I have used Weighted Comfort Blankets in my career working with children with ASD ADHD, anxiety and sensory impairment but never thought of using myself. With the combinatiin of the pandemic significantly impacting on human contact, aches and pains post chemotherapy and new anxiety after second diagnosis I am considering buying a weighted blanket. Has anyone have experience of using them, benefits and things to consider, brands (there are 100+ available within a vast price range.) Thoughts?
Thank you
Hi Gerbera22 welcome to the forum and sorry that you have not had a response as yet?
Can I ask what type of Cancer it is that you had I ask because I could maybe shift your post into the Specific Cancer type thread and that may get more of a response.
Im curious about them myself though so tell me more about them and what is the reasons that they work so well? How did they work with the children for example?
gail
Hi Gail
Thank you for your response. It is bowel cancer I have, it metastasised to the reproductive organs in '19, awaiting results of PET/CT for this rediagnosis location.
Weighted Comfort Blankets come in various sizes and weights, generally the weight of the blanket should be 10% of the users body weight. The weight comes from small glass pebbles that are securely sewn into the blanket, some are covered with a removable washable duvet cover, others are just the blanket, prices range from £30 to £200 dependent on the luxury, size, weight and washability.
I used them in my career with children with sensory issues ASD ADHD, especially beneficial at times of stress, anxiety, sensory overload. They would safely lie down on a couch or floor and I'd lay the blanket over them and sit with my hand softly on their body over the blanket. The principal is the weight of the blanket "grounds" the users core, this created security, calms anxiety or stress and focuses the mind to concentrate on feeling calmer and relaxed, most users may fall asleep, they can be used at anytime day or night. Some people use them on their beds, the weight is like when beds covers used to be multiple and create a swaddling effect instead of the very light duvets used now. The whole concept on the blanket is that they model a human to human cuddle but without the emotional expectation and usage can be for as long or short as needed.
They are now becoming increasingly popular to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, reduce pain through the gentle pressure they provide to adults and children without recognised additional needs. I am currently experiencing a significant increase in anxiety with rediagnosis, still experience aches and pains post chemotherapy and surgery and at times need to avoid human to human physical contact as it feels too much sometimes. I have a friend who has ME,Fibromyalgia and chronic pain that causes pain, fatigue and associated anxiety she has found the blanket she has significantly reduced all these symptoms.
I ordered one recently which should arrive my the end of the week. Will post how I get on with it.
