The Best Cooling Weighted Blanket, Tested and Reviewed By Real Simple

This blanket is extremely well-constructed, with intricate stitching that keeps the fill secure. We really enjoyed the cooling features of this blanket, which consist of a silky bamboo exterior and glass bead filling. - Real Simple

While weighted blankets might get a bad rap for being too stuffy for hot sleepers, there are plenty of breathable options on the market that won’t make you overheat. “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 Peter Polos, MD, sleep medicine specialist.

“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.”

To find the best cooling weighted blankets, we tested 35 options in our Des Moines lab and at home, considering factors such as quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. Our top picks include options made from breathable materials, like cotton, as well as blankets that are constructed to promote better airflow.

Our Top Pick

The ZonLi Bamboo Weighted Blanket proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality cooling weighted blanket. Despite its affordable price, this blanket is extremely well-constructed, with intricate stitching that keeps the fill secure. We really enjoyed the cooling features of this blanket, which consist of a silky bamboo exterior and glass bead filling.

While the blanket's construction was impressive, we found that it weighed slightly beneath the manufacturer's advertised weight. It was listed as 15 pounds, but we weighed it in around 13 pounds. Despite this variation, the weighted blanket performed well throughout our lab tests, especially for its cooling power. We think it's an especially good choice for those who prefer cooling relief to warmth and don’t want to break the bank. 

 ZonLi’s Bamboo Weighted Blanket  impressed us with its temperature-regulating properties. 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 of us, keeping in mind that a weighted blanket should weigh approximately 10% of the user’s body weight. We evaluated the overall construction of each blanket, checking for flaws like loose threads or unkempt seams. We also took and recorded the blanket's measurements.

Next, we assessed the feel and quality of each weighted blanket, noting whether it felt smooth and well-made or scratchy and stiff. To mimic real-world use, we spent five minutes under the blanket while monitoring the temperature, heat, airflow, and breathability—all important factors for cooling weighted blankets. We also moved the blanket to see if the filling and material produced a sound. Then, we folded, moved, lifted, and pulled the blanket, to see if the filling shifted or remained evenly distributed.

We determined how easy it is to spot-clean each blanket by pouring 1 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, we treated it with a Tide pen.

For weighted blankets that are machine-washable, we 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). We also measured the blanket again to see if it shrunk post-wash.

After our lab tests were complete, we saw the retail price of each weighted blanket and rated its value considering its performance in our evaluations. We also rated each blanket’s quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, and durability. For long-term testing, we took the blankets home and evaluated their performance after three and six months of use.

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, or 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 recommends looking for a weighted blanket that’s between 5% and 12% of your body weight, noting that the sweet spot for most people is around 10%. (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. 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.

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. You can also get cooling pillowcases, cooling sheets, and non-weighted cooling blankets.

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. It was updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. 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.

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. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.