In recent years, weighted blankets have become popular for their many therapeutic properties. A weighted blanket may be able to help with a wide range of sleep and sensory issues. They can give you a comforting hug, which helps reduce anxiety and calm nerves. If you have issues falling asleep or staying asleep, it could be worth it to check out some of the best weighted blankets in Canada. Please note to consult with your doctor before purchasing a weighted blanket, as Canadians with some health conditions should not use weighted blankets.
Our list of recommendations is created using tester feedback and our own test lab results. To select these weighted blankets, we combined tester feedback with our own evaluation results. In return, you get some of the best options available on the Canadian market. We evaluated performance areas such as cover type, fill type, size options, and weight.
Best Weighted Blankets for Canadians
- Best Overall: Hush Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket
- Best Fill-Free: Silk and Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket
- Best Sizes: The Hush Classic Blanket with Duvet Cover
- Best Design: YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket
- Best Feel: Hush Knit Weighted Blanket
- Best Weight Options: Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket
- Best Cooling: Douglas Hand Knit Weighted Blanket
- Best Easy Care: Endy Weighted Blanket
Why Did We Choose These Weighted Blankets in Canada?
As we put each of the best weighted blankets in Canada through our gauntlet of tests, they began to stand out because of their different features and performance areas. Each blanket became distinct because of their unique options, which is why they made it onto our list. Here’s why we chose each of the best weighted blankets in Canada.
If you worry that a weighted blanket might be too warm, try the Hush Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket. The breathable bamboo cover helps create a cooler sleeping space, with unique moisture-wicking properties. This is the best weighted blanket in Canada overall!
Silk and Snow’s Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket doesn’t use fill at all. It uses hand-knitted fabric to create even weight distribution, making it the best fill-free option available.
The Hush Classic Blanket with Duvet Cover has some of the best size options on our list. Five different sizes cover a wide range of uses and functions, from throw blankets to a jumbo, sharable King-sized blanket. Everyone will find a size that works best for them with this blanket.
The YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket has the best weighted blanket design in Canada. There are so many sizes, weights, and colour options available. The 7-layer design helps the blanket drape and keep you comfortable much better than other options.
The Hush Knit Weighted Blanket has the best feel on our list. The Minky velour materials offer a comforting, plush feel that can help you feel comfortable and secure.
Finally, the best weight options we found are available with the Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket. This option features five different weight options in a variety of sizes, including mid-weights like 17 lbs and 22 lbs.
The Douglas Hand Knit Blanket offers the best cooling on our list. It doesn’t need cooling features, either. The hand-knit design allows for plenty of airflow, so heat doesn’t build up under the blanket. No matter where you use it, this blanket won’t be too warm for you.
Endy’s Weighted Blanket is completely machine washable. It can also be placed in the dryer, so It’s one of the easiest blankets to care for on our list.
Best Overall
Hush Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket
Features:
- Cover Material: Bamboo
- Fill Type: Non-Toxic Glass Sand
- Size Options: Teen, Twin, Queen, King
- Weight: 15lbs or 20lbs (6.8kg or 9kg)
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep hot
- Those who weigh between 150lbs and 200lbs (68kg and 90.7kg)
- Users who suffer from anxiety and insomnia
- Grey and white bedrooms
The Hush Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket is one of the best options we found for keeping you cool while you sleep. This blanket comes in two different colours and four different sizes, so there is an option for everyone. With options in 15 lbs and 20 lbs, this blanket will work for a wide range of adults who suffer from anxiety, stress, insomnia, and even overheating.
The bamboo duvet cover (which is included with the blanket) attaches securely to the weighted blanket. It’s a naturally moisture-wicking surface, making it perfect for those who often overheat. While some heated blankets might feel hot and oppressive, this blanket is just the opposite. The duvet cover helps evaporate excess moisture and remove heat from your sleeping surface entirely.
There’s a unique Teen size on offer for all versions of this blanket. This is not a typical weighted blanket size, with dimensions of 48” by 78”. This is the perfect height for teenagers who could benefit from a weighted blanket and prevents excess weight distribution.
Other size options include Twin (60” x 80”), Queen (80” by 87”), and King (94” by 96”). If you need a larger blanket, no worries! Hush has you covered. The blanket and duvet cover comes in two colours: grey and white. Choose the one that works best with your décor, whether you want it to blend in or stick out.
You can try the Hush Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket for 100 nights before you decide if it is right for you. If it isn’t working for you, you can return it within this time frame for a refund.
The Highlights
Hush’s Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket comes in four sizes, including the unique ‘teen’ size. There are also two colour options (white and grey), as well as two weight options. It’s best for 150lbs to 200lbs, as there are two weight options (15lbs or 20lbs). It comes with a duvet cover that is simple to wash, so you don’t have to deep clean the weighted blanket every time it’s time to freshen your bed.
- Comes in four sizes, including the unique ‘teen’ size
- Two colour options, including white and grey
- Comes in two weight options (15lbs or 20lbs)
- Comes with a duvet cover that is simple to wash
From the Test Lab
“This blanket was cool and comfortable. We loved snuggling up under it, and it always put us the right to sleep.”
Best Fill-Free
Silk and Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket
Features:
- Cover Material: Natural Cotton
- Fill Type: None
- Size Options: 5 Options
- Weight: 8lbs (3.6kg), 15lbs (6.8kg), 20lbs (9kg), 25lbs (11.3kg)
It's Great For:
- Canadians who don’t want a filled weighted blanket
- Those who appreciate the chunky knit aesthetic
- All users, from children to those up to 250lbs
- Users who prefer an all-fabric weight distribution
The Silk and Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket is unique on our list. It doesn’t contain any fill. Instead, weight is managed by the chunky knitted design, which contains no microbeads or sand to achieve the proper weight. It’s an extremely large hand-knitted blanket that will provide a touch of class to your home while it allows you to sleep a little better.
This blanket comes in five different sizes and weight options. Uniquely, it ties the weight to the dimensions of the blanket. For example, the 20lb blanket is 48” x 72”. The weight and dimension are tied together in this blanket due to the hand-knitted design.
It also comes in 9 vibrant colours, ranging from browns and beiges to navy, pink, and orange. There’s an option for just about any bedroom décor, especially for those who love the hand-knit aesthetic. But the aesthetic is not the only reason to love this blanket!
The way this blanket is made allows the fabric itself to distribute the weight. This means that your blanket will always have an even weight distribution, as there’s no fill that will move around with you or shift when you move. It’s also completely machine washable on delicate if your washing machine can handle the weight. You can also tumble dry on low or dry flat.
The Highlights
The Silk and Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket is completely fill-free, so the weight distribution is handled entirely by fabric. It’s a beautiful chunky knit design in a comfortable natural cotton fabric. The knitted design means it’s naturally breathable and cool, and you can get it in 9 vibrant colours. Options include navy, blush, browns, and gold, as well as neutral whites, greys, and beiges.
- Completely fill-free, with all-fabric weight distribution
- Chunky knit design in a comfy natural cotton
- Naturally breathable and cool
- Available in 9 vibrant colours, including browns, pinks, blues, and neutrals
From the Test Lab
“This weighted blanket was unique, and we loved how it felt. The absence of any fill meant it was much more even.”
Best Sizes
The Hush Classic Blanket with Duvet Cover
Features:
- Cover Material: Minky Cover, Inner Microfibre Blanket
- Fill Type: Glass Sand
- Size Options: Teen (48x78”), Twin (60x80”), Queen (80x87”), King (90x90”), King (94x96”)
- Weight: 15lbs or 20lbs
It's Great For:
- Users with trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Canadians who often toss and turn at night
- Those over 150lbs
- Multiple different sleeping surfaces and sizes
The Hush Classic Blanket with Duvet Cover is the blanket that started Hush’s rise to the top of the sleep industry in Canada. This weighted blanket features a soft, pliable inner blanket, completely encased in a soft, minky cover. This cover comes with every blanket purchased, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a separate duvet cover for your weighted blanket.
In addition, 1 in every 10 blankets purchased is donated to those in need. Hush’s GiveBack program focuses donation efforts each month on homeless shelters, adults with disabilities, children with special needs, and more. You can rest easy knowing that your purchase helps those who need it most!
The Hush Classic Blanket itself is a microfibre weighted blanket with a glass sand fill. This fill is separated into pockets that help it stay in place without shifting around too much. It’s also extremely flexible, meaning that it settles over you very nicely. Where some weighted blankets are stiff and inflexible, this option will keep you comfortable no matter where you use them.
This blanket comes in five different size options, with a range for just about any person or use. The Teen size (48” by 78”) is the perfect size for a throw. There are various options, ranging up to the largest, a 94” by 96” King-sized weighted blanket. You can get each of these sizes in two different weight options (15 lbs or 20 lbs). Some of the larger sizes are perfect for sharing.
This blanket is also available with three different covers. You can choose a grey option, a white option, and a cream colour. While these blankets come with a cover, you can also use any other cover in the same size. This is especially useful if you want to use your blanket while you wash Hush’s original soft cover.
The Highlights
The Hush Classic Blanket with Duvet Cover features a soft, minky cover that comes included with every blanket. The interior of the blanket uses a non-toxic glass sand fill which helps the blanket settle more comfortably around you, allowing the weight to be more comfortable. This blanket is available in five different sizes, two weight options, and three different colours. There are options for everyone. Plus, due to Hush’s GiveBack program, 1 in 10 blankets sold is donated to those in need.
- Soft minky duvet cover included with the blanket
- Flexible non-toxic glass fill which helps the blanket wrap around you more comfortably
- Available in five different sizes, two weight options, and three colours
- 1 in 10 blankets sold are donated to those in need with Hush’s GiveBack program
From the Test Lab
“The numerous size options available made this a great choice for many of our testers. They especially loved the ‘Teen’ size, which was large enough to be a throw blanket.”
Best Design
YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket
Features:
- Cover Material: Bamboo
- Fill Type: Glass Beads
- Size Options: 20+ Options
- Weight: 7lbs to 30lbs (3.2kg to 13.6kg)
It's Great For:
- Users of all heights and weights
- Those who want to use a duvet cover with their weighted blanket
- Canadians who want to share a bed or weighted blanket
- Users who usually sleep hot
The YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket is the best-weighted blanket design in Canada overall. This blanket is available in over 20 different sizes, including a variety of weights and dimensions. There are also over 40 colour and pattern options to help you choose the blanket that is best suited for your bedroom. The sheer number of options presented by this blanket makes it one of the best we’ve found. Users of all ages and sizes can find a blanket that works for them.
The blanket itself is filled with glass beads and a thin layer of fiberfill. This allows it to breathe, ensuring that you aren’t going to overheat at night. If you usually sleep hot or have an issue with overheating at night, this blanket can help keep you cool while it soothes you to sleep.
Each blanket comes with a duvet cover. While some options require you to purchase a duvet cover separately, these blankets come with a matching duvet cover as a gift. There are over 40 different colour and pattern options to choose from, ensuring that you get exactly the blanket you want. The insert has 8 duvet loops to help keep it secure inside the cover.
The blanket itself is quilted, with tons of small pockets to keep the fill from shifting around. These 4.7” by 4.7” pockets are some of the smallest on the Canadian market. They help keep the glass beads evenly distributed so they don’t slide around. All of these features help this blanket soothe you to sleep.
The Highlights
YnM’s Bamboo Weighted Blanket features a 7-layer design that helps provide better comfort and contouring, with less hassle, leaking, and shifting. Each quilted compartment is 4.7” by 4.7”, allowing for the weight of the blanket to be distributed more evenly. The natural bamboo duvet cover is included with your purchase. Inside the blanket, you’ll find premium glass bead fill and thinner fiberfill layers for increased breathability and less overheating.
- The 7-layer design helps provide better comfort and less hassle
- 4.7” by 4.7” compartments evenly distribute fill
- Natural bamboo cover with premium glass bead fill
- Thinner fiberfill layers with more glass beads add breathability
From the Test Lab
“This blanket came in so many sizes and color options, it felt just right for us. It’s extremely breathable as well!”
Best Feel
Hush Knit Weighted Blanket
Features:
- Cover Material: Minky Velour or Cotton
- Fill Type: None
- Size Options: One Option (46" x 72")
- Weight: 15lbs (6.8kg)
It's Great For:
- Those who prefer a handmade aesthetic
- Users who only need up to 15lbs of pressure
- Full-sized beds
- Those who want to choose the feel of their blanket
The Hush Knit Weighted Blanket offers the best feel for a weighted blanket. Instead of a single texture or feel, you can choose between two different materials. The Minky velour material is soft and smooth. It’ll feel great on your skin, especially if you prefer a plusher design. The 100% cotton version is crisp and soft. It’s comfortable as well but provides a classier look and feel than the Minky option.
There are five colours to choose from, too. In the Minky velour material, you’ll find options in neutral beige, white, dark blue, light blue, and pink. Choose whichever one works with your bedroom décor. If you want the cotton option, you can choose between the same beige and white colour, with a different shade of light blue or coral pink.
Regardless of what materials and colours you choose for your blanket, there is a single-size option. Each material and colour is only available in a 15-pound blanket, which measures 48” x 72”. This is large enough to almost cover a full-sized bed, but it also makes a perfect throw blanket.
While other weighted blankets have fill, this chunky knit blanket doesn’t full any weights, down, or polyfill. You don’t have to worry about ripped seams or fill leaking out of the blanket. You can use it throughout your home without worrying about ruining it because the chunky materials used in the knit design are extremely durable.
The Highlights
The Hush Knit Weighted Blanket features a chunky, hand-knit texture that fits with any modern décor. You can choose between Minky velour material or 100% cotton, which changes the feel dramatically. There are five colour options to choose from in the Minky fabric option, including beige, white, dark blue, light blue, and pink. The cotton option offers beige, white, baby blue, and coral. This blanket comes in one size option as well as a single weight (15 pounds).
- Chunky hand-knit texture
- Choice of Minky velour feel or 100% cotton
- Seven colour options across two materials allow you to choose your aesthetic
- 15lb weight and one size option
From the Test Lab
“This blanket looked and felt great. We loved the softer feel of the velour material, which was a nice change from standard cotton.”
Best Weight Options
Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket
Features:
- Cover Material: Polyester
- Fill Type: Glass Beads
- Size Options: 15 Options
- Weight: 15lbs (6.8kg), 17lbs (7.7kg), 20lbs (9kg), 22lbs (10kg), 25lbs (11.3kg)
It's Great For:
- Users at a wide range of weights and sizes
- Canadians who struggle with temperature control at night
- Users who want to use their own duvet cover on their weighted blanket
- Those who prefer a soft polyester shell
No two people are built alike, so why should you settle for just one or two weights for your weighted blanket? If you need some intermediate or ‘between’ weights to stay comfortable, look no further than the Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket. This blanket comes in five different weights, including ‘in between’ sizes for those who need a little help. Of these, the most unusual is the 17lb blanket and the 22lb blanket, both of which come in a single blanket size.
Of course, this is great if you’re looking for a very specific weight to help you feel comfortable. There are a few different size options in addition to the weight options, so you can get a blanket just for you or one to share with your partner.
The 5” by 5” pockets help keep the glass beads right where you want them, so they won’t bunch up or fall to one side. Of course, this means that your blanket will be effective for a longer time. This blanket also features 8 strong corner loops to help it fit into a duvet cover. If you don’t want one of the colours on offer, buy a duvet cover in the matching size and change it up. The blanket won’t bunch or slide with these anchors attached.
This breathable weighted blanket got the number of weight and dimension options right. If you have trouble finding the exact blanket you need for your size or height, this is the best place to get one.
The Highlights
The Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket features 8 strong corner loops, which make it easy to attach your own duvet cover. If you have a colour or design in mind, you can slide this weighted blanket right into your preferred duvet cover. The existing cover and inner layer are machine washable, making it simple to care for them. Weighted Idea offers multiple weight options, some of which are uncommon (such as 17 lbs or 22 lbs). Overall, this blanket is breathable and cool, great for those who often wake up overheated or sweating.
- 8 strong corner loops make it easy to attach your own duvet cover
- The cover and inner layer are machine-washable
- Offers multiple weight options, including uncommon options like 17lbs or 22lbs
- Breathable and cool for those who wake up overheated
From the Test Lab
“The in-between weight options really helped me find the perfect weight option to help me sleep better.”
Best Cooling
Douglas Hand Knit Weighted Blanket
Features:
- Cover Material: Natural Cotton
- Fill Type: Recycled Polyester
- Size Options: One Size
- Weight: 10lbs, 15lbs, or 20lbs (4.5kg, 6.8kg, or 9kg)
It's Great For:
- Those who overheat easily, especially when they sleep
- Canadians who are concerned about fill leaks
- Users who want a more natural aesthetic
- Eco-conscious or vegan Canadians
The Douglas Hand Knit Weighted Blanket is the best cooling weighted blanket in Canada. While other weighted blankets need cooling features to prevent heat build-up, this blanket uses a hand-knit design that easily separates during use. The result is better airflow, as heat can vent through the stitches of the natural hand-knitted pattern. The materials help, too. The stitches are made using a tube of natural cotton filled with recycled polyester. They help wick away moisture and keep you cooler than other materials.
This blanket comes in three weights, including 10lbs, 15lbs, and 20lbs. This weighted blanket is meant to be used by a single person, so it’s about the size of a twin-sized comforter. That gives you plenty of room to wrap up in the blanket however you choose whether you’re using it in bed or on the couch. The fill is all polyester, too – there are no beads and no sand. You don’t have to worry about leaks, which can sometimes happen with these fill types.
There are four colours available for this weighted blanket, including Dark Grey, Light Grey, Navy, and Cream. You can choose the option that works best for you and the space where you plan to use the blanket. The benefit of this design is that the fill can’t shift around and change the feel of the blanket. You’ll get even pressure throughout, helping to reduce restlessness, anxiety, and stress.
Further, this blanket is made sustainably. The materials are natural, eco-conscious, and vegan. The recycled fill prevents waste from manufacturing new materials. You can relax knowing that this blanket was made with the environment in mind. You can try it for 120 nights after your purchase to ensure that you’re getting all of the great benefits it offers.
The Highlights
The Douglas Hand Knit Weighted Blanket comes in four colour options, including Dark Grey, Light Grey, Navy, and Cream. This blanket uses cotton tubes with recycled polyester fill. These tubes are hand-knit like super chunky yarn to provide the weight and comfort you need. The knitting also creates an open design, which wicks away moisture and keeps you cool. When it’s time to wash your blanket, you can throw it into the washing machine. There isn’t any fill that could leak or get everywhere, either.
- Four colour options, including Dark Grey, Light Grey, Navy, and Cream
- Hand-knit with polyester-filled cotton tubes to add extra weight and comfort
- Moisture-wicking and breathable so you stay cool
- Machine washable with no potential for leaking fill
From the Test Lab
“This weighted blanket kept us cool! We were afraid a weighted blanket might be too hot, but this one was perfectly breathable.”
Best Easy Care
Endy Weighted Blanket
Features:
- Cover Material: Polyester
- Fill Type: Glass Beads and Poly-Fill
- Size Options: One size (78" x 48")
- Weight: 15lbs (6.8kg)
It's Great For:
- Users around 150lbs (68kg)
- Those who use a weighted blanket primarily to nap
- Canadians who want to wash their blanket often
- Those who need balanced pressure in their weighted blanket
The Endy Weighted Blanket is extremely easy to care for, making it one of the simplest options on our list. The outside cover and the core are simple to clean, as both can be washed right at home in your washing machine. If you are eager to keep your bedding fresh, this is the perfect option for you.
This weighted blanket comes in one size and one weight, which is ideal for most adults weighing around 150 lbs. This blanket has a sleek polyester cover that can be zipped off for washing separately. The reversible design gives you one grey side and one plaid side, perfect for different décor changes or moods.
There is one available size as well, which is large enough for most twin beds and works for those who usually nap with their weighted blanket. It’s perfectly engineered to provide balanced pressure regardless. The glass beads inside help contour your body, while the poly-fil adds some comfort to the equation.
The Endy Weighted Blanket is one of the only options on our list that doesn’t require an external cover. The design is classy enough that you don’t need to add your own duvet cover. Instead, you can comfortably use this weighted blanket as it is. It comes in a single weight (15 lbs) and a single size (78” by 48”). If you’re unsure if that’s the right option for you, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the 60-night sleep trial that Endy offers. During this time, you’ll get a full refund if you don’t like the blanket.
The Highlights
The Endy Weighted Blanket includes a removable polyester outer cover that is easy to take off and wash. However, both the cover and the core of the blanket are easy to clean. Both can be placed in the washing machine to keep your bed fresh. If you aren’t sure if the blanket will work for you, you can try it for a 60-night sleep trial. Overall, this weighted blanket offers a clean, cozy design that is unique to other high-end weighted blankets.
- Includes a removable polyester outer cover
- The cover and core are easy to clean and machine washable
- A 60-night sleep trial allows you to try the blanket to see if it’s right for you
- Clean, cozy design overall
From the Test Lab
“This weighted blanket looks and feels great. The cover is extremely cozy and comfortable.”
Why Trust Us?
For years, we’ve been involved in tracking and reporting on the sleep industry. We’ve kept an eye on developing trends, exciting products, and new recommendations we could bring you. Finding the best weighted blankets in Canada was just another step to providing you with the best possible sleep.
Over the years, we’ve identified key performance areas that we like to evaluate. For the weighted blankets on our list, we evaluated the following performance areas:
- Weight options. The most important thing about your weighted blanket is, of course, how much it weighs. Canadians may need a variety of different weights, so we tried to choose options with the widest range of weight options.
- Type of fill. The type of fill inside the blanket can determine how you experience your weighted blanket. We looked for the highest quality fill in blankets we recommended.
- Available sizes. The size you should choose for your weighted blanket depends on your height and size. It was important for us to choose blankets that came in a variety of sizes, so there was an option for everyone.
- Cover materials. The cover materials can determine how to care for your weighted blanket, as well as how it feels. Many weighted blankets come with a cover (or can be used with one), but the basic cover materials are important to us, too.
The Benefits of Weighted Blankets
Using a weighted blanket can give you a huge range of great benefits, especially if you struggle with sleep and anxiety. These blankets use weighted fill to press down on you, which is associated with Deep Pressure Therapy. This weight can help soothe you to sleep if you regularly have sleeping issues.
These blankets come in a variety of different weights, ranging from about 5 pounds (for children) to about 30 pounds for adults and couples. Most are quilted to help keep the fill where it is – otherwise, the fill might shift around, creating an imbalance. If the fill is not distributed as evenly as possible, the benefits of a weighted blanket may be reduced.
You should choose a weighted blanket based on your body weight. The fill and cover materials are important considerations. Some conditions make using a weighted blanket unsafe, including joint conditions, asthma, sleep apnea, and more. Young children should never use a weighted blanket.
It’s important to note that it might take 2-7 days to feel the effects of a weighted blanket. Your body needs time to adjust the weight before you can feel the benefits. You should also choose the right weight to achieve the best results.
When you select the right weight, a weighted blanket might help soothe these issues:
- Trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Poor sleep or mood
- Sensory issues
- Stress
- Autism symptoms
- ADHD
There are a ton of benefits to using a weighted blanket, and most are associated with deep pressure therapy.
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
Deep Pressure Therapy, sometimes called Deep Pressure Stimulation, involves comforting pressure. Certain types of pressure (especially when applied in the right weight amounts) can help relax your nervous system, which has a calming effect throughout your body. If you struggle with sleep issues, anxiety, or stress, DPT can help reduce symptoms during waking hours and improve sleep overall.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine conducted a study in 2020 about the effects of weighted blankets concerning deep pressure therapy. They concluded that weighted blankets could mimic the therapeutic effects of DPT and help ease symptoms associated with a range of sensory, sleep, and attention issues.
You should consult with a healthcare professional to see if the benefits of using a weighted blanket align with your health and wellness goals. Weighted blankets can benefit most people who suffer from these issues, including children over the age of 5 who deal with ADHD or Autism. However, some users won’t be able to use this therapy safely. It’s best to check with an expert before considering a weighted blanket.
How to Choose a Weighted Blanket in Canada
Now that you’ve decided that a weighted blanket can help you, it’s time to take an in-depth look into what you should look for when purchasing one. The best weighted blanket in Canada will be different for everyone. Each person may have different needs and requirements from their blanket, so it’s important to consider individual preferences, too.
The Right Weight
Before you can start looking at the different fill types and cover materials, you need to know which weight can benefit you the most. The weight of your weighted blanket can determine how well it works, as well as what benefits you ultimately get out of it. Most suggest that your weighted blanket should be equal to about 7% to 10% of your body weight.
That 10% limit is great for adults. Children, on the other hand, use a slightly heavier blanket than this figure would suggest. The lightest weighted blankets (usually around 5 pounds) are great for children who weigh 40 pounds. The blanket must feel heavy on top of you to activate the effects of this type of therapy, but it shouldn’t be heavy enough that you can’t move or breathe.
If you find that your weighted blanket is too light, you can always choose a heavier option. When you’re just getting started, choosing a blanket that is roughly 10% of your body weight is a great place to start. If your doctor recommended a weighted blanket, they might be able to tell you which weight is best for you. Of course, if you plan on sharing a blanket, it should be heavier.
Type of Fill
The type of fill inside your weighted blanket can affect your experience with it. Most of the blankets on our list use a glass bead fill, but there are other fills you should consider as you shop for a weighted blanket. The fill type can determine how your blanket feels, how it shifts around, and more.
- Glass beads. Glass fill is a common, eco-conscious fill available in most high-end weighted blankets. Glass beads can easily fall out of the blanket if the stitching isn’t secure, so it’s important to choose a well-made blanket. Glass beads are the best fill for washing machines, however. Some lighter glass bead blankets can be placed in the dryer because they won’t melt like other types of fill.
- Plastic pellets. Plastic pellets are an easy way to perfectly balance your weighted blanket. Most are chemical-free but can make noise when you move and shift around. However, it can be less expensive than glass beads overall.
- Sand. Sand fill can be made of regular sand or glass sand, depending on the blanket. Sand is an affordable option (and glass sand is a little less affordable overall). Still, the sand fill shouldn’t be washed in a washing machine. Most blankets made with sand fill should be washed by hand and air-dried.
While some of these materials are more expensive than others, you should consider the feel that works best for you. The fill inside of your weighted blanket should be appropriate for your lifestyle and use needs.
Fabric Materials
The cover and fabric materials for a weighted blanket can make all the difference. You’ll want to choose a weighted blanket that features soft, smooth material. If you sleep hot, go with materials that are breathable and cool. If you suffer from allergies, choose a hypoallergenic cover material.
Tencel and Bamboo are great options for eco-conscious, cooling covers. Cotton is a great choice, but it’s not as breathable as you may think. Polyester is soft and easy to care for, making it a great choice for those who want to snuggle with their weighted blanket.
Other companies offer additional options, including silks and fleece. Choose these if you want, but rest assured that most aren’t as breathable as bamboo or Tencel.
While you should consider the breathability and softness of each weighted blanket, you also need to think about the sensory feel of each blanket. Since weighted blankets are so often purchased for those with sensory issues, consider the individual needs of the person who will be using the weighted blanket. This can help give you an idea of which fabric materials you should look at.
Weighted Blanket Covers
The material used in the blanket itself is important, but you can always choose a cover if you prefer. Duvet covers work best for weighted blankets, especially because the sizes match up perfectly. You can choose a duvet cover with any type of feel you prefer. You can choose moisture-wicking materials, softer plush materials, and more. You can also choose a range of colours and patterns to suit your bedroom décor.
Choosing a duvet cover for your weighted blanket can ensure that it lasts longer. Instead of washing the blanket often, you can remove the duvet cover and wash it instead. This helps keep your bed fresh while your weighted blanket stays effective. If not washing your heavier blanket for a few months might bother you, a duvet cover can be the perfect way to ease your mind without damaging your blanket or going through a lengthy hand-cleaning process every week or two.
Some weighted blankets come with a matching duvet cover as a ‘gift’ when you order the weighted blanket. These deals are great, as you won’t have to order an additional cover. You also know that the cover will fit if you get it as a package with the weighted blanket. Some options feature multiple colours to choose from, while others are the same colour as the weighted blanket.
The choice is yours, but a duvet cover can help you maintain your weighted blanket a lot better.
The Ideal Blanket Size
The size you should choose for your weighted blanket depends on your height and size. It’s important to choose a blanket that will cover you from your shoulders down. In the absence of any sensory issues or sleep preferences that may change this (such as an inability to sleep with your feet covered), sticking to this rule can be important.
Most blankets have a set weight but may vary in size. However, the size of the blanket can determine the distribution of that weight. For example, a 20lb King-sized blanket might feel lighter than a 20lb Twin-sized blanket because that weight is stretched over a larger surface. If you choose a blanket that is larger than you need, you should be prepared for it to feel different than a blanket that is in the right size range.
Here is a quick chart to help you choose the right length for your weighted blanket.
| Blanket Length | Height |
| 50” to 56” | 5’0 to 5’5” |
| 56” to 62” | 5’5” to 6’0” |
| 62” and above | Over 6’0” |
Make sure that you always investigate the dimensions of the blanket you’re selecting. Some options are only listed as ‘King’ or ‘Queen’, but they may vary in dimension. Knowing the exact size you need can help you choose an option that works well for you.
Keep in mind that you should avoid larger blankets in general, unless you are tall enough to need one. Because of weight distribution, you should go with the size that is closest to your height and size to get the most from your weighted blanket. Choose the size that works for you, not your mattress.
This is the same for kids’ weighted blankets. Choose a blanket that is sized for your child and that makes your child feel comfortable. Choosing a twin-sized weighted blanket might not work for your child, as they are likely much smaller than a twin-sized mattress for most of their childhood.
Colour Options
Weighted blankets are most often used in the bedroom, though you may take them to other rooms for relaxation or napping. Regardless, you probably want a weighted blanket that matches the décor in your bedroom. While some weighted blankets come in neutral colours (mostly grey and white), some options come with multicoloured duvet covers or cover options. Some have multiple patterns or designs. Whether you want your weighted blanket to stand out or blend in, there are options for you. If you are concerned about the colour or pattern of your blanket, look for options that offer multiple colours.
Of course, you can always choose a duvet cover in a matching size for your weighted blanket. Choose a duvet cover in the design or colour that you want, then place your weighted blanket inside it. As we mentioned above, this can also help keep your weighted blanket from standard wear and tear (and allow it to stay cleaner, too).
Using a duvet cover helps in more ways than one, too. You’ll be able to switch them out as needed, making it easy to change up your bedroom decor any time you change your sheets. Multiple duvet covers can help extend the life of your weighted blanket for years to come.
Care and Maintenance
Each blanket has its own care instructions. These instructions are based on the weight of the blanket, the type of fill inside, and the materials on the outside of the blanket. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to maintain your weighted blanket. Some fill materials, for instance, can melt in the dryer. If your weighted blanket can’t be put in the dryer, make sure that you air-dry it.
Lighter blankets might be machine washable, but heavier blankets should be washed by hand unless the care instructions state otherwise. You shouldn’t wash any weighted blanket too often, however. Frequent washing can degrade fill materials and wear out the seams that keep the fill from clumping together.
Some experts recommend that you wash larger blankets about four times a year by hand. Smaller and lighter blankets might be washed in a machine once every few months. To avoid getting the blanket itself dirty, consider placing the weighted blanket within a duvet cover. That way, when it’s time to clean the blanket, you can take the duvet cover off and place it in the washing machine.
As long as you follow the care instructions carefully, your weighted blanket should last a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can wash most weighted blankets. One of the best ways to keep your weighted blanket clean is to use a weighted blanket cover. This cover can be washed regularly. For a deep clean, different blankets have different care instructions. Make sure to follow these instructions closely.
Weighted blankets are safe for use every night. There are a few exceptions. Young children (under 2 years old) shouldn’t use weighted blankets. Those who have asthma, sleep apnea, and some other conditions shouldn’t use weighted blankets, either. If you are concerned, make sure to check with your doctor.
You can share a weighted blanket, but it might not provide the same benefits. Weighted blankets should be selected based on the user’s body weight. When the weight is distributed over two people, it won’t be as effective. If you plan to share a weighted blanket, you should choose a heavier blanket to accommodate the difference.
