Multi Sensory Resources

Sensory Hugs Weighted "V" Deep Pressure Vests combine the benefits of compression and deep pressure to the chest and shoulders with the added feature of weights that provide deep pressure to the shoulders, ligaments, tendons and muscles.  Unlike other compression weighted vests which insert the weights around the lower torso, the Sensory Hugs weighted "v" deep pressure vests incorporate channels across both the entire front and back of the vests providing evenly distributed weights across both sides.

The vest can be worn without the weights for deep pressure only or simply slide in the weights into the channels sewn into the vests to provide additional sensory input. Weights are easily added and removed from the vest.

The deep pressure vest is designed to be pulled snug to the clients' body, providing proprioceptive deep pressure feedback, stability and skills, evenly over the chest and waist. A new neck design also gives added support along the chest area.

Constructed with "Airprene" which is perforated throughout the rubberized layer of fabric, allowing the torso to "breath" eliminating or reducing the problem of overheating, the vests are designed with Velcro on the sides and shoulders allowing for easy adjustments, plenty of growth, and comfort.

The concept of the deep pressure sensory vest is based on the sensory integration therapy technique of deep pressure. Deep pressure is often used to assist the child to self-calm and relax so that sensory stimulus can be processed. The use of a weighted vest provides the child with unconscious information from the muscles and joints.

Children who are easily distracted, hyperactive and lacking in concentration respond positively to the "hugging" sensation a vest provides. Therapists have found that adding additional weights to the torso or shoulders of the vest may also assist with reflex maturity, body position awareness and coordination, balance, eye/hand coordination, spatial perception and hearing and speaking skills. Because of these anecdotal outcomes, many therapists working with children are recommending the use of a weighted vest.

Adjustable: Our deep pressure sensory vests have full Velcro adjustment on both shoulders and across the back to allow for a proper fit in the both the length, chest and torso.

This unique design allows increased adjustments in size due to the material and Velcro combination. The measurements stated below are the widest possible dimensions, and are given to determine the best size for each client, however for smaller clients, a greater decrease in size is obtained by increasing the side and shoulder closures.

NOTE:These items may be worn as long as tolerated. Feedback indicates that most clients indicate when they want the vest to be put on or removed. These vests were designed with two separate sides, allowing the therapist to adjust and vary the dimensions of each vest to meet the needs of a number of different clients.

Additional Information:

** DISCLAIMER** The vests should be used with direction or advice of a therapist, and should only be worn while under adult supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How To Care For Your Sensory Hugs Weighted Deep Pressure Vests? Our deep pressure vests are made with a latex free, breathable material, that is comfortable, highly durable and completely washable, however because the fabric is rubberized, the items must be hung to dry. Before washing, remove the weights and secure all Velcro closures to prevent snagging and debris from collecting within the Velcro.   Due to the nature of the product and the materials used in them,   Do not dry clean.

How Do I Determine Which Size Sensory Vest I Need To Order and what will be the standard weight? Our deep pressure vests are sized based on the measurements listed below and the design of the product allows a great deal of flexibility in size adjustments. To properly size your vest, you will need to measure:

1. Circumference of the user's chest (or stomach depending on which is larger)
2. Top of shoulder to waist or top of hips

Why Use A Weighted Deep Pressure Vest? The concept of the weighted vest or deep pressure vest is based on the SI therapy technique of deep pressure. Deep pressure is often used to assist the child to self-calm and relax so that sensory stimulus can be processed. The use of a weighted vest provides the child with unconscious information from the muscles and joints.

Children who are easily distracted, hyperactive and lacking in concentration respond positively to the additional weight or pressure a vest provides. Although there is limited research in the area of weighted vest therapy, many therapists have found a weighted vest may also assist with reflex maturity, body position awareness and coordination, balance, eye/hand coordination, spatial perception and hearing and speaking skills. Because of these anecdotal outcomes, many therapists working with children are recommending the use of a weighted vest. How Much Weight Should I Use In A Weighted Vest? While there is no standard on the amount of weight to be used in a weighted vest, the rule of thumb among many therapists is 5%-10% of the user's body weight. For some user's this may be enough but it varies based on each individual child.  It is important to have your therapist monitor the behavior of the child and make adjustments if needed to the weight in the vest. What is Sensory Integration (SI)? Sensory Integration (SI) is a brain process that occurs in all of us. It allows us, often without conscious thought, to take information through our senses, organize it and make a plan to produce a meaningful response to interact with our environment with ease and comfort. Our senses can be those that we know and those that are hidden. The senses that are the most obvious are those of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. The hidden senses are those of movement (vestibular or inner ear) and of body position sense (proprioception). The hidden senses are regulators of our nervous system and help build the foundation for purposeful movement. For most children, sensory integration develops through ordinary childhood activities. Children must be able to organize sensory information to function in daily activities, in the classroom, on the playground and in relationships. What is Disfunction of Sensory Integration (DSI)? Simply put, a Sensory Processing Disorder or Dysfunction of Sensory Integration is the inability to process information received through our senses. A child with a dysfunction of sensory integration cannot respond to sensory information and use it to behave in a meaningful way. Some children are hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory information. Either way impairs learning and creates a threatening situation for the child causing increased anxiety and a decreased ability to interpret and respond appropriately to stimuli. If your child is diagnosed with autism, ADD, ADHD or is hyperactive, he/she may benefit from a referral to a qualified occupational therapist who specializes in SI, and a weighted vest may be an effective component of a comprehensive occupational therapy program. Click here to find out more on weighted / weighted pressure vests!