Weighted blankets are throws or comforters that provide the warmth and comfort of a hug by wrapping the body in a snug manner.
Washable weighted blankets have an advantage of being easy to care for since they can be popped into the washing machine and dryer.
However, this can come at a cost to your heating bill or even cause damage to your washer if you do not make your purchase wisely.
Furthermore, those weighted blankets labeled as “dry clean only” could cost you a small fortune to get dry-cleaned and sometimes not as thoroughly as you would want!
Most weighted blankets are tagged as “machine washable”, but as we all know, many are bulky and very heavy. Aside from possible damage to your washer or dryer, poor stitching of the blanket may result in a leak of the filling into the wash.
Ensure your washing machine can handle the load. You may want to use a commercial-sized machine at a laundromat for best results
Several manufacturers recommend buying a special machine washable weighted blanket duvet cover to prolong the life of your blanket.
This is an additional cost to your purchase but fortunately, there are several options to choose from.
The History of Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets were first designed to provide relief for people with autism, anxiety, sensory disorders, and post-traumatic stress.
Calming and reduction in restlessness effects have been found to be beneficial to those with insomnia and non post-traumatic stress and many mainstream people find them helpful for getting a good night’s sleep.
People with respiratory problems, joint issues, or who typically tend to feel claustrophobic should not use weighted blankets.
Even after following all the selection criteria in Weighted blankets for seniors, what you might view as the “perfect” or “best” blanket will be a matter of personal preference and your experience using it.
Key Tips for Washable Weighted Blankets for Adults
Note that getting used to a weighted blanket takes between 2-7 days, so do not return your purchase within this time frame to ensure that you test it properly.
Other important factors to consider when making your choice include quality and durability, machine washability, customer service support, and return policy.
Over 15 weighted blankets were reviewed. 3 popular manufacturer machine washable options were selected from this pool for review based on their being “the most top-rated best-sellers” across different marketing platforms.
They vary in features and cater to different budgets. Pros and cons are presented for each one. Among care instructions, some manufacturers list “hand wash”.
This is misleading because it is improbable that hand washing your weighted blanket can be an easy exercise!
Only the Baloo Weighted Blanket is fully machine washable and durable enough to withstand frequent washing. A duvet cover may only be used if desired. It is usually recommended for seniors 65 years and above and recommended for adults with joint sensitivity (knee, hips or back).
OMYSTYLE Adult Dual Sided Machine Washable Weighted Blankets
20 Lbs – 60”x80” Queen Size
Product Specifications
This weighted blanket is designed double-sided for reversible use – one side for warmth and the other for cooling.
One side is the cooler breathable 100% Tencel fabric which provides a silky smooth touch and coolness, while the other side is made of short plush layer and soft touch for warmth.
This makes it the perfect choice for both hot and cold weather
The OMYSTYLE reversible weighted blanket has a 100% cotton padding for better temperature control.
Non-glue polyester padding helps prevent the evenly distributed super fine glass beads from leaking.
There are 8 durable corner tabs to ensure the weighted blanket stays in place. The blanket comes in a sleek carry bag and is machine washable.
The blanket comes in 6 sizes from Twin 15 lbs to King 40 lbs. ONLY THE KING SIZE WEIGHTED BLANKET IS MEANT FOR SHARING.
This is one weighted blanket where you can find the 15 lb, 20 lb and 25 lb pressure weights in Twin, Queen and King sizes.
PROS
- Reversible
- 8 durable corner tabs
- Sleek, yet heavy and does not move around
- The blankets are quilted in squares with reinforcements in-between to create an evenly weighted experience.
- Have a 30 day money back guarantee policy
- Machine washable
CONS
- Only comes in Grey color
- A few reviews found the warming effect to be too warm
BALOO Machine Washable Weighted Blankets
Cotton 60 by 80 inches, 15lb Adult Weighted Blanket (Pebble White Color)
Product Specifications
- Size : 60”x80” 15lbs – Queen Size
- Color: Pebble White Inner Weighted Layer. Navy and Brown also available.
- Item Weight: 6.8 Kilograms (15lbs)
- Fabric Type: 100% Cotton exterior and interior lining and fill; quilted
- Fill Material Type: Lead Free Glass MicroBeads
The cooling blanket comes in Oeko-Tex 100 Certified chemical free cotton. It is layered with lead-free super fine glass micro beads evenly spaced throughout the blanket to fit body contour unlike clunky pellets.
The blanket is uniquely weighted with glass micro beads where it counts: in the center, where it covers the top of the bed, rather than all the way to the edge.
This feels more comfortable and makes it lighter and easier to care for.
The quilted, double-stitched design, along with a thin breathable polyester batting, ensures that the blanket’s weight is equally distributed, without bunching or shifting.
Recommended for use by adults (18 to over 65) and those with joint sensitivity (Knees, Hips or Back)
Baloo blankets are machine washable and dryer safe. Use cold water and the gentle cycle, and tumble dry on low heat; safe for most in-home washing machines. The blanket dries surprisingly quickly, so a long dryer cycle is not required. For best results do not dry clean or iron.
Purchase linen duvet covers by Baloo if you prefer to protect your blanket and save it from frequent washing (sold separately).
PROS
- Blanket includes 6 loops (at the sides and corners) to connect to a duvet if desired.
- Centrally weighted
- 100% Lifetime Guaranteed
CONS
- Expensive, but provides exceptional value for the price
YnM Machine Washable Weighted Blankets For Adults
100% Cotton Weighted Blanket (17 lbs, 60”x80”- Queen Size) for People With Weight Around 160lbs (Dark Grey)
Product Specifications
- Size : 60”x80” 17lbs – Queen Size
- Color: Dark Grey Inner Weighted Layer
- Item Weight: 7.71 Kilograms (17lbs)
- Fabric Type: 100% Cotton. Use weighted blanket on its own or receive a discount with the purchase of a matching duvet cover
- Fill Material Type: Lead-Free Glass Beads
YnM provides the largest variety of size, weight, and colors of weighted blankets on Amazon.ca and is both popular and affordable. These include materials such as Oeko-Tex Certified cotton, luxury bamboo or minky.
The blanket is made with multiple layers and smaller compartments for maximum comfort that contour to your body shape, while these 7-layer breathable materials and beads stay evenly distributed and leak free.
Design has less fiber fill and allows the glass beads to provide temperature control.
These washable weighted blankets may also be hand washed. Dry flat or tumble dry low.
PROS
- Blanket has 8 duvet cover ties
- It is recommended (as is true for ALL weighted blankets) that you calculate your required blanket weight as 10-12% of your body weight plus 1 lb
- YnM has breathable cotton, cooling bamboo or cozy minky duvet covers available which are sold separately
CONS
- YnM weighted blanket boost better temperature control than others, but due to its weight it may also feel hot, so a fan or an AC is recommended.
- Frequent machine wash may damage the weighted blanket itself
- The manufacturer recommends use of a removable duvet cover even though the weighted blanket may be machine washed.
DOWNLUXE Washable Weighted Blankets – All Season
Cotton 60 by 80 inches, 20 lbs Adult Weighted Blanket (Grey) with Removable Duvet Cover (Black / Grey)
Product Specifications
- Size :90″x90″; 15 lbs – Queen Size
- Color: Available in 24 colors
- Item Weight: 15 lbs
- Fabric Type: 100% Polyester
- Fill Material Type: Micro glass beads
The DOWNLUXE weighted blanket has an exquisite straight stripe jacquard design with 3 inch satin binding. Its seven layer structure includes a cozy outer shell, and polyester padding, all of durable materials.
They are stitched together with advanced sewing technology and re-inforced between the sections. This multi-layer construction ensures comfort while preventing glass beads from leaking and shifting to make noise
Its unique Queen size measures 90 x 90 inch, while the total weight of the blanket is 15 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of bed types. Lightweight down alternative filling provides warmth without overheating,
Care instructions confirm “Machine Wash” as the recommended cleaning method, although the manufacturer recommends using a duvet cover to help keep the blanket cleaner between washes.
Hand wash or machine wash on gentle cycle; DO NOT bleach; hang dry or dry flat; DO NOT tumble dry. Consider air drying rather than machine drying to preserve the fabric and prevent damage
PROS
- Does not trap animal hairs like other blankets
- Unique 90 X 90 inch Queen size
CONS
- A consumer found that the white color option became a bit discolred upon washing
Conclusion – Washable Weighted Blankets for Adults
There are very few durable machine washable weighted blankets for adults available so it is reasonable to deduce that when available, they are generally pricier than regular weighted blankets.
Most manufacturers recommend that the buyer purchase a duvet cover to protect the blanket. This is an extra cost to the initial investment of the buyer.
Related Articles
- Arthritis and Insomnia. A Sure Recipe for Senior Falls
- Weighted Blanket Review. Popular Rated King sizes
- Duvet Covers for Weighted Blankets. Best Selection Tips
- Weighted Blanket Review. Popular Fabula Life King
FAQs for Washable Weighted Blankets
What are benefits of washable weighted blankets for adults?
Snuggly, comfortable sleep, and ease of care.
References
Mullen B, et al. (2008) Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket, Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, September 8, 2008
Shortsleeve, C (2019). Trouble Sleeping? Try a Weighted Blanket. https://saatva.com/blog/do-weighted-blankets-work-sleep-experts-weigh-in
Thanks for this presentation of weighted blankets, I didn’t know there were so many different offers on the market.
Given all the benefits that these blankets have, however, unfortunately, the really big problem is that there are very few durable machine washable weighted blankets available. Therefore, it is really advisable to purchase a duvet cover to protect the blanket. We already use duvet covers on all the blankets we use.
Friendly greeting,
Nina
Yes Nina, that does seem to be the logical way to go with duvet covers. The major challenge is that because the blankets are so heavy, most duvet covers do not fit well over them and frequently need to be replaced due to damage. This is really the value that can be derived from having weighted blankets that are machine washable.
Ceci
Hey Ceci,
What a wonderful article. I have always been so confused when looking to buy a weighted blanket. I have been having sleep issues lately and my physician suggested I look into getting myself a weighted blanket…There were so many out there on the market that I didn’t have the energy to devote to all that research. I am so glad I came across this post which makes it easy to see a curated list that I can easily choose from. I trust your recommendations and will be making a purchase through your links shortly. I think I will go for the Baloo weighted blanket but I will also get a duvet for it.
Thanks so much!
Good choice Sasha! That’s the one I love best as well. It is OK to get a duvet for it if you wish because it only comes in the off-white color. The good news is that it is machine washable and worth its weight for this reason alone.
Ceci
Wow, Ceci. I had no idea about the differences between weighted blankets. I love heavy blankets in winter because they keep me warm, but in summer, it must be a light one. The interesting fact you mentioned here is that weighted blankets are helping people with autism. I had no idea! It is an interesting point I have never thought about. Now I will look at blankets from a different angle, especially for my patients. Thank you very much, Ceci!
Sylvia,
I am delighted to have been able to provide you with some value!
Ceci