In partnership with Bearaby.
Imagine the feeling of a great hug. In that moment, wrapped in someone’s arms, all your troubles melt away. You feel safe, warm, and happy. That isn’t just some feeling in your head -- it’s called deep touch pressure (DTP). Studies show when deep pressure is applied to the body, melatonin (the sleep hormone) and serotonin (the happy hormone) increase, while cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases. DTP has been scientifically-proven to reduce pain, improve sleep, and help treat anxiety and sensory disorders, which is why it has been used as a therapeutic treatment for decades.
Weighted blankets bring DTP to bedtime -- or naptime or couchtime -- by immersing you in gentle, full-body pressure. As someone who loves nothing more than a great night’s rest, I was hooked on weighted blankets from the first moment I tried them. But, I’ll be the first to admit, most weighted blankets are not that cute. Traditionally, weighted blankets are filled with small glass beads to get that extra heft. They tend to be clunky, limited when it comes to colors, and never really keep aesthetics top of mind. I didn’t mind that performance-first approach until I met Bearaby, the brand making weighted blankets that look great and work better.
A Bear Hug For Your Bed
Unlike most weighted blankets, Bearaby’s Nappers are made solely of a buttery-soft, breathable knit, either organic cotton or sustainably-grown eucalyptus -- no fillers here. Instead, the blanket's chunky, woven knit design allows for even weight distribution The Bearaby Napper comes in three different weights: 15, 20, and 25 pounds, with prices ranging from $249 to $299. Bearaby also offers the Nappling ($149), an 8 pound option meant for kids that is as adorable as it sounds, and the Travel Napper ($209), a 10 pound blanket and duffle set made to take on the go. To find the right blanket for you, Bearaby recommends choosing a blanket that's 10% of your body weight. Here are the brand’s general recommendations, as seen in a chart.
This is just a general rule of thumb, but some people may benefit from a blanket even heavier than these recommendations suggest. As long as you’re comfortable and able to move freely, you’re in the clear.
I tried the 10, 15, and 20 pound weight options and found the 20 to be the most comfortable and effective.
Sleeping Sound In Style
My first thought after opening my knit blanket? “Damn this thing is heavy.” While I know what 20 pounds feels like, something about a 20 pound blanket almost feels heavier than a 20 pound weight. Weight aside, the packaging is smart and efficient. Every blanket comes with a large bag that you can use to store the blanket when it’s not being used. I really appreciated this -- the dustbag makes for easy and clean storage.
My first night with the Napper I was not sold. I haphazardly threw the blanket on top of my bed and my feet kept poking through the blanket’s open weave, which made it hard for me to focus on relaxing. The next night I made a more concerted effort to lay the blanket flat on my bed before I got in. This really made a difference...that was one great sleep. I had been having trouble staying asleep and was in a pattern of waking up at least once in the early AM, but this was the first night I slept through the night completely. I tend to toss and turn a lot as well, and I find the blanket helps relax my body and keep me a little more still through the night. I’d also credit this to the fabric, which has a lovely cooling feeling (hot sleepers rejoice -- this blanket's knit design allows for solid airflow and breathability).
But, it’s not just sleep that the blanket helps you with. As I mentioned before, weighted blankets are a great tool for anxiety. If I’m feeling particularly stressed and wound-up, I’ll take a break from what I’m doing and just lay under this blanket. The combination of feeling calm, cozy, and being mindful has really done wonders for me. It really provides such a soothing feeling.
My fellow TQE Editors Kristen and Ash are also just as obsessed with their Nappers as I am.
“My husband and I are big movie watchers, we love snuggling under our Tree Napper with popcorn and a movie. It’s my favorite part of the day!” - Ash
“I’ve started using it in the middle of the day while WFH on the couch to keep me relaxed and focused (literally using while I type this). I use it in bed to help me fall asleep quicker and get better rest, and I’ve really grown to love using it while sitting on my Moon Pod. The weightless feeling I get from the Moon Pod, paired with the giant hug I get from the Tree Napper is an unmatched feeling of complete relaxation--despite living with high-functioning anxiety.” - Kristen
Did I mention their pets are loving the blankets, too?
I would be happy if this product just worked well and that was that. The fact that Bearaby’s blankets look great is an added bonus. The chunky knit brings a cozy feel to any space, and the color options are to die for. The Rose Napper adds a much needed sophisticated pop of color to my all white bedding. These blankets look lovely on top of your duvet cover or hung over your couch.
If you’re looking to up-the-ante on your nighttime routine, you can’t go wrong with a Bearaby blanket. They bring such a chic look to any space, while also being super functional. Expect better sleep, stress relief, and feelings of bliss. But, be warned, you may never want to get out of bed in the morning.
5 More Reasons To Love Bearaby:
- Peace of mind: Thanks to the brand’s return policy, if you don’t love your Bearaby after 30 days, the brand will take it back no questions asked.
- Machine-washable: Yep, just throw your Bearaby in the washing machine and tumble dry on low when it’s time for a cleaning.
- Hand knit: Bearaby’s delicate knit is done by hand with an attention to every little detail. Because they are handmade, the size and weight can vary slightly among items.
- 100% biodegradable: As if sustainable cotton wasn’t enough, Bearaby blankets are so eco-friendly, they can be composted -- though I don’t think you’re going to want to get rid of it.
- Insurance-eligible: If you need a weighted blanket to help treat a condition like anxiety or insomnia, you may be able to have part of your Bearaby covered by insurance. While every insurance policy is different, it’s worth reaching out to your doctor if you need a weighted blanket for medical purposes.
