A comforting blanket to give you a hug

Washington: A US designer and artist has created a padded blanket with arms and hands, or "weighted comfort object" that simulates the sensation of being hugged.

Designer Mia Cinelli said that she was really upset about the recent death of her fiancee's father, who was a big guy, he gave really big hugs and he showed his affection in a really physical way, and what she was really missing was his physical presence, People Magazine reported.

Cinelli, who began researching on weighted blankets that are often used as a component of occupational therapy for children with sensory disorders, anxiety, stress or issues related to autism, took the idea of a comfort blanket a step further.

Cheryl Wunsh, a clinical nurse specialist who specializes in grief counseling, believes that weighted blanket, which are not typically used for treating grief, could be of comfort to those dealing with loss.

Her design, simply called "The Weight," which is made from hand-quilted fleece and is filled with tiny plastic beads, is currently only a display piece.

Cinelli said that right now she is looking into how she can manufacture it and get it out to people, adding that grief is so universal and if this made her feel better, she is sure it can make somebody else feel better too.