Weighted Products

We have a great range of Weighted Products including blankets, lap blankets, toys and vests. All of the products have been made in conjunction with qualified Occupational Therapists and filled with hypo-allergenic poly pellets to weight the products.

The formula commonly used and recommended for determining the weight for your blanket for children and young teens by Qualified Occupational Therapists is 5-10% of the body weight plus 1kg. In older teens and adults this formula can be quite heavy, please consult your health professional if you are not sure which weight and size is right for you.

The weights in all products are sewn into segments so the weights are evenly distributed throughout the blanket, so the weight is then evenly distributed over body when used. We use non toxic hypo-allergic plastic poly pellets in our Weighted Blankets, Vests and Lap Blankets.

Our weighted products are made to order so if there is something specific you require then please contact us.

The weight of the blanket acts as deep touch therapy. The bed cover is often filled with plastic poly pellets that are sewn into compartments, distributing the weight properly.

Through the deep pressure touch of a weighted blanket receptors become stimulated similar to swaddling an infant. This helps the body to relax, feel more grounded and safe. Clinical studies suggest that when these pressure points are triggered, the brain releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is known as “the calming chemical.” It also has other handy benefits, such as maintaining memory. Some people buy supplements for serotonin, so the blanket is like a pill bottle and you are the pill, at no additional cost.

An array of conditions can be helped by a weighted blanket such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, bi-polar neurological problems, PTSD, ADHD, cerebral palsy, sleep disorders, autism, menopause and practically any type of anxiety.

Weighted blankets have been shown to increase serotonin in the body. Serotonin is an important chemical that helps regulate mood and ease relaxation. It’s been shown that children with autism are low in serotonin. This could be one of the reasons why they see so much benefit from weighted blankets.

Serotonin is necessary to create melatonin, a chemical that tells your body when it’s time to sleep. Your body produces melatonin based on the timing of your sunlight exposure and uses that as a schedule to help your body know when it’s time to relax.

Nervous system changes
On top of the chemical changes, there are changes in the nervous system when using weighted blankets. Our nervous systems calm down when under the weight of a heavy blanket. This can be a major help for those who can’t fall asleep due to anxiety.

The weight of the blanket also helps reduce restlessness during sleep. It is harder to move around while under a blanket of the right weight. The general rule is that the weight of the blanket should be 10 percent of the individual’s body weight plus 500g.

Insomnia
A weighted blanket could perhaps be the non-pharmaceutical answer to getting a solid nights sleep for those struggling with insomnia. One study found that not only did participants with insomnia feel like they got “a more comfortable, better quality, and more secure sleep,” but the data from tracking their sleep showed they got better sleep as well.