Bearaby vs Gravity Weighted Blankets: Which One Is Better for Deep Pressure Therapy?

Last Updated: February 17, 2026
Author: Dr. Sarah Chen, OTD, OTR/L

Weighted blankets have moved from niche sensory tools into mainstream sleep and wellness products. But for people using them intentionally for anxiety, sleep regulation, sensory modulation, or nervous system calming, brand differences matter. Two of the most recognized options in this space are Bearaby and Gravity.

As an occupational therapy clinician and researcher, I evaluate weighted blankets through two lenses:

1. Clinical utility: Does the blanket reliably provide deep pressure input in a way that supports regulation, sleep onset, and comfort?
2. Real-world adherence: Will users actually keep using it over weeks and months, or does heat, maintenance burden, or texture sensitivity make it impractical?

Bearaby and Gravity can both work well, but they are built on very different design philosophies.

• Bearaby focuses on a filler-free, knitted design where weight comes from dense yarn rather than beads.
• Gravity uses the more traditional model: a weighted inner blanket (glass beads in stitched compartments) plus a removable duvet cover.

That distinction changes almost everything that matters day to day: breathability, how the pressure feels across the body, washing logistics, durability behavior over time, and value for money.

This guide gives you a full, practical comparison so you can choose confidently based on your sleep profile, sensory preferences, climate, and budget.

Brand Snapshot: What Each Company Is Trying to Do

Bearaby in One Sentence

A design-forward, premium weighted blanket brand built around breathable, knitted, bead-free blankets that double as home decor and sensory support tools.

Gravity in One Sentence

A legacy direct-to-consumer weighted blanket brand known for the classic “weighted insert + soft cover” format, with a cozy feel and frequent discounts.

Why This Matters Clinically

People often assume all weighted blankets are functionally equivalent if they’re the “right weight.” In practice, my clients’ outcomes depend just as much on:

• Surface temperature
• Tactile feel
• Ease of cleaning
• Noise and movement during sleep
• Willingness to use the blanket consistently

When adherence drops, therapeutic benefit drops. So this is not just a product style choice; it can materially affect clinical usefulness.

Detailed Comparison Table

The table below summarizes practical buying factors. Prices and policies can change; values are based on publicly listed information checked in February 2026.

Feature	Bearaby	Gravity
Typical Price Range (Adult)	Approximately $199-$299 depending on model and weight	Often listed around $250 MSRP, commonly discounted (frequently around $125-$180)
Core Product Architecture	Knitted, filler-free blanket; weight comes from dense fabric/yarn	Weighted inner blanket with glass beads + removable duvet cover
Common Adult Weight Options	Usually 10, 15, 20, 25 lbs (varies by model)	Usually 15, 20, 25 lbs for core adult line
Material System	Model-dependent: organic cotton, TENCEL lyocell, velvet-style options; no bead fill in core knit designs	Inner blanket typically polyester/cotton blend with fine glass beads; cover options include plush and cooling variants
Weight Distribution Method	Inherent in knit structure; no bead migration	Stitched compartment grid to reduce bead shifting
Temperature Profile	Generally more breathable due to open knit construction	Depends heavily on cover; plush covers can sleep warmer
Washing Practicality	Many models are machine washable as one unit (size/washer capacity still matters)	Cover is machine washable; weighted insert often spot clean/limited wash handling
Feel Against Skin	Textured, chunky knit tactile experience	Smooth, enclosed duvet feel (less textural exposure)
Aesthetic Style	Decorative throw-like, visible knit	Traditional bed-top comforter appearance
Noise During Movement	Quiet; no bead rustling	Usually low noise, but some users notice subtle fill movement
Warranty / Policy	1-year limited warranty listed by Bearaby	Gravity FAQ indicates no blanket warranty beyond return window; 30-day return policy emphasized
Best Fit User Type	Hot sleepers, tactile-friendly users, users who want low-maintenance full-blanket washing and visual appeal	Users who like classic weighted blanket construction, enclosed duvet feel, and aggressive sale pricing

Bearaby Pros and Cons

Bearaby Deep Dive

Breathability Is a Real Clinical Advantage: Bearaby’s knitted structure is not just aesthetic. It leaves air channels throughout the blanket, which reduces the trapped-heat effect common with many bead-filled products. For clients who abandon weighted blankets due to overheating, this can be a decisive advantage.

No Bead Fill Means No Fill Migration: Because there is no loose fill in the primary knit designs, pressure is structurally integrated. You avoid one of the long-term pain points of compartment-based blankets: subtle shifts in weight distribution with repeated use and laundering.

Usually Easier “Whole-Blanket” Care: Many users prefer washing one blanket rather than separating insert and cover. Bearaby models are often machine washable, which simplifies routine care, especially for households with pets, allergies, or sensory-sensitive users who need frequent cleaning.

Better for Users Who Need Less “Medical Device” Feel: Some clients dislike the feeling of lying under a heavy insert inside a duvet. Bearaby tends to feel more like a premium throw than a therapeutic tool, which can improve acceptance and everyday use.

Shop Bearaby Cotton Napper on Amazon

Gravity Pros and Cons

Gravity Deep Dive

Familiar Weighted Blanket Feel: Gravity follows the format most users expect: weighted insert + plush or cooling cover. For users already accustomed to this setup, adaptation is easy.

Enclosed Cover Can Feel Uniform and Cozy: The duvet-style exterior provides a smooth, comforter-like surface that many users perceive as soothing and bedtime-appropriate.

Strong Promotional Pricing: Gravity is frequently discounted. That makes it one of the more accessible ways to try a premium-branded weighted blanket without paying full MSRP.

Decent Weight Stability with Compartment Stitching: Compartment construction helps maintain relatively even bead placement compared with older, lower-quality weighted blanket designs.

Shop Gravity Blanket on Amazon

Detailed Feature Comparisons

1) Materials and Build Philosophy

Bearaby: Weight Through Textile Mass

Bearaby’s core identity is filler-free weighted blankets. Weight is generated via dense knit materials (for example, organic cotton or TENCEL in specific lines), not by embedded particulate fill. This creates a “textile-first” sensory profile: breathable, textured, and visually distinctive.

Clinical implications:

• Better for users who dislike bead sensation or movement
• Better for users who prioritize airflow
• Useful when “non-clinical appearance” improves acceptance

Gravity: Weight Through Engineered Fill

Gravity uses fine glass beads distributed in stitched compartments within an inner blanket. The removable outer cover controls tactile experience and warmth.

Clinical implications:

• Familiar pressure sensation for users who’ve tried traditional weighted blankets
• Adjustable feel via cover choice
• Potentially warmer depending on cover and room temperature

2) Weight Distribution and Pressure Quality

Bearaby Pressure Profile: Bearaby’s pressure is integrated across the knit fabric, creating a stable, draped load with minimal internal shifting. Many users describe this as “continuous” rather than compartmentalized.

Gravity Pressure Profile: Gravity’s compartment system is well-established and generally effective, but by design it is still a filled blanket. Over time, minor variation in bead placement can occur, especially with heavy daily use.

3) Temperature Regulation

Bearaby and Heat Management: Open knit architecture improves convective airflow. In warm climates, this can dramatically improve tolerability and nightly adherence.

Gravity and Heat Management: Gravity comfort varies with cover selection. Plush options are cozy in cooler environments but can trap heat. Cooling covers can help, but the layered insert-plus-cover system generally retains more warmth than open knit designs.

4) Washing, Hygiene, and Real-World Maintenance

Bearaby Care Pattern: Many Bearaby models are designed for machine washing as a single blanket, which is simple conceptually but still requires enough laundry capacity. Drying times can be longer due to textile density.

Gravity Care Pattern: Gravity’s cover is machine washable, but the weighted insert often requires more careful handling. This split-care model can be manageable for organized users, but it is less intuitive for some households.

Who Should Buy Bearaby?

Bearaby is usually the better choice if your profile includes most of the following:

• You are a hot sleeper or live in a warm climate.
• You want a weighted blanket that looks like a decorative throw, not a medical product.
• You strongly prefer natural-feeling materials and want to avoid bead fill.
• You value simpler one-piece washing (with adequate laundry capacity).
• You are willing to pay more for design, breathability, and tactile quality.
• You are sensitive to uneven pressure and want a stable, integrated weight experience.

Ideal Bearaby User Example: An adult with anxiety-related sleep latency who overheats under plush comforters, wants nightly sensory regulation, and needs a blanket that can stay visible on the bed or couch without looking clinical.

Shop Bearaby Cotton Napper

Who Should Buy Gravity?

Gravity is usually the better choice if your profile includes most of the following:

• You like the classic weighted comforter feel with an enclosed, soft cover.
• You sleep in a cooler environment or prefer cozier warmth.
• You want a recognizable brand but are shopping around promotional pricing.
• You do not mind a two-part cleaning routine (cover + insert).
• You prioritize immediate plush comfort over breathable knit texture.
• You already know you tolerate bead-based weighted blankets well.

Ideal Gravity User Example: A cooler-climate sleeper who enjoys plush bedding, wants the familiar weighted insert format, and is willing to manage cover removal/washing in exchange for a softer cocoon-like feel.

Shop Gravity Blanket

Final Recommendation

Both Bearaby and Gravity can be effective weighted blankets, but they solve different problems.

If your top priorities are breathability, consistent bead-free pressure, and easier day-to-day usability, choose Bearaby. It is generally the stronger option for long-term adherence in users who run warm or dislike traditional fill-based construction.

If your top priorities are classic weighted blanket comfort, plush feel, and sale-driven value, choose Gravity. It remains a viable option for users who prefer cozy enclosure and are comfortable with insert/cover maintenance.

From an occupational therapy perspective, the best weighted blanket is not the one with the strongest branding or the highest thread count. It is the one the user can tolerate and use consistently, night after night, without overheating, frustration, or maintenance fatigue.

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Transparency Note

Product details, pricing, and policies may change after publication. Always confirm the latest terms on each brand’s official site before purchasing, especially weight availability, return windows, and care instructions.

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