Best Weighted Blankets in Canada — Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

The Puffy is my best durable weighted blanket in Canada for its sturdiness and strong stitching. It’s an incredibly well-made blanket that comes with a lifetime warranty. It feels sturdy and promises durability in use. I especially appreciate the stitching quality, which is a detail many manufacturers neglect. The stitches are neat and strong in the Puffy weighted blanket, which reduces the chances of the weight shifting (as the glass beads will remain in place).

This model can also boast of a dual-sided design. Using breathable cotton, the Puffy has a smooth and a plush side that can give sleepers more comfort variations. For instance, I was using the smooth side during summer, as it feels pleasantly cool to the touch. And when the night air started feeling too crispy, I switched to the plush side for extra coziness. Therefore, the Puffy weighted blanket can keep you comfortable all year long.

All in all, the Puffy weighted blanket is a real gem. It is quality-made, balanced, and easy to care for. Plus, it’s not likely to disappoint sleepers, as this model comes with a free trial.

Based on Our Tests

According to my tests, I noticed that the Puffy weighted blanket is designed to be used in different weather. The different surface textures allowed me to dictate the amount of coziness I wanted per time, which I find better than using different weighted blankets for different seasons.

Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve reviewed a lot of weighted blankets in Canada, testing each of them for about 5 days to a week and taking note of their strengths and weaknesses. While testing them, I’ve paid special attention to their actual weight, size, construction, and thermoregulation. Each of these factors determine whether a weighted blanket actually has the weight it says on the manufacturer’s website, doesn’t sleep hot, has a layered or quilted design, or actually covers the body. I also take into consideration factors like price, warranty, sleep trial, and manufacturer credibility, so I only introduce the product I trust.

Based on the factors mentioned, the 5 products on this list ranked higher among all the other weighted blankets. To finalize my choices, I checked the cover material to see if it’s allergen-resistant or can be removed to wash. Having all the pieces of the puzzle put together with the help of my methodologies and testing for myself, I prepared this list to facilitate your decision-making process.

Do Weighted Blankets Work?

After the launch of the Gravity blanket on Kickstarter in 2017, everyone was so hyped up about weighted blankets, so no wonder certain misconceptions arose.

Let’s find out what is true, how these blankets work, and whether they can really work for you.

According to research, weighted blankets may help improve sleep in people with certain health conditions, such as:

• Onset insomnia. A 2015 study found that a weighted blanket can reduce the symptoms of mild and moderate insomnia, such as tossing and turning, while helping the participants maintain deeper sleep with fewer awakenings.
• Anxiety. A weighted blanket wrapped around your body triggers a relaxation response that can reduce the level of stress hormones and transfer you from the ‘fight-or-flight’ to the ‘rest-and-digest’ mode.
• Restless leg syndrome. A comfy and tight hug around your legs can work as a counterstimulation and override the uncomfortable sensations. 
• Autism and ADHD. Weighted blankets were initially used as an occupational therapy tool for children with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. ADHD and ASD share the problems of sensory processing and make people who have these disorders generally more anxious. So, if you — or someone close to you — have ADHD or autism, weighted blanket therapy may help improve sleep.

“If you suffer from chronic stress — which often manifests in anxiety and difficulties with falling asleep — you can try weighted blankets too.”

How to Choose a Quality Weighted Blanket in Canada?

We all know that there’s no universal product for everyone. Still, some general recommendations on finding a suitable weighted blanket in Canada do exist.

And I will list them right below.

Size

Weighted blankets are designed to hug your body without hanging loose. That’s why their sizes may differ from the standard blanket sizes. I recommend you check your mattress size before shopping for a weighted blanket and then, match it with the dimensions I’ll list below:

• Twin bed: 38 x 72 inches for an average user or 48 x 72 inches for a larger one.
• Full bed: 48 x 72 inches for an average sleeper or 56 x 72 inches for a heavier one.
• Queen bed: Queen-size blankets typically match the size of Queen beds and measure 60 x 80 inches.
• King bed: 80 x 87 inches for average users or 88 x 104 inches for heavier ones. Note that King blankets might be too heavy for a single sleeper, so they’re typically used for couples.

There also are blankets that measure 41 x 60 inches. They work best for kids, but adults can use them as throws, too.

Weight

Weighted blankets come in different weights starting at 5-6 pounds for kids and up to 30-35 pounds for overweight sleepers and couples.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a blanket that weighs around 10-12% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, choose a 15 lbs blanket.

But what if your weight falls between the blanket sizes?

In this case, I recommend you size up. For example, if you weigh 170 pounds, go for an 18-lbs or 20-lbs blanket. A lighter option might fail to offer you a tight hug, so you’ll just end up wasting your money.

“Individuals with limited mobility, on the contrary, should opt for a lighter blanket that won’t interfere with their movements.”

Construction

The construction of your weighted blanket will determine its durability and the amount of noise it will produce. Most of the modern blankets have 7-layer construction:

• a layer of glass or ceramic beads right in the middle;
• two layers of fiber padding on each side of the layer of beads;
• a duvet cover (on both sides).

This construction ensures good durability and can block noise that the beads make as they shuffle.

Also, opt for quilted designs that have smaller pockets. They prevent the beads from migrating to the corners and ensure even distribution of the filling around your body.

“Ceramic beads feel quieter than glass beads, so if you’re sensitive to noises, keep this in mind when shopping.”

Some manufacturers use plastic pellets instead of glass beads. There isn’t much difference between the two, except for the fact that plastic beads are cheaper. Therefore, such weighted blankets are often more affordable. Additionally, plastic pellets are typically larger, which sometimes makes such blankets seem bulkier.

Aside from that, some weighted blankets have sewn-in loops around the perimeter. These loops can help you additionally secure the blanket inside the duvet cover, so it will stay even and won’t form lumps.

Thermoregulation

Now, you’ll probably use your weighted blanket long-term. That’s why it has to feel equally comfortable during winter and summer months.

Look for models with a natural or semi-natural duvet cover made of cotton or bamboo rayon. These materials are breathable and will withdraw your body heat and absorb moisture so that you can sleep comfortably.

As for synthetic materials, I recommend that you pay attention to fleece and microfiber. These materials adapt to the temperature changes in the environment and stay comfortably warm without making you drown in your sweat.

Price

Price is always a determinant when choosing a commodity. After the preferred features of the weighted blanket you want has been sorted, the next thing to watch out for is the pricing. Make sure to pick the best weighted blanket that will give you the best value per dollar. 

While high prices usually indicate premium quality, it is not always true. On the other hand, ridiculously low prices do usually indicate materials with low quality. If you are looking for premium comfort and durability then you shouldn't mind the extra cost. 

Removable Cover Option

Sooner or later, the weighted blankets we love so much will have to be cleaned. This can be a challenge though as not all weighted blankets can be machine washed. Some are too heavy or large for your regular washing machine while the materials used to make some others do not encourage using a washing machine for cleaning. 

You should always look out for weighted blankets with covers, especially if there is a high chance you will stain it during use. This way, cleaning the weighted blankets won't be much of an issue. 

Hypoallergenic

Ensure that the weighted blanket is hypoallergenic. This feature is especially vital for sensitive sleepers or allergy sufferers. These models are less prone to odor, mold, dust mites, bacteria, and other allergy causing irritants.

Trial and Warranty

If the product has a trial period where an individual can ascertain compatibility and comfortability, going for such a product is recommended. In addition, how long does the warranty extend, in case of future complaints where you might be seeking a refund or an exchange.

Also read: Best Duvets in Canada

How to Choose a Weighted Blanket for Couples?

It is rather common for couples to sleep under one weighted blanket, and there are no rules prohibiting that. However, sharing a weighted blanket is only a good idea when both partners feel perfectly comfortable. 

If the weight difference between them is significant, one weighted blanket cannot work for both. If one of them is a restless sleeper, the other partner simply might not get the needed pressure from the blanket.

It’s also worth noting that weighted blankets typically deliver better results when used by each sleeper individually. When each partner has their own blanket, they can enjoy an even pressure redistribution. Plus, they have more chances to pick the optimal weight for their body type. 

So, it’s up to every couple to decide which option would be more suitable for them. If they don’t want to give up on cuddles, partners need to make sure they choose the blanket weight suited for both of them. Otherwise, it might be a better idea to get two individual blankets and enjoy better sleep quality.

Who Shouldn’t Sleep Under a Weighted Blanket?

Even though weighted blankets can offer multiple benefits, they aren’t safe for everyone. Here’s the list of people who are advised to avoid this bedroom accessory:

• people with chronic respiratory conditions (asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.);
• young kids (especially toddlers under 2);
• people who might be claustrophobic;
• sleepers with chronic circulatory issues;
• people with low blood pressure;
• children with heart or breathing problems;
• children with epilepsy;
• people dealing with type 2 diabetes.

Purchasing Weighted Blankets in Canada : Where to?

There are ideally two options available in this section, online stores and physical stores. While both options have their perks and benefits, the online store has the upper hand and is the recommended sales avenue for products like this.

Users are allowed the optimum time for perusal and decision making, no shadowing salesperson that might persuade one into making an undue choice. Couple this with delivery and the ease of access that virtual stores offer; for example, you can be at a party, do your shopping and still have it delivered to your home.

Furthermore, discounted sales are more regular at online stores than physical ones.