Deep Pressure Stimulation
The Calming Power of Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS)
One of the key reasons our weighted plush toys are so effective at soothing anxiety, stress, and loneliness is their weight. This isn’t just about making the toys feel more real but also about harnessing a therapeutic technique called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS).
What is Deep Pressure Stimulation?
Deep Pressure Stimulation is a form of therapeutic touch that applies firm but gentle pressure to the body. Think of it as the comforting squeeze of a hug, the reassuring weight of a blanket, or the soothing press of a loved one’s hand.
When your body experiences this kind of pressure, it activates special receptors in your skin and muscles. These receptors send calming feedback to your brain, helping regulate the nervous system. The result? Reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and sensory overload and an overall sense of comfort and safety.
Who Benefits from DPS?
Research has shown that Deep Pressure Stimulation can be especially helpful for people living with:
Anxiety – DPS can help quiet racing thoughts and promote relaxation.
ADHD – Gentle, steady pressure may improve focus and reduce restlessness.
Autism – DPS is often used in therapy to ease sensory sensitivities and provide grounding.
That said, anyone who experiences stress, difficulty sleeping, or emotional overwhelm can benefit from the calming effect of DPS.
Ways to Experience DPS
There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of Deep Pressure Stimulation in daily life:
Weighted Plush Toys (like a McCuddle!) – Soft, warm, and huggable, designed for both comfort and function.
Weighted Blankets – Popular for bedtime relaxation and deeper sleep.
Compression Garments – Gentle, consistent pressure that supports focus and calm.
DIY Comfort – Lying under pillows or snuggling up in a tight cocoon of bedding.
Pets – Cats and dogs can provide natural DPS through cuddles—their weight, warmth, and softness make them nature’s original calming companions.
⚠️ A quick note of caution: the recommended guideline is no more than 5–10% of your body weight for safe and effective DPS. While having a large dog sprawl across you might feel cozy at first, a 50kg Bernese Mountain Dog can get uncomfortable pretty quickly!
Why McCuddle is Special
While all of these methods can provide Deep Pressure Stimulation, our plush toys are designed to bring the benefits together in one adorable package:
Weighted for grounding calm.
Microwavable for soothing warmth.
Soft, cuddly, and always ready for a hug.
In other words, McCuddle is more than a plush, it’s a self-care tool that taps into the proven science of DPS to help you feel safe, relaxed, and cared for.
The Science Behind Deep Pressure Stimulation
Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) isn’t just a “feel good” effect—it has been studied in clinical and therapeutic settings for years. Researchers have found that gentle, consistent pressure can influence the body’s autonomic nervous system, which controls our stress and relaxation responses.
When you receive DPS, your body reduces activity in the sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” response) and increases activity in the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” response). This shift helps lower heart rate, ease muscle tension, and promote an overall sense of calm.
Some key findings:
Temple University research (2012) found that weighted blankets applying DPS helped participants experience significantly lower anxiety levels.
Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering (2015) reported that deep touch pressure improved feelings of relaxation by increasing serotonin (a mood regulating chemical) and decreasing cortisol (a stress hormone).
Occupational therapy studies have shown DPS to be especially effective for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges, providing grounding and comfort in overwhelming environments.
In simpler terms: DPS helps “switch off” your body’s stress alarms and invites a state of relaxation—whether through a weighted toy, a blanket, or even a cuddle with a pet.
(Sources)
Chen, H.-Y., Yang, H., Chi, H.-J., & Chen, H.-M. (2015). Physiological effects of deep touch pressure on anxiety alleviation: The weighted blanket approach. Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, 35(5), 625–632. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40846-015-0068-7
Mullen, B., Champagne, T., Krishnamurty, S., Dickson, D., & Gao, R. X. (2008). Exploring the safety and therapeutic effects of deep pressure stimulation using a weighted blanket. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 24(1), 65–89. https://doi.org/10.1300/J004v24n01_05
Pfeifer, L. I., Silva, M. F. M., & Lopes, R. de C. S. (2012). Use of weighted blankets in adults with anxiety: A controlled study. Temple University Occupational Therapy Research.
Grandin, T. (1992). Calming effects of deep touch pressure in patients with autistic disorder, college students, and animals. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2(1), 63–72. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.1992.2.63
