Weighted blankets

[Bield]

Does anyone know if weighted blankets are ok for us to use. Just I read they are not suitable for everyone and wondered if that includes people with MPN’s. Thanks

[hunter5582]

I have never heard of any risks associated with weighted blankets for people with MPNs. I really cannot imagine what mechanism for harm there would be with a MPN. My daughter, who also has a JAK2+ MPN, uses a weighted blanket. She loves it.

[Bield in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you for your response, I feel much better about it now.. I have one and love it too but I read something about it causing problems for some people with circulation problems and my mind started working overtime on the clotting and stroke risk, that’s why I asked. Relieved to know I can use it s normal. Thank you x

[Kari1961]

I looked into getting one but decided against it - Not due to health risks though... one of the reasons I often used to suffer badly with disturbed sleep was night sweats and over heating. And a few of my friends who use a weighted blanket said they kept them really cosy and warm - even when using one of the blankets with a cooling gel in it.

My sleep has improved massively since starting to take a magnesium supplement daily plus the use of a lavender foot cream before bed.

[Bield in reply to Kari1961]

I also can be too hot at night an suffer from burning pain in my feet. I used to put the, in cold water to try to cool them till my cousin who is a nurse told me I should do the opposite. She said hot water would register with the brain to cool my feet down and it did work so I tried it in bed with an electric blanket and it worked there too. I don’t get the awful sweating since I started using it and can use my weighted blanket comfortably. Sounds crazy but it’s worked for me. (Could also be coincidence but after years of suffering I’m sticking with it)

[Heather270240]

Hi Bield. I have PV JAK2 and I have had a weighted blanket for 2 years. It's wonderful and can't sleep without it. It certainly doesn't feel heavy and doesn't make you hot, if anything it makes me cooler. It also eases the pain I get caused by PMR.

[Bield]

Fantastic I love mine too, feel sorry for my husband, I know he would love to try it but apparently they’re not for diabetics or circulatory conditions so he loses out. I think mine maybe a bit heavy it’s 9 kg and I m thinking of trying a lighter one but for the moment it’s doing the trick

[Runner999]

I hate anything heavy on my legs or feet. I had a knee problem, nearly bone on bone, but physio, Pilates and Alexander technique have solved the problem by "straightening me up" instead of ending up with surgery.

Because of this I am ultra aware of anything that pushes my knees and ankles away from "straight" and kick myself a very loose area under my very light duvet. Weight can put strain on your joints.

[Leighcox85]

I can speak for me personally but I was advised against it I have mf and I have portal vein thrombosis and have in the past had several blood clots because a weighted blanket restricts movement it was advised for me not to use one as mf can contribute to blood clots but if your unsure speak to your team and they can advise you best wishes leighanne hope you have a lovely Christmas 🎄

[Bield]

Thank you everyone for your comments, I ve only just realised that in responding to individual comments I don’t think I have made it clear who I m responding to. I’m so sorry , I’m a bit of a 🦕. Hope you can all put up with me. Wish everyone a merry Christmas, and hope we all get through this one a bit better than last year . Xx