All in all, we're big fans of the Simba Orbit blanket and are even considering getting one as a gift for a light-sleeping relative.

Most weighted blankets contain plastic pellets, ball bearings, and other objects that make them feel significantly heavier than a standard cover or duvet. However, some newer weighted blankets feature open-knit designs that many sleepers find more breathable. Typical weights for these blankets range from 5 to 30 pounds. Sleepers tend to feel most comfortable beneath a blanket that comprises roughly 10 percent of their own body weight. Remy is the go-to brand for weighted blankets, with special designs for sleep, sofa cuddles and kids, too. Chen H-Y, Tang H, Chi H-J, Chen H-M. Parasympathetic effect of deep pressure input on third molar extraction in adolescents . J Formos Med Assoc. 2019;118(9):1317-1324. doi:10.1016/j.jfma.2019.05.026

Rest Easy Sleep Better Batman weighted blanket

Read on to find out what to look for when choosing the best weighted blanket for your needs. What to look for in a weighted blanket

They're made from all different materials and come in a variety of styles and colours – some have washable outer layers for hygiene or fleecy covers for extra cosiness. Cleverly, its weight comes entirely from the organic cotton that it's crafted from, meaning it's warm, as well as breathable. The blanket is available in weights of 12, 15, 20, or 25 pounds, making it ideal for adults between 120 and 250 pounds. The cover and liner feature double-stitched baffles for the beads to distribute their weight evenly across your body. The entire blanket can be laundered in any household machine. Simply wash on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry on a low setting. This makes the blanket relatively easy to clean since many competing models are not completely machine-washable. Newer versions sometimes swerve the beaded inners entirely, instead creating heaviness by layering up cotton into a weave – like this one from Remy Sleep. This makes it easier to wash, and they can look a little cuter when hung over your sofa arm or bed, too. Do weighted blankets work?Some blankets also promote more airflow than others due to how they are constructed. Knitted blankets have an openwork design that allows air to pass through freely, and this can help you keep cool – even if the blanket is exceptionally heavy. Quilted blankets cannot circulate air as well and often sleep hot as a result. Machine wash, not dry:Some weighted blankets can be washed in a machine as a whole, but should be air dried rather than machine dried. Hilliard W, Gerardi MB, Jimenez RR. Options for veterans experiencing sleep impairment. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. 2021;17(5):536-539. doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.02.004