The Gravity Blanket calls itself the “world’s most popular weighted blanket,” which may be true if they have sold the most weighted blankets in the world, but is it the best? The Gravity Blanket, like other weighted blankets, are growing in popularity for their ability to reduce anxiety. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide on one, so we put a couple to the test, including this one, to see if we’d recommend it to you.
Size and weight: Different weights, same size
To get sleep benefits from a weighted blanket, the sleep experts say the size and weight of the weighted blanket you need depend on your height and weight. The general rule is to choose a weighted blanket that is about 10 percent of your weight, erring on the heavier side. I weigh around 115, so I picked up the 15-pound blanket. While initially, it felt quite heavy, when I was actually using it as a blanket, it felt comforting (like being “tucked in”). After using it for a while and switching back to my usual comforter and sheet, the common stuff didn’t feel as cozy. I missed the Gravity Blanket. The Gravity Blanket I tested only comes in one size, a single, 48 x 72 inches—the size of a throw blanket. It may sound small, but most weighted blankets are not designed to drape the bed or be shared fully. The blanket’s weight needs to be concentrated on one person to induce the “hugging” effect that makes sleep better. I found the size to be perfect for my 5’2’’ frame, but anyone taller may prefer a longer blanket.
Material: Included duvet
The inner weighted blanket is made of 100 percent cotton filled with fine-grade glass beads for weight. The beads are sewn into grids to keep the weight uniformly distributed. Ties and elastic buttons secure the weighted blanket to the cover. The duvet cover is made out of a premium, ultra-soft, micro-plush polyester material. The stitching throughout adds to a grid pattern design. While comfortable, the blanket is way too hot to use when it’s warm outside. But on a cold night in an apartment without the heat on, it kept me nice and toasty without making me feel overheated. For hotter nights, Gravity Blankets sells a “cooling” weighted blanket.
Texture: Plush and cozy
The duvet cover is extra plush and oh-so-cozy. Picture in your mind your coziest, soft sweater or a low-pile fur rug, and that’s what this blanket feels like against your skin. It’s very comfortable to snuggle up with and keeps you warm on cool nights. The inner blanket has adequate softness but has a slightly rough texture, so it’s not ideal to use on its own. Besides, using it on its own isn’t recommended since the cover protects the inner blanket from getting dirty.
Performance: Better sleep
Gravity Blanket calls the magic of weighted blankets “deep touch pressure stimulation,” but basically, that translates to weighted blankets simulating a hug and the weight relaxing the nervous system. While I sleep fairly well anyway, I felt that I slept through the night better with the weighted blanket. Not only was it cozy and warm on a cold night, but the weight gave me a comforting feeling, making me feel more relaxed.
Washing: Spot clean only
The inner, weighted blanket inside the duvet cover is hand-wash and air dry only. However, the duvet cover is machine washable (in cold water, tumble dry low). This is true for many weighted blankets because washing machines can disturb the weight distribution, and the blankets can be too much weight for some machines.
Price: Expensive
The Gravity Blanket costs $189. One interesting aspect of the Gravity Blanket is that the price doesn’t change based on weight. Note that the size (height and length) doesn’t change either, just the amount of filling inside. The $189 price tag is considered average but bordering on expensive for a weighted blanketed. Considering that this blanket comes with a duvet cover, the cost is somewhat more palatable.
The Gravity Blanket vs. the YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket
I also tested out the YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket. Of the two, I found myself using the YnM blanket most often because it is much cooler and more comfortable to use for hot Florida nights. If you live somewhere cold, you might prefer the Gravity Blanket for its warmth and coziness. Full disclosure: I did not have a chance to try Gravity’s version of the cooling weighted blanket, so I can’t give you a true apples-to-apples comparison. The YnM Cooling blanket is less expensive, around $100 depending on the weight, and it’s available in more sizes and colors. The Gravity Blanket’s big bonus is that it comes with a duvet cover, whereas the YnM blanket does not. For better sleep, the Gravity Blanket is a cozy, warm option. While it’s on the pricier end, the high-quality materials and included duvet cover make it worth it. For those in cold climates who want better sleep, the Gravity Blanket is for you.
