How heavy should my weighted blanket be?

A weighted blanket - also known as a weighted blanket - is generally chosen to weigh about ten percent of your body weight. For children, many occupational therapists also recommend around ten percent of their body weight, often with an extra 0.5 to 1 kilogram, depending on preference and sensitivity.

Example calculation: if you weigh 70 kilograms, a blanket of around 7 kilograms is a good starting point. This is a recommendation, not a hard-and-fast rule. Some people sleep better with a slightly lighter blanket, while others prefer a slightly heavier one. Comfort comes first.

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The purpose of a weighted blanket is to provide comfort and relaxation, so you can fall asleep more easily and sleep more deeply. If a blanket feels too heavy or too warm, it can have the opposite effect. So look for a balance: heavy enough to provide the calming effect of Deep Pressure Stimulation, but comfortable enough to use all night. Read more about how it works in How does a weighted blanket work?

Novaline offers single, double and children's weighted blankets. Below, you’ll find out how to choose the right weight for each situation.

The weight of a single weighted blanket

Choose about ten percent of your body weight and use this as a starting point. A lighter blanket offers more freedom to move and feels cooler; a heavier one provides more pressure and can help reduce restlessness (tossing and turning). Use the table as a starting point.

The weight of a double weighted blanket

If you share a blanket, choose a weight that’s comfortable for both people. This often works out to 12 kg for lighter couples and 15 kg for heavier couples, in a 240×220 cm size. See the table for practical recommendations by weight class.

The weight of a weighted blanket for children

For children, use ~10% of their body weight, often with an extra 0.5–1 kg. Take their height and sensitivity to pressure into account. Use the guidelines below as a starting point and always monitor the children’s comfort.

If you’re choosing between, for example, 6 and 7 kilograms or 7 and 8 kilograms, decide what matters most to you. People who toss and turn a lot or want extra-deep pressure often find the heavier weight calming. Those who tend to overheat or want more freedom to move usually choose the lighter weight. Keep in mind that your body generally gets used to a slightly heavier blanket within a few nights.

The 10% rule is a reliable guideline, but it isn’t ideal for everyone. People who experience a lot of restlessness or sensitivity to stimuli (for example, with ADHD or anxiety) sometimes choose a slightly heavier blanket for extra grounding. Those who tend to overheat while sleeping or like to move freely choose a slightly lighter one. Body type also plays a role: broad-built and strong? A fraction heavier often feels comfortable; slimmer or very light? A slightly lighter one usually works better.

• Too light: the deep-pressure effect is less noticeable, so you may not experience improved sleep.
• Too heavy: it can feel unnecessarily warm or restrictive, especially in summer.
• Layering blankets: this often creates unpredictable pressure and warmth; it’s better to choose one suitable blanket.
• One weight for two different bodies: if there is a significant difference between you, an individual single blanket for each person may be more comfortable than sharing one blanket.

Do not use a weighted blanket for babies or children under three years old. Use caution if you have serious breathing problems, untreated sleep apnea, heart or blood pressure problems, or limited mobility that prevents you from freeing yourself from the blanket independently. If in doubt, discuss this with a doctor or therapist. For children, use should always be supervised and the blanket should be an appropriate size and weight. Read more here about using a weighted blanket safely.

The right weight feels like even, reassuring pressure across your body. You can still turn over and breathe without effort. After a few nights, you may notice less tossing and turning, a calmer mind as you fall asleep, and more stable sleep. If the blanket consistently feels too warm or constricting, choose a lighter option or a breathable cover.

Now you know how to choose the right weight. Since preferences are personal, Novaline offers a 100-day trial period. During this period, you can try out your weighted blanket at your leisure. If you’re not happy with the blanket, you can return it.

If you want to be sure you make the best choice, start with our decision aid and explore the different Novaline weighted blankets.