WHAT MAKES A DREAMCATCHER tm WEIGHTED BLANKET WORK ?
* AND MANY OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS *
** UPDATE **
A new study is currently underway and is due to be completed in late 2012.. we will bring you the results as soon as we have them!
DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets
tm are completely machine washable and dryable.
Our blankets our weighted with Poly-Pro Pellets. Poly Pro Pellets are rated to meet infectious control policies required by many medical facilities. Read more about our weighting material here.
How does the DreamCatcher tm Weighted Blanket work?
Q: I read on another weighted blanket site that "the proprioceptive input from "their" weighted blanket overwhelms sensory input from mental and physical stresses on the nervous system..."
A: Hmm...That is quite a confusing statement.... we are not sure what it means.......
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. To learn more read on..
What is the chemical released?
Serotonin is the chemical that functions as a neurotransmitter (chemical communicator). Serotonin is thought to be involved in inducing sleep, sensory perception, temperature regulation, and control of mood. Studies have shown that serotonin may be released by deep pressure touch stimulation. Massage and deep pressure releases both serotonin and endorphins. The serotonin acts as a calming mediator for the body while the endorphins act as a happy stimulator for the brain. Together they can bring pleasurable feelings and general elevated moods in both your body and mind. It calms you when feeling anxious.
As an added benefit,
Serotonin converts to Melatonin which is the hormone the body releases at night. Studies show that Melatonin aids in giving the body a good night's sleep. A new study released in June 2009 relating specifically to autistic children can be found below.
SLEEP 2009: Melatonin May Counter Sleep Disorders in Autistic Children
Is the chemical, Oxytocin, also released in the same way serotonin is when using a weighted blanket?
We have not seen any research that supports a connection between weighted blankets and oxytocin.
How long will it take to receive a DreamCatcher tm Weighted Blanket?
DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets offer both pre-made and custom weighted blankets. We know first hand the expenses of raising a special needs child. For that reason we offer DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets at an extremely reasonable price. The combination of offering a high quality product at an affordable price has many people referring us to make a custom blanket or two for clients, patients, family and friends. That is why, the time in shipping your blanket varies depending on whether you have ordered a pre-made or custom blanket, availability and how many blankets are already on our schedules when your order is placed. We make and fill orders on a first come, first serve basis. We do RUSH some orders if you have an extreme emergency, for example a child has an upcoming surgery. There is no additional charge for that service.
Pre-made blankets will normally ship between 5 and 14 business days, customs normally ship between 3 and 5 weeks. In addition to increasing and maintaining our pre-made blanket inventory, our talented sewing staff currently produces between 10 and 15 custom blankets each day, over 20 each day from October through mid December. We put a great deal of time, attention and skilled sewing practices into each blanket made. While we are always striving to shorten our custom order wait time, we are not willing to compromise our high quality standards in doing so.
No matter which blanket you choose, (pre-made, custom or both) please know that the quality construction, patented design, and materials used in making a DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket is unmatched by any others, guaranteed.
DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets Can Be Safely
Machine Washed and Dried
How do I wash a DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket?
Our blankets can be machine washed on a regular or permanent press cycle, using your normal detergent in the temperature you desire. We often recommend cold water wash to help keep fabric colors bright, but the blanket will withstand warm and hot temperatures. Please DO NOT wash on a gentle cycle as the weight of the blanket may be hard on your washing machine. You may want to wash some towels etc. with the blanket to help balance the load.
Do any of the fabrics shrink after washing, will colors bleed?
We wash, pre-shrink and size all fabrics prior to constructing the blankets, you are free to choose any fabrics you like without worry of shrinkage. Any pre-treating of fabrics to either set colors or soften fabrics is done prior to our constructing a DreamCatcher blanket. These are both normal standard procedures when working with any fabrics. We use products that are scent free and formulated for sensitive skins.
Can I dry the blanket in the dryer? Will the pellets melt?
That is very important to consider and a very good question to ask because there are many types of pellets on the market and not all would be suitable for use in a weighted blanket. We use only superior PolyPro pellets that are rated to 600 degrees. They will not melt in the dryer.
There are lesser grade poly pellets on the market that may be recycled from things like used milk jugs or cartons, old plastic bottles and containers and even old car batteries. These are not the type of pellets that should be used to weight a blanket.
The blankets can be dried on a regular or permanent press cycle. Drying time will depend on the fabrics used for your blanket. Cotton fabrics normally require more drying time then synthetics such as fleece. We always recommend checking the blanket every 15 to 20 minutes in the dryer. Any of our blankets can be lined dried but it does take time because of the number of layers of fabrics.
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 some household machines are not made to withstand weight over 20LBS. We have found that blankets weighing under 20LBS do fine in most household washer and dryer.
We also 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. I believe they no longer are making the product having those leaking issues and have removed that statement from their web site.
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.
DreamCatcher's supply weighted blankets to many medical facilities throughout the US and overseas. Most medical facilities have strict rules with respect to codes they must follow. DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets are designed to meet all those codes.
Does your Company Ever Donate Blankets?
Q: I am a single mother of 5 yr old twins with severe autism. They are both girls and I was wandering if there is any way I am able to get a discount on a full size bed weighted blanket they both weigh 60 lbs or do you know of anyone who is willing to donate one they love disney princess. I just have not slept in five years and funding is very scarce. Maria
A:Our company has given away a weighted blanket every month for the past
several years. We have had so many requests that it quickly became difficult
to choose who should receive a donated custom blanket. We have a Custom
Weighted Blanket Giveaway Drawing each month. Please feel free to enter. You
will only need to enter once as the entry is good until you win!
Who Benefits By Using A Weighted Blanket ?
P
A weighted blanket has been proven as a valuable tool for Restless Leg Syndrome sufferers. DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets weights their blankets differently and in a special manner for RLS clients. The weight needs to be distributed differently than our regular weighted blankets to give those suffering from RLS the highest degree of comfort.
Weighted Blankets Used For Restless Leg Syndrome Relief
DreamCatcher Blankets are also being used to provide comfort to those in
Hospice Care.
In addition, we have many people using a
DreamCatcher Weighted sleep
blanket who just have trouble sleeping and have found the blankets to be an
extremely helpful, natural drug free sleep aid. In fact , many of
our sewing staff and their families use a weighted blanket to help them get a
good night's sleep.
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 a blanket is never so
heavy that the user feels trapped. The user must always be able to remove a
weighted blanket on their own without problem, if desired. Q:Will a weighted blanket help me lose weight? I saw somewhere
on the internet that a lady said her son's weighted blanket helped her lose
weight. A: WOW wouldn't that would be great!!! :)
............... but unfortunately no, we can't make that claim. We took a look at the link you sent and while we were glad to
hear she was getting more sleep because her son's weighted blanket was helping
him sleep. Trying to directly connect a weighted blanket to her weight loss was
probably a bit of a stretch. Too bad tho, thanks for the question!
What Is The Recommended Weight For Blankets?
Q:
Should I just pile alot of blankets on and weigh them to determine the right
weight?
A:
No, putting many blankets on to try and determine the right weight for your
weighted blanket will not be an accurate way to establish the right
blanket weight for your weighted blanket. The standard formula below has been
well tested and proven over the past several years to be very effective. At DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets, we
have personally researched and talked with many health professionals to
determine the correct weight used in our weighted blankets. Along with our
actual experience in producing the blankets the past several years, we can see
how our weight formulas have benefited our customers. Many
weighted blanket manufacturers today have followed our lead and have adopted the
DreamCatcher weight guidelines. We found, and many Occupational
Therapists now recommend using a standard formula of 10% body weight plus
one pound as a starting point to determine the initial base weight of a blanket. After
the base weight is established then many personal variables need to be
considered and factored in to determine the final appropriate weight
for the blanket. For example a 100 pound person
would start with a base weight in a blanket of 11 pounds. Additional points to consider in
determining final weight includes, height of user, size of blanket and
proprioceptive input needs of the user. DreamCatcher staff is highly experienced
in answering any questions as to individualizing and providing the perfect
weight, size and fit to the person using the blanket. We also suggest
speaking with your Occupational Therapist if available. It is very important that you receive
the correct weight. At DreamCatcher's we offer you a variety of weights ,in one
weight increments. If a 23LB weighted blanket is what you need , we have it for
you, you won't have to settle for a 20 or 25 LB blanket.
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.
DreamCatcher staff is knowledgeable and are happy to
assist with any weight and size questions you may
have. I weigh 140LBS and see on a weight chart from one manufacturer
that I would need 27LB blanket in a full, it seems too heavy. Yes, based on your weight you would start with a 17LB blanket
in a full size, a 27LB blanket would more than likely be much to heavy for you.
Please call us at 406-777-2267, for personal assistance. Do you recommend not using a weighted blanket for a child
under three years old ? While there are some weighted blanket manufacturer's who state
their products may not be suitable for children under three years old, we have many children under 3 using a DreamCatcher weighted blanket,
our youngest clients to date are 3 months old. Babies and their
parents
really love our 1.5 LB lap pads. All issues must be taken into consideration when
determing the best weight and size blanket for each individual, including
younger children. The under 3 age rule references the guidelines
set by the CSPC relating to items that could present as a choking hazard for
young children. The DreamCatcher tm Weighted Blanket
design is unique in construction, in addition to being made with
great care to ensure that no weighting material can escape from inside the
blanket due to poor workmanship. Q: What weight is most used in a school classroom for the lap
blankets. Do you have a chart or would you need to know the child's
weight? A: We do not offer a weight chart to determine the appropriate
weight for a blanket because each individuals needs should always be considered.
A basic chart can not provide that information. Please email us at
dreamcatcher@weightedblanket.net or call 406-777-2267 for personal
attention. Q: I have been researching several sites on weight. One says a
66LB and up child can take a 15LB blanket, one says a person weighing between
130 and 170 can take a blanket from 25 to 38LBs and one says a 130 LB person
takes 15LB weighted blanket. That is a very big difference, what weight is best
for us? A: There is a lot of misinformation and weight charts that we
have also seen on the internet that give inaccurate information regarding the
weight needed for a blanket. Many of the charts have weights being too heavy
for the user. We believe is important to determine the weight based on
each individuals weight , along with individual sensory needs and the size of
blanket. Weighted blankets should not be purchased as a one size fits all. They
are therapeutic medical equipment that should be fit to the individual
using it. Again, please contact DreamCatcher's for a no charge, personalized
consultation to fit your needs.
Q:
I looked at a weighted blanket website today that stated that "most people
cannot tolerate a blanket over 20LBS" , is that true?
A:
Thank you for your question and sending us the information and link to that website.
Unfortunately, a general statement made like this is unproven , incorrect
and made without the individual needs being considered. The correct weight of a
blanket must be based on both the individual's needs and the size of the
blanket desired.
The DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket experience gathered and applied over the
past several years, shows a 20LB or over weighted blanket has helped
numerous adult clients . DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets caters to both
individual clients and those professionals working in a hospital setting who
would agree that a 20LB or over blanket has been beneficial to the well
being of both adult clients and patients.
You also mentioned in your email that an adult weighted blanket from the other
manufacturer you sent questions to us about , is about 36" by 70".
This is much smaller and narrower than a DreamCatcher twin size weighted blanket and we
would not consider that size to be an adult size blanket. A
36" wide blanket would be appropriate for a crib size blanket.
DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets are therapeutic blankets made to fit on the top
of a mattress and do not hang over the sides as regular bedding. Our twins
measure approx. 43" wide by 75" long and very often adults and older teens
prefer a blanket size that is larger than our standard twin size.
DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets is committed to designing
each blanket to be the perfect fit, in size, weight and fabric
choice. We know it will not benefit you if it isn't! What is the reason you recommend the blankets come to the edge
of the mattress and not hang over? Is there a functional reason? Most Occupational Therapists make this recommendation for children so the
weights are not hanging over the side of the bed which may make the blankets
feel heavier to a child. It is not normally an issue for older children
or adults. As the weighted blanket's primary purpose is to provide
pressure, we make the blankets to fit on the top of the mattress to help keep
costs down for our clients. We can, however, custom make any size blanket you
would like and are happy to provide a quote if a larger bedspread size blanket
is desired .
What is the Best Weighting Material For A Weighted Blanket?
DreamCatcher tm Blankets weight blankets using only a
high quality grade
We can supply a MSD sheet upon request.
Do the PolyPro Pellets either retain heat or have a cooling effect ?
We would have to say no to both questions. The blankets can be warmed ,if desired, by running them in the dryer for about 5 minutes, but the pellets do not retain that heat.
The PolyPro Pellets do not make the blankets feel cool. The fabrics used in the blankets determine the degree of warmth of our blankets. Natural 100% Cottons being the "coolest" fabric and the synthetic polyesters, such as fleece, being warmer fabrics.
I need a small amount of pellets, will you sell them to me?
We purchase our Polypro pellets in bulk, packaged in 2000 LB containers and do not sell the pellets only.
While the Polypro pellets are not sold in small amounts a similar pellet distributed by Fairfield Processing is.
You can purchase small amount of pellets locally at places like, Joanne Fabrics, Michael's or Wal-Mart. Most Fabric stores can also special order them in also. It is best to try and find them locally to save yourself the huge shipping costs which can often be more than the pellets themselves.
Do DreamCatcher's ever use stone or rocks to weight their blankets?
NO ABSOLUTELY NOT!!
Stones , river rock, aquarium rock or gravel, etc, are not a safe weighting material. We would not allow it's use in a blanket for our child and recommend against that material be used to weight a blanket..
All stones, rocks and gravel are porous, unless chemically altered which is also undesirable, 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 natural stones and rock 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!
It may be that the particular manufacturer making that statement is using a poor quality poly pellet.
You may want to ask what type of poly pellet is being used. 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 or polystyrene and would be light in weight. We suspect that must be what the other manufacturer must using to have to make that particular statement on their web site..
PolyPro Pellets are DEFINITELY recommended for blankets weighing over 7 pounds. We have been using them for the past several 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.
DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets are weighted with the very high quality poly pellet.
We can supply a MSD sheet upon request.
Do You Ever Weight Your Blankets By Just Using More Heavy Fabrics?
No, using more fabrics to weight a blanket defeats the purpose, as the more fabric and heavier it is the warmer the blanket becomes. In addition, it is very difficult to be precise in weight when using fabrics for weight, we are very strict in that DreamCatcher blankets are precise in weight.
Most of our clients are looking for the weight of the blanket but not the warmth that 12 blankets gives off, and additional fabric to weight a blanket does not meet that goal or our quality weight standards.
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.
What is the reason you recommend the blankets come to the edge of the mattress and not hang over? Is there a functional reason?
Most Occupational Therapists make this recommendation for young children so the weights are not hanging over the side of the bed which may make the blankets feel heavier to a child. It is not normally an issue for older children or adults. As the weighted blanket's primary purpose is to provide pressure, we make the blankets to fit on the top of the mattress to help keep costs down for our clients. We can, however, custom make any size blanket you would like and are happy to provide a quote if a larger bedspread size blanket is desired .
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 I have to purchase the custom fabrics I choose and send them to you?
NO!! We certainly would not have you do that!!
You pick the fabrics you like ......we do all the ordering of the fabrics. If you have a favorite fabric, quilt top or blanket you would like us to make a weighted blanket from we are happy to do that for you. In that case, you will receive a fabric credit off the purchase price of the blanket.
I love to quilt and would like a weighted blanket made from a quilt top I made , can you do that?
Yes, we are happy to. We will also make a weighted blanket out of any fabric, if you have something special you would like to send us. We, of course, will issue a fabric credit if we are using your fabrics. Please contact with questions and to receive more information prior to sending a quilt top or fabric.
I would like my weighted blanket to be made using a quilt top, but don't know anyone to make it for me.
We are happy to craft a custom quilt top for you, please call us at 406-777-2267 for more information.
What fabric do you use for your inner layers?
We use 100% cotton only for the inner layers of fabric in our blankets. We prefer keeping the blanket as breathable as possible. A polyester or polyester blend is not a breathable fabric and would add too much unwanted warm to the blanket.
Can you make a blanket using fleece on both sides?
Yes of course. If the user tends to be very cold at all times of the year using fleece on both sides is a good choice. Fleece is polyester ,a synthetic material, and does not breathe as 100% cotton will and could make a person which already runs warm too uncomfortable. For the warm person we would recommend 100% cotton on both sides or a cotton/ fleece combination. We are very flexible in our fabric offerings.
Do you have a fabric called "softress"? Can you tell us about it? It it pet hair and stain resistant?
Softress fabric is know in the industry as minky fleece. It is also called minkee, chenille, or so soft.
The fabric is 100% polyester, we have it available in a variety of solid colors , textures (velvet, dots, waves,etc.) and patterns (paisleys, circles ). It is no more pet hair resistant or stain resistant than other fabrics.
It is an easy care fabric and can be both machine washed and dried.
It is most widely used in baby blankets because it has a short pile, smooth and very soft. Because it is a polyester it is warmer fabric and is not usually desired on both sides of a weighted blanket.
Is there such a thing as cotton fleece?
Combed Cotton Fleece is an "extra care" or "high maintenance" fabric and while it is available for weighted blankets at DreamCatcher's, we do not recommend it's use. It can be washed in cold water only and lined dried only. It can not be dried in the dryer without harming the fabric. It is a much thinner fabric than regular fleece and is breathable. It has a soft short pile and will not add as much warmth as normal fleece will.
Is there such a thing as pet hair resistant fabric?
Not really, static is the real culprit that attracts pet hair and lint. There are fabrics that tend to be less hair magnets than others and include leather and cotton.
Chenille, fleece, minkee (sometimes referred to as softress) fabrics tend to attract pet hair but also hide it because of the textured pile.
Wool , microfiber and velvet are probably the three worst fabric to remove pet hair from.
Pet hair will show the most on dark colored solid fabrics.
Are full, queen or king size fabric choices limited in any way?
Not normally..... our skilled sewing staff can make any size blanket out of any fabric you choose.
Do you offer fire retardant and organic fabrics?
Yes, we do. We have fire retardant fabrics available that meet all current United States codes . Organic fabrics are also available. Both options have additional costs associated.
Does DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets have water or fluid proof fabrics available for medical facilities, hospitals or individuals to purchase ?
OF COURSE !
We are very excited about the newest addition to our DreamCatcher product line. Starting mid 2011, we will offer a special waterproof fabric if requested. It has been a product in the making for three years .
After several design attempts we now have both a hygienic, waterproof fabric coupled with a great new design, available to both our healthcare customers and individuals who find that this type of weighted blanket suits their needs . The new design is called our DreamCatcher Weighted Smoothie which is available in any fabric. The attraction of this new design made with our also new healthcare fabric is that it can be wiped down and disinfected easily between washings.
*VERY IMPORTANT*
Water or fluid proof fabrics are not breathable.
Safety at DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets is our number one concern. We have been very cautious in the past about offering a waterproof fabric to our customers because so many of them are made with materials that can pose a suffocation risk.
While many water or fluid proof fabrics are available many are not suitable for a product used to cover someone. Please be aware of the many health hazards associated with most water or fluid proof fabric when used as a bedding product. We do caution that the use of a water or fluid proof fabric should be strictly supervised when used as a bedding product.
Please contact us at dreamcatcher@weightedblanket.net or 406-777-2267 for more information and pricing on this new and exciting product.
I saw a picture of a blanket on your web site with fabric I would like to have, can I get that fabric?
Pictures shown on our web site are examples of custom blankets we have made over the past several years for our customers. Those particular fabrics may no longer be available. Please contact us for fabrics that are currently available, the choices are numerous and are updated so often we can't show them all on our website.
Can more weight be added to our blanket as our child grows?
The weights can not be removed or added to. We do have a blanket exchange program in place that will extend a partial credit and reimburse shipping costs for sending an old blanket in for exchange on a new one. The exchange blankets are donated or sold at a reduced cost.
I purchased a blanket from another vendor and when the blanket was picked up all the weights went down to the end along with the poly fill that was inside the blanket, how are yours different?
The weights in DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets are evenly distributed throughout the blanket. Our design and formulas for weighting include evenly distributing the weights and securing them throughout the blanket within inner layers of fabric. It is very important to obtain the exact weight as close as possible and the blanket is weighed many times throughout the filling process. This design keeps the weight from moving or shifting throughout the blanket and also allows the blankets to be machine washed and dried without problems.
Can you make a blanket with poly fill?
* Synthetic Poly fill should NEVER be used in weighted blankets, it could be a suffocation hazard*
While we easily can add poly fill to our design, we won't. DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets will not use synthetic polyester fill as an inner layer in DreamCatcher weighted blankets for quite a few reasons. The most important is a CPSC consumer safety report issued describing how products using polyester fill can be a suffocation hazard. We are not willing to expose our customers to even the slightest known risks.
Before that report was issued the other reasons we did not use poly fill follow. The added warmth that poly fill provides is normally too uncomfortable to the sensory sensitive individual that overheats easily. When used in combination with a weighting material, poly fill tends to break apart. We have had clients send us blankets for our exchange program they purchased elsewhere that showed the evidence on how poly fill will break apart , bunch and get lumpy over time and repeated washings. In an early design we made many years ago we did make a design using poly fill and found by stuffing the fill in the blanket it put a large amount of stress on the stitching which we felt could cause the stitching to break over time. We worried it would lessen the quality we wanted to achieve.
The blanket I purchased had the weights evenly distributed but it was stitched on both sides of the blanket and uncomfortable for my child. Is the DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket different?
Yes our blanket is made using multiple layers of fabric and the backing is smooth and not stitched throughout. We landed on this patent pending design because of our son. He has "classic" autism and is sensory sensitive to seams, tags and labels in his clothing, etc. It is the design he preferred when we started DreamCatchers and exploring new and different designs. He is not on any medications and, uses his blanket every night for sleep and as a calming tool during times of anxiety or stress.
Can I heat a polypropylene pellet product in the microwave?
NO, NO, NO, !!
Never put any type of polypropylene 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, can be used periodically and for shorter periods of time if desired.
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. Pre-mades are currently offered in lap, toddler, wrap and twin sizes.
Do you match your competitors pricing?
A DreamCatcher tm Weighted Blanket design can not be reproduced by other manufacturers, legally. We do not have a competitor that makes a product that can be compared to a DreamCatcher making price matching unworkable or infeasible.
I noticed a few other weighted blanket sites has the very same information on their site that yours has, sometimes word for word.
Are there other blanket makers that are affiliated with DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets ?
In the past few years, we have experienced problems where people have called us about problems they have experienced with their blanket, only to find out that their blanket was not a DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket.
There have been a quite a few weighted blanket makers that are "using" DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets research and formulas in their written material and web sites in an effort to sell their products.
The information on the DreamCatcher web site is freely given for all to benefit from. It is however , information that is copyrighted and has been researched and sought after personally by DreamCatcher staff. Other weighted blanket manufacturers that either copy directly or have re-written DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket information in their written material have not asked for permission to use either our research, weight formulas or information, against copyright laws.
While we are flattered to be used
as a model for their companies, please keep in mind DreamCatcher Weighted
Blankets is not
affiliated with, nor can we control or recommend products offered by
weighted blanket companies that have simply used our research and information
to easily promote their products.
Copyright 2004-2012 DreamCatcher Originals LLC, DreamCatcher Blankets TM
Last Updated 01/01/12
DISCLAIMER
In the past few years, there have been a few new weighted blanket makers that are "using" DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets research and formulas in their written material and web sites in an effort to sell their products.
The information on our web site is freely given for all to benefit from. It is however , information that is copyrighted and has been researched and sought after personally by DreamCatcher staff. Other weighted blanket manufacturers that copy directly or have re-written DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket information in their written material have not asked for permission to use either our research, weight formulas or information, against copyright laws.
While we are flattered to be used as a model for their companies, please keep in mind DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets is not affiliated with, nor can we control or recommend products offered by weighted blanket companies that have simply used our research and information to easily promote their products.