Frequently Asked Questions

How do weighted pillows work?
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Our huggable weighted pillows are backed by science! They work by initiating a process called Deep Pressure Stimulation, or DPS. This is also sometimes referred to as Deep Pressure Therapy, which is proven to boost your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and help you fall asleep faster. Simply put, it’s huggable magic!

Holding a weighted pillow or placing it on your chest kickstarts this process:

  • Serotonin: the mood-boosting hormone, is increased, making you feel more relaxed and joyful. It’s like a comforting hug for your body.
  • Dopamine: the feel-good hormone, is increased, giving you a sense of focused calm to help you tackle any task.
  • Melatonin: the sleep hormone, is increased, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.
  • Cortisol: the stress hormone, is reduced, helping your body relax and overcome anxiety. It’s like taking a calming deep breath.

The Weighted Pillow Bonus

  • Hugging your weighted pillow stimulates the release of oxytocin throughout your body. This is often referred to as the cuddle hormone, helping provide a feeling of warmth and a sense of companionship.

The result is a state of happiness and relaxation that helps your nervous system shift from fight or flight to rest and digest.

For more information, read our deep-dive into how weighted pillows work.

What are the benefits of weighted pillows?
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Right when you hold a weighted pillow, you will notice an overall increase in relaxation, in both your mind and body, that can help shift your levels of focus for the better. But there are plenty of additional benefits of weighted pillows as well.

Core Benefits of Our Weighted Pillows:

  • Improved Sleep: Experience deeper, more restful slumbers.
  • Instant Stress Relief: Provides immediate relief from stress.
  • Pain Alleviation: Diminishes tension, offering significant pain relief.
  • Longer Attention Span: Helps sharpen focus, perfect for those easily distracted.
  • Sensory Balance: Reduces sensory overloads, ideal for those sensitive to their surroundings.
  • Companionship: A remedy for loneliness, offering a comforting presence.
  • Grounding: Instills a sense of security, anchoring you to the moment.
  • Tactile Experience: A delightful sensory treat for your fingers.
  • Comfortable: Perfectly huggable, designed to be your go-to snuggle partner.

These are just a few of the benefits that allow Change to weighted pillows to help those experiencing anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, loneliness, or autism. Take a look at our Benefits of Weighted Pillows blog for additional information.

How should I use my weighted pillow?
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While the choice is yours, here's a list of ways we love using our weighted pillows:

  • The Perfect Hug:
    • Hold the pillow against your chest and let its weight comfort you.
    • Our top pick? Place it in a diamond shape on your chest. Imagine one corner between your legs and the opposite one just below your chin. This setup lets you wrap your arms around for a 'perfect hug', with the other two corners enveloping you.
  • Grounding: Simply lay the pillow on your lap for a grounding feel.
  • Loneliness Reliever: Rest the weighted pillow gently against your side. It's like a touch that can ease those moments of feeling alone.
  • Sleep Aid:
    • Hug the pillow while you sleep for a melatonin boost.
    • Or place it between your knees to ensure your spine is well-aligned.
  • Workstation Buddy: It can be a steady base for your laptop, book, phone, or tablet.
  • Restless Leg Syndrome Reliever: Rest it on your legs to help calm restless legs.
  • Travel Companion: Take it on your journeys! Be it in the car or on a plane, think of it as an 'on-the-go stress ball' for your entire body.

 

Remember, whether you make it a daily ritual or use it sporadically for focus and relief, there's no wrong way to enjoy your weighted pillow!

How are weighted pillows different from weighted blankets?
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We absolutely love weighted blankets, but there are distinct differences when you compare them to weighted pillows:

Drawbacks of Weighted Blankets:

  • Heat: They can cause you to overheat.
  • Confinement: Some individuals feel trapped or claustrophobic beneath them.
  • Bulky: They can be bulky and less convenient for mobility.
  • Lack Efficiency: They may not utilize the full potential of Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). Around ⅔ of the weight might be off your body, reducing effectiveness.

Advantages of Weighted Pillows:

  • Cool Comfort: No overheating issues, as they target specific areas.
  • Freedom: You decide where to place them, ensuring no feelings of confinement.
  • Portability: Take them anywhere! Whether on a plane, as a snuggle partner, or even as a laptop support.
  • Optimal Efficiency: All the weight is concentrated on you, ensuring maximized DPS benefits.

And while weighted pillows and weighted blankets operate on similar science, weighted pillows provide a more focused and consistent benefit due to their weight distribution. Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) operates according to the ratio of a weighted object to a person’s body weight, meaning that a more concentrated distribution of weight can help maximize the effects of this process.

It’s simple. More focused weight = more DPS = enhanced relaxation and joy.

Note: Weighted blankets are generally advised to be 10% of your body weight. However, given their design, this weight is often dispersed across beds or sofas, reducing the effective pressure on your body. With weighted pillows, you're in full control of the precise pressure, capitalizing on the complete DPS potential every time

How long does it take to get used to sleeping with a weighted pillow?
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Did you know it usually takes about two to three weeks to get used to a new habit, including a new sleep routine? When starting with a weighted pillow, think of it like beginning a new friendship. Start slow, no rush!

For the first few days, we suggest using The Original Weighted Pillow for 30 minutes to an hour as you drift off to sleep. Gradually, you can use it longer, working your way up to a whole night. By day seven to ten, you'll likely feel more at ease with your pillow. And by the end of three weeks? Expect to enjoy deeper, more restful sleep thanks to your new bedtime buddy.

Curious about the awesome perks of sleeping with a weighted pillow? Dive into our blog about the comforting feeling of hugging a pillow at night!

Which weighted pillow is right for me?
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Our weighted pillows come in three different sizes:

  • Small (6 lbs.) - our coziest option
  • Medium (9 lbs.) - the perfect all-around snuggle
  • Large (12 lbs.) - our largest dose of calm

While the recommended weight for a weighted blanket is 10% of your body weight, with a weighted pillow, you’re condensing the area the weight will be distributed to, allowing that number to be a bit lower.

But, remember, these are just tips. When it comes to weighted pillows, more weight means more calming hormones being released - and that can take some getting used to! So, if you’re used to using other weighted products or simply want to maximize the benefit right off the bat, feel free to size-up. We just want to make sure that you are getting the best, most comfortable experience possible.

If you need a little more help deciding which size is best for you, we’ve developed a quiz to help you find your perfect weighted pillow.


Dimension Guide

*We recommend sizing down for your first pillow if you’re unsure or in between sizes.

Need help to decide which pillows size is perfect for you?
Take the Quiz

How do weighted pillows help with ADHD?
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Weighted pillows serve as a therapeutic tool for those with ADHD. By initiating Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) and boosting dopamine production, they enhance focus and lessen hyperactivity, serving as a soothing anchor for the mind.

For individuals with ADHD, weighted pillows provide:

  • Sensory Regulation: The evenly distributed weight in these pillows provides deep pressure stimulation (DPS). This sensory input can help calm an overstimulated nervous system, promoting relaxation and focus.
  • Dopamine Boost: Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) from weighted pillows is known to increase dopamine production. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter essential for regulating mood, attention, and focus. An increase in dopamine can especially benefit those with ADHD, enhancing their reward and pleasure systems and improving concentration.
  • Improvement in Sleep: People with ADHD often struggle with sleep irregularities. The gentle pressure from weighted pillows can boost the production of melatonin, the body's natural sleep hormone, leading to better sleep quality and a more restful night.
  • Reduction in Restlessness: The grounding effect of the weight can help reduce the feelings of restlessness or fidgeting, common in those with ADHD.
  • Enhanced Focus and Attention: By providing a constant yet gentle pressure, weighted pillows can help improve attention span and concentration, especially during seated activities or relaxation.
  • Comfort and Security: Just like a gentle hug, the weighted pillow can offer a sense of security, which can be particularly comforting for someone feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

The Original Weighted Pillow Bonus: Our pillow isn't just about the weight! The ultra-soft, plush fabric is designed specifically with the ADHD mind in focus. Rubbing your fingers along our pillow feels delightful and offers an additional sensory grounding method, ensuring both your body and mind find harmony and focus.

We hope our weighted pillow becomes a cherished tool in your journey towards calm and focus. As we always say, our weighted pillow is meant to be a tool in your toolbox for ADHD relief. Enjoy your cozy and focused days ahead!

Can a weighted pillow help reduce stress and anxiety?
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There’s a reason we call the weighted pillow a stress ball for your body! 

It’s a “tool”, specially designed based on scientific research, that understands and soothes our body’s natural responses to stress and anxiety. Meaning, it helps your body work for you, not against you.

Here’s why it works:

  • The Magic of DPS: When you lay the weighted pillow on top of you or hug it, your body activates what is known as Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). Through DPS, there's an immediate physiological response: a slowing down of the heart rate, and regulated breathing. It's like the body's natural "reset" button, guiding you back to a state of calm.
  • The Hormonal Impact:
    • Serotonin Increase: This neurotransmitter plays a pivotal role in our mood. DPS aids in its release, providing an uplifting feeling of happiness and relaxation. It's like a gentle pull away from the overwhelming feelings that stress and anxiety bring.
    • Dopamine Increase: Beyond just feeling good, dopamine is integral for motivation and focus. Its increase can rejuvenate your drive, making tasks feel less daunting and more rewarding.
  • The Best Part:
    • Cortisol Decrease: Elevated cortisol levels are synonymous with stress. One of the pivotal impacts of DPS is its ability to reduce these levels, directly aiding in the alleviation of stress and anxiety symptoms.
    • The Comfort of Oxytocin: Sometimes, what we need is a comforting touch or embrace. When you hug the weighted pillow, your body releases oxytocin, often referred to as the 'cuddle hormone'. It gives you a sense of companionship and reduces the feeling of loneliness, especially during moments of heightened anxiety or stress.

If you’re still curious about exactly how DPS can benefit the body, and help you overcome stress and anxiety, read our blog where we break it down even further

Can you travel with weighted pillows?
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Absolutely! Our weighted pillows are designed to be your perfect travel buddies. Whether navigating the hustle of airports, enduring flights, or embarking on lengthy car rides, they're on standby to alleviate anxiety, stress, ADHD symptoms, and more.

Think of them as your personal on demand comfort zone, ready to accompany you wherever life takes you. Safe travels and stay comfy!

I’ve just bought The Original Weighted Pillow, what now?
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First off, congratulations! You're about to experience a unique kind of natural calm that feels like a hug.

Getting Started:

1. Initial Appearance: Fresh out of the package, you might find your weighted pillow dense, and its cover slightly spacious. No worries! After its journey to you, it needs some air. Please allow the memory foam 1-2 days to regain its original shape.

2. Softening Up: Over time, as you cuddle and squeeze your pillow, the memory foam will soften. The more love you give, the cozier it gets! Remember, every great relationship starts with a little awkwardness. 😊

3. Adapting to Weight: It's a new sensation when weight is placed on you. This impacts neurotransmitter levels in your nervous system, meaning things might feel different. So, start slow!

  • First Few Uses: It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed initially. This is a positive sign – your body is reacting and adapting! If you feel this, simply remove the weighted pillow and retry after a while.
  • Gradual Increase: Over several days, gradually increase usage from 5 minutes, to 30 minutes, and then to an hour. This gentle progression lets your system adjust to the Deep Pressure Stimulation benefits.

4. You're Now a Pro: The science behind weighted pressure is kicking in. Embrace the natural calm in your body and mind!

5. Looking Forward: After some time, consider upgrading to a larger size for an even deeper calm and happiness

Enjoy Your New Main Squeeze! Your weighted pillow awaits all the snugly moments.

Lastly, always feel free to reach out with any questions. We're here to help!

Is it worth the price? (a question about the high price point)
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Absolutely, the price reflects its value. Think of this pillow as a long-term investment in your well-being and serenity. It's more than just a pillow; it's a culmination of years of research and painstaking craftsmanship. Here's why:

  • Precision in Design: The pillow underwent over 25 iterations in a span of 2 years. This meticulous design process ensures that you're getting a product crafted to perfection.
  • Innovative Weight Distribution: We've developed a patent-pending insert. It's strategically hand-placed to conceal the product's weight, guaranteeing it remains stable during use.
  • Responsive Memory Foam: Our unique foam insert isn't just any foam. It breathes in sync with you, taking the shape of your body as you embrace it, amplifying both comfort and the benefits of deep pressure stimulation.
  • Premium Fabric Selection: After testing countless fabrics, we created an ultra-soft cover. This not only feels luxurious but also stimulates the fingers, enhancing the pillow's overall effectiveness. It is truly unique!
  • Durability Meets Convenience: Our weighted pillow covers aren’t just soft; they're resilient. Designed to be machine-washable, they maintain their shape wash after wash, thanks to their top-notch stitching.

While the intricate design and high-quality materials contribute to the cost, they also guarantee an exceptional product. Both in quality and effectiveness, our product stands unmatched. What you're investing in is more than just a pillow; it's a reliable companion designed to assist in alleviating stress, anxiety, ADHD, and more for years to come. It's not just a purchase but a commitment to a more relaxed and focused version of yourself. A better you.

Are Quiet Mind Weighted Pillows pet-safe
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Of course! We love our furry friends, and we have made sure that our weighted pillows don’t use any harmful chemicals or plastics that can make your pets sick.

Why is it called “Your New Main Squeeze”
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It’s simple - The Original Weighted Pillow is going to be your new best friend, your favorite cuddle buddy, and the best hugger you know. And we say that from experience. Giving your weighted pillow a squeeze is a shortcut to a quiet, more productive mind. It’s literally just a hug away, and we promise that this will be your go-to whether you’re looking for a boost of focus, a break from anxiety, or a bit of companionship.

That’s why we call it “your new main squeeze,” because it’s definitely ours. Plus, it might replace your current option ;)!

What materials are used in the Original Weighted Pillow?
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The original weighted pillow is thoughtfully designed and made of three main materials.

It uses recycled glass beads that contribute to the weight, giving you the calming pressure you need for better relaxation. These beads are environmentally friendly and also help in maintaining the overall structure of the pillow.

For comfort and cushioning, the pillow incorporates polyurethane foam which contours to your body shape, ensuring a snug and cozy feel. Lastly, the outer layer of the pillow is made from polyester, which is chosen for its durability and easy-care properties.

This combination of materials ensures that our weighted pillow is not only effective but also sustainable and comfortable to use.

Shipping & Returns

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it in, with no damage, and in its original packaging.

To start a return, head to our Returns and Exchanges page. If your return is accepted, you’ll receive a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at help@onequietmind.com.

Damages & Issues

Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, or damaged or if you receive the wrong item so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right. You can also request the correct item from our Returns and Exchanges page.

Exceptions/Non-Returnable

If you have opened the packaging and damaged the pillow in any way, we cannot accept a return.

Exchange

The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to follow the steps on the Returns and Exchanges page.

Quiz

Need help to decide which pillows size is perfect for you?
Take the Quiz