Weighted Sensory Products
Weighted & pressure sensory equipment such as integrated seats, blankets & vests, offer several benefits, including reducing anxiety and stress, improving focus and attention, promoting better sleep, and enhancing body awareness. They provide deep pressure input, mimicking a comforting hug and helping individuals, particularly those with sensory processing disorders or ADHD, feel grounded and calm.
Our weighted sensory product range includes leading brands such as Protac. Contact our product specialists to request a quote or book a demonstration.
Weighted Sensory Products for Children with Additional Needs
At John Preston, we understand that some children with disabilities, autism, sensory processing difficulties and additional needs benefit from specialist sensory input to help them feel calm, secure and comfortable. Our range of weighted sensory products has been carefully selected to provide deep pressure and proprioceptive feedback, supporting sensory regulation, relaxation and body awareness.
Weighted sensory equipment can provide a comforting feeling of pressure and resistance, similar to a firm hug, which may help some children feel more grounded and settled. Our range includes specialist weighted blankets, sensory pressure vests and supportive sensory seating solutions from trusted manufacturers including Protac.
Supporting Sensory Regulation Through Deep Pressure Input
Children process sensory information in different ways. Some children may seek additional sensory input to help them regulate their emotions, maintain focus or feel more comfortable in their surroundings.
Weighted sensory products can support children who experience:
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Restlessness or difficulty remaining calm
- Challenges with body awareness
- Anxiety or stress during daily activities
- Difficulties settling at bedtime or during quiet periods
- A need for additional proprioceptive input
By providing controlled deep pressure stimulation, weighted products can help create a calming sensory experience as part of a child's wider sensory support plan.
Weighted Blankets for Children
A weighted sensory blanket provides gentle, evenly distributed pressure across the body, helping some children feel more secure and relaxed.
John Preston supplies the Protac Ball Blanket, a specialist weighted blanket designed to provide dynamic sensory stimulation and support body awareness. The blanket uses individual sections containing balls that provide continuous sensory feedback and pressure input.
Weighted blankets may be used:
- During relaxation activities
- As part of a sensory routine
- During quiet time at home or school
- To support bedtime routines where appropriate
The correct size and weight of a weighted blanket should always be carefully considered based on the individual child's requirements.
Sensory Pressure Vests
Some children benefit from wearable sensory products that provide gentle pressure while allowing them to continue with everyday activities.
John Preston supplies specialist pressure vests including the Protac MyFit Vest, designed to provide a close-fitting, calming sensory experience. The adjustable design allows the vest to be adapted to individual needs while supporting body awareness and sensory regulation.
Pressure vests can be useful for children who may benefit from sensory support during:
- Classroom activities
- Therapy sessions
- Social situations
- Times of increased stress or anxiety
The Bear Hug Sensory Pressure Vest is another option, providing deep-pressure input through an adjustable wrap design that can be tailored to the user's requirements.
Sensory Seating Solutions
For children who require additional support while sitting, specialist sensory seating can provide calming pressure and postural comfort.
The Protac SenSit Chair & Puff Set provides sensory stimulation through integrated pressure elements within the chair, creating a supportive environment for children and adults who experience restlessness or sensory regulation challenges.
Sensory seating can be used in:
- Sensory rooms
- Classrooms
- Therapy environments
- Quiet areas at home
- Specialist care settings
Weighted Sensory Equipment for Home, School and Therapy
Weighted sensory products can be incorporated into a child's everyday routine in a variety of environments, including:
- Family homes
- Schools and special educational needs settings
- Occupational therapy environments
- Healthcare facilities
- Residential and respite care settings
John Preston works with families, occupational therapists, schools and healthcare professionals to help identify suitable sensory solutions based on each child's individual needs.
Choosing the Right Weighted Sensory Product
Selecting the correct weighted sensory product for children requires careful consideration of the child's age, size, sensory preferences and intended use.
Important factors to consider include:
- The child's individual sensory needs
- Preferred type of sensory input
- Size and weight requirements
- How and where the product will be used
- Guidance from healthcare or therapy professionals where appropriate
Our experienced paediatric specialists can provide advice on available options and help families and professionals choose suitable sensory equipment.
Specialist Sensory Equipment Advice from John Preston
John Preston is a trusted supplier of sensory products for children with disabilities and additional needs, providing a wide range of solutions including sensory equipment, sensory toys, weighted products and safe space sleeping solutions.
Our team can provide guidance on selecting suitable weighted sensory products, arrange product demonstrations where appropriate and help identify solutions that support comfort, confidence and sensory wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are weighted sensory products?
Weighted sensory products are specialist items designed to provide deep pressure input through weight or resistance. They can help some children feel calmer, improve body awareness and support sensory regulation.
Who can benefit from weighted sensory equipment?
Weighted sensory products may benefit children with sensory processing difficulties, autism, ADHD, developmental differences or other additional needs where deep pressure input is appropriate.
What types of weighted sensory products are available?
Weighted sensory products include weighted blankets, sensory pressure vests and specialist sensory seating. John Preston supplies products including Protac weighted sensory solutions.
Can weighted blankets be used for children?
Yes, weighted blankets may be suitable for some children, but the correct size, weight and suitability should be carefully considered based on the individual child's needs.
Where can weighted sensory products be used?
Weighted sensory products can be used at home, in schools, therapy environments and specialist care settings as part of an individual's sensory support strategy.
Can John Preston provide advice on sensory products?
Yes. John Preston’s paediatric specialists can provide advice on weighted sensory products and other sensory equipment to help families and professionals find suitable solutions.