Helix Weighted Blanket Review
*Note* This blanket has been discontinued by Helix. Consider checking out the very comparable Nolah Weighted Blanket for a similar option.
The Mattress Nerd’s Take: The Helix weighted blanket has an ultra cozy duvet cover made with faux sherpa fleece and velvety microfiber. It’s not ideal for hot sleepers or light sleepers (the fill is noisy), but for the price, it should be on your radar if you want a weighted throw blanket.
Who It’s Good For
- Those between 100–200 lbs
- Sleepers looking for added warmth
- Shoppers looking for a stylish throw blanket that’s weighted
- Sleepers prone to anxiety or insomnia
Who It’s Not Good For
- Hot sleepers
- Kids under 100 lbs
- Couples
- Light sleepers concerned about noise
Helix Weighted Blanket Video Review
Feel
The Helix is one of the coziest weighted blankets I’ve tested. One side has plush fleece that feels like cuddling with a bunch of llamas. The other side is smooth, velvety microfiber. I also like how the plushness of the cover helps to conceal the fact that it’s filled with tiny glass beads (for weight). This is the blanket I’ll pick when I want to feel comforted, get a good night’s sleep in winter, or have a Netflix marathon on the couch.
Mattress Nerd Weighted Blanket Scores
Who says napping on the job is a bad thing? When testing weighted blankets, we score them across six performance categories that give you a sense of: how cozy the blanket is, how it performs on technical factors, whether or not the materials are high-quality, and the overall customer experience. The six scores are then averaged for a total score.
Weight Distribution: 3.5/5
The Helix does an average job of keeping its weight evenly distributed. The microbeads are divided into quilted squares dispersed across the entire blanket, which ensures they don’t bunch up to either side—similar to the way down feathers are distributed in quilted down comforters.
However, the quilted squares are bigger than we’ve seen in other blankets, so the beads are more likely to shift to one side of the square. When lying or sitting down, I feel like there is more weight to the sides of my body than on top of my body.
Customizability: 2/5
The Helix weighted blanket can’t be customized beyond weight. It’s offered in 10 lbs, 15 lbs, and 20 lbs, which work for sleepers between 100–200 lbs. I’d like to see options for those weighing over 200 lbs. I also docked the score in this category because the Helix blanket only comes in one size that fits a single sleeper. Couples will need to buy two blankets. Lastly, it would be nice to have color options beyond gray and cream.
Temperature Control: 4/5
There’s no doubt that the Helix is a warm blanket, but the velvety side stays more temperature neutral, probably because the fabric is thinner. The cover is breathable, the weighted insert is cool-to-touch, and the beads stay at room temperature. Overall this blanket isn’t quick to overheat, but it may not be the best fit if you get hot easily or already use a thick down comforter.
Quality of Materials: 4/5
The Helix blanket gets big points for coziness. It’s made with super soft fleece, microfiber, and breathable cotton. Also, it’s filled with fine-grade glass beads instead of plastic pellets. I deducted a point because I’d like to see an organic cotton cover or another sustainable material like TENCEL. I also think the faux sherpa fleece side is at risk of matting over time, which will cause it to lose its softness.
Care: 4/5
The cover of the blanket can be unzipped and detached from the weighted insert for cleaning. The insert is spot clean only, but the cover can be machine washed and dried. Use cold water and a gentle cycle in the washing machine and tumble dry on low heat. The blanket also comes in a dust bag that can be used for travel or storage.
Customer Experience: 5/5
Helix offers free shipping in the U.S., a 100-night trial period, and a one year warranty for their weighted blanket. The warranty length is standard for weighted blankets, and the sleep trial is a lot longer than the industry standard of 30 days. We also appreciate the promptness and helpfulness of the Helix customer service team, who are available via online chat, email, call, and text.
Total Score: 3.8/5
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Materials and Construction: What’s It Made of?
The Helix weighted blanket has two layers—an outer cover and weighted insert. The insert is made with 100 percent cotton that’s quilted into pockets. The pockets are filled with tiny glass beads that are evenly spaced out across the blanket.
The outer cover has two sides—a thick, fleece side and a sheared microfiber side. Both are plush and warm, though the fleece side keeps you warmer. Inside the cover, ties allow you to secure the insert to the cover so it doesn’t slide off-center.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Cozy: I’d be remiss not to call out the sheer coziness of the cover on this blanket.
- Easy Cleaning: The removable cover is machine washable and dryer safe.
- Affordable: The Helix weighted blanket is one of the more affordable options we’ve seen on the market.
- Two Sided: The thicker fleece on one side of the blanket keeps you toasty warm, while the sheared microfiber side stays at a more neutral temperature.
Cons
- Noisy: You can hear the glass beads moving around in the blanket.
- Loose Fit: The cover pulls away from the inner blanket a little when moving around under the blanket.
- Limited Size Options: Although you can choose from three different weight options, the Helix blanket only comes in one size that fits a single sleeper.
Sizing, Pricing, and Policies
| Weight | Dimensions | Price |
| 10 lbs | 48” x 72” | $99 |
| 15 lbs | 48” x 72” | $99 |
| 20 lbs | 48” x 72” | $99 |
Shipping
The Helix weighted blanket ships for free in three to seven days within the U.S. A shipping fee is added for deliveries to Canada.
Trial Period and Warranty
Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial for their weighted blanket. This is considerably longer than the industry standard 30-night trial period for sleep products. It’s also protected by a one year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects like rips, stains, or tears. Make sure to double check the return policy if you buy your blanket from a retailer like Amazon.
FAQs
Can you sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
It’s OK for adults and older children or adolescents to sleep with a weighted blanket every night. The rule of thumb is to use a blanket that weighs no more than 10 percent of your body weight. Make sure you can easily move the blanket off of your body.
Is there any reason you shouldn’t use a weighted blanket?
Young children and seniors with mobility issues shouldn’t use a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets also aren’t recommended for those with sleep apnea or other breathing problems like COPD or asthma. Those with severe claustrophobia may experience anxiety under heavy blankets and should use them with caution.
What are the effects of using a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets have been shown to help people fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer. Also, they can reduce stress for those with ADHD and autism. For those with anxiety or insomnia, they’re a non-medicated alternative to using sleep aids by providing the benefits of deep pressure therapy.
The Nerd’s Final Take
The Helix blanket has a lot of competitors for the title of best weighted blanket—big name-brands like Casper, Layla, Saatva, Luna, and Brooklyn Bedding all make weighted blankets. Still, the Helix is worth your consideration if you’re shopping for a heavy blanket. Imagine your favorite cozy throw blanket, but weighted, and you’ve got the Helix. Plus, it’s relatively affordable compared with other options on the market.
The biggest downside in my view is the noise. Helix could rework their fill design to make this blanket quieter (the Gravity blanket is a quieter option). Also, some may find this blanket too warm for their taste (the Bearaby Cotton Napper or Tree Napper are more cooling weighted blankets). The Helix is definitely more of a winter blanket, but I’d be tempted to reach for it in any season.
Looking for more options? Check out our other best weighted blankets!
Nerd Score Wrap Up
| Performance Factor | Out of 5 |
| Weight Distribution | 3.5 |
| Customizability | 2 |
| Temperature Control | 4 |
| Quality of Materials | 4 |
| Care | 4 |
| Customer Experience | 5 |
| Total Nerd Score | 3.8 |
