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Have you been suffering night after night with sleep apnea? Have you given your partner an earful with loud snoring? We’re here to present you with a solution in the form of the best weighted blankets for sleep apnea. We’ll cover what weighted blankets are, what they do, and what to look out for when you buy one. We’ll also tell you our top 6 suggestions for the best weighted blankets based on their fill type, price range, and overall comfort.
Weighted Blankets a Glance
Before we go into detail about what weighted blankets are, we’d like to show you some of the best weighted blankets online. If you’re unfamiliar with weighted blankets, this is a wonderful selection to start with.
Best Overall: YnM Weighted Blanket
Best Quality: Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket Twin Size
Best Bargain: Qusleep Diamond Weighted Blanket
Best Large Blanket: WarmHug Weighted Blanket 17 lbs.
Best Small Blanket: ZZZHen Weighted Blanket
Best Chic Style: Adult Weighted Blanket Queen Size
How Does a Weighted Blanket Work?
A blanket that magically makes you sleep better? Are magic carpets real, too? In all seriousness, weighted blankets work very simply.
The extra weight from the blanket causes your brain to release oxytocin (which is the happy chemical) like how it would if you were getting a hug. This oxytocin release makes you sleep deeper, and you’ll be less likely to wake up during your REM cycle.
Can a Weighted Blanket Help with Sleep Apnea?
A weighted blanket can help with sleep apnea, but it’s best to check with your doctor before using one for this particular sleep condition.
In a lot of cases, people with sleep apnea can benefit from weighted blankets, because they’ll be less likely to have irregular sleep. The steady oxytocin release naturally makes sleep more restful.
In some cases, weighted blankets can restrict breathing in a person who has sleep apnea. The already narrow airways can be further narrowed by the extra weight. If you’re someone who has sleep apnea, check in with your doctor to make sure a weighted blanket is safe to use.
What Are Some Causes of Sleep Apnea?
There are all kinds of different factors that can cause and contribute to sleep apnea. Some of the most common causes are:
- Obesity
- Aging Above 60-70
- Being Biologically Male
- Naturally Smaller Airways
- Chronic Congestion
- High Blood Pressure
- Asthma and Other Breathing Conditions
- Smoking
- Inheriting Sleep Apnea
What Else Does a Weighted Blanket Help with?
Weighted blankets have been known to help with restful sleep for everyone. People with anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia have reported that weighted blankets have helped them a lot for going to sleep and staying asleep. If you or someone you love struggles with any of these, a weighted blanket can make nighttime much more restful.
How to Choose a Weighted Blanket
Now it’s time to help you make an exciting choice: which weighted blanket are you going to buy? We’ll walk you through what to look for to ensure you get a high-quality, useful, soft, and beautiful blanket your guests will be jealous of.
Pick the Right Weight for Your Body Weight
It’s important to choose the right weight for your weighted blanket. Too light and it will just feel like a regular blanket. Too heavy and you’ll end up feeling crushed all night. Here’s an easy chart for figuring out the right weight for your blanket.
| Adults Weight of the weighted blanket should be 10% of body weight. | Children and Elderly Weight of the weighted blanket should be 10% of body weight + 1-2 lbs. |
Cover Material
Cotton is the most common cover material for weighted blankets, but there are other material types you can buy. Cotton is so popular because it is a breathable material that is easy to wash (while following the instructions for proper washing listed below.)
Fill Type
Nontoxic glass beads are a very popular fill type for weighted blankets. Why glass beads? Weighted blankets are usually stitched together in a diamond pattern with room inside each diamond pocket for filling. Glass beads in individual compartments allow for even weight distribution. Also, glass beads are less likely to make you feel too hot throughout the night.
Warranty
Some weighted blankets will be covered by warranties! To check to see if the blanket you want is made by a company that offers warranties, look at the website of the business you are buying from. Oftentimes, manufacturers will list their warranty details on a product’s webpage. If not, they usually have an email address you can direct this question to.
How to Properly Wash a Weighted Blanket
One of the worst things ever is washing your new blanket for the first time to have it come out of the dryer lumpy with fabric that will never be the same. To keep this from happening to your new blanky, here are some steps to follow for a success wash and dry:
- Choose a very gentle detergent that is bleach-free.
- Only use the amount of detergent the bottle calls for, or you could saturate your blanket in detergent that never gets washed out.
- Wash your weighted blanket with cold water.
- Select the “gentle” cycle.
- Avoid any scent beads, fabric softeners, or other products you normally throw in with clothes.
- Choose the lightest to second-lightest setting on the dryer.
- Fluff the blanket occasionally throughout the drying process.
The Best Weighted Blankets for Sleep Apnea
It’s best to choose a lighter weighted blanket than average if you have sleep apnea. With that in mind, here are the best weighted blankets for sleep apnea you can buy right now that help you have a restful sleep!
Best Chic Style: Adult Weighted Blanket Queen Size
This is a charcoal gray weighted blanket for queen-size beds. This weighted blanket is stylish and breathable with very light fabric. Inside the pockets of fabric are glass beads to give the blanket weight and lull you into a deep sleep. Out of the blankets on the list, this is one of the least expensive choices.
- Material: Fabric and glass beads
- Price Range: $25-$35
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best Feature: Chic modern style with a charcoal color
Care
It is recommended to only wash the outer layer of the blanket regularly, and it is best to hand wash it. If washing in the washing machine, make sure you’re using cold water and gentle detergent. Only use the gentle wash cycle. Let this blanket air dry instead of putting it in the dryer.
Pros
- Large size
- Breathable fabric
- Stylish
Cons
- Queen size is too big for some beds
Best Low Price: Qusleep Diamond Weighted Blanket
This weighted blanket, which is available at a very low price, is of excellent quality. With Egyptian cotton and microfiber, this blanket was made for comfort. There are multiple layers of microfiber stitched together to give you the coziest results. The outer Egyptian cotton gives the blanket softness. You’ll be able to choose between 2 colors, gray and floral, to suit your home’s style.
- Material: Microfiber, Egyptian cotton, and glass beads
- Price Range: $23-$33
- Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Best Feature: Layered microfiber construction
Care
It is best to wash the outer layer of your weighted blanket on the gentle cycle if you’re going to use the washing machine. Make sure to always use cold water and a gentle, bleach-free detergent. Don’t add scent beads or fabric softener. For the best results, let it air dry instead of using a dryer.
Pros
- Microfiber and Egyptian cotton are incredibly soft
- Available in gray and floral
- Low price
Cons
- Warranty only lasts for 30 days
Best Overall: YnM Weighted Blanket
This weighted blanket boasts 100% OEKO-TEX certified cotton, which means this cotton is high-quality. Though the weighted blanket in the picture is dark gray, you’ll be able to choose from a huge assortment of colors including pink, navy, light blue, khaki, sprout green, and more. This blanket is also available in a wide range of sizes. Being made of 7 breathable layers, this weighted blanket is able to use more glass beads and less fabric.
- Material: Fabric and glass beads
- Price Range: $45-$55
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best Feature: Tons of customizations
Care
The manufacturer says that frequently washing this blanket can damage the internal construction, so it is best to buy a duvet cover so you can wash that. If you are washing the blanket, it is best to only hand wash it and let it air dry. This prevents any leakage from the glass beads inside the pockets.
Pros
- Enormous range of colors
- High-quality materials and construction
- Available in many sizes and weights
Cons
- Some people may prefer the diamond pattern
Best Large Blanket: Warm Hug Weighted Blanket 17 lbs for Adult
When you need a new, luxurious blanket for your queen-sized bed, this is the weighted blanket you’re after. This is a light gray blanket that weighs 17 lbs. but can also be bought in different weights. The extra stitching in the diamond pattern keeps the glass beads from spilling into different compartments, meaning weight distribution will be perfect every time. Not to mention, this product has an impressive warranty.
- Material: Fabric, polyester, and glass beads
- Price Range: $50-$60
- Warranty: Money-back guarantee
- Best Feature: Impressive construction
Care
You can wash this weighted blanket in the washing machine. To wash, be sure to select the gentle cycle. Next, add gentle detergent and use cold water. Don’t add scent beads or fabric softener. It’s best to airdry your blanket.
Pros
- Breathable material
- Smaller squares allow for even weight distribution of glass beads
- Perfect for queen-size beds
Cons
- Too large for beds smaller than queen size
Best Quality: Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket Twin Size
One of our favorite parts about this twin-size blanket is it is designed to keep you cool throughout the night! If you’re in need of a small blanket for a twin-sized bed, futon, or couch, this weighted blanket is available in various colors to suit your style. It is also available in various weights. This blanket is comfortable and has extremely precise stitching to prevent glass beads from leaking.
- Material: Fabric and glass beads
- Price Range: $50-$60
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best Feature: Keeps you cool throughout the night
Care
This weighted blanket is only meant to be hand-washed, so it is best to buy a duvet cover to wash more easily. When handwashing the blanket, make sure to use a gentle, bleach-free detergent. Allow the blanket to airdry instead of putting it in the dryer.
Pros
- Range of colors to choose from
- High-quality materials and construction
- Breathable with a cooling effect
Cons
- Must be hand washed
Best Small Blanket: ZZZHen Weighted Blanket
This twin-sized weighted blanket will make you fall asleep fast with its precise stitching that prevents glass beads from shifting in their pockets when you move. This blanket is available in a variety of colors and is perfect for small spaces. Designed for breathability and comfort, this blanket is available in a variety of weights, too.
- Material: Cotton and glass beads
- Price Range: $23-$33
- Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Best Feature: Compact size
Care
It is best to hand wash this blanket and let it air dry instead of using a washing machine and dryer. When handwashing, use a gentle detergent. Let it air dry somewhere where none of the water will puddle at the bottom.
Pros
- Low price
- Variety of colors
- Variety of sizes
Cons
- Twin-size blankets are too small for some beds
The Finish Line
You made it! You crossed the finish line and are officially an expert in all things weighted blankets. We’ve learned about how weighted blankets can be good for sleep apnea and what to look out for when buying a weighted blanket.
We also went through our top 6 best-weighted blankets for sleep apnea with you. But, if you ask me, the YnM Weighted Blanket is the best choice because of its overall quality and value.