Weighted Lap Pads and Weighted Blankets

Sensory Tools for Comfort and Calm

Weighted lap pads and weighted blankets are sensory tools that promote relaxation, focus, and comfort for people of all ages. While weighted lap pads are compact and designed for focused activities, weighted blankets provide full-body coverage, making them ideal for rest and sleep. However, both tools work through the calming effects of deep pressure stimulation, helping reduce stress and manage sensory sensitivities.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about weighted lap pads and weighted blankets, including their uses, benefits, safety considerations, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

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What is a Weighted Lap Pad?

A weighted lap pad is a soft, weighted item made to rest comfortably on your lap. Typically larger than a stuffed animal but smaller than a weighted blanket, lap pads are not just toys—they’re practical sensory tools. Moreover, they provide a calming weight across your lap, which can be especially helpful for individuals experiencing sensory overload or restlessness.

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Benefits of Weighted Lap Pads

Weighted lap pads offer a range of benefits for children, adults, and seniors. Here’s how they help:

• Calm: Ease feelings of stress or anxiety.
• Ground: Help users feel more connected to their environment.
• Relax: Encourage physical and mental relaxation.
• Self-soothe: Provide comfort during overwhelming situations.
• Focus: Improve concentration in classrooms, workplaces, or home settings.

For example, imagine the soothing sensation of a pet resting on your lap—that’s the effect a weighted lap pad aims to replicate!

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Where to Use Weighted Lap Pads

Weighted lap pads are portable, versatile tools that are used in a variety of settings:

Children:

• At the dinner table to encourage calm during meals.
• During homework sessions to improve focus.
• While traveling in a car, bus, or plane.
• At school during circle time or while seated at their desk.
• At the hairdresser, in a shopping cart, or at the movies.

Adults:

• At their desk to improve concentration during work.

Older Adults

• While sitting in a chair or wheelchair for added comfort.

Their portability makes them an excellent choice for anyone seeking sensory support on the go.

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What is a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket is a larger sensory tool that provides deep pressure stimulation across the entire body. Weighted blankets are made with evenly distributed weight to create a calming and secure feeling, similar to being hugged or swaddled.

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Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets may:

• Reduce anxiety.
• Improve sleep quality.
• Provide a sense of security.
• Reduce nighttime movement.
• Alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

Research shows that weighted blankets can help manage sensory sensitivities and improve overall well-being for individuals with or without sensory differences. Many people who don’t have sensory challenges still enjoy the calming effects of these blankets.

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Safety Tips for Weighted Lap Pads and Blankets

Safety is a priority when using any sensory tool with added weight. Please know that children have died because of misuse of weighted blankets. Read about these deaths:

• In Canada
• In the United States

Follow these tips to ensure proper use:

1. Age Appropriateness: Do not use weighted sensory tools or toys with infants and toddlers and young children, or anyone of any age who has a limitation in physical ability or cognitive ability due to the risk of suffocation.
2. Weight Guidelines: Choose a tool that is no more than 5% of the user’s body weight. And, they must be able to remove a sensory tool of this weight.
3. Supervision: Do not use weighted sensory tools with individuals of any age who have limited strength, coordination or awareness.
4. Physical Capability: Ensure the user can remove the weighted item independently.
5. Always consult with a regulated health care professional like a doctor or occupational therapist about using weighted sensory tools.

Research and Insights: Safety and Efficacy of Weighted Blankets and Lap Pads

Weighted blankets and lap pads are valuable sensory tools that provide deep pressure stimulation, offering comfort and calm to individuals with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorders, or anxiety. However, understanding their safety and efficacy is essential to ensure their appropriate use. Comprehensive reviews by the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) provide critical insights into these tools.

Key Findings from INESSS Reports

The INESSS has published two detailed reviews that highlight essential considerations for the use of weighted sensory tools:

1. Efficacy of Weighted Tools
   Both the reports, Effectiveness and Safety of Weighted Blankets for People with Developmental Disorders and Weighted Blankets and Vests: Safety, Efficacy, and Issues Related to Their Use in Different Intervention Settings, emphasize the positive effects of weighted blankets and lap pads. They help regulate the sensory system through deep pressure stimulation, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
2. Individualized Benefits
   • The effects of weighted tools vary greatly from person to person. Factors such as sensory preferences, age, weight, and the context of use significantly influence their effectiveness.
   • While many people benefit from these tools, a tailored approach is necessary to ensure the user’s needs are met.
3. Safety Considerations
   • Weighted items should not exceed 5% of the user’s body weight.
   • They should always allow for easy removal to prevent risks of suffocation or discomfort.
   • These tools are unsuitable for infants, toddlers, or individuals with limited muscle strength, coordination, or awareness.
   • Consult with regulated health care professionals like your doctor or an occupational therapist.
4. Applications Across Settings
   Weighted lap pads and blankets are versatile tools used in schools, therapy sessions, and home settings. The reports stress the importance of proper training for caregivers and staff to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

Practical Takeaways

• Choose the Right Weight: Always ensure the weighted tool’s weight is within recommended limits and appropriate for the user.
• Monitor Usage: Check for signs of discomfort or stress, and ensure the individual can remove the tool independently.
• Consult Professionals: An occupational therapist or medical doctor can offer personalized guidance on selecting and using these tools safely.

Learn More

To explore the full findings and recommendations, visit the INESSS reports:

• Effectiveness and Safety of Weighted Blankets for People with Developmental Disorders.
• Weighted Blankets and Vests: Safety, Efficacy, and Issues Related to Their Use.

These comprehensive resources provide invaluable information for caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals, ensuring that weighted sensory tools are used safely and effectively.

Who Should Not Use a Weighted Lap Pad or Weighted Blanket

While weighted lap pads and blankets offer numerous benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions and physical limitations can make their use unsafe. It’s essential to carefully evaluate individual needs and consult with a healthcare professional or occupational therapist if you’re unsure.

Here are some situations in which a weighted lap pad or blanket should not be used:

Health and Medical Conditions

• Breathing Problems: Individuals with respiratory issues, such as asthma or sleep apnea, may find the weight restrictive and uncomfortable.
• Heart Precautions: People with cardiovascular conditions should avoid weighted tools unless specifically approved by a healthcare provider.
• Epilepsy: Weighted items may pose risks for individuals prone to seizures and should be avoided unless under medical supervision.

Physical Limitations

• Decreased Muscle Tone and Strength: Individuals with low muscle tone or reduced physical strength may struggle to move or remove the weighted item, posing a safety risk.
• Fractured Bones or Wounds: Weighted tools can cause discomfort or impede healing for those with injuries, fractures, or open wounds.

Psychological and Emotional Considerations

• History of Trauma: People with trauma or PTSD may find the deep pressure stimulation triggering rather than calming.
• Claustrophobia: Weighted blankets, in particular, can exacerbate feelings of being trapped or confined for those with claustrophobia.

Specific Populations

• Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before using weighted tools, as the additional pressure may not be safe.
• Young Children and Infants: Infants, toddlers, and young children who cannot independently remove the weighted item should not use them due to the risk of suffocation.

Practical Limitations

• Inability to Remove the Weighted Item: Anyone unable to lift or remove the blanket or lap pad without assistance should not use it, as this increases the risk of injury or suffocation.
• Inability to Keep the Weighted Item Below the Head or Neck: Weighted blankets should always stay below the shoulders to prevent airway obstruction.

Final Thoughts on Safety

Weighted lap pads and blankets are therapeutic tools designed to promote comfort and relaxation, but they must be used with caution. If you or someone you care for falls into any of the above categories, it’s best to consult a professional before introducing a weighted sensory tool into your routine.

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Weighted Lap Pads vs. Weighted Blankets

While both tools serve as sensory aids, their purposes differ:

Feature	Weighted Lap Pads	Weighted Blankets
Size	Compact, fits on your lap.	Covers the entire body.
Best For	Focused activities and travel.	Sleep, relaxation, and full-body comfort.
Portability	Easy to carry but smaller in size.	Larger and less portable.

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FAQs

How long should you use a weighted lap pad or blanket?

For lap pads, intermittent use of about 20-minute intervals is ideal. Weighted blankets can also provide benefits after just 20 minutes but should not be used continuously without consulting a healthcare provider.

Are weighted lap pads and blankets safe for everyone?

No. They should not be used by individuals who cannot remove them independently or those with certain medical conditions like breathing difficulties or epilepsy.

How do I clean a weighted lap pad or blanket?

Many weighted lap pads and blankets come with removable, washable covers. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care.

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Choosing the Right Weighted Sensory Tool

If you’re unsure whether to choose a weighted lap pad or blanket, ask yourself the following questions:

• Who will use it—child, adult, or senior?
• What is the purpose—focus, relaxation, or sleep?
• How much does the user weigh? (Ensure the weight is no more than 5% of their body weight.)
• Is portability important?
• Does it need to be washable?
• Are there safety concerns for the user?

By answering these questions, you can select the sensory tool that best meets your needs.

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Explore More Sensory-Friendly Resources

At Sensory Friendly Solutions, we’re committed to promoting inclusivity and comfort through sensory-friendly solutions. Explore our All Access Training Membership for:

• Industry-specific sensory-friendly training.
• Guides and checklists to create inclusive environments.
• Access to Sensory Friendly 101 and other exclusive courses.

Watch this video from our founder, Christel Seeberger, to learn how our resources can help you!

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Final Thoughts

Both weighted lap pads and weighted blankets are valuable tools for managing sensory sensitivities, promoting calm, and improving focus or relaxation. By choosing the right product and using it safely, you can enhance well-being for yourself or your loved ones.

Check out our blog on how to choose the right weighted blanket for even more insights!