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When I was asked to review the Bearaby Tree Napper weighted blanket, I couldn't have been more excited because I just so happen to be quite the weighted blanket enthusiast. As someone with a long history of sleep problems, I'm willing to try anything for a better night's sleep, so I was among the first people to rush out and try weighted blankets when they gained popularity a few years ago.
What I found was that I love the peaceful sensation that comes from cozying up underneath a weighted blanket, but I didn't love the design of the ones I tried. They were filled with little glass beads that would slide around as I moved (and I move a lot when I sleep), making some parts of the blanket heavier than others. But that's one of the reasons I love the Bearaby Tree Napper so much—rather than synthetic filler beads, the blanket gets its weight completely from the sustainable Tencel fabric it's made with, offering even, all-over weight and comfort.
Cozy
- Plant-based and cruelty-free
- No artificial filler beads
- Sophisticated color options
- Handmade
- Eco-friendly
- Three different weight options: 15 lbs., 20 lbs., and 25 lbs. (The recommended weighted blanket weight is 10% of your body weight.)
- Doesn't shed
Not so cozy
- A little pricey (starting at $269)
- Fingers and toes easily slip through the blanket
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wash a Bearaby weighted blanket?
The Cotton Napper and Tree Napper can both go right in the washing machine — cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent. Tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry. This is actually a huge advantage over most weighted blankets, which are either hand-wash only or too bulky for a standard washing machine. The chunky knit design means there are no beads or fillers to worry about leaking during a wash cycle.
What's the difference between the Bearaby Cotton Napper and Tree Napper?
The Cotton Napper uses organic cotton — it's soft, breathable, and great for most climates. The Tree Napper uses Tencel (eucalyptus-based fiber), which is naturally cooling and ideal for hot sleepers or warmer climates. Both provide the same weighted pressure; the difference is temperature regulation. If you tend to sleep warm, go Tree Napper. If you want classic cotton softness and don't overheat, the Cotton Napper is the pick.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
The general recommendation is about 10% of your body weight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, a 15 lb blanket is the sweet spot. Bearaby offers multiple weight options for each blanket, which makes it easy to match. Going too heavy can feel restrictive instead of cozy, so err on the lighter side if you're between sizes. The weight should feel like a comforting hug, not like you're pinned to the mattress.
Are weighted blankets actually good for sleep?
The research is genuinely encouraging. Studies have shown that the deep pressure stimulation from weighted blankets can increase serotonin and melatonin production while decreasing cortisol — basically helping your body relax and prepare for sleep. Many people with anxiety, insomnia, or restlessness report significantly better sleep quality. It's not a miracle cure, but for a lot of people, it makes a real, measurable difference.
About
Bearaby
The Bearaby Brand Story
Founded by Kathrin Hamm and headquartered in New York, Bearaby believes that, "Self-care should be joyful, good design should be functional, and deep revitalizing rest should be natural." The brand's thoughtful collection of design-forward weighted blankets delivers on its beliefs beautifully. Combining comfort and beauty, the blankets were designed without artificial filler, using impossibly soft fabric that promotes a sense of comfort and wellness.
All of Bearaby's blankets are also hand-knit with airflow and breathability in mind, so you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of a weighted blanket without worrying about overheating during the night. And because we all have different needs, Bearaby offers a wide variety of blankets for every type of sleeper, ranging from Travel Nappers for folks on-the-go to Velvet Nappers for anyone seeking an extra dose of comforting softness.
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Bearaby's Commitment to Sustainability
Bearaby is dedicated to putting the planet first, ensuring that sustainability informs everything from the materials it uses to the partners it works with. The blankets come in velvet, organic cotton, and Tencel. The velvet blankets are made from recycled marine plastic, with each individual blanket keeping 900 plastic bottles out of our precious oceans.
The brand's plant-based organic cotton and Tencel blankets are highly sustainable as well. Bearaby sources its organic long-staple cotton from India, which is farmed using 90% less water than traditional farming methods and is Fairtrade International certified. Meanwhile, the Tencel fabric is woven from renewable eucalyptus wood pulp and sourced from Austria where it's farmed using a sustainable, closed-loop process.
