I am Khal, CEO of Sensory Goods, a manufacturer of sensory products including weighted blankets. It has been our goal to assist individuals with autism, anxiety, and sleep disorders. AMA!

I've been checking out different weighted blankets from all over the internet, but no one seems to make one that is a standard king size blanket. Is there a reason that queen size is the largest size?

Hi, thank you for your question! We actually used to make king size blankets, but ultimately they were not very popular and very hard to manufacture. The fabric we purchase is not wide enough to make a king size blanket either, and I imagine other companies have run into this same issue.

Thank you for explaining that to me! IF I can't get a king, now i can stop searching and get a queen size blanket.

No problem, let me know if you have any other questions regarding sensory products!

Was your company responsible for posting that TIL about weighted blankets yesterday??

We were not responsible for posting the TIL about weighted blankets the other day, but it was the inspiration for our AMA. A couple of my employees use Reddit and saw the TIL before their shift. They recommended that I post an AMA (I had to ask them what an AMA was) so we could continue to spread the word about weighted blankets and how they can help people. They thought that people would appreciate a perspective from someone in the business, and I agreed.

Is there some sort of ideal weight/pressure or does it vary greatly?

It can vary. Generally, we recommend 10% of an individual's weight for therapeutic purposes, but a lighter weight can still induce a restful and relaxed state.

How well do the blankets breathe? I like to sleep in an ice cold room and get hot easily. It’s been one of the things holding me back from trying them out.

Cotton blankets would be the most breathable, thanks for asking!

I have depression and insomnia snd really want to try the weighted blanket for my insomnia. Literally nothing but Benzos has helped in the past 20 years since Ive been diagnosed. Because few things have worked for me I am reluctant to spend that amount of money on a blanket. If it helps it would be so worth the money but if not then you just have an expensive heavy blanket. Do you accept returns, have a trial period or discounted blankets? Also, how are the blankets with body temperature? Ever had complaints about people being too hot to sleep? Thank you!

Hi, thanks for the questions! The blankets can be hot, but we offer cotton blankets as a cooler option. We have a 30 day money back guarantee and we will do our best to help you find the perfect one. We also have a permanent sale section on our website where blankets are up to 20% off.

I think this is the biggest drawback to the weighted blankets. I have one for my son that he loves, but cannot keep on long enough to help calm him because of the heat. Of course we haven't tried your product in cotton.

On our website you can customize your blanket to be cotton on both sides to keep it even cooler! Glad your son loves his blanket. :)

It isn't immediately apparent on how to make both sides cotton. None of the items in the dropdown for complementary colors (which I assume is the back?) show cotton next to them.

Feel free to call us at the number provided, or just specify in the order notes that you would like an all cotton blanket. My employees read these notes very carefully and will adjust your blanket accordingly.

Never heard of a weighted blanket until the other day. A group of questions:

• Any issues with using for sleep apnea (esp. with a CPAP?)
• Do you find a reduction in movement during sleep? IE, I can "de-sheet" a bed while keeping the comforter on, would this help?
• would you recommend a single blanket for a couple or two individual blankets (or one and a regular blanket)?

Thanks in advance.

We do not know about any issues when using these blankets with sleep apnea. If you happen to order one and have any issues please let us know.

Yes, the reduction in movement during sleep is an intended effect of the weighted blanket. It's supposed to calm your body, thus reducing tossing and turning.

Well, it depends on what you're looking for. If both of you need high pressure blankets then you should order individual weighted blankets. If however you are looking for a lower pressure one blanket can suffice as long as it covers both of you!

I welcome your company's efforts, but wonder why you limit sensory products to touch. Have you considered products addressing hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound) and photophobia (sensitivity to light)?

We have been approached about these various sensory issues before, but we currently specialize in touch-related sensory issues. I do not know what the future may hold, but of course I would like to assist everyone with their sensory issues if possible.

what are the biggest problems you had with manufacturing?

Hiring dedicated and talented sewers has been one of our biggest challenges, and past that it's difficult to train our sewers to make a perfect product. While we realize that this may not be entirely possible, we strive to produce the best blankets we can. After the blankets are finished we have a team of people in our shipping department that inspect every blanket before having it approved to send out. Overall, we think we've done a good job manufacturing our products. Thank you for your question!

Do you believe you can automate the manufacturing process to achieve high quality and consistency?

Our sewers are very thoroughly trained in this process, and if their blankets do not achieve the high standard we hold ourselves to they are sent back to be redone when inspected by the shipping department. We also employ quite a few people and automating the manufacturing process would put them out of work. We don't want to do that.

I always have numb cold legs in the middle of sleep, thus need to do stretching just to unwind and make my legs circulation feel warmth again. I slept with the aircon on with normal blankets. Does having heavy blankets help reducing the numb cold legs in the middle of sleep? I don't exercise much

Hello, I don't know if weighted blankets would help with this issue. We do however offer a 30-day money back guarantee, so of course you're welcome to try our product with no strings attached.

Have you guys looked into different fabrics? I know a lot of ASD kids have sensory stuff, obviously you guys do as well. However, some don't like certain fabrics or textures. Do you do anything with different materials?

Also, my whole family and GF work with ASD clients. Do you have partnerships with any clinics to provide products for the clients they see? Residential settings especially could use these blankets to great effect for certain clients.

Hi, yes, we have several fabric choices to help meet those needs: fleece, flannel, cotton and denim. We do have a few organizations that we work with regularly. Thanks!

Do you make a blanket that is physically heavy but not very warm?

I grew up in a very cold place and I miss the feeling of being snuggled under a heavy down blanket. Now I live in a more normal place (in terms of climate) and I have to sleep under just a bedsheet and often with a fan so I'm comfortable enough to get to sleep. But I miss my heavy blanket!

Hi, we do make some blankets that breathe easier or are colder than others. These blankets are cotton on either one side or both sides, which you can customize on our website. We actually work in Arizona where it's very hot and we still have customers here that love their blankets!

Oh man, I have autism and always really liked heavier blankets. I really appreciate learning that this is a thing, you're doing a good deal of help to so many people. I don't tend to use heavy blankets these days due to heat and not having AC all the time, and it seems like maybe your cotton ones could address that.

How/why did you get started in the business?

Our cotton blankets should definitely address that. You can either go with cotton and flannel or all cotton blankets, which are much cooler than their flannel and fleece counterparts.

I have two children with autism. Basically when we started buying equipment for our kids it was costing us way too much money, so we started looking into how to make the product affordable for other parents dealing with the same issues.

Have you guys ever donated products to people in need?

Yes! We do a weekly giveaway called 'Weighted Wednesday' on our Facebook page. We recently sent 100 blankets to an organization in Texas for hurricane victims! We also regularly donate to other organizations specializing in sensory issues and mental health.

Are you looking at expanding this to more platforms, for people that do not use facebook?

We are always open to ideas! Feel free to give us a call or message us here and we'll let you know what we think.

How are these at helping with depression? They are also pretty expensive, do you ever run sales?

We believe that healthy and restful sleep has as much of an impact on treating depression as a good diet and exercise. Weighted blankets help people go to sleep faster and stay asleep longer, allowing for the deep and restful sleep they need.

EDIT: And yes, we do run sales from time to time and there is a sale page on our website where you can find products up to 20% off.

My sister in law works as a teacher in Canada for kids with all sorts of developmental delays and behavioral issues. What products do you think would be most beneficial for her to have in her class if she has a very limited budget, or would this entirely be based on the students she teaches? (If she had ONE thing in her room it should be ______ based on success rate.)

Hello, please thank your sister in law for the work she does! For in the classroom, we recommend weighted lap pads and oral motor tools to help the students with developmental delays and behavioral issues. Lap pads are much cheaper than blankets and can be bought in bulk if necessary. Just to let you know, we ship internationally through our website, often using DHL. This means that international customers can receive their orders within 2-5 business days.

I didn't know about the lap pads. I will mention them to her. Thanks!

You're welcome!

Can you explain what the intended purpose of weighted blankets are? It seems fascinating that they can help with such a broad variety of problems.

Of course I can! Weighted blankets provide the weight that can help anyone relax and sleep better, but they are especially useful to those suffering with autism or sensory processing disorder because the blankets provide the sensory input that they need to feel balanced.

So your order form says glass beads are recommended over plastic; is this simply for longevity reasons? Or do you need fewer beads?

We recommend glass beads over plastic beads because the blanket turns out to be less bulky and therefore more comfortable. The glass beads weigh more so less of them have to be used to achieve the designated weight.

That makes a lot of sense, thanks!

You're welcome!

I am very impressed of how weighted blankets work, I worked for an organization that works with people with autism and with one of our learners this was the only way he could sleep through the whole night. Do you guys get a lot of blankets returned in your 30 day return period? I would just like to have an idea of how successful the blankets are.

Most of our customers are satisfied with our products, so our return to sale ratio is low. However, we do offer a 30-day money back guarantee because we stand by our product and believe that it will be beneficial to those who use it. We do however recommend up to two weeks to allow your body to get used to the blanket.

Have you ever considered marketing to hospitals? If blankets could be offered to patients during their overnight stay (but would also survive our brutal laundry service so they can keep being used) I could see it offering a great deal of comfort!

We actually market to hospitals regularly. On our website you can find an option for vinyl weighted blankets, which can be cleaned by simply wiping them down!

Hi. Do you make a hat that can apply pressure to the head?

We currently do not make anything like this unfortunately, maybe in the future!

These are interesting. How often does a weighted blanket rip open and spill the beads? I'd be a bit concerned because they are glass.

We have not ever had an entire blanket rip open and spill the beads, but it is possible for the blanket to snag on something and then have a hole ripped into it. However, our blankets are filled using a grid-like system that ensures that the weight is distributed evenly. So if this were to ever happen, you would simply lose the weight from an individual pocket and not the whole blanket. And just so you know the glass beads are so small that they feel like sand.

I have a idea of a weighted blanket but for warmer temperatures.

It is a tessellation design of hexagons with the center hexagon removed. The thought of the hole(s) would allow heat to escape.

So one could use this blanket in the summer and not be effected by the heat as much.

Do you/could you employ a design like this?

Thank you for your reply!

We actually operate out of Arizona where it's very hot and our local customers love their blankets! For warmer temperatures we recommend either cotton/flannel or all cotton blankets. We do not currently employ a design similar to what you mentioned, and we think that it would be extremely difficult to implement. Sorry about that!

I have a bit of a hard time sleeping and am interested in a weighted blanket by my problem is my body runs very hot and I am uncomfortable unless I have my fan on full blast and my A/C around 68 degrees. Is the temperature of a weighted blanket going to be a problem for me?

The temperature of the blanket could very well be a problem for you if you order the wrong type of blanket. We offer a variety of fabrics, including cotton, flannel, fleece, and denim. If you were to order an all cotton blanket it would breathe easier and so having your fan on full blast and A/C at around 68 degrees should keep it cold. But of course this varies by the individual.

[removed]

Unfortunately there is not much we can do regarding insurance, but we have had customers claiming to be psychiatrists, therapists, and case managers that have ordered blankets for their offices because of how much they heard these blankets can help people relax. We do offer an extra large weighted blanket, with the following dimensions: 80 inches long by 58 inches wide. We also have a Facebook code that you can use to receive a discount: FB10

I hope this helps.

[removed]

Even if it's not our blanket we are so glad you love your blanket and that it helps you feel calmer and sleep better! Thank you for your review!

this may not be in your financial interest but for someone who cant afford one of these at the moment, is there a free way to recreate this sort of effect? perhaps tucking the blanket in between the mattress and boxspring? thanks

We are unaware of another way to recreate this sort of effect. We do weekly giveaways on our Facebook page, and offer a Facebook discount code: FB10.

I have anxiety. It bothers me the most when I'm either taking a nap or trying to fall asleep at night (racing heart rate, shortness of breath). I also am a very sweaty person and get hot at night. Do your blankets prevent overheating or am I doomed to wake up in a puddle of sweat every morning?

Our blankets do not prevent overheating, however we do offer our blankets in all cotton fabric so that they breathe easier than traditional all flannel or fleece blankets. Regarding the bead type we do not believe that there's a huge difference in the glass or plastic beads in terms of temperature.

Do you have any products for individuals with autism at work or maybe dining out? It would have to be something smaller and lighter I'd imagine to account for the setting... how do you compensate for that? I think it's an amazing thing you're doing and I will absolutely be supporting you and your company.

We offer lap pads! These weighted lap pads range from 3 to 7lbs in weight and are easy to take on the go! We often sell them to schools so we know that they're used in a public setting.

I would love a weighted blanket but they cost so much. Do you think the price will ever go down?

I mentioned this in a previous reply but I thought I could mention it here as well. On our website there is a section for sales where our products can be found for up to 20% off. We strive to provide our product for a competitive price in the market because we know that these blankets are expensive. We also donate a blanket every week on our Facebook page!

What is the #1 proven method to cure/treat insomnia?

If I knew that I'd be rich! I don't think there is a #1 'proven' method simply because different things work for different people. However we believe that weighted blankets provide the help many people need to de-stress and fall asleep quicker, and stay asleep longer.

Hello. I just wanted to say that I ordered one of your lap pads for my wife's birthday! It's scheduled for delivery tomorrow so we will post a review as soon as she tries it out.

I do have one question about your weighted blankets. Do you have an option for cotton fabric on both sides of the blanket or is it cotton on one side and flannel on the other like the lap pads?

We do have an option for cotton fabric on both sides of the blanket. You just have to mention you want all cotton in the order comments, or give us a call! I hope your wife enjoys her lap pad!

Do you make any products with glass beads instead of plastic? Do you know if that would make a cooler blanket?

Most of our products are made with glass beads instead of plastic beads. We do not believe that the bead choice is directly related to the temperature level of the blanket though.

Thank you for your efforts in providing this much needed product!

I worked at a facility that offered weighted blankets for clients but only allowed them to be used for short periods, saying that after a point they stopped having therapeutic benefit. Have you heard this before, and can you speak to the truth if it?

Well it is true that your body will adjust to the weight somewhat, but it's been proven that people will still benefit from sleeping with it day in and day out so they don't 'go backwards' after sleeping with it. It also does not require you to up the weight over time, but it may take some time to find your perfect weight and we also recommend a two week period to adjust to your weighted blanket.

[removed]

Does he sleep under a weighted blanket now? :)

is there a way to try a weighted blanket?

You can order a weighted blanket from our website and give it a try! If your blanket doesn't completely satisfy your needs you are welcome to return it with a 30-day money back guarantee. We giveaway a blanket every week on our Facebook page (Weighted Wednesdays) and even offer a Facebook discount: FB10.

Our goal is to spread awareness about these disorders.

No, that is clearly not your goal. If it were, the title would be different and the answers to your questions would be different. Your company goal would be different. It reads:

Sensory Goods' company goal is to meet the needs of people affected by developmental disorders. We provide an inventory of products designed to meet autism, sensory integration, and other needs. We carry a wide variety of weighted blankets, floor products, sensory swings, oral motors, and more.

You want to sell blankets and things to people with autism and the like, who could benefit from them. There's nothing wrong with that, so why bullshit people by saying "[your] goal is to spread awareness about these disorders"?

I am sorry for the misunderstanding. Of course as a business owner, my goal is to sell more product so that I can continue to profit and pay my employees. As a father of two special needs children, my goal is to spread awareness about their disorders and weighted blankets in general. There are so many people I meet who have never even heard of a weighted blanket. This means that they have no idea how their lives can be improved by this product. I want to make sure that awareness about these disorders is increased, as well as awareness about the weighted blankets we produce that can help people deal with their sensory issues. Thank you for your comment.

I've seen a few posts on various subreddits for your products in the last few days. Are you attempting to seed a "viral product" marketing campaign? If so, I don't think it's working.

We have only been made aware of one positive comment about our company through Reddit. A couple of my employees actually referred me to Reddit after seeing a post on TIL mentioning someone's success with a weighted blanket. This is what inspired us to create our AMA. While we are a business, our main goal is to educate people on these various sensory issues and of course help those that suffer deal with them.