FQA's
What Is Weighted Therapy?
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Weighted therapy is the use of weighted products to apply weight and deep touch pressure to the body stimulating the proprioceptive sense enabling those who are “sensory seeking” to relax, focus and have a greater awareness of their body.
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Why Use?
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Weighted blankets and lap pads work by providing input to the deep pressure touch receptors throughout the body. Deep pressure touch can help the body relax. Like a firm hug, weighted blankets can help you feel secure, grounded, and safe. It’s the same reason why so many people like to sleep under a comforter even in the summer time.
The deep pressure touch simulation, or swaddling that happens when you cuddle up with a weighted blanket helps encourage the production of Serotonin, a hormone that induces a more peaceful and happier state of mind. Serotonin, in turn, leads to the production of Melatonin, which helps us to sleep more soundly. A weighted blanket can help you or your loved one feel better and ease the mind allowing for complete relaxation. |
Who Can Benefit?
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Weighted blankets and lap pads have been used for many years to help those who have Sensory Processing Disorders, but has recently been found to be very beneficial for a variety of uses. Occupational Therapists have been using weighted therapy for those on the Autism Spectrum, anxiety disorders, stress, and tension. Weighted Therapy has also been very useful for anyone who suffers from insomnia, depression, PTSD, Restless Leg Syndrome, those undergoing chemotherapy, and dementia patients. Weighted therapy is also great for those who just enjoy snuggling up with a comfy blanket.
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What Are They Made Of?
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Cailinn’s Creations’ weighted blankets and lap pads are made from 100% cotton materials, unless another material is chosen. You can choose from a wide variety of cotton flannel or fleece which is then filled with tiny glass beads. The glass beads offer sufficient weight without creating a bulky blanket. They are hypoallergenic, mold resistant, and will never break or create dust. The glass beads are evenly distributed throughout the blanket, so you never feel the beads. All of the weighted items are machine washable and dryer safe (unless otherwise specified).
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How To Choose The Right Size And Weight?
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Blankets: Most Occupational Therapist recommend 10% of body weight, plus 1-2lbs for children and 5%-10% of body weight for adults. The individual who will be using the blanket, and their needs, should be considered, as well as what their ideal body weight is. An adult whose weight is low for their size would do best with only 5% their weight in a blanket. Individuals should also be able to remove the blanket if needed, and feel comfortable with the weight.
Please use the Weight Chart to choose the best weight for your blanket. If you are not sure, speak to your Occupational Therapist or health care provider. You can also send questions to us here. Lap Pads: Typically, 10-15% of body is recommended. Because lap pads are used only on the lap and while in a seated position, they are intended to be a little heavier than a blanket. . |
What If I Can't Find The Fabric I Want?
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If you can not find the fabric that you are looking for, send us a message. We will do our best to help find a fabric that will work for you.
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How Do I Care For My Weighted Blanket?
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All weighted therapy items are machine washer and dryer safe. However, to extend the life of your items, we recommend machine wash cold and line dry. After items are fully dry, items may be put in dryer on low/fluff to soften. This will keep the fabric from wearing out.
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Who Should Not Use A Weighted Item?
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Because weighted therapy items are heavy, they are not for everyone. Weighted therapy items should NEVER be used on infants and should be used with supervision with smaller children, and those who can not remove the weighted items themselves or notify someone to remove it for them.
Individuals who have nerve damage or numbness should use weighted therapy items cautiously. Cailinn’s Creations LLC is neither a healthcare provider nor licensed therapist and does not offer any treatment or diagnoses services. Products are not intended to treat or cure a disease. |