sofa rather than in bed. It does, however, feature loops that can be used to tie on your own cover or buy the bundle rather than the weighted blanket alone, which we’d highly recommend if you’re planning to use the blanket in bed. Whichever way you look at it, this is a great quality blanket for a reasonable price.