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Has anyone used a weighted blanket? It sounds like an interesting concept. There is some basic information about them here-
http://ezinearticles.com/?Weighted-Blanket-Therapy&id=7149695
and here are some instruction on how to make your own because they are pretty expensive.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7656139_homemade-weighted-blankets.html
I am VERY interested but worried about how hot they would get in Summer. Its getting really hot where I am in Australia right now.
Anyone have any experience with one? Anyone else really interested in trying one?
Coralie X
http://ezinearticles.com/?Weighted-Blanket-Therapy&id=7149695
and here are some instruction on how to make your own because they are pretty expensive.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7656139_homemade-weighted-blankets.html
I am VERY interested but worried about how hot they would get in Summer. Its getting really hot where I am in Australia right now.
Anyone have any experience with one? Anyone else really interested in trying one?
Coralie X
The weighted blankets provide proprioceptive input to the nerves in our bodies. In response, our bodies ease up. Are less tense and over all it's an incredible feeling. One that I personally seek daily.
Weighted blankets are pricey. But there are easy ways to make them. The most costly is the filler. This is usually poly beads. They use beads for children, because they are safer if the child ever breaks open the blanket.
Then there are blankets made with metal washers. You know those buy 10 for like 5 cent washer at the hardware store...cheap...but not so nice on the washing machine when they are clunking around. (BTW, NEVER PUT A WEIGHED BLANKET IN THE DRYER!!!)
And last there are the fish rocks. Yes, just grab a $20 bag of aquarium rocks and voila...you just found your cheapest method of making a weighted blanket. If you can think of something better, let me know..I'm always searching for ideas!
Then you have your outer fabric. Most blankets made with poly bead do not need an outer shell. So you'll see this made with cotton fabrics or even flannel material.
We recently invested in some chenille like "rosebud" fabric. It is ubberly soft and then the weights just gently apply pressure, it's sensory heaven!
But you can also make weighted & scented shoulder bags with rice where you can even heat them up...I know that's a no brainer, but my kids are always grabbing my warm rice bags for the pressure, scent and warmth...3 sensories in 1!
To answer your question regarding do you get overheated in the summer months...Not with Poly beads. And I can't imagine the rocks would get bad either. All retain their temperatures fairly well. And if you have Air conditioning, it's typically not a problem. You may want to invest in a cotton fabric (to allow the fabric to breath) if you are concerned about this.
I have learned many "autism sensory overload" tricks for our boys that I use often for myself. Brushing Protocol (google it) and a few others for lights, sounds and scents. They all help me continue to live in a sensory thriving world.
Is the idea of the weighted blanket to put weight on the body to ease pain? I have found weight to help pain either with lots and lots of heavy blankets and even someone sitting on my legs.