UK weighted blanket alternatives
Since the Nectar weighted blanket is no longer available, why don't you try some of these alternatives?
You can also read through our full guide on the best weighted blankets in the UK for more info.
Our favourite UK weighted blankets:
Nectar weighted blanket composition
Many weighted blankets contain beads of some sort for their weighted effect, but the Nectar weighted blanket is slightly different.
This is an all-natural organic blanket made from 100% organic cotton. 🌱
Made in Portugal without any chemicals or dyes, this blanket is both good for you and the environment. 🌎
It also comes with a heavy cotton bag for storage when not in use.
Nectar Sumo Sleep Weighted Blanket
Nectar used to sell the Sumo Sleep weighted blanket.
This quilted design featured an inner blanket with glass beads and a silky outer cover.
If you're looking for a quilted weighted blanket instead, we'd recommend trying out the Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket.
What exactly is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket (also known as a gravity blanket) is a heavy blanket with therapeutic properties.
These have been specifically designed for deep pressure therapy to help release the happiness hormone serotonin, help with stress and anxiety, and promote more restful sleep.
Many weighted blankets will be quilted with a filling of glass beads and a bamboo or cotton cover.
But, others, like the Nectar, will simply be made from a heavier material.
Regardless of the exact composition, weighted blankets place gentle pressure on the body, giving you that hugging feeling that can help ease anxiety.
How do weighted blankets work?
Deep pressure stimulation uses pressure to relax the nervous system [1].
The weight of the blanket works like touch pressure and gives the feeling of being hugged or held.
This can help:
- Alleviate pain
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve sleep quality
Deep pressure therapy has several medical benefits.
Similar effects can be expected from the use of weighted blankets.
What can weighted blankets help with?
Weighted blankets can be used to help with stress and anxiety but also to help relieve the symptoms of several medical conditions.
Possible uses include the following:
- Anxiety: Deep pressure stimulation helps reduce symptoms of anxiety.
- Autism: Deep pressure therapy has positive benefits in some autistic people.
- ADHD: Weighted blankets could help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances: Weighted blankets can help calm your heart rate and breathing if you have trouble sleeping.
- Chronic pain: Weighted blankets can help ease pain, primarily because of the relaxing nervous system.
- Restless leg syndrome: The extra pressure can help ease the symptoms of RLS.
Numerous studies [2] have linked weighted blankets to an easing of symptoms in people with these conditions.
Are weighted blankets good for everyone?
Not everyone can use weighted blankets.
People struggling with sleep apnoea, asthma, and claustrophobia or likely to feel uncomfortable with weighted blankets.
Weighted blankets are also unsuitable for children under the age of 2 or pregnant women.
How heavy is the Nectar weighted blanket?
The Cloverlane weighted blanket weighs 5 kg (11 lbs).
This is relatively "light" for a weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets are available in different weights.
The Eve Sleep weighted blanket, which is similar in design to the Necter weighted blanket, weighs 7 kg (15.4 pounds).
Many others weigh between 7 and 10 kg (15.4 - 22 lbs). 💪
But this also makes the Nectar weighted blanket much more approachable, especially for more petite individuals.
Generally, a weighted blanket should be about 8% - 12% of your body weight. 🧐
As a general guideline:
- 5 kg - 6.5 kg weighted blankets: Great for people weighing 50 - 65 kg
- 6.5 kg - 8.5 kg weighted blankets: Great for people weighing 65 - 85 kg
- 9 kg + weighted blankets: Great for people weighing 85 kg +
Choosing weight options according to your build and body weight is generally the best idea.
If you use a weighted blanket that's too heavy for you, it may create more of a restrictive feeling than a gentle hug feeling.
At the same time, if you use a weighted blanket that's too light for you, you won't feel any of the benefits.
You can also fold a blanket in half to increase the weight in any area.
This is especially useful if you'd only like to hug a part of your body while keeping the rest unrestricted.
You can choose to use your weighted blanket on its own or use it under or above your duvet or regular blanket.
We like using it under our duvet for more of that warm-hug feeling, especially if it's a bit cooler. 🤗
What does lying under the Nectar weighted blanket feel like?
There are multiple reasons why you may choose to invest in a weighted blanket.
For now, let’s look at what the Nectar weighted blanket feels like.
The material itself is soft but firm, and you can definitely feel the weight of this blanket. 🏋️♀️
But, at the same time, it’s not completely overwhelming as a heavier 10 kg weighted blanket may be.
You can’t really use weighted blankets in the way you would a ‘normal’ blanket, but it works wonders if you wrap yourself up on your bed or if you’re engaging in another still activity, like watching television.
The Nectar weighted blanket gives you that “hugging” feeling - like you’re being held and comforted.
This does not work for everyone but, overall, it’ll give you a comforting feeling. 🤗
Unlike beaded weighted blankets, weight doesn’t necessarily adjust to your body.
But the tight weave ensures that weight is evenly distributed, and the blanket moulds around your body.
Does the Nectar weighted blanket feel hot?
All weighted blankets will increase the temperature to some extent.
Cotton itself, though, is quite temperature-neutral and very breathable, allowing for good airflow. 💨
This moisture-wicking material is a particularly good choice for hot sleepers.
Since the Nectar blanket is made from 100% organic cotton, you can rest assured that you won't have any heat build-up due to synthetic materials.
But, you'll still feel warmer under the Nectar weighted blanket than you would with a "normal" blanket.
This is particularly pleasant during the winter months - like a warm hug instead of just a hug - but could be unpleasant in the hotter summer months if you're a very heavy sweater or quickly overheat. 🥵
The Emma weighted blanket is another cool alternative made with bamboo fibres:
Can you wash the Nectar weighted blanket?
The best weighted blankets will be machine-washable, but only very few will have a removable cover.
Luckily, the Cloverlane Nectar weighted blanket is fully machine-washable at 40℃. 🛀
You can even tumble dry it on low and iron it at low temperatures.
But, as this is quite a heavy item, we wouldn’t really recommend putting it in your washing machine.
Spot cleaning is a much easier option.
It’ll also ensure the blanket will dry better - especially during the frosty winter months. ❄️
If you’re uncertain whether you can keep the blanket clean (say, if you have pets that sleep in your bed), you can also opt for a washable cover.
Nectar weighted blanket size
The Nectar weighted blanket is available in one king-size of 150 x 200 cm (59 x 78.7 inches).
This is the standard size for weighted blankets.
Weighted blankets are designed to be used by one person for optimal weight distribution. 🙍♀️🙍♂️
If you’re sharing your bed with a partner, it’s best to invest in two separate weighted blankets.
Nectar weighted blanket price
The Nectar weighted blanket is competitively priced. 💷
We’ve looked at dozens of different options, and they all come in at around £200 for the king-size.
Nectar weighted blanket discounts
Nectar Sleep UK offers regular discounts and promotions. 🥳
It’s very likely that you’ll be able to buy your Nectar weighted blanket at a discounted price!
If any Nectar weighted blanket promotions are currently running, they’ll be displayed throughout this article.
You can also look at our discounts page for all the best discounts in the UK sleep world.
Nectar Sleep delivery conditions
The Nectar weighted blanket is delivered wrapped in plastic within two business days.
The plastic bag the blanket comes in is made from recycled materials and is also 100% recyclable. ♻️
But, it was wrapped in an additional plastic cover for protection during delivery.
Delivery within the UK is free. 🚛
The actual blanket also comes in a thick cotton bag, which further protects it during transport and is great for storage if you’re not using the blanket daily.
Should you buy the Nectar weighted blanket?
The Nectar weighted blanket is an excellent option if you’re looking for an approachable weighted blanket to help ease stress and anxiety.
We’d recommend the Nectar weighted blanket for:
- Lower-weight or more petite builds.
- People looking for an environmentally friendly & sustainable weighted blanket.
- Those who want a simple, no-fuss option that looks great on any bed.
The Cloverlane blanket is sleek and elegant, and it’ll make a great addition to any bedroom (or living room setup).
Since the Nectar is currently not available, you could consider one of our favourite alternatives:
Contact Nectar Sleep UK
Customer service: To contact Nectar Sleep UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@nectarsleep.co.uk, call them on 0808 501 5373, or visit their live online chat [3]. Nectar Support is available seven days a week from 9 am - 5:30 pm.
Registered office: Nectar Sleep, 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 1F
Table of Contents
UK weighted blanket alternatives
Nectar weighted blanket composition
What exactly is a weighted blanket?
How heavy is the Nectar weighted blanket?
What does lying under the Nectar weighted blanket feel like?
Does the Nectar weighted blanket feel hot?
Can you wash the Nectar weighted blanket?
Nectar weighted blanket discounts
Nectar Sleep delivery conditions
Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.