WHAT MAKES A WEIGHTED BLANKET WORK ?
* AND OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS *
How does the DreamCatcher tm Weighted Blanket work?
In researching weighted therapy for sleep and calming, we talked with many therapists, medical professionals and experts in the sensory integration field, and have learned a great deal about how and why weighted products work the way they do. The very short version of the theory behind how DreamCatcher tm weighted products work, is the deep pressure touch stimulation (DPTS) supplied by the weight in our products , is believed to release a chemical in the brain, which naturally calms.
Who Benefits By Using A Weighted Blanket ?
P
DreamCatcher Weighted Products are becoming popular as
a Yoga tool. We have read that a weighted blanket can be used: 1)As a
transition tool before class to bring the body and the proprioceptive system
into a calmer space. 2)During Restorative or Yin yoga poses to add specific
weight to the shoulders, hands, back or feet. 3)During Sivasana ,used to
reorganize the body on a cellular level.
Weighted blankets
should never be used as a restraint, it is important that the user can always
remove a weighted blanket on their own, if desired.
What Is The Recommended Weight For Blankets?
Most Occupational therapists, that we have worked with in
the past several years, agree that using the formula of 10% body weigh
plus one pound as a starting point for figuring weight for a blanket is the most
effective. That amount can be and often is , adjusted depending on each
individuals needs.
For weighted vests and smaller weighted products such as
lap pads, wrappers , etc. the weight formula most widely accepted as effective
is 5% of the users body weight.
We are happy to help with any weight questions you may
have.
What is the Best Weighting Material For A Weighted Blanket?
DreamCatcher tm Blankets weight blankets using
Poly Pellets.
Do DreamCatcher's ever use stone to weight their blankets?
NO ABSOLUTELY NOT!!
Stones , river stone, etc. are porous, as are all stones, and will retain moisture on the inner layers of the blanket, even when the outer fabrics appear clean and dry. This inside moisture will quickly produce a mold that makes using stone a very poor choice for filler. In addition stones often have pointed or ragged edges that could harm the user or tear at the fabric.
I had read that poly beads are NOT recommended for weights over 7 pounds, is that true?
NO THAT IS FALSE!
Thank you for pointing us to the blanket manufacturer who made that statement. We do not know why that manufacturer makes the statement but we do know it is very incorrect. It may be that they are not using a high quality poly pellet.
Poly Pellets are DEFINITELY recommended for blankets weighing over 7 pounds. We have been using them for the past six years ,in all weights of products we make from our 1.5 pound lap pad, all the way up to our 50 pound King blankets.
There are several types of "poly pellet or bead" materials available on the market. Some of the less expensive beads are more of a styrofoam material and would be light in weight. DreamCatcher blankets are weighted with the very high quality poly pellet. Poly-Pellets are a polypropylene product and is the registered trademark of the manufacturer.
We can supply a MSD sheet upon request.
Do you make non-weighted blankets?
Absolutely, we do it very often at the request of our customers. The non-weighted blankets are made using the same unique design and high quality construction as the weighted blankets.
Do you make covers for the blankets?
Yes, we do. One of the advantages to our exclusive design is that covers are not needed because the blankets are constructed in such a way that the entire blanket can be machine washed and dried, without removing anything. However, we were approached by several of our medical facility clients who requested covers to help meet their specific needs, so we now have covers available to all our customers if requested.
Do you charge more for character prints?
NO, Our prices include your choice of the fabric you would like. Character prints do not cost any more than other 100% cotton prints. Other fabrics include in our pricing besides 100% cotton is flannel , and standard fleeces or any combination, for example cotton on one side and fleece on the other.
Minkee fleeces, microsuede, chenille, washable velvets and satins are available at an additional cost, along with satin binding and satin taggies.
The one thing we will always do is steer you towards the washable fabrics.
Do you offer fire retardant and organic fabrics?
Yes, we do. We have fire retardant fabrics available that meet all current codes. Organic fabrics are also available. Both options have additional costs associated.
Do you have waterproof fabrics?
No, We do not offer or recommend waterproof fabrics as they may pose a suffocation danger.
I have read that washing and drying a very heavy blanket without the ability to remove the weights may cause excess wear and tear on the washing machine, blanket materials, packet contents, and dryer, is that true?
We recommend that any blankets over 20LBS be washed in a commercial machine, as household machines are not made to withstand weight over 20LBS. We have found that blankets weighing under 20LBS do fine in a household washer and dryer.
We include washing instructions with all orders.
One blanket manufacturer has stated that poly pellets can clog the washer and dryer or can be a swallowing hazard, what is your view on that?
It sounds like, the manufacturer making that statement most certainly has a construction flaw in their design ,if the pellets are leaking out of their product. We have not experienced that problem at DreamCatchers. We use a unique process in which pellets are "quilted" into inner layers of fabric, so they can not move, shift or leak out of the blanket. This process is part of the patented design. It is important to question manufacturers on their design construction, type of fabrics used and how the product is being constructed for added durability.
Can I heat a Poly Pellet product in the microwave?
NO, NO, NO, !!
Never put a poly pellet product in the microwave. We have included a link to a report below about heating any type of blankets in microwaves.
* Do not use microwave ovens for warming any blankets. *
* Read The Medical Device Safety Report Here *
Do I remove the DreamCatcher sleep blanket once my child or the user is asleep?
No, the blanket that is used for sleep stays there during sleep.
DreamCatcher weighted blankets designed for sleep have weights distributed evenly throughout the blanket and are not as heavy per square inch as the smaller lap or wrap blanket. The smaller lap and wrap blankets used as a calming tool, are used periodically and for shorter periods of time.
Weighted blankets should never be used as a restraint, it is important that the user can always remove a weighted blanket on their own, if desired.
I'm still confused ... I sent you a link to a vendor web site that talked about weighted blankets when using for sleep. They recommended not changing blanket weight, but adjustability in their blankets will allow that. What do you think?
Thank you for pointing us to the site you mentioned and we certainly understand why you're confused. Their explanation given on using a weighted blanket for prolonged use, confused us too ....
In designing our weighted blankets we chose to make the blanket weight evenly distributed throughout the blanket. This was based on the medical professionals we spoke with on design and what they felt was the most effective and safe.
Perhaps, the company making that type of blanket, where weights can be moved to different areas of the blanket realized a design flaw in being able to concentrate the weight in one area over another. It may have caused them problems. In their explanation, use of weighted blankets for prolonged use, they may have had to try and clarify a bad situation that presented itself by using adjustable weights.
It won't be a problem with DreamCatcher blankets as our weights are evenly distributed and can not be removed or concentrated in an area.
Do you have any pre-made blankets available in addition to the custom blankets?
Yes, Beginning in 2008, we will be increasing our inventory of pre-made blankets.
Copyright 2004-2008 DreamCatcher Originals LLC, DreamCatcher Blankets TM
Last Updated 06/24/08