The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind has become my absolute favorite sensory tool. It’s the perfect weighted blanket alternative. My kids are sensory seekers and the weighted pillow has become a valuable tool that naturally helps my kids with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder find calm when they need it.
For more information about the Quiet Mind Weighted Pillow, click the button below or visit onequietmind.com. Use the code “theautismdad” at check out and save 15%
The Original Weighted Pillow is amazing and my kids love it. It’s unique because it weighs the same as a weighted blanket but it’s much smaller, huggable, and easier to manage. The Original Weighted Pillow is made from very sensory-friendly materials and comes in two colors, blueberry, and agave green. We have the blueberry ones in my house. It also comes in three different sizes, small (6 lbs), medium (9 lbs), and large (12 lbs).
There are tons of ways to use the weighted pillow and it’s really up to the individual person and their unique needs. For example, I’m typing up this post on my iPad while using the large pillow as a lap desk. The weight helps me to better focus on my work and be less distracted by everything going on around me. My kids, on the other hand, prefer to hold, hug, and squeeze their pillows. You can hug this pillow and feel resistance as you squeeze it, which is amazing sensory feedback. My kids find this very comforting and calming. The weighted pillow is very much like a stress ball for the entire body.
Ease of Use
One of the things I really like about the weighted pillow is how manageable it is, compared to a weighted blanket. Even with my kids being older, they still struggled to haul their weighted blankets around the house. The weighted pillow weighs the same and is so much easier to move from one place to another. This has been a huge advantage because they can grab their pillow and go to a different room, without struggling.
For more information about the Quiet Mind Weighted Pillow, click the button below or visit onequietmind.com. Use the code “theautismdad” at check out and save 15%
How The Quiet Mind Weighted Pillow Provides Relief
Let’s talk a little bit about how weighted pillows or weight, in general, can help children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders to better regulate and calm down. I’m just going to focus on the most important key points:
1 ) Deep Pressure Stimulation:
Weighted pillows provide deep pressure stimulation, a form of sensory input that applies gentle but firm pressure to the body. This pressure has a natural calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety, restlessness, and sensory overload. It provides a soothing and grounding sensation, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.
2) Sensory Regulation:
Many children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders struggle with sensory regulation. They may experience sensory sensitivities or difficulties in processing sensory information. Weighted pillows can assist in sensory regulation by organizing and integrating sensory input. Deep pressure stimulation helps children filter and process sensory information more effectively, leading to improved sensory modulation and self-regulation.
3) Promoting Relaxation and Sleep:
Sleep disturbances are common among neurodivergent children. Weighted pillows can aid in improving sleep quality by creating a calming and secure environment. The deep pressure provided by the pillow promotes a sense of security and comfort, helping children relax and unwind. This can lead to more restful sleep patterns and higher sleep quality.
4) Calming and Focusing Attention:
Children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders often struggle with attention and focus. Weighted pillows can help in this regard by promoting a state of calm and reducing restlessness. The deep pressure stimulation can enhance concentration and attention span, making it easier for children to engage in tasks, complete homework, and other things that require focus.
The science behind this is solid and humans have been benefiting from the deep pressure stimulation provided by weighted blankets for decades. I have several in my home and we’ve used them for years.
The Problem with Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets can provide numerous benefits for individuals with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, but they also come with several disadvantages that will often interfere with long-term use. This is an important consideration because if the downsides of weighted blankets outweigh the benefits, what’s the point? Let’s talk about some of the common issues people have with weighted blankets.
1) Weight and Size Limitations:
Weighted blankets can be quite heavy, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds or more. For kids, or other people with limited strength or mobility, trying to move a weighted blanket can be very challenging. Additionally, the size of the blanket may be restrictive, making it difficult to use in certain situations or settings.
2) Heat Retention:
Weighted blankets can trap body heat due to their dense construction, potentially causing discomfort or overheating, especially for kids who are sensitive to temperature changes. This can be particularly problematic during warmer seasons or for kids who naturally run warm. This is such a common complaint.
3) Sensory Overwhelm:
While many kids find deep pressure stimulation from weighted blankets comforting, some may experience sensory overwhelm or claustrophobic-like discomfort due to the feeling of being restricted or confined.
I know for my kids, heat retention and awkward weight ultimately proved to be a dealbreaker. My kids would overheat in the middle of the night and try to push the blanket off of themselves. They would get cold and try to pull it back onto the, but it was too cumbersome or gravity had already sent the blanket sliding off the bed and onto the floor.
Conclusion:
I’m a huge fan of the Quiet Mind Weighted Pillow. I love it delivers the same benefits as our weighted blankets with none of the downsides. It’s soft, huggable, portable, and there are so many ways to use it. My kids used to get frustrated with their weighted blankets and stopped using them most of the time. Now they just grab a pillow when they need to calm down or decompress. I love it for a million reasons. I also like that people now have an awesome alternative to weighted blankets. Weighted blankets are great but not for everyone. It’s always good to have options and choices and the Quiet Mind Weighted Pillow is a great one.
For more information about the Quiet Mind Weighted Pillow, click the button below or visit onequietmind.com. Use the code “theautismdad” at check out and save 15%
Very insightful. Thank you
You’re welcome