WHAT IS THE CORRECT SIZE FOR YOUR WEIGHTED BLANKET?
Considering Individual Needs Is Very Important For Weighted Blanket Users
Copyright 2008-2012 DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket is an important affordable investment in health care, for both the person using the blanket and those who care for them. It is very important to consider some major points along with individual needs when purchasing a weighted blanket so that it will work properly for the user.
Major Points To Consider When Purchasing A Weighted Blanket
1. Goal to accomplish: Is the blanket to be used as a calming tool , for a natural sleep aid or both?
2. What Is The Correct Size Weighted Blanket?
3. What Is The Correct Weight That I Need?
4. What Is The Best Fabric to Fit My Sensory Needs?
5. What Is The Safest, Most Effective, Most Comfortable and Practical Weighting Materials?
6. What Is the Best Blanket Construction, Durability & Weight Distribution?
7. How Much Does The Blanket Cost, Is It The Best For My Money?
GOAL TO ACCOMPLISH
In deciding what to purchase the first thing to determine is what goal you want to accomplish with your weighted blanket.
If you need a blanket to be used as a calming tool in the car, watching TV, at school, in church, etc. The appropriate size would be a Lap blanket (34" x 43")or a Wrap blanket (43" x 52").
Sample Pictures of Custom DreamCatcher Lap Blankets Below
* Click on any picture for a larger view *
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Sample Pictures Of Custom DreamCatcher Wrap Blankets Below
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If you need a blanket for better sleep, the size you choose will depend on the height of the person using the blanket and /or the bed size. For smaller children, it is recommended that a weighted sleep blanket be made to fit on the top of the mattress and not hang over the sides of the bed. Most teens and adults find that a full or queen size blanket is the most comfortable size for both sleep and as a calming tool. Also, in most cases, a sleep blanket should always have the weights evenly distributed throughout the entire area of the blanket and NOT concentrated in one area. We have found that there is one exception to that, many of Dreamcatcher clients with Restless Leg Syndrome seem to prefer the weights to be heavier in the lower part of their blankets. We have an adjusted weight formula that is used for those clients with RLS.
Sample Of Custom DreamCatcher Sleep Blankets Below
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WHAT IS THE CORRECT SIZE
A child under 40" in height can use a Wrap blanket (43" x 52) or a Crib/Toddler Blanket (36" x 52") for sleep.
Once a height of 40" in height is reached, a Twin size (43" x 75)should be considered to give the young user plenty of growing room. An adjustment to the standard weight formula is often required based on the users height.
Full size (54" x 75"), Queen Size (60" x 80"), are both popular choices for teens, young adults and older adults. King ( 76 x 80) and Queen( 60"x80") size blankets have also been a favorite with couples. Extended lengths in sleep blankets are available. Weight on these blankets is determined using a combination of the standard formula below, the user's height and the size of the blanket.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED WEIGHT FOR A WEIGHTED BLANKET ?
How Do I Determine The Right Individual Weight For Me?
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. Always take into consideration any muscle tone issues when determining weight.
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 very happy to help with any weight questions you may have.
Do you recommend not using a weighted blanket for a child under three years old ?
We do not make that recommendation solely on a childs age, in fact we have many children under 3 using a DreamCatcher tm 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.
I looked at a weighted blanket website today that stated that "most people cannot tolerate a blanket over 20LBS" , is that true?
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 .
Q: I have been researching several websites 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 firmly believe it 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.
How to determine Weight for a Lap or Wrap Blanket used as a Calming Tool?
Current industry standards that many Occupational Therapists suggest that a lap or wrap blanket be 10% plus one pound of the person's body weight that will be using the blanket. This is the starting weight, and can certainly be adjusted up or down depending on each person's individual needs. This type of blanket is normally used as a calming tool and used periodically throughout the day at 20 minute intervals. It is believed that the deep pressure touch stimulation supplied by the weight releases a chemical in the brain that naturally calms. The blanket can be applied on the lap or around shoulders.
DREAMCATCHER tm LAP PADS & DREAMCATCHER WRAPPERS tm
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Occupational Therapists and current research recommends lap pads be a maximum weight of 5% of the clients total body weight, because all the weight is located on the clients legs. However it is also suggested that no more than two pounds of weight be applied with any client, and even less with preschoolers or kindergarteners.
We Have Many Pre-Made Lap Pads Available
The Exclusive only to DreamCatcher, Wrapper tm
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Wrappers come in a variety of fabric options, please click here to see choices.
Please email for current Price List.
BLANKET COST
Blanket cost is always major factor to consider with your blanket purchase. Removable weight blankets or blankets needing blanket covers are very expensive compared to those with unremovable weights and are often less effective and difficult to maintain and wash.
In addition, many blankets are comparable in cost but NOT in materials used , for example a poly pellet filled blanket and a stone filled blanket may cost the same , but the quality of the stone filled blanket is substandard, in addition to being unsafe. Or two blankets may both be filled with poly pellets, but the inner layers of fabric type and quantity may different, or quality of poly pellets differ.
. Compare carefully.
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DISCLAIMER
In the past few years, there have been a few new weighted blanket makers that have 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.
