Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket Review

Pros

• Soft, breathable bamboo fabric
• Simple white design
• Quality material and construction
• Evenly distributed weight

Cons

• Not recommended to machine wash
• Can get hot (great for winter, not great for summer)

Scoring

In This Review

Tests | Weight | Design | Sleep Better | Cleaning | Summary

Performance Testing

In the past, I have tested another weighted blanket, the Gravity Blanket, and didn’t find it the best fit for my sleeping needs. It was no fault of the Gravity, but rather my strong personal preferences for a very light blanket.

As a result, I asked Modern Castle team member Kyle W. (who is our Content Manager) to test the Nolah weighted blanket. The following review is based on his sleep tests and experiences with the blanket.

Weighted blankets utilize a therapy technique called “Deep Pressure Stimulation” to help calm the user and increase feelings of relaxation. This technique is said to help boost serotonin and melatonin levels, which are both good for sleep. 

Serotonin, or otherwise known as “feel-good” hormones, help regulate mood and anxiety. While melatonin is an essential part to your sleep cycle, helping your body know when it’s time to sleep. 

With that in mind, I was expecting to get better sleep. I have been testing the 15 lbs. version of the Nolah weighted blanket in the springtime in Arizona. While the nights tend to be cooler during this time, some nights can be hotter than others.

Overall, I liked the Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket. When the weather was nice, the added weight of the blanket was enjoyable, and I did feel more relaxed. However, on the warmer nights, I found the added layer to increase how hot I felt. In these cases, I ended up removing the blanket to avoid feeling too hot.

Sleeping Positions

I tried a few configurations while I slept, having the Nolah blanket on top of a comforter, on top of bed sheets, and just using the blanket by itself. Out of these options, I found that using the blanket on top of the comforter and using the blanket by itself to be the most comfortable. 

When spreading the weighted blanket on top of a comforter, it evenly distributes the weight across the surface. This provides less of a tight hug than using the blanket on its own. However, these added layers made me feel hotter during the night.

When using the blanket on its own, I was able to enjoy the soft feel of the bamboo cover. It has a silkier texture that provides a cooler feel and as a hot sleeper I found the cooling a nice bonus. 

Overall Weight

When I first tried the Nolah weighted blanket, I was worried I would feel claustrophobic due to the added weight. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed the heavier feeling. 

When I felt hot, the extra weight exacerbated the feeling, in which case I ended up removing the blanket. Otherwise, I found the hug of the blanket and weight to be relaxing. 

How heavy of a blanket you choose depends on your personal preference. In Nolah’s case, there are 3 different size and weight options to choose from:

• Standard, 48” x 72”, 15 lbs. 
• Standard, 48” x 72”, 20 lbs. 
• Large, 80” x 87”, 25 lbs.

Nolah recommends the 15 lbs. standard version for adults who weigh between 130-175 lbs. While the 20 lbs. version is recommended for people between 175-225 pounds. If you are looking for a larger version that can fit a king-size bed, Nolah recommends the Large version. 

While I found the 15 lbs. to be comfortable, there are a wide range of weight options available and choosing one depends on individual needs. 

Design

The Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket has a soft feel that can change depending on which side you use. The cover is made of bamboo, with one side offering a feel similar to a comforter, and the other side a smoother texture. Both sides are soft to the touch and feel good while you’re sleeping or relaxing on the couch. 

In addition, Nolah states the bamboo fabric is moisture wicking and offers antibacterial properties. The white color is the only available color option, but it does come in three different sizes — 15, 20, and 25 pounds. The heaviest verison is designed for king beds. 

The interior is made of multiple sealed chambers of glass beads. The sealed chambers keep the glass beads spread out evenly across the mattress, preventing them from clumping or bunching. 

Overall, I enjoyed the feeling of the Nolah blanket. The silky texture of the bamboo fabric felt nice, and felt cooler over long use. 

Can the Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket help you sleep better?

The effectiveness of weighted blankets is still up to debate. While research is limited, there have been some studies showing that they can be effective. In one study 60% of users reported significant reduction in anxiety after testing. 

At the end of the day, it really comes down to your preferences. I found the Nolah blanket to be enjoyable, but some may find it makes them feel claustrophobic or too hot. If you aren’t a fan of heavier blankets or don’t need a warmer product, this may not be the product for you. 

It is important to remember that while the weighted blanket may help you sleep, it isn’t a catch all solution. Some people may find it benefits them greatly, while others may find they prefer sleep without it. 

Cleaning & Maintenance

Due to the white color of the blanket, keeping it clean is a concern. In general, Nolah recommends the best practice to be dry cleaning the blanket. They state they have tested machine washing the blanket and it worked, however, they can’t guarantee that every washing machine will be able to handle the extra weight of the blanket. 

Otherwise, for smaller messes you can spot clean to keep the blanket looking clean. 

Should you buy the Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket?

I would recommend the Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket if you’re looking for the following features:

• Soft bamboo fabric: Whether sleeping in bed or relaxing on a sofa with a blanket on, the bamboo fabric will feel cool and soft to the touch. If you prefer a comforter feel, the Nolah blanket has two different sides that offer two different textures. 
• Blanket to keep your warm: The Nolah weighted blanket has extra breathability due to the bamboo fabric. However, the blanket retains heat, making it suitable for cold sleepers or for sleeping in winter months. 
• Enjoy added weight: If you often sleep with multiple layers or heavier blankets the Nolah weighted blanket may be a great choice. The weight can be spread over another layer or used directly for a more snug hug.

For more information or to buy the Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket, click here.