12/14/21

Best Cooling Weighted Blankets of 2021

Written by in Weighted Blankets

Quick Overview

Most people can agree that weighted blankets are incredibly cozy and plush along with being an evidence-based way to calm the nervous system. But having such a heavy blanket on you for an extended period can be too stuffy and possibly even uncomfortable. A great way to sidestep this issue is by getting a weighted blanket with cooling technology. Here, we will discuss some of the best cooling weighted blankets to enhance relaxation and comfort.

 

When people think of blankets, comfort comes to mind since warmth and coziness are usually the aim of such products. But comfort tends to be a factor that falls by the wayside when someone is shopping for weighted blankets. People may focus on many other features to ensure their blanket is both long-lasting and effective.

The good news is that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort to get a quality weighted blanket. There are many weighted blanket options that offer cooling technology to assist in temperature regulation. This should be a foundational weighted blanket feature, since someone who is overheated will not only feel less comfortable, but they won’t fully benefit from their blanket.

All this talk of temperature regulation may lead you to ask: What exactly is a cooling weighted blanket and how can I find one?

Woman wrapped in grey weighted blanket holding a coffee mug

What is a cooling weighted blanket?

We know that weighted blankets are blankets that have added weight to calm the nervous system and help manage concerns like insomnia, anxiety, depression, and restlessness. Standard weighted blankets are usually made wholly from synthetic fibers. There are some styles of weighted blankets that have plush synthetic covers draped over inserts that contain the “weight” of the blanket. These inserts may consist of items such as plastic poly pellets, sand, or steel orbs.

Depending on the style and manufacturer, cooling weighted blankets may have some of these same features. However, the big difference between traditional weighted blankets and cooling weighted blankets is what they are made of. Cooling weighted blankets are most often made with:

  • Bamboo
  • Cotton
  • Wool
  • Tencel, which is a plant-based material derived from eucalyptus
  • Forms of rayon called lyocell and viscose

It’s also common for cooling weighted blankets to consist of a blend of the above materials. These fabrics are ideal because they absorb heat from a person’s body rather than keeping it in close contact with their skin. They are also breathable, lightweight, and moisture-resistant so they minimize the occurrence of sweat. Bamboo has the added benefit of being antimicrobial, meaning it will prevent the build-up of germs.

In the case of inserts for cooling weighted blankets, they are typically made up of glass beads. Glass is one of the more unique and desirable fillings in that it repels heat. This keeps someone’s body temperature lower than plastic or sand does (1). Similarly, steel beads offer high thermal conductivity, which means they can effectively transfer heat across larger areas. This keeps a person cooler by removing the heat from their general vicinity.

As you can see, there are a variety of ways that cooling weighted blankets work to keep air flowing when they are in use. If you’re concerned that they might keep you a bit too cool, read on to learn about some of the coziest cooling blankets that keep you at just the right temperature.

Best Luxury Cooling Weighted Blanket

Yaasa’s Luxe Weighted Blanket is one of the most stylish and luxurious cooling weighted blankets. Not only does this weighted blanket look stunning, but it has one of the best weight distributions of any weighted blanket around. To add to a person’s feelings of being grounded and relaxed, the Luxe blanket comes in neutral earth tones: white, tan, and grey.

Each of these cooling weighted blankets is crafted with Yaasa’s proprietary knitting technique, which makes it ultra-durable and gives it a homemade feel that you can’t surpass. You can feel good about the natural materials in this cooling weighted blanket since the Luxe Weighted Blanket is made of 100% organic cotton.

This style blanket has several options to meet your needs and budget:

  • 10-pound Luxe Weighted Blanket – 75” x 50” – $299
  • 15-pound Luxe Weighted Blanket – 80” x 60” – $329

If you’re concerned about the care and maintenance of your Luxe Weighted Blanket, it’s a breeze. You can rest easy by washing it in your machine’s gentle cycle and tumble drying it on low.

The rule of thumb is that someone should use a weighted blanket that is no more than 10% of their body weight. This means the 10-pound Luxe blanket is best for teenagers and adults who weigh between 100 and 110 pounds. Anyone weighing between 150 and 160 pounds should opt for the 15-pound version. This style of cooling weighted blanket does not come in other sizes, so anyone whose weight falls outside of these parameters should find a different cooling weighted blanket.

Best Bamboo Cooling Weighted Blanket

The Signature Weighted Blanket by Yaasa is one of the most versatile cooling weighted blankets on the market. This product not only comes with a fluffy and soft fleece cover, but it also has a bamboo-covered insert filled with silicone beads. The fleece side gives you the option of added warmth and comfort when you need it and the inner bamboo-portion keeps you cool no matter what the season is.

Each blanket is the same size despite having different weight grades. There is also a lot of variety in the weights of the Signature blanket:

  • 10-pound Signature Weighted Blanket – 72” x 48” – $179
  • 15-pound Signature Weighted Blanket – 72” x 48” – $189
  • 20-pound Signature Weighted Blanket – 72” x 48” – $199

Just as with all of Yaasa’s quality weighted blankets, the Signature Weighted Blanket can easily be machine-washed on the gentle cycle and tumble dried on low. The 10-pound Signature blanket is the best option for children, teenagers, and young adults who weigh around 100 pounds.

The 15-pound Signature blanket is ideal for adults weighing around 150 pounds while the 20-pound style of this blanket is best-suited for adults around 200 pounds.

Best Cooling Weighted Blanket for the Price

The Serenity Knit Weighted Blanket by Yaasa is another predominantly cotton cooling blanket. This is another style that comes with an inner casing. The difference with the Serenity Knit inner pouch is that it’s made entirely of recycled plastic-based materials.

The Serenity Knit comes with an even greater range of colors (tan, grey, black, and cream). While it may not seem possible, this cooling weighted blanket is carefully and thoughtfully hand-knit with an open-weave style. This not only makes it highly comfortable, but it will feel far more personal and valuable. This is one of the largest sizes of cooling weighted blankets, making it one of the most economical choices around.

  • 15-pound Serenity Knit Weighted Blanket – $249
  • 20-pound Serenity Knit Weighted Blanket – $269

The Serenity Knit is one of the bulkier cooling weighted blankets, so the standing recommendation is to spot clean whenever possible. However, it is durable enough to tolerate machine washing on a cold cycle followed by an air dry. It’s important to pay special attention to your washer’s capacity to avoid breaking the machine and compromising your blanket.

How to Choose a Cooling Weighted Blanket

Girl with her dog on weighted blanket in bed.

As you can see, choosing the right cooling weighted blanket is as simple as matching one to your needs. There are enough options (and literature surrounding each) to make you feel optimally comfortable and well-informed about your decision. When it comes down to it, the best kind of weighted blanket is one that is no more than 10% of your body weight. The best kind of cooling weighted blanket will be made from a comfortable material that lets the air circulate and allows your skin to breathe.

A great way to maximize your comfort with a cooling weighted blanket is to pair it with comparable items. You can make many additions to improve the aesthetic and function of your sleeping space. For example, essential oils can help promote relaxation and improved sleep while luxury sheets can further regulate your body temperature as you sleep.

You may also want to invest in room-darkening shades or a sleep mask to block out light and signal the body that it’s time to rest. No matter what cooling weighted blanket you settle on (and what items you pair it with), there are many choices to improve your quality of sleep by regulating your body temperature and improving your comfort levels.

FAQs

Can a weighted blanket really be cooling?

Yes. Cooling weighted blankets are those made from breathable, lightweight materials such as bamboo, rayon, and cotton. Some of these blankets even contain glass beads, which assist with thermal regulation.

 

Are cooling weighted blankets worth it?

Yes! They are an especially sound investment if you are someone who would like to enjoy a weighted blanket but worry about them being too restricting or hot. They are also great for people who have not found success with standard weighted blankets.

 

What is the difference between a weighted blanket and a cooling weighted blanket?

A standard weighted blanket may be made of a variety of materials (mostly polyester) and can contain a range of fillings such as poly pellets, silicone beads, steel orbs, sand, and more. A cooling weighted blanket is one that is made of a breathable, lightweight material and sometimes even contains cooling fillers such as glass beads.