How to Choose a Weighted Blanket: The Complete Australian Buying Guide
Weighted blankets have gone from an occupational therapy tool to one of the most popular sleep accessories in Australia — and for good reason. But with so many weights, sizes, and fillings on the market, picking the right one can feel more complicated than it should be.
This guide walks through everything you need to know before you buy, so you end up with a blanket that actually helps you sleep better — not one that sits in the cupboard after a week.
What Is a Weighted Blanket, and How Does It Actually Work?
A weighted blanket is a blanket filled with evenly distributed weight — usually glass beads or plastic pellets — sewn into small quilted pockets. The extra weight applies gentle, even pressure across your body, a sensation known as Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation (DPTS).
This pressure mimics the feeling of being hugged or held, which can help the body shift from "fight or flight" (sympathetic nervous system) into a calmer, more relaxed state (parasympathetic nervous system). Research on weighted blankets — including a widely cited Australian meta-analysis of 18 studies — has linked their use to improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and even lower reliance on sleep medication in some adults.
In short: it's not a gimmick, but it also isn't magic. The blanket needs to be the right weight and size for it to work the way it's designed to.
Step 1: Choose the Right Weight
This is the single most important decision you'll make, and it's also where most people get it wrong.
The 10% rule: As a general guide, your weighted blanket should be around 10% of your body weight, give or take a kilogram or two depending on personal preference.
| Body weight | Recommended blanket weight |
|---|---|
| 45–55kg | 4.5–5.5kg |
| 55–70kg | 5.5–7kg |
| 70–90kg | 7–9kg |
| 90kg+ | 9kg+ |
A few things to keep in mind:
- First-timers should size down, not up. If you're between two weights, choose the lighter option. It's much easier to get used to a lighter blanket and adjust than to feel overwhelmed by one that's too heavy and stop using it altogether.
- Couples sharing a blanket should calculate the weight based on each person's share of the blanket, not combined body weight — this is one reason a King size at a moderate weight often works better for couples than one heavy blanket meant for a single sleeper.
- For kids, weight should never be based on the 10% adult rule alone — see the safety section below.
Step 2: Choose the Right Size
Weighted blankets are designed to sit on your body, not drape over the edges of your bed the way a doona does. This is a common surprise for first-time buyers: a queen weighted blanket is not the same as a queen quilt.
- Lap (throw size): Best for using on the couch, in a chair, or for smaller beds and smaller children.
- Double (122 x 183cm): A great in between size from the Single to Queen size that's perfect for older kids and adults alike
- Queen (approx. 152 x 203cm): The most popular size — fits neatly over one adult sleeping on a queen or double bed without overhang.
- King (approx. 221 x 203cm): Suited to taller or larger individuals, or couples who want to share — some people intentionally fold a king-size blanket for extra concentrated weight on a smaller area.
- Kids sizes (single bed): Sized and weighted specifically for smaller bodies — never simply a scaled-down adult blanket.
If you're torn between two sizes, think about where you'll use it most (bed vs couch) rather than matching it to your existing bedding size.
Step 3: Choose the Right Filling and Fabric
Not all weighted blankets are made the same way, and the filling affects both comfort and durability.
- Glass beads: The most common filling in quality weighted blankets. They're small, quiet, hypoallergenic, and allow for very even weight distribution — look for this if you want a blanket that drapes well and doesn't feel lumpy.
- Plastic pellets or sand: A cheaper alternative, often noisier and less evenly distributed.
- Outer fabric: Options usually range from soft microfibre or plush minky (warmer, cosier — ideal for most of the year in Australia).
- Quilting/stitching: Look for a blanket with small, tightly sewn pockets. This stops the filling from shifting or bunching over time, which is one of the most common complaints with lower-quality blankets.
Step 4: Think About Why You're Buying One
Different needs call for slightly different priorities:
- For better sleep or general relaxation: Focus on getting the weight right (the 10% rule) and a fabric that suits your sensory preference.
- For anxiety or stress: Many people find a slightly heavier blanket (closer to the top of their weight range) more effective, but it's worth starting moderate and adjusting.
- For children with sensory needs, ADHD, or autism: Always err on the lighter, safer side of the weight guide (see below) and look for a blanket specifically designed and weighted for kids. Make sure the fabric aligns with the child's sensory needs.
- For older adults or anyone with mobility, respiratory, or circulatory conditions: Speak with a GP or occupational therapist before choosing a weight, as a blanket that's too heavy can pose a safety risk for some people.
A Note on Safety
Weighted blankets are safe for most people when sized correctly, but a few guardrails matter:
- Never use a weighted blanket on infants or toddlers under 2 years old.
- For children, ensure the weighted blanket is smaller than a usual blanket - something like a lap blanket or single blanket that is more appropriate for their smaller size.
- If you or a family member has a respiratory, circulatory, or mobility condition, check with a healthcare professional before choosing a weight.
Quick Buying Checklist
Before you check out, make sure you can answer these:
- Have I weighed myself (or the person I'm buying for) recently, so I'm sizing off an accurate number?
- Does the size I'm choosing match where I'll actually use it (bed vs couch)?
- If this is my first weighted blanket, have I sized toward the lighter end of the range?
- If it's for a child, have I checked age and weight guidelines specifically for kids?
- What is the return policy? Can I return the blanket if I simply don't enjoy it?
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy should my weighted blanket be? As a general rule, aim for around 10% of your body weight. If you're unsure, choose the lighter of two options — you can always size up later, but an overly heavy blanket often ends up unused.
Can weighted blankets help with anxiety? Many people find that the deep pressure from a weighted blanket has a calming effect, similar to a hug, which can help ease anxiety symptoms and support better sleep. It's a complementary tool rather than a replacement for professional treatment.
Are weighted blankets safe for kids? Yes, when sized correctly for the child's weight and age. Weighted blankets should never be used on children under 2, and weight should be chosen more conservatively than the adult guideline.
Can couples share one weighted blanket? Yes, typically with a King or Queen size chosen at a moderate weight, or by each person using their own single-size blanket for a more individually tailored feel.
How do I clean a weighted blanket? Due to the internal weight of the blankets it's advised to hand wash the blankets and then spread out over a washing line to dry. The weight of the blankets when wet can break a washing machine and a dryer.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Browse our full range of weighted blankets, or check out our size guide for exact measurements.
