To find the best cooling weighted blankets, we tested 35 options in our Lab while considering factors such as quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. We also spoke to Peter Polos, MD, sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number, for tips on how to choose a cooling weighted blanket. “Temperature plays an important role in our ability to fall and stay asleep, so when our bodies are too warm (either because of the room temperature or our bedding), it can disrupt our sleep stages,” says Dr. Polos. “The cooling aspect of a weighted blanket can further assist with the promotion of sleep. The cooling pulls heat away from our body which aids with decreasing our internal core temperature, a factor in maintaining quality sleep.” Our top pick is the Baloo Weighted Blanket for its lightweight, breezy feel and durable construction. We also like that it has convenient corner loops that you can attach to a duvet cover. Here are the best cooling weighted blankets, according to our tests. Who it isn’t for: People who are prone to spills and messes. Those who prefer a cool sleeping environment should look to this pick from Baloo for all the benefits of a weighted blanket with none of the stuffiness. In our tests, this cooling weighted blanket stood out for its lightweight yet high-quality construction. (It has a 100 percent cotton exterior and is filled with glass beads.) “There would be no overheating with this product in my opinion,” says our tester. “The lightweight sheet-like exterior breathes well.” This blanket also earned a perfect score for its comfort and warmth during our evaluations, and our tester highlighted the “excellent workmanship” and corner loops that allow you to tie additional bedding (like a duvet cover) to the corners and sides. Though this blanket is machine washable, our testing revealed that the coffee stain did not quickly blot out—so if you like to snack from bed or are prone to spills, you might want to add a duvet cover or opt for another blanket. Price at time of publish: From $179
Weight: 4 weights ranging from 12 to 25 poundsMaterial: CottonFilling: Glass beadsCare: Machine-washable
Who it isn’t for: People who want a blanket that weighs in at its precise manufacturer specs. The ZonLi Bamboo Weighted Blanket proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality cooling weighted blanket. Our tester says they “really enjoyed the cooling feature of this blanket,” which consists of a bamboo exterior and glass bead filling. We tested the bamboo version, but this weighted blanket is also available with a cotton exterior. While the blanket’s construction was impressive, our tester found that it weighed slightly beneath the manufacturer’s advertised weight. The blanket was listed as 15 pounds, but we found it weighed roughly 13 pounds during our testing. Despite its weight variation, this weighted blanket performed well throughout our Lab tests, especially for its cooling power. “It did have a cooling touch to it, which was very relaxing for someone who finds cold more relaxing than warmth,” says our tester. Price at time of publish: $80
Weight: 10 weights ranging from 5 to 30 poundsMaterial: Bamboo Filling: Glass beadsCare: Machine-washable
Who it isn’t for: People who want a weighted blanket with plenty of airflow and ventilation. A cooling weighted blanket should last for years, so buying a high-quality option is well worth the investment. Gravity’s Cooling Weighted Blanket has a soft, removable cover that’s made with lyocell, which is derived from eucalyptus. In our Lab tests, the blanket received a perfect score for its comfort and cooling abilities. “As a cooling blanket, it did not make me warm or trap any heat during testing,” says our tester. “It does not appear to have much airflow, yet it was still cooling.” Our tester did note that some stitching was unraveling, which could be a cause for concern after repeated washes. (The cover is machine-washable, while the inner blanket is hand-wash only.) Despite some slight construction flaws, this blanket impressed our testers with its cooling properties. Price at time of publish: $200
Weight: 4 weights ranging from 15 to 35 poundsMaterial: LyocellFilling: Glass beadsCare: Removable cover is machine-washable
Who it isn’t for: People who want a machine-washable cooling weighted blanket. With 30+ colors, 10 weights, and five sizes to choose from, this YnM Weighted Blanket allows you to tailor your blanket to perfectly fit your needs. The small quilting and layered design ensure that the glass beads don’t shift or leak, while the cotton exterior is soft to the touch. “The touch of this blanket was so silky and smooth,” says our tester. “Nothing was scratchy and it was evenly weighted, so no matter how I moved in the bed, I had the same comfort level.” Unlike other selections on our list, this blanket is not machine-washable, so if routine cleaning is a priority, you may want to select a blanket that’s easier to clean. In our testing, we also found this weighted blanket was a few pounds less than what the manufacturer listed. But if you’re okay with that, we still think this is a solid cooling weighted blanket, especially for its wide variety of colors and sizes—plus, it’s affordable enough to snag one for every room. Price at time of publish: $60
Weight: 12 weights ranging from 5 to 30 lbsMaterial: CottonFilling: Glass beadsCare: Spot-clean only
Our testers raved about its quality, comfort, and warmth, with only a few minor drawbacks noted for ease of cleaning (only the cover is machine-washable) and durability. While this pick is on the higher end in terms of price, its construction aligns with the cost—it “felt very high quality and like it would hold up to wear and tear long term,” according to our tester. We noticed some shrinking post-wash, though it held up well otherwise and seems to be a long-lasting cooling weighted blanket. We just wish this blanket came in more weight options, as it’s only available in 12 and 20 pounds. Price at time of publish: $200
Weight: 12 and 20 poundsMaterial: Polyester, cotton, 37.5 technologyFilling: Glass beadsCare: Removable cover is machine-washable
Who it isn’t for: People who want a blanket that feels smooth and plush on their skin. For those who want the heft of a weighted blanket without the traditional appearance, opt for this sophisticated knit option from Bearaby. The organic cotton fibers are woven into a chunky knit throw, which allows for ventilation and makes it a great addition to your living room couch or the foot of your bed. “The large knit allowed air to flow through and keep me warm without overheating,” says one tester, who recommends this blanket for hot sleepers. In our testing, we also found that this cooling weighted blanket was made with exceptional quality, and it’s machine-washable, too. While it isn’t a budget option, we think this blanket’s luxe construction, feel, and appearance justify the cost. Plus, the blanket is Made in Green by Oeko-Tex certified, which ensures that the product was manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities and made with materials that have been tested for harmful substances. Just keep in mind that this blanket won’t have the plush, smooth feel of traditional weighted blankets due to its knit design. Price at time of publish: From $199
Weight: 4 weights ranging from 10 to 25 poundsMaterial: CottonFilling: NoneCare: Machine-washable
Who it isn’t for: People who want a blanket that comes in a variety of weights. With the Brooklyn Bedding Dual Therapy Weighted Blanket, you get the best of both worlds. It has a crisp cooling side as well as a cozy plush side, so you can choose whichever you’re in the mood for. In our evaluations, this weighted blanket earned stellar reviews for its quality and comfort, and testers loved that it has additional features like ties to keep the insert from shifting. The cooling side of the cover is made with Tencel lyocell (a breathable eucalyptus-derived material), while the warm side is like a plush polyester. The interior consists of glass beads, which are the ideal filling material for hot sleepers. “The ties inside keep the insert in place, and there is no moving around when moving the blanket and throwing it around,” says one tester, who also says that “having sides that were two different fabric types was very nice.” If you get chilly and want a cozier blanket, you can flip the cover to the plush side for more warmth. Price at time of publish: $169
Weight: 15 and 20 poundsMaterial: Tencel and polyesterFilling: Glass beadsCare: Removable cover is machine-washable
We also recommend ZonLi’s Bamboo Weighted Blanket as a more affordable alternative that still impressed our testers. It has a cool-to-the-touch bamboo cover and is filled evenly with glass beads.
Our Testing Process
We tested 35 weighted blankets in our Lab to find the best cooling options for hot sleepers. We first selected an appropriate blanket for each tester, keeping in mind that a weighted blanket should weigh approximately 10 percent of the user’s body weight. Our testers evaluated the overall construction of their blanket, checking for flaws like loose threads or unkempt seams. They also took and recorded the blanket’s measurements. Next, our testers assessed the feel and quality of their weighted blanket, noting whether it felt smooth and well-made or scratchy and stiff. To mimic real-world use, our testers spent five minutes under the blanket while monitoring the temperature, heat, airflow, and breathability—all important factors for cooling weighted blankets. Our testers also moved the blanket to see if the filling and material produced a sound. Then, our testers folded, moved, lifted, and pulled the blanket, to see if the filling shifted or remained evenly distributed. Our testers determined how easy it is to spot-clean their blankets by pouring one tablespoon of coffee onto its surface, letting it sit for 30 seconds, and blotting the area with a cool, wet towel. If a stain remained after this initial cleaning, testers treated it with a Tide pen. For weighted blankets that are machine-washable, our testers washed them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, evaluating whether the blankets showed any signs of wear or damage (like loose threads, separated seams, holes, tears, shifted fill distribution, and texture changes). They also measured the blanket again to see if it shrunk post-wash. After our Lab tests were complete, testers saw the retail price of each weighted blanket and rated its value considering its performance in our evaluations. Testers also rated each blanket’s quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, and durability.
How to Shop for Cooling Weighted Blankets Like a Pro
Material
When shopping for cooling weighted blankets, it’s essential to choose moisture-wicking and breathable materials, like bamboo, Tencel, and cotton. All of the blankets on our list are made of cooling fabrics that will provide all the benefits of a weighted blanket with none of the overheating. “One of the most important factors is making sure that the material itself can actually promote a cooling environment,” says Dr. Polos. “Some regular weighted blankets might be able to help promote feelings of relaxation, but they could also trap heat. It’s best to look for something that has breathable materials and avoid those that retain heat such as nylon.”
Weight
Dr. Polos says you should look for a weighted blanket that’s between 5 and 12 percent of your body weight, noting that the sweet spot for most people is around 10 percent. (That’s a 15-pound weighted blanket for a 150-pound person and a 20-pound weighted blanket for a 200-pound person.) Some of the most versatile weighted blankets we tested are available in a wide variety of weights and sizes, ranging from 2 to 25 pounds.
Filling
Weighted blankets can be filled with sand, plastic pellets, glass beads, and more. Glass beads are best for hot sleepers because they don’t conduct heat. If you dislike the conventional look of a weighted blanket, you can also opt for a knit option like the Bearaby Cotton Napper. In our testing, we found that the woven structure allows for better air ventilation, which keeps you cool at night.
Cleaning and Care
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for details on how to care for your cooling weighted blanket. Not every piece is machine-washable, so you should look for blankets that specify whether they can be placed in the washer and dryer. (Some might require industrial-grade washing machines, while others might need to air dry instead of tumble dry.) Dr. Polos says you should look for a blanket with a removable cover, which can typically be machine-washed and dried for easy cleaning.
More Cooling Weighted Blankets to Consider
The Company Store LaCrosse All Seasons Weighted Blanket: The Company Store’s weighted blanket is a solid option for year-round use. It has a 100 percent cotton cover that our tester described as “warm yet breathable.” We just wish it came in more color options—it’s only available in white, blue, and gray. Nest Bedding Weighted Blanket: Overall, we found the Nest Bedding Weighted Blanket to be a soft and comfortable option. “It was heavy enough to feel comfortable but didn’t trap the heat,” says one tester. However, it suffered some significant damage post-wash—there was a hole in the blanket and strings were hanging from it.
Questions You Might Ask
What is the difference between a cooling weighted blanket and a regular weighted blanket?
Cooling weighted blankets offer all the benefits of a conventional weighted blanket without the materials that may cause you to overheat. Cooling weighted blankets are constructed with breathable covers and are often filled with glass beads. Unlike traditional weighted blankets, which may have a fleece, faux-shearling, or plush exterior, cooling versions are more likely to have a soft and smooth cover that doesn’t trap heat or moisture.
What is the best material to keep you cool at night?
“Some materials retain heat more than others, so it’s best to look for something that is breathable and can move heat and humidity away from your body,” says Dr. Polos. Materials like cotton, bamboo, and Tencel, also known as lyocell, are the best options to keep you cool. Weighted blankets made with these materials are more breathable, moisture-wicking, and cool to the touch.
Do cooling weighted blankets help with night sweats?
There are a lot of reasons why you might be struggling with night sweats. If you’re overheating at night because of anxiety and stress, then a cooling weighted blanket can help ease those symptoms without causing you to sweat more.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Quinn Gawronski, associate commerce editor for Real Simple, who has three years of experience writing and editing product reviews and roundups. To compile this list, we tested 35 weighted blankets in our Lab and evaluated them on quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. For expert tips, we consulted Peter Polos, MD, sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
