The Ultimate Gravity Blankets Review: My Honest Opinion (2023)
Hey there, sleep enthusiasts! If you‘ve been curious about the weighted blanket craze that‘s taken over the internet lately, you‘ve come to the right place. I‘m a fashion and lifestyle blogger who‘s always on the hunt for the latest trends and products to up your self-care game. And let me tell you, gravity blankets are it.
I‘ve tried several of the leading brands myself and scoured hundreds of reviews to bring you the ultimate guide to gravity blankets. I‘ll cover what they are, how they work, the benefits, and how the top brands really stack up. By the end, you‘ll know if a gravity blanket is right for you (spoiler: you probably need one) and which to choose. Let‘s dive in!
What Are Gravity Blankets, Anyway?
First, the basics. You might hear them called gravity blankets, weighted blankets, or anxiety blankets. They‘re essentially extra-heavy blankets (usually 10-30 pounds) filled with tiny glass or plastic beads. The weight is evenly distributed to apply gentle pressure all over your body.
The concept is called "deep pressure stimulation" – it feels like being hugged or swaddled and has a deeply calming effect. Think of that blissful, zen feeling of a massage or being wrapped in a cozy cocoon. That‘s the magic of a gravity blanket.
The Meteoric Rise of Weighted Blankets
Gravity blankets have absolutely exploded in the last few years. But they‘re not actually new – occupational therapists have been using them for decades to help people with anxiety, autism, insomnia, and sensory disorders.
The pivotal moment was in 2017, when the original Gravity Blanket launched on Kickstarter and raised a mind-blowing $4.7 million. It opened the door for weighted blankets to go mainstream as a tool for stress relief and better sleep.
The industry has been booming ever since, with dozens of new brands and innovations. It‘s now estimated to be a $220+ million market in the US alone. And it just keeps growing – especially in the last year, with so many people struggling with anxiety and sleeplessness (thanks, 2020).
How Do Gravity Blankets Really Work?
Okay, but do they live up to the hype? Here‘s what the science says about those bold claims of reducing stress, anxiety, and insomnia:
A 2015 study in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders found that participants who slept with a weighted blanket had a calmer night‘s sleep with fewer movements. 33% showed a decrease in stress, and 63% reported lower anxiety.[^1]
A 2020 review of eight studies concluded that weighted blankets are "an effective and safe intervention for anxiety, insomnia, and pain conditions." It noted that the deep pressure stimulation seems to decrease the body‘s "fight or flight" response and increase parasympathetic activity – AKA the "rest and digest" mode.[^2]
Experts believe that the gentle pressure also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate sleep and mood. People often describe the sensation as "grounding" and report feeling more relaxed, focused, and calm.
"Weighted blankets offer deep pressure stimulation, a form of touch pressure that feels like a firm hug, a massage, or swaddling," says Amber Martin, an occupational therapist. "This type of pressure can have a significant calming effect on the nervous system to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep."[^3]
How to Choose the Best Gravity Blanket for You
So you‘re convinced and ready to jump on the gravity blanket train. But with all the options, materials, and price points, it can be overwhelming to choose. Here‘s what I recommend considering:
Weight: Most people prefer a blanket that‘s about 10% of their body weight. So if you weigh 150 pounds, a 15-pound blanket is a good bet. When in doubt, go a little heavier rather than lighter – you want to really feel that pleasant pressure.
Size: Gravity blankets usually come in throw blanket size (about 40×70 inches), queen, or king. One isn‘t necessarily better, but make sure it fits your bed without a lot of overhang. You don‘t want it sliding off in the night!
Material: The outer material can be cotton, flannel, microfiber, velvet, or something called "minky" fabric (a super soft polyester). Consider whether you tend to sleep hot or cold – some brands have special cooling fabrics for hot sleepers.
Cover: Many weighted blankets come with a removable, washable cover (like a duvet) and some have different color/pattern options. It‘s not strictly necessary but is very convenient for keeping your blanket clean.
Budget: Prices range from around $50-$300 or more. You typically get better quality materials and construction at higher price points, but you can find great options in the $100-$200 range. Consider your budget, but also remember that a great gravity blanket can last for years.
A Closer Look at the Top Weighted Blanket Brands
Without further ado, here are my personal reviews and thoughts on five of the most popular and highly rated gravity blanket brands out there.
1. Gravity Blanket
The OG weighted blanket that made them a thing! As you‘d expect, the Gravity Blanket is a premium option with excellent quality and a major following.
Pros:
- High-end, luxurious feel with a velvety cover
- Precise gridded stitching keeps the beads very evenly distributed
- Comes in 15, 20, or 25-pound options
- Machine washable cover
- Free shipping and returns
Cons:
- Pricey at $200+
- Not ideal for hot sleepers
Bottom Line: Worth the splurge for the best materials and construction. Feels like a cozy, never-want-to-leave cocoon.
2. Bearaby Cotton Napper
Bearaby‘s claim to fame is their gorgeous, chunky knit weighted blankets that look more like decor than bedding. The open-loop design is super breathable.
Pros:
- Beautiful and unusual design
- Great for hot sleepers
- 100% cotton, plant-based dyes, organic
- 15, 20, and 25-pound options
Cons:
- Most expensive at $250+
- Bulky/difficult to store
- No removable cover
Bottom Line: A stylish, sustainable option that‘s perfect for lounging, but maybe not practical for everyday sleep.
3. Layla Weighted Blanket
Layla is one of my personal favorites for their premium feel, thoughtful design, and reasonable price point. It uses a unique honeycomb pocket design for even weight distribution.
Pros:
- Plush, velvety cover on one side and 100% cotton on the reverse
- High-quality glass beads
- Even weight distribution and minimal shifting
- 15, 20, and 25-pound options
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Cons:
- Not the most stylish design (only comes in gray)
- Less durable than pricier options
Bottom Line: One of the best values for the quality. The dual-sided, flippable cover is great for different seasons/preferences.
4. Helix Weighted Blanket
Helix is another great "budget-friendly" option (though still over $100) that doesn‘t compromise on quality.
Pros:
- Nice 100% cotton cover
- High-quality glass beads
- 10, 15, and 20-pound options
- Attractive color/pattern choices
- 100-night trial period
Cons:
- Cover isn‘t removable for washing
- Slightly thinner than other options
Bottom Line: An attractive, well-made blanket at a lower price point that‘s great for weighted blanket newbies.
5. Luxome Weighted Blanket
For the ultimate luxury choice, Luxome is hard to beat. It has all the bells and whistles for a premium sleep experience.
Pros:
- Ultra-plush minky cover
- Cooling bamboo lyocell option
- Precise glass beads
- Hidden zipper and ties for a seamless look
- 15 and 20-pound options
Cons:
- Expensive at $200+
- Longer shipping time
Bottom Line: A new favorite for its sumptuous feel, quality details, and cooling properties. Feels like it wraps you in a blissful calm.
Here‘s a quick comparison of the key specs:
| Brand | Price (15 lb) | Materials | Removable Cover | Trial Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravity | $215 | Cotton, Microfiber | Yes | 30 days |
| Bearaby | $259 | Cotton | No | 30 days |
| Layla | $129 | Cotton, Mink | Yes | 120 days |
| Helix | $115 | Cotton | No | 100 days |
| Luxome | $210 | Minky Plush, Bamboo | Yes | 30 days |
Note: Prices are based on a 15-pound, 48"x72" size and are subject to change.
Tips for Using Your Gravity Blanket
So you‘ve got your perfect weighted blanket and you‘re ready to bliss out. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start slow. The pressure can feel a bit strange at first, so ease in with shorter sessions.
- Experiment with placement. Some people like the blanket over their whole body, while others prefer it just on their legs or torso.
- Keep it on your bed. Weighted blankets aren‘t really meant to be moved around the house – they‘re too heavy!
- Hand wash or use a gentle cycle. Wash the cover frequently, but wash the weighted insert only as needed (a few times a year).
- Don‘t let pets use it unsupervised. The weight can be dangerous for small animals.
- Skip it on babies/toddlers. Weighted blankets are only safe for kids ages 5+ (and some brands say 8+).
Other Weighted Blanket Brands to Consider
While the brands I focused on above offer some of the most popular and highly rated options, there are many other great weighted blankets out there at lower price points. A few others to check out:
- Luna: A budget-friendly Amazon favorite with tons of color and size options.
- YnM: Another popular Amazon pick with a huge array of weights, sizes, and colors.
- Quility: A great value option with solid reviews and a wide range of weights/sizes.
And if you want to go all out, look into some of the designer collaborations in the weighted blanket space lately. Pottery Barn has a chic collection, as does West Elm. Gravity also collabs with stylish brands like Modernist on special editions.
The Final Verdict
Phew, that was a journey! I know I just threw a lot of information at you. But here‘s the bottom line: if you struggle with anxiety, insomnia, or just feeling "blah," a gravity blanket can be a game-changer. There‘s a reason why they‘ve taken the world by storm.
Of all the options out there, my top pick is the tried-and-true Gravity Blanket. Yes, it‘s pricey, but in my experience, the quality and durability are absolutely worth it. It has that perfect huggable weight and the luxe, velvety cover is to die for. I‘ve never slept so well.
For a less spendy option, you can‘t go wrong with the Layla Weighted Blanket. It has a lot of the same great features as Gravity but at nearly half the price. And that flippable cover is genius for adapting to different seasons.
One last thought: a gravity blanket is a small investment in your mental health and wellbeing. We all deserve to feel calm, grounded, and well-rested. If you‘re on the fence, I say go for it! And thank yourself later.
Sweet dreams!
[^1]: Ackerley, R., Badre, G., & Olausson, H. (2015). Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia. Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders, 2(3), 1022. [^2]: Eron, K., Kohnert, L., Watters, A., Logan, C., Weisner-Rose, M., & Mehler, P.S. (2020). Weighted blanket use: A systematic review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(2). [^3]: Martin, A. (2021, March 9). Weighted Blankets: Do They Work? Sleep Foundation.
