The Calming Hug That's a Little Too Warm
Weighted blankets have become a wellness phenomenon, celebrated for their ability to reduce anxiety and improve sleep through Deep Pressure Stimulation—a gentle, calming pressure that feels like a hug. There's just one problem for a lot of people: they can be incredibly hot. A traditional weighted blanket filled with polyester and glass beads can quickly turn your bed into a sauna, completely negating the relaxing benefits.
Thankfully, manufacturers have responded to this common complaint with a new generation of cooling weighted blankets. These blankets use innovative fabrics and designs to provide the same calming pressure without trapping heat. If you're a hot sleeper, this guide will help you find the best weighted blanket for a cool and restful night.
What Makes a Weighted Blanket "Cooling"?
There are two main factors that make a weighted blanket for hot sleepers effective: the fabric and the construction.
Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Fabrics:
- Bamboo Viscose: This is one of the most popular materials for cooling bedding. It's silky-soft, naturally breathable, and excellent at wicking moisture away from your body.
- Tencel™ Lyocell: Similar to bamboo, Tencel is derived from eucalyptus wood. It's known for being exceptionally smooth, cool to the touch, and eco-friendly.
- Cotton: A high-quality, long-staple cotton is naturally breathable and a solid choice for a breathable weighted blanket.
Open-Weave Construction:
- Instead of a traditional quilted blanket filled with beads, some of the most effective cooling blankets feature a chunky, open-knit design. This allows for significantly more airflow, letting body heat escape easily.
The Best Cooling Weighted Blankets for Hot Sleepers
1. Best Overall (and Most Stylish): Bearaby Tree Napper
- Why it's great: The Bearaby Tree Napper is a game-changer in the weighted blanket world. Instead of using fillers, the blanket's weight comes from its thick, hand-knitted layers of Tencel fabric. This open-weave design is incredibly breathable, making it a top choice for even the hottest sleepers. It's also beautiful and looks more like a high-end throw than a therapeutic blanket.
- Cooling Factor: 10/10. The combination of the Tencel fabric and open-knit construction is unbeatable for airflow.
- Downside: It's one of the most expensive options on the market.
2. Best Bamboo Option: Luxome Cooling Weighted Blanket
- Why it's great: Luxome offers a more traditional weighted blanket design but executes it with hot sleepers in mind. Their blanket is filled with glass beads, but it comes with a two-sided, removable cover. One side is a cozy fleece, and the other is a 300-thread-count bamboo weighted blanket cover that is silky, cool to the touch, and machine washable.
- Cooling Factor: 8/10. The bamboo cover is highly effective at dissipating heat, making it one of the best bead-filled options available.
3. Best Budget-Friendly Option: ZonLi Cooling Weighted Blanket
- Why it's great: If you want to try a cooling weighted blanket without the high price tag of a Bearaby or Luxome, ZonLi is an excellent choice. They offer a range of blankets made with different materials, including a popular model with a 100% natural cotton cover. While not as actively "cooling" as bamboo or Tencel, cotton is far more breathable than the polyester duvet covers found on many cheap weighted blankets.
- Cooling Factor: 7/10. A solid, breathable option that offers great value.
How to Choose the Right Weight
The general rule is to choose a blanket that is approximately 10% of your body weight. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, a 15-pound blanket is a great place to start.
You no longer have to choose between the calming benefits of a weighted blanket and a comfortable night's sleep. By investing in a temperature-regulating blanket made from the right materials, you can have the best of both worlds.