Skip to content
There are a few things we can agree on about rest: everybody likes to sleep well, and everybody is different. For some, sleeping well means a firm mattress with a feather-soft quilt. For others, it might mean a soft bed with a comforter. There are people who sleep with four pillows and some who barely use one. And of course, not everyone enjoys sleeping at the same temperature, so they need options for heating and cooling blankets.
Sleep technology has come a long way in recent years, especially when it comes to bedding. Specialty blankets are sleep coverings designed with additional features such as weighted or heated. Such blankets are becoming increasingly common in many homes due to their added benefits. If you are feeling like you’re not waking up refreshed, or you’re having trouble sleeping, it could be time to invest in a specialty blanket. Different heating and cooling blankets have many benefits, and in this article we will explore which one could be right for you.
What are Heating and Cooling Blankets?
If you search online for heating and cooling blankets, you’ll find a huge and potentially overwhelming selection. To help you narrow it down, we’re going to take a closer look at some available options.
Weighted Blankets
As you can guess from the name, weighted blankets are heavier than regular blankets. The added weight is designed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Usually, a weighted blanket features pockets or sections filled with materials like glass beads, sand or poly pellets. In addition, many weighted blankets come with removable covers for easy cleaning and care, as well as made from soft and cozy materials. There are different sizes and weights available, and choosing the correct weight is something to definitely consider. If you’re already considering a weighted blanket, check out this article and size chart to help you figure out how heavy your weighted blanket should be.
Some of the features of a weighted blanket include:
- Variable weights
- Lots of different sizes
- Removable and washable covers
- Color options for any decor or style
Heated Blankets
Heated blankets have been around for a long time, but now they are better than ever. It is important to note the difference between a heated blanket and a heated mattress pad. A heated mattress pad is designed to be slept on with hidden or padded wires, while a heated blanket is softer and meant to cover you. Today we’re looking at heated blankets specifically, but if you’re looking for a heated mattress pad, we have this article to help you find the best one.
It’s easy to see why heated blankets have continued to be popular, and how the variety of features make every one different. They’re versatile, cozy, and perfect for taking the edge off any chill. Heated blankets, sometimes called heated throw blankets, are made to be used anywhere. They’re often very soft, made with fleece, sherpa or plush materials. Most require an electrical outlet to power them, but some are battery operated or rechargeable.
Some of the possible features of a heated blanket are:
- Different sizes
- Machine washable blanket or covers
- Dual controls
- Automatic controls and safety features
- Portable or rechargeable
Dual Zone Comforter
This type of blanket is definitely different from the other two, mainly because it is designed to be used by two people because it maintains two different temperatures. If you are sharing a bed with someone who wants to be warmer or cooler than you are, things can get frustrating. A dual zone comforter is designed to keep one side cooler than the other, usually by having a different thickness or materials on each side.
Some of the possible features of a dual zone comforter are:
- Down alternative filling
- Can be used with or without a duvet cover
- Easy care
Which Blanket Is Right for You?
The three types of specialty blankets that we looked at are all very different, so it can be hard to choose. You’ll need to keep in mind a few factors when deciding which one will be right for you.
Location
Where are you going to be using your blanket? Heated blankets or weighted blankets can be used on the bed or the couch, whereas a comforter is designed for using over two people in a bed. A heated blanket that needs electricity will be restricted by its proximity to a power source. Once you decide where you need a blanket, that can help you narrow it down.
Need
Are you having trouble sleeping from the temperature being inconsistent? A heated blanket will keep the temperature even. Is sharing the bed with a warmer/cooler sleeper causing problems? A dual zone comforter can help solve them. Finally, if you’re struggling with falling or staying asleep, a weighted blanket can help create that restful feeling you seek.
The Best Heating and Cooling Blankets
Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge about these types of specialty blankets, we’ll show you our favorites that you can buy on Amazon.
Quility Weighted Blanket With Soft Cover
Bedsure Heated Blanket Electric Throw
Kömforte Dual Zone Comforter for Couples
Bottom Line
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of our favorite specialty blankets for heating and cooling, you should be 100% ready to make your next night’s sleep the best yet. Whether you need more or less heat, more weight, or any combination of the three, you can achieve it with the types of blankets we’ve looked at today.