This soft and snuggly blanket is available in a range of different sizes and weights to suit a wide range of people.
The Aeyla Mela Weighted Blanket has been designed for body-hugging comfort that melts away anxiety and allows for a calm, deep and restorative sleep.
There are two sides to this Oeko-Tex-certified blanket, with one made of 100% cooling cotton and the other made of super-soft and snuggly quilted fleece. 🌱
It is filled with anti-rust glass pellets for the weighted feel, with a few different weighted options available:
- 4 kg (8.8 lbs) for body weights between 30 kg and 45 kg (66 - 99 lbs)
- 5.5 kg (12 lbs) for body weights between 45 kg and 65 kg (99 - 143 lbs)
- 7 kg (15 lbs) for body weights between 65 kg and 80 kg (143 - 176 lbs)
- 9 kg (19.8 lbs) for body weights 80 kg and above (176 lbs and above)
The heavier the blanket you choose, the more deep pressure stimulation you'll experience, but generally, you should opt for a blanket about 10% of your body weight. 𐄷
That said, we have really enjoyed using a heavier blanket on certain body parts - like the feet - for more of that massage feel.
You can also achieve the same effect by folding your standard weighted blanket for extra pressure.
Aeyla also offers two different sizes, standard and large, though we'd highly recommend the large for any adults looking for that comforting feel.
Smaller sizes and lower weights are best for children. 👧
We really like the feel of this blanket - the glass pellets give gentle pressure, like a deep hug, and the material is super soft, so it's perfect for cuddles.
The Mela Weighted Blanket is fully machine-washable, but please ensure your washing machine can handle the weight of the blanket and that you have the space to dry it flat.
A previous version of the Aeyla Weighted Blanket also had a machine-washable cover, and you can still purchase additional covers in case this is something that's important to you.
In our experience, though, weighted blankets without covers are more convenient as they sit more comfortably - putting a cover on a weighted blanket is also a bit of a workout, like putting on a duvet cover but 1000x more cumbersome. 😅
Aeyla also offers two different weighted blankets, the Luxe Cotton Knit Weighted Blanket and the Eucalyptus Weighted Blanket, which comes with a super-smooth eucalyptus silk cover.
The Aeyla Mela Weighted Blanket comes with free delivery and a super convenient 30-night trial period.
35% OFF AEYLA WEIGHTED BLANKET
Aeyla Mela Weighted Blanket | |
Composition: | Cooling cotton, quilted fleece, anti-rust glass pellets |
Cover: | 100% cotton and quilted fleece |
Weight: | 4 kg (8.8 lbs), 5.5 kg (12 lbs), 7 kg (15 lbs), or 9 kg (19.8 lbs) |
Washing instructions: | Machine-wash at 30°C |
Trial period: | 30 nights |
What makes this weighted blanket special? | Super soft and snuggly. |
A unique pressure-dispersing design spreads thousands of gravity beads across the blanket for full-body relaxation.
The Emma Hug weighted blanket features seven layers and a unique pressure-dispersing design to help give you that much-needed "hug" after a stressful day.
It has:
- A breathable cotton top fabric
- Two layers of microfibre and polyester pads
- Extra fine glass beads for even pressure distribution
- Removable 100% bamboo blanket cover
Focusing on deep pressure stimulation, the blanket disperses thousands of gravity beads across your body, resulting in a gentle pressure that helps relieve stress and relaxes nerves. 💤
This allows you to fall asleep faster - and sleep deeper.
The Emma Hug blanket also helps lower your heart rate and calm your breathing to help you sleep better. ❤️
The blanket is available in one 150 x 200 cm (59 x 78 inches) size and weighs 7 kg (15 lbs).
It can be washed at 30℃ and spread out to dry. 🛀
But since the weight may exceed household washing machine limits, Emma recommends you wash the bamboo blanket cover at 40℃ instead.
Bamboo, conveniently, is known for its cooling properties, so you should feel cool and comfortable under the Emma Hug.
The Emma Hug weighted blanket comes with free delivery and returns and a 30-night trial period.
65% OFF EMMA WEIGHTED BLANKET + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
Emma Hug Weighted Blanket | |
Composition: | Cotton, microfibre, polyester, and bamboo with glass beads |
Cover: | Removable 100% bamboo fibre cover |
Weight: | 7 kg (15 lbs) |
Washing instructions: | Blanket at 30℃ & cover at 40℃ |
Trial period: | 30 nights |
What makes this weighted blanket special? | Extra fine glass beads for even pressure. |
Hypnia relies on recycled glass microbeads to provide a deeper, stress-free sleep.
The Hypnia Weighted Blanket is your ticket to a deeper, stress-free slumber.
This king-size blanket is filled with recycled glass microbeads, providing 5 kg (11 lbs) to 9 kg (19.8 lbs) of pressure.
The deep pressure stimulation dials down stress and anxiety levels, providing a sense of security, while the evenly dispersed beads gently wrap your body in a warm, comforting hug. 🤗
The outside of the blanket is made of a soft and breathable 100% cotton cover that's Oeko-Tex certified to be free from harmful chemicals.
Unfortunately, the Hypnia Weighted Blanket is not machine-friendly, but it can be hand-washed.
It also comes with a 200-night trial, one of the best sleep trials we've seen for a weighted blanket.
And the cherry on top is a 2-year warranty and free delivery within the UK. 🚚
25% OFF HYPNIA WEIGHTED BLANKET + 2 FREE PILLOWS W/ PILLOWS2
Hypnia Weighted Blanket | |
Composition: | Cotton, polyester, recycled glass microbeads |
Cover: | 100% cotton cover |
Weight: | 5 kg (11 lbs), 7 kg (15.4), or 9 kg (19.8 lbs) |
Washing instructions: | Handwash in cold water only |
Trial period: | 200 nights |
What makes this weighted blanket special? | This weighted blanket comes with an unmatched trial period. |
This weighted blanket adds gentle pressure to ease anxiety and help you get a good night's sleep.
The Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket is filled with thousands of weighted glass nano-beads to allow for deep, comfortable sleep.
There are four parts to this blanket:
- Removable 100% cotton cover
- Inner blanket, made of soft cotton
- Glass nano-beads in quilted pockets
- Cushiony comfort fill to create a layer between you and the glass beads
Conveniently, the removable cover is machine-washable on cold and can be tumble-dried on low. 🧼
The inner blanket should only be spot-cleaned.
The Simba weighted blanket is available in one standard size of 135 x 200 cm (53 x 78 inches). 🙌
It is only available in one weight option, 6.8 kg (15 lbs).
This is on the heavier side, so we would not recommend the Simba Orbit weighted blanket to children or lighter-weight individuals.
Pregnant women or people suffering from respiratory disorders (such as asthma or sleep apnoea) or circulatory disorders (including Type 2 diabetes) should also steer clear of the Orbit blanket.
35% OFF SIMBA WEIGHTED BLANKET W/ MATTRESS
Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket | |
Composition: | Glass nano-beads with cotton |
Cover: | Removable 100% cotton cover |
Weight: | 6.8 kg (15 lbs), 9 kg (20 lbs) |
Washing instructions: | Machine-washable cover (cold only) |
Trial period: | / |
What makes this weighted blanket special? | Combines targeted weight therapy with cushiony comfort. |
How we test products
Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.
We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product.
Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.
If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is a type of blanket that’s either heavier than usual or filled with materials such as plastic pellets or glass beads sewn into small pockets for equal weight distribution. 🏋️♀️
The weight of the blanket applies deep pressure touch stimulation, which has a calming effect on the body.
Think of it like a giant, warm hug!
The Emma weighted blanket is even called the “Emma Hug” to describe its effects more clearly!
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How do you use a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are generally designed to be used by one person, though there are a few couple weighted blankets available.
These are not necessarily “cuddly” blankets - and you wouldn’t necessarily cosy up in one to watch a movie or read a book.
That said, some people find weighted lap blankets quite comfortable.
To get the best experience of your weighted blanket, simply snuggle with your blanket by placing it under or on top of your duvet.
Summer weighted blankets can also work well on their own, though if you fancy heated weighted blankets, you’ll be better off keeping the blanket directly on top of you, with a duvet over that.
This stores extra heat. ♨️
If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you should remove the weighted blanket, and you should never use a blanket that’s too heavy for you to move.
How do weighted blankets work?
Weighted blankets work by providing deep pressure touch stimulation to the body.
Conventionally, deep pressure therapy involves firm but gentle squeezing, hugs, or holding. 🤝
In the case of weighted blankets, physical touch is replaced through the weight of the blanket, which exerts a gentle pressure on the body.
This has a calming effect on the nervous system, which studies show can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

The deep pressure touch stimulation provided by weighted blankets is also thought to increase levels of serotonin (the happy hormone) and decrease levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). 😁
This can help improve mood, reduce overall anxiety, and promote relaxation.
Let’s look at the health benefits of weighted blankets in a bit more detail.
What are the health benefits of using a weighted blanket?
There are many potential benefits of using a weighted blanket, including:
- Providing comfort and security
- Improving sleep quality
- Reducing stress and anxiety
We’ll consider some of the most common weighted blanket benefits in more detail below.

Of course, there are many more specific uses where these health benefits apply, which we'll look at in the next section.
Provide comfort and security
Deep pressure touch stimulation has been proven to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Weighted blankets are thus often recommended as “security” blankets to provide a sense of comfort and safety. 🔑
This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety or PTSD.
Improve sleep quality
If you struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders, a weighted blanket may be able to help.
The deep pressure stimulation provided by the blanket can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

This can affect heart rate and calm racing nerves, which, in turn, can help improve sleep quality and promote better sleep. ❤️
Reduce stress and anxiety
The stress- and anxiety-reduction benefit of weighted blankets is useful in and of itself.
Weighted blankets have a calming effect on the body, which can help to improve mood and promote relaxation. 👍
You can also add some aromatherapy or a meditation practice to your weighted blanket use for maximum effect.
We're big fans of the Aeyla Stress Reliever Roll-On, designed with a mix of essential oils to help calm nerves and reduce heart rate.
Who are weighted blankets suitable for?
Since there are a wide variety of weighted blanket benefits, they could be useful for a large group of people.

We'll consider some of these below.
People struggling with anxiety and depression
Weighted blankets are becoming increasingly popular as a way to help people struggling with anxiety and depression.
There are a few reasons why weighted blankets are so helpful for those dealing with mental health issues.
First, the weight of the blanket helps to physically calm the body, which, in turn, can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation.
Weighted blankets have also been shown to increase levels of serotonin and melatonin, which are both neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating mood. 🧠

Finally, the constant pressure of the weighted blanket can help reduce the racing thoughts that often accompany anxiety and depression.
That’s why weighted blankets like the Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket have quilted pockets to evenly distribute the weight of the filling.
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For all these reasons, weighted blankets offer a unique and effective way to help people struggling with mental health issues.
People on the spectrum
Weighted blankets can also be beneficial for people on the autism spectrum.
One of the challenges for autistic people is that they can be easily overwhelmed by stimuli like bright lights and loud noises. 🔦
The deep pressure provided by a weighted blanket can help calm and relax those with autism, making it easier for them to cope with sensory overload.
Weighted blankets can also be helpful for people with autism who have difficulty sleeping.
The pressure of the blanket can act as a calming reinforcement, helping to ease the person into sleep.
These are not a cure for autism, but weighted blanket autism benefits are plenty, and they can provide significant relief from some of the symptoms. 😅
As a result, they are an important tool for many autistic people and their families.
People with ADHD
Another condition that weighted blankets can be particularly helpful for is ADHD.
One of the symptoms of ADHD is difficulty sleeping, which can be caused by racing thoughts or hyperactivity.
Weighted blankets provide a sense of deep pressure that can help calm the nervous system and ease racing thoughts. 🧘♂️
This can lead to improved sleep quality for people with ADHD.

Weighted blankets are also a drug-free solution and have no side effects, making them a safe option for people who want to try an alternative approach to managing their ADHD symptoms.
The Aeyla All-In-One Kids weighted blanket is specially designed for children with ADHD and autism.
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People struggling with insomnia or sleep disorders
Weighted blankets have become a popular sleep aid in recent years - and for good reason.
People struggling with insomnia or sleep disorders often find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. 💤
Weighted blankets can help with this by providing a sense of security and comfort.
The pressure of the blanket on the body has a calming effect, helping people relax and drift off to sleep.
Weighted blankets are also beneficial for people who tend to toss and turn at night. 💃
The pressure of the blanket helps to keep the body still, allowing for a deeper and more restful deep sleep.

For this reason, weighted blankets are also often recommended to help relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS).
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, a weighted blanket may just be what you need.
People suffering from chronic pain
Weighted blankets are becoming increasingly popular as a way to ease chronic pain.
Deep pressure stimulation and the resultant calming effect on the nervous system has been linked to reduced pain levels and improved sleep quality in numerous studies.
Weighted blankets are also believed to increase levels of serotonin, which is a natural mood booster. ⭐️

For people who suffer from chronic pain, weighted blankets can provide much-needed relief.
And, best of all, they are non-invasive and relatively inexpensive.
People with osteoarthritis
If you suffer from osteoarthritis, you know how painful it can be. 😩
The condition is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are ways to manage the pain and improve your quality of life.
One method that is gaining popularity is the use of weighted blankets.
These provide gentle, evenly distributed pressure throughout the body, which can help to reduce pain.
Knitted weighted blankets or heavy cotton options without additional fill may feel a little gentler.
Weighted blankets have also been shown to improve sleep quality, which is essential for people with osteoarthritis.
If you are looking for a way to ease your osteoarthritis symptoms, a weighted blanket may be worth a try.
Medical procedures
Weighted blankets can be extremely helpful for people who are undergoing medical procedures. 🩺
They can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of comfort, which is essential for a variety of procedures.
Examples of use include:
- MRI procedures, where weighted blankets can help people feel more relaxed during the procedure.
- Radiation therapy, where they can help reduce fatigue and provide a sense of security.
- Surgery, where they can help reduce pain and anxiety.
- Hospice care, where they can help provide a sense of comfort for people who are dying.
Weighted blankets aren’t miracle cures, but they can certainly help in a wide variety of cases. 🚑
Please note, though, that weighted blankets are not suitable for some medical conditions, such as heart or respiratory problems, which we look at in more detail further down.
Who shouldn’t use a weighted blanket?
Despite the many weighted blanket benefits, they are not suitable for everyone.
Weighted blankets shouldn’t be used during pregnancy
You should not use a weighted blanket if you are pregnant. 🤰
The added weight of the blanket can put unnecessary pressure on the stomach and cause discomfort.
Additionally, the extra heat generated by the blanket can be dangerous for both the mother and the developing fetus.
For these reasons, it’s best to steer clear of weighted blankets during pregnancy.
You may find that a hugging hooded blanket, like the Oodie, makes for a comfortable alternative.

However, weighted blankets can be a great way to help soothe children.
People with heart disease or respiratory problems
Weighted blankets can put extra pressure on the body, which can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.
For example, people with heart disease or respiratory problems may find it difficult to breathe when using a weighted blanket. ❤️
The extra pressure can also aggravate joint pain and mobility issues.
As a result, it’s important to consult with a doctor before using a weighted blanket, especially if you have a medical condition. 👨⚕️
People with claustrophobia
You should not use a weighted blanket if you are claustrophobic.
For people with claustrophobia, the idea of being cocooned in a heavy blanket can be extremely anxiety-inducing.
The weight of the blanket can make it feel like the walls are closing in, and the constant pressure can make it difficult to breathe.
Weighted blankets may be helpful for some people, but for those with claustrophobia, they can do more harm than good.

There are many other ways to relax and get a good night’s sleep, such as listening to calming music, watching ASMR videos, or reading a book before bed.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
Weighted blankets are available in different weights, which depends both on the type of fabric used and the fill material.
The most common weighted blanket fabrics are organic cotton and polyester, which are filled with micro-beads, glass beads, plastic beads, or poly pellets. 🧶
Most options weigh between 5 kg and 10 kg (11 lbs - 33 lbs).
Aeyla even offers weighted blankets in a wide variety of weights.
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The right weight for you depends on your body size.
A general rule of thumb is that the blanket should be about ten per cent of your body weight.
The below may help narrow it down:
- 5 kg - 6.5 kg weighted blankets: Great for people weighing 50 - 65 kg
- 6.5 kg - 8.5 kg weighted blankets: Great for people weighing 65 - 85 kg
- 9kg + weighted blankets: Great for people weighing 85 kg +
However, this is just a general guideline.
Some people may find a heavier blanket to be more comforting, while others may prefer a lighter one. 🥰
But, if you use a weighted blanket that’s too heavy for you, it may create more of a restrictive feeling and increase anxiety.
And if you’re using a weighted blanket that’s too light for you, you won’t experience any of the benefits.
You can also fold a blanket in half to increase the weight in any one area. 😲
This is particularly useful if you’d only like to envelop one part of your body while keeping the rest unrestricted.
It’s important to experiment to see what works best for you.
How do you choose the right weighted blanket?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a weighted blanket.

The size of your weighted blanket
Weighted blankets are available in a variety of sizes, and you’d need to choose one that’s appropriate for your bed and your needs.
Common weighted blankets in UK sizes include:
- Single weighted blankets
- Double weighted blankets
- King-size weighted blankets
These don’t always correlate to standard UK duvet sizes, and many weighted blanket brands have very specific measurements.
The standard size for weighted blankets in the UK, though, is the king size at 150 x 200 cm (59 x 78.7 inches). 🇬🇧
Some outlets will sell a variety of sizes that may better suit your needs, and many retailers have specialist sizes.

Remember, though, that weighted blankets are usually designed to be used by one person only.
If both you and your partner want the comfort of a weighted blanket, it’s better to invest in two smaller ones or opt for a heavier couple’s weighted blanket. 👩❤️👨
We’d recommend the former.
The weight of your weighted blanket
Next, you need to choose the right weighted blanket weight.
As we’ve seen above, your blanket should be about ten per cent of your body weight, and you can get weighted blanket options ranging from 2 kg up to 10 kg.
Lighter weighted blankets are better suited to smaller individuals and children.

Some people with claustrophobia, who usually wouldn’t feel comfortable with weighted blankets, can even experience some benefits with lighter weighted blankets.
Heavy weighted blankets are best for those of a larger build.
Generally, weighted blankets that weigh 4 kg (8.8 lbs) and under are made for children, while most adult weighted blankets weigh upwards of 5 kg (11 lbs).
The Aeyla Weighted Blanket is even available in a few weight options to suit a wider variety of sleepers.
35% OFF AEYLA WEIGHTED BLANKET
The fabric of your weighted blanket
Finally, you need to choose the right fabric for your blanket.
Weighted blankets are typically made with cotton or polyester, which are filled with microbeads, glass beads, or poly pellets.
Some weighted blankets are also made with more delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere. 🐛

Be sure to choose a fabric that is comfortable and breathable, especially if you’re looking for a cooling weighted blanket, as you don’t want to get too hot while sleeping. ❄️
Natural weighted blankets will generally be more expensive than those made with synthetic materials.
Can you wash a weighted blanket?
Not all weighted blankets are washable, but if you do have a washable weighted blanket, it’s important to follow the care instructions carefully. 🛀
Some weighted blankets are made with delicate materials like silk or cashmere and can only be dry-cleaned.
Others are made with more durable materials like cotton or polyester and can be machine-washed.
Here are some tips for washing your weighted blanket:
- Start by checking the care instructions that came with your blanket.
- Some weighted blankets can be machine-washed, while others need to be hand-washed.
- If your blanket is machine-washable and within the weight limits of your washing machine, choose a gentle cycle and use cold water (unless otherwise specified).
- If your blanket is hand-washable, fill a bathtub or large sink with lukewarm water and soap. Gently massage the soap into the blanket until it is evenly distributed, and then rinse well.
You may be able to tumble dry some weighted blankets at low temperatures, but it’s always best to air dry them to avoid damaging the fabric or fill. ☀️
If possible, hang the blanket outside in the fresh air to help it dry faster.

That said, even if your weighted blanket is machine-washable, most high-quality weighted blankets exceed the weight limit of household washing machines. 🧺
We’d recommend spot cleaning if need be.
If you’re uncertain whether you can keep the blanket clean (say, if you have pets or small children), you can also opt for a weighted blanket with a removable cover.
The Emma Hug weighted blanket can be machine-washed and has a removable, washable cover!
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Weighted blanket covers are usually machine-washable at a high temperature, making them a more hypoallergenic choice. 🦠
What’s the best weighted blanket UK?
We can’t distinctly say that there’s “one” best weighted blanket in the UK, but there will be a perfect match for you.
Consider the size and weight of the blanket, as well as the materials it is made from, to find your perfect match.
Restful, anxiety-free sleep is only one good weighted blanket away!
Here’s a recap of some of the best weighted blanket UK options:
Table of Contents
How do weighted blankets work?
What are the health benefits of using a weighted blanket?
Who are weighted blankets suitable for?
Who shouldn’t use a weighted blanket?
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
How do you choose the right weighted blanket?
Can you wash a weighted blanket?