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Deep Pressure Vest For Calming
Sensory Direct's Deep Pressure Vest applies compression and deep pressure to the wearer, offering proprioceptive feedback to the body and shoulders.
Made from a neoprene body wrap with two shoulder straps, the vest can be adjusted to give a tight, reassuring "hug" to the body. No weight is used - instead a deep pressure is applied to the body by the wrapping of the vest around the body and over the shoulders.
Available in three sizes :
- SMALL - bodywrap 60cm x 20cm, shoulder straps 35cm (ages 3-7 approx)
- MEDIUM - bodywrap 81cm x 25cm, shoulder straps 40cm (ages 7 -14 approx)
- LARGE - bodywrap 103cm x 28cm, shoulder straps 51cm (older children, teens and adults)
Good for:
- Deep pressure stimulation has been found to reduce cortisol levels, leading to a decrease in anxiety and stress.
- Deep pressure can also promote the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "cuddle hormone." By increasing oxytocin levels, deep pressure fosters a sense of safety and comfort, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.
- Deep pressure also enhances proprioception, the body's sense of its position and movement. Proprioceptive input provides a sense of security, grounding, and stability. By stimulating the proprioceptive system, deep pressure can help individuals feel more connected to their bodies, reducing feelings of dissociation often associated with anxiety.
- Challenging and sensory seeking behaviours are often reduced with the application of deep pressure.
- Can be worn discreetly under a jumper.
*See here for our weighted compression vest.
Sensory Direct's deep pressure vest for autism applies compression and deep pressure to the wearer, offering proprioceptive feedback to the body and shoulders. No weight is used - instead a deep pressure is applied to the body by the tight wrapping of the vest around the body.
Deep Touch Pressure and Proprioception
Deep pressure stimulates the proprioceptive system through the use of deep touch pressure. Deep Touch Pressure works on the principle of applying weight or pressure to provide proprioceptive input. This input calms and modulates the central nervous system which, in turn, aids the processing of sensory information (Grandin 1992, McClure & Holtz-Yotz 1991). This calming and modulating has the effect of making the child feel more grounded, and lowers their state of arousal. This lowered state of arousal then reduces repetitive self-stimulatory behaviours (such as spinning, hand flapping, and rocking) and allows better focus, concentration, and attention.
Those with a poor proprioceptive sense (particularly those ‘sensory-seekers’) will often seek out deep pressure sensations which make them feel more secure, more relaxed, and able to focus and concentrate better.
Deep Touch Pressure and the Tactile Sense
The tactile sense is our sense of touch. It contains two different touch systems – the protective touch system which relates to light touch, and the discriminative touch system which relates to deep pressure as well as where, and what, is being touched. These senses should work in harmony allowing us to distinguish between different touch sensations. Individuals that are over-sensitive to touch will try to avoid tactile sensations wherever possible. Others may be under-sensitive and as a result they constantly seek tactile experiences. They will tend to fidget, try to touch everything, and find it very difficult to sit still. The application of deep pressure through weight or compression can benefit those sensory seekers helping them to calm down, concentrate, and focus.
Deep Touch Pressure and the Nervous System
Deep pressure stimulation activates the body's autonomic nervous system, which consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. The sympathetic branch is responsible for the body's "fight-or-flight" response, while the parasympathetic branch promotes relaxation and restoration. Applying deep pressure to the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response. This stimulation helps release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and promoting a sense of calm. Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, is released during times of stress and anxiety. Elevated cortisol levels can negatively impact mental health and contribute to anxiety symptoms. Deep pressure stimulation has been found to reduce cortisol levels, leading to a decrease in anxiety and stress. Deep pressure can also promote the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "cuddle hormone." Oxytocin is associated with feelings of trust, bonding, and relaxation. By increasing oxytocin levels, deep pressure fosters a sense of safety and comfort, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.
This product is eligible for VAT relief and can be purchased free from VAT.
- If you have a disability or a chronic medical condition you can claim VAT relief on certain eligible products provided the products are purchased for personal or domestic use.
- If you are a parent or carer you can claim VAT relief on behalf of a child or person you look after.
- Charities can qualify for VAT relief where these conditions are met.
- At checkout you will be asked whether you are eligible for VAT relief. If you qualify tick the "Yes" option and complete the Declaration form. VAT will automatically be deducted from the relevant products in your basket.
- VAT relief is not available on all products. Eligible products are marked with a green 'Eligible for VAT relief' badge on the product page.
- VAT is chargeable on delivery.
For further information on VAT relief, please view the FAQs or VAT Relief page.
DELIVERY
Products that are in stock and ordered before 2pm, Monday to Friday, will be despatched on the same working day.
Sensory Direct's Weighted Blankets, Weighted Jackets, Shoulder Wraps, Lap Pads and other handmade products may take 3-5 working days to be despatched if not in stock. We will endeavour to contact customers whose orders may be affected by any despatch delays.
- Delivery is FREE for online orders of £45 and above within Mainland UK (excluding Highlands, Offshore Islands and Northern Ireland).
- Mainland UK delivery charges are £3.95 Royal Mail and £5.95 for Courier delivery for orders under £45. (See FAQs for Courier Estimated Delivery Times).
- Small products are sent by Royal Mail. Larger products are sent by Courier for Mainland UK next day delivery. For smaller products that are in stock and ordered before 2pm, you can now select and pay for Mainland UK next day delivery at the checkout stage.
- Some larger products may be delivered directly from the manufacturer.
- Please note we cannot deliver to a PO Box address.
- We are currently unable to ship outside of the UK unless you hold a trade account with us.
- Bubble Tubes - Delivery to Mainland UK only.
For full delivery information, please view the Delivery page.
RETURNS
We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase, but if you find that the product is not suitable you must return the product to us within 30 days of receipt for a refund or exchange of the same or similar. There are some exemptions to this, please view the Returns page for further information regarding Sensory Direct's Weighted Blankets.
Returns of sale products must be within 14 days of receipt.
To receive a refund or exchange, goods must be returned unused, in their original packaging and with all original documentation.
For full returns information, please view the Returns page.
Our Story
When my son was born with autism, my world changed and Sensory Direct was born
Ethan had been prescribed different forms of medication, and although they helped a little, I didn’t want to become reliant upon them, so Ethan’s Paediatric Consultant suggested a Weighted Blanket. I remember hearing this and thinking ‘what on earth is a Weighted Blanket’? At this stage I was blissfully unaware of how life changing that Weighted Blanket would become.
British Born Solutions
Sensory Direct’s principle drive and values are based on wanting to help and support others find their solution.
We strongly believe in our products and ensure that the same love and care that went into making my son’s first Weighted Blanket goes into every handmade product we produce here in Worcester. We pride ourselves on our Customer Service and we will do our utmost to find you a solution that works.
