The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket can feel like a calming, body-wide hug. But for some, sleeping with heavy blanket is enough to induce a heat flash. Fortunately for hot sleepers, you can experience the calming feel of a weighted blanket without feeling like you’re trapped in a roaster. With a careful combination of materials, weight and construction, the best cooling weighted blankets can combat heat retention while delivering the gentle pressure that promotes relaxation and better sleep.
The best cooling weighted blankets provide pressure without causing hot sleepers to overheat.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
That’s exactly what you get with the undeniably stylish Bearaby Tree Napper. Our pick for the best cooling weighted blanket overall has a chunky, open-loop design that allows air to circulate naturally. It’s made with moisture-wicking, plant-derived Tencel lyocell for a cool-to-the-touch feel and it comes with various options for weight and color. But if you’re looking for something different, we have four more of the best cooling weighted blankets to consider.
With its chunky knit construction, the Tree Napper isn’t designed like most weighted blankets. Instead of using beads or pellets with a cover, the weight comes from the fabric itself. Jumbo strands of Tencel lyocell, derived from eucalyptus fibers, are woven together by hand in an open-loop design that lets air circulate instead of trapping it. Tencel is known for its silky smoothness and according to the brand, it’s more absorbent than cotton and cooler than linen.
The Tree Napper comes in three weights and eight muted colors. Because of the hand-knit construction, there may be slight variations in size and weight between blankets. Bearaby’s blankets are pricey, with a 15-pound blanket priced at $279, but the brand offers free shipping and a 30-day return window in the contiguous U.S.
What the reviews say:The Tree Napper has over 1,000 reviews and the majority are glowing. One happy customer writes, “This is my first time trying a weighted blanket and I can’t say enough good things about this one. It is totally comfortable. I’m a hot sleeper and this material really works like it says. Think ‘cool side of the pillow.’ This is the best sleep I’ve had in many years.” Another shares, “I've wanted a weighted blanket for years and have wavered for years because I'm such a hot sleeper. Anything that adds extra heat is unbearable for me. Enter Bearaby. I was still skeptical about the claims that it could be weighted and keep the temp cool, but after months of using my blanket in every kind of temperature and weather, it does. I couldn't be happier with the blanket.”
Best Budget Weighted Blanket
Soft, Breathable And Easy On The Wallet
Amazon
YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket (7 Pounds)
Material: Viscose| Weight: 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30 pounds | Sizes: 41 x 60 inches, 48 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 80 x 87 inches, 88 x 104 inches | Colors: Blue gray, light gray, sea grass, gradient dark gray, Caribbean sunset, cutting motif, fuchsia, moss, gradient yellow, pink
Weighted blankets can be expensive, with many options running north of $200. But this cooling weighted blanket from YnM ticks all the boxes for less than $70 for the 7-pound option. The wallet-friendly blanket is made with viscose from bamboo, so it’s soft and breathable like its pricier counterparts. According to the brand, it uses a thinner fiber fill and more glass microbeads, which also helps with managing temperature. An ultra-thin 7-layer construction keeps the beads in place for long-term performance.
The YnM blanket is sold on Amazon and comes in the widest range of sizes, colors and weights of any on our list.
What the reviews say:“This weighted blanket has been a game changer for me. Even though it’s weighted, it’s still breathable and I’m able to stay cool,” writes one customer. Another confirms, “The fabric feels cool to the touch and even throughout the night, I never felt hot.”
The Luxe cooling weighted blanket from Luna is a traditional weighted blanket similar to a duvet. But because it’s made with lyocell bamboo, a smooth, silky and breathable material that naturally disperses heat, it should help relieve hot sleepers. According to the brand, bamboo-derived lyocell is also antimicrobial—a bonus if you sleep with pets. The blanket’s weight comes from a polyester and glass bead filling, which adds a gentle 15 to 20 pounds of weight. Stitching helps ensure the beads stay evenly distributed.
In addition to a choice of weights, the blanket is available in several sizes. Keep in mind weighted blankets are designed to cover your body—not the entire bed—so sizes run a little differently than regular comforters. While Luna does offer a 30-day return policy, that’s only for blankets that haven’t been used.
What the reviews say:Close to 2,000 reviewers have great things to say about Luna’s Luxe Bamboo Weighted Blanket. One writes, “I run hot so I was worried that a weighted blanket wouldn't be for me, but the bamboo cooling blanket is amazing. It's always cool to the touch and sometimes I've even put a fleece blanket underneath because it's been so chilly. Another, who calls it “the perfect weighted blanket for those who get too hot,” says it doesn’t retain heat like other weighted blankets.
Best Soft Cooling Weighted Blanket
A 100% Cotton Option That’s Surprisingly Stylish
Baloo
Baloo Weighted Blanket (12 Pounds)
Material: Cotton | Weight: 12, 15, 20, 25 pounds | Sizes: 42 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 80 x 87 inches | Colors: Pebble white, silver sage, luna blue, mulberry, spruce
There’s a lot of attention to detail in Baloo’s weighted blanket, which is designed with materials specifically chosen for softness and breathability. The blanket is made with 100% chemical-free cotton inside and out, which encourages air circulation. Lead-free glass microbeads are sewn into three squares of varying sizes and add weight between 12 and 25 pounds. It’s an intentional way of quilting to help keep the filling from bunching. Together, the cotton and the glass microbeads add gentle weight that molds to the body for soft, even pressure without trapping heat.
The blanket comes in five serene colorways, and all sizes except the largest can be machine washed. Each Baloo Weighted Blanket comes packed in a canvas tote and gift box. Orders over $100 ship free and Baloo accepts returns within 30 days of delivery.
What our editors and the reviews say: “This was my first experience with a weighted blanket, and I was pleasantly surprised,” says article author and Forbes Vetted contributor Jessica Timmons. “The pressure is gentle and has a noticeably calming effect. I really appreciate the clean design and I had zero problems with overheating.” A five-star reviewer also writes it’s their first and “most likely only” weighted blanket, saying, “It feels really good (although it did take a few days to get used to it).”
Best Luxury Weighted Blanket
A Highly-Rated Blanket That Feels Luxuriously Soft
Luxome
Luxome Weighted Blanket (15 Pounds)
Material: Lyocell, polyester | Weight: 8, 15, 18, 25 pounds | Sizes: 42 x 56 inches, 54 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 90 x 80 inches | Colors: Lattice, white, grey, beige, navy + grey dot
Luxome’s weighted blanket comes as one piece with an integrated cover or as a two-piece with a removable cover. It’s available in several materials, but hot sleepers should consider the naturally cool, breathable bamboo lyocell. Luxome uses a 300 thread count lyocell, so it’s incredibly soft, silky and smooth. Certified lead-free glass beads in the filling are so tiny, they’re nearly undetectable, according to the brand. They’re sewn into small squares to minimize bunching and ensure even pressure across the blanket.
Luxome offers free shipping on its weighted blanket in the contiguous U.S. along with a 30-day return policy.
What the reviews say:Luxome’s weighted blanket has over 7,500 five-star reviews in all its iterations. “This weighted blanket feels wonderful. It is the perfect blend of heavy but not hot,” writes one customer. Another, who calls it the best weighted blanket they’ve ever slept with, confirms that “it regulates body temperature so well.” A third customer shares, “After the very first night where I fell asleep quickly, I woke to zero perspiration on the back of my neck.”
The Forbes Vetted team has researched and written dozens of sleep stories, and we tapped into our collective experience to assemble our list of the best cooling weighted blankets. The researchers, writers and editors who contributed to this list shared personal recommendations and insights.
We corresponded with industry expert Kathrim Hamm, founder of Bearaby, for what differentiates the best cooling weighted blankets from the rest. And the author of this article Jessica Timmons also tested one of these blankets personally.
How We Chose The Best Cooling Weighted Blankets
We spent hours researching brands, comparing and contrasting different options and reading customer reviews. We deferred to Hamm’s recommendations and prioritized weighted blankets that used cooling materials, and we also included personal feedback from a Forbes Vetted contributor on the Baloo blanket. We made sure to include options that cater to different buyers, with a range of styles and price points.
What To Look For In A Cooling Weighted Blanket
According to Hamm, there are specific reasons you wake up feeling hot and sweaty beneath a weighted blanket. Being mindful of the inherent features of the cover material and the design and construction of the blanket itself can help you shop for a weighted blanket that doesn’t trap heat. Don’t overlook the convenience factor, either—you may want to consider a cooling weighted blanket that can be washed at home.
Materials
Material choice is key if you’re worried about overheating at night. By virtue of their weight, these blankets lay closely against your body, which means you can grow warm quickly. To minimize that risk, “opt for something made out of natural fabrics like organic cotton or Tencel rather than artificials like polyester,” recommends Hamm. Synthetic fabrics are more likely to trap heat and lack the breathability of naturally-derived alternatives.
Construction
Weighted blankets are generally duvet-style with pockets that hold weighted beads or knit with a heavy yarn to add weight. According to Hamm, plastic or glass-filled blankets are more likely to trap heat than blankets that get their weight from the fabric itself, which tend to be more breathable because of the open weave. It’s a personal preference, but it’s something to keep in mind as you shop.
Ease of Care
The heavier a weighted blanket is, the greater the likelihood that you need to have it professionally cleaned. There is no standard rule for the most appropriate weight for a washable blanket and every brand offers its own recommendations. Most warn against machine washing weighted blankets that weigh more than 20 pounds, but that depends on your machine’s capacity.
What’s The Difference Between A Weighted Blanket And A Cooling Weighted Blanket?
Both are designed to deliver the benefits of deep touch pressure, which may include improved relaxation, better sleep and stress relief. But a cooling weighted blanket is made with breathable materials, like organic cotton, Tencel and lyocell, or an open-knit design intended to minimize heat retention.
Are Weighted Blankets Good For Hot Sleepers?
“The two main issues that lead to feeling hot and sweaty when you’re using a weighted blanket are the features of the cover fabric and whether the design traps heat or promotes natural airflow,” explains Hamm. However, the best cooling weighted blankets are made with lighter and more breathable materials.
Do Cooling Weighted Blankets Actually Work?
Many people find that cooling weighted blankets do a good job of allowing body heat to escape. But just because it’s advertised as such doesn’t mean a cooling blanket actually keeps you cool. Instead, they’re typically designed to minimize heat retention instead of actively cooling you down. Remember to look for one made with breathable fabrics.
What Weighted Blanket Is Best For Cooling?
The best weighted blanket is a matter of personal preference. Still, hot sleepers should look for those made with breathable, temperature-regulating materials.
