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What's So Great About Gravity Blanket? We Went Undercover to Find Out.
Reviewed by Amanda Hitchcock
Last Updated January 2022
The Bottom Line: Gravity’s Cooling Weighted Blanket
At first glance, a weighted blanket might not seem like anything special, and, honestly, the concept itself is pretty simple. It’s a heavy blanket.
But pull back the covers, and the purpose of the product becomes incredibly layered, and the story of its emergence as a wellness solution paints a complex picture of the social, professional, and personal expectations we harbor and inhabit each day.
At its core, the Gravity Blanket is all about pressure; the pressures we put on ourselves, the pressure we feel from the world around us, and the physical manifestation of those stressors as they impact our ability to rest and recover in the ways our bodies need. It may seem counterintuitive to add a weighted blanket on top of mental or physical strain; however, the Gravity Blanket is backed by multiple studies that illustrate the soothing, calming effects of full-body compression, Deep Touch Pressure therapy (DTP), as well as its positive effects on sleep and muscle recovery.
As someone who struggles with anxiety (and therefore sleep), I decided to give Gravity Blanket a shot. As someone who’s no stranger to “needing to chill out,” and since I prefer to sleep cooler, I opted for Gravity’s Cooling Blanket — so I could enjoy a good night’s rest, no sweat.
*Please note that this review reflects my personal experience and should not be used to supplement medical advice or expertise
Pros
- Very comfortable and soft
- Pressure is evenly distributed and not overwhelming
- Blanket stays put (and so do you)
- Breathable blanket/ duvet cover made of machine washable, moisture-wicking fabric
- Inner, weighted layer is secured to the duvet cover with a series of ties to prevent shifting and bunching
- Duvet cover includes your choice of a zipper closure system or, if you prefer, buttons and ties
- Inner, weighted layer is composed of a gridded system filled with super-tiny, hypo-allergenic glass beads
- Precise, gridded stitching keeps weight evenly distributed across the entire blanket
- Comes in 3 modern and stylish neutral colors (grey, blue, and white)
- Free shipping in the U.S.
Cons
- Limited color selection if looking for more variety
- Should not be used with a secondary sheet (comforter only)
- It’s weighted…so…larger sizes can be pretty heavy when unboxing
- If you share a bed, sharing a weighted blanket will provide deeper sleep – and can generate increased snoring (more on this later)
Gravity Cooling Blanket: Key Features
Gravity Cooling Blanket | $205 – $265
Single Size (72” x 48”, 15-20-25lbs)
Queen or King (90″ x 90″, 35lbs)
Science-backed product and design
Moisture wicking and machine washable duvet cover (wash in cold water, tumble dry on low)
Inner, weighted blanket is hand-wash-only and air dry
Choice of zipper closure or ties and snaps for outer layer
Inner weighted layer contains fine-grade glass beads that are hypoallergenic (these are undetectable, think sand)
Inner layer is secured to the cover with multiple ties, so the blanket doesn’t shift or bunch while you sleep
Available in 3 colors: Dark Grey, White, or Royal Blue
Free shipping within the U.S.
About Gravity Blanket
Weighted blankets are a common therapeutic option for those with severe anxiety, PTSD, autism, and other behavioral or mental disorders, but until Gravity, they weren’t easily accessible, nor were they designed for regular, in-home use. Since its successful launch in 2017, Gravity has become helpful resource, delivering welcome relief to those suffering from chronic anxiety, depression, and insomnia — while providing a simple, effective way for people to manage their physical and mental health and reduce stress with a sound night’s sleep.
Gravity’s blankets and masks leverage Deep-Touch Pressure Stimulation (DTP), which is known to induce a soothing physiological reaction. With stress and insomnia being culprits for ailments like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, Gravity is a game-changer, providing accessible, affordable, and lasting relief — by taking the heavy lifting out of your hands and off your mind.
Ratings Breakdown
QUALITY
★★★★★
Effective in promoting deeper sleep and reduced anxiety; durable, high-quality materials; design is backed by research and thorough testing; definitely weighted; stylish; large enough to share in Queen/King size; 35lb weight is evenly distributed and effective across a range of body types and sizes; machine washable outer cover; breathable fabric; moisture wicking; zipper closure makes cleaning simple and hassle-free; inner ties keep layers aligned
VALUE
★★★★
Durable, hypoallergenic glass-bead filler; high-quality fabrics; temperature-regulating design; easy to use; easy to adjust to long-term use; helpful in developing healthy sleep habits and reducing anxiety
CUSTOMER
EXPERIENCE
★★★★★
Free shipping; quick delivery; included basic instructions and information; did not include information/ tips on how to adjust to a weighted blanket; 30-day return policy
BRAND
★★★★★
Mental health awareness advocate; offers multiple educational articles and resources on mental health; thoughtfully-designed products; large assortment of sleep-management solutions, wellness and self-care accessories, and stress-management products
PERKS
★★★★★
Free shipping in the U.S.; 30-day return policy; frequent opportunities for special offers
Need a Lift? Unboxing the Gravity Cooling Blanket
Surprise — It’s time for a full-body workout.
Having selected Gravity‘s queen/ king-sized Cooling Blanket, once it arrived, I suspected that moving it would require some small amount of strength. However, while 35 lbs is normally a simple lift for me, 35 lbs in the form of a compressed comforter brick proved to be a much bulkier, more difficult haul.
The handles on the packaging provide a decent place to grip — which is helpful, but after moving the blanket up a few flights of stairs and onto the bed, I was definitely ready to try it out.
First Night: How Not To Use A Weighted Blanket
While I do feel this product offers real benefits when it comes to mental health, recovery, and physical wellness, it’s important to note that a weighted blanket naturally comes with a bit of an adjustment period. And while that makes sense in retrospect, I wish I’d had a better idea of what to expect — and what to avoid.
My first night using the Gravity Blanket wasn’t exactly the dream-filled snooze-fest that I’d hoped it would be. Instead, I was met with quite a bit of trial-and-error, frequent adjustments, and not much sleep. I chalk it up to a learning experience.
Now, having fully acclimated to the Gravity Cooling Blanket, I genuinely enjoy and appreciate its effective design — as well as the positive impact on my sleep, recovery, and overall health.
Here are a few pro tips from that first night to give you a strong start towards a better night’s sleep, straight out of the box.
Pro Tip #1: Lose the Layers
I naturally prefer the comfort and security of added compression for sleep. Normally, I curl up beneath a sheet and a cotton comforter, situated somewhere among a slightly concerning (definitely unnecessary) amount of pillows, occasionally topped with a soft, decorative throw.
So, before switching to my Gravity Blanket, rather than using a single heavy layer, I would create the effect of a weighted blanket by wrapping myself in a well-formed blanket burrito. Since I was used to sleeping beneath both a comforter and an underlying sheet, I figured that, when I tried the Cooling Blanket, I’d be able to do the same.
My first night using the Gravity Blanket quickly revealed that this multi-layered technique was absolutely the wrong way to go. The lesson?
Do NOT use a sheet beneath a weighted blanket.
It may not seem like a big deal, but using a secondary sheet beneath the Cooling Blanket completely counters the comforter’s signature cooling effect. The sheet stifles the blanket’s breathability and traps body heat, while the weight of the blanket itself intensifies and retains that warmth. Basically, it feels like you’re stuck in a toaster. So, ditch the extra sheets, lose the layers, and let the Cooling Blanket breathe.
Pro Tip #2: Moving Takes (A Little) More Effort
When it comes to promoting deeper sleep, Gravity Blanket means business. The blanket’s evenly-dispersed weight holds your body firmly in place while comfortably conforming to your preferred sleep style. This gently discourages active sleepers, and gradually eliminates the urge to toss and turn.
However, this also means that small adjustments are more difficult as well, so be aware that bundling up, changing positions, and adjusting the blanket will likely require more force than you’re used to.
Pro Tip #3: It Works… Really Well
Okay, so, here’s the thing. One outcome that I hadn’t considered was the Cooling Blanket‘s profound effectiveness — on my husband. While I’ve since experienced deeper, more restful sleep, anxiety relief, and more energy in the mornings, initially, I had to adjust to the abundant, joyful chorus of snores and sleep-talk from the strange and wonderful man who occupies the other side of my mattress. Fast asleep and content, and
Thankfully, the intensity and frequency of this reaction gradually decreased as we both adjusted to the Gravity Blanket and grew accustomed to consistently better sleep. But, for those of you who share a bed, be prepared for some REM rage — because both of you are about to catch some serious zzz’s.
Putting Gravity’s Claims To Bed: Final Thoughts On The Cooling Blanket
The Claim: Reduces Stress & Anxiety
The Verdict: Yes
Gravity‘s weighted blanket is comfortable and definitely calming. I’ve noticed that the compression-therapy qualities of the Cooling Blanket encourage relaxation, allowing me to fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night (that’s a pretty big deal for me). Because of this, I wake up feeling more rested, more focused, and more energized.
Even on days when my anxiety is at its worst, the Gravity Blanket is a source of comfort, stress-relief, and security. The pressure it provides is soothing, falling somewhere between a cuddle and a hug on the personal contact scale.
The Claim: Improves Sleep Quality
The Verdict: Yes
Once you’ve grown accustomed to using Gravity‘s weighted blankets, the benefits are absolutely clear. Backed by scientific studies and thorough testing, Gravity Blanket definitely delivers when it comes to better sleep and enhanced physical and mental recovery.
The Claim: Looks & Feels Great
The Verdict: Yes
From its stylish, satin-esque cover, to its thoughtfully-designed, weighted, and aligned inner layer, Gravity’s Cooling Blanket has comfort down to a science. The fabric breathes while also maintaining even compression, so you can enjoy the best of Gravity Blanket without breaking a sweat.
It’s also comfortable enough for regular use. The Cooling Blanket is my current, everyday (and every night) comforter, and has become a staple within my daily routine — whether I’m waking up or winding down.