UK review: tested weighted blankets and the top picks for sleep and calm

A Guardian reviewer tested 10 bestselling weighted blankets available in the UK to find which models help with sleep and anxiety, naming the Emma Hug as the overall winner and highlighting budget and specialist options. The piece notes weighted blankets are used as a form of deep touch pressure and are being trialled by scientists, medics and some NHS trusts to comfort dementia patients, soothe neurodivergent children and relieve chronic pain.

The reviewer weighed and measured each blanket, tried them on the sofa and in bed over several nights, and then donated the samples to Southampton Hospitals Charity; the charity’s engagement officer Shona Brooks said they “were so well received”. Top recommendations included the Emma Hug (7.3kg) as the best overall for even weight distribution and temperature control, the Silentnight Wellbeing (£35) as the best budget option for softness, the Oodie weighted blanket as the warmest choice available in several weights and colours, and the OHS Minecraft (3kg) as the best children’s blanket with secure padding and stitching.

The review gives measured weights, materials and washing notes for each model and flags differences in size and heat retention between them.

Key Topics

Health, Emma Hug, Silentnight Wellbeing, Oodie, Ohs Minecraft, Nhs