3 blankets you should avoid taking with you to dialysis treatments | Dialysis|

3 blankets you should avoid taking with you to dialysis treatments

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Down throughout the years, I have observed many of my patients bring in different types of blankets and I felt the need to talk about them. Not all blankets are good to bring with you to dialysis treatment and I will explain below plus recommend which ones to get. 

1. Extremely long puffy blankets 

Some patients have told me that these blankets are comfortable and they love bringing them but there are some issues with this. A blanket that is too long drapes down to the floor once a patient is on the machine and or recline back. There are many germs on the treatment floor and your blanket is prone to pick up more germs especially if your chair and machine area are poorly clean. For instance: A patient before you bleeds out and blood splashes everywhere in that area. Sometimes blood gets in areas that are hard to find and sometimes the technician accidentally miss those spots. I don't recommend getting a blanket that is over 50x60. If your blanket is super long, look into trimming it or folding it in a way where it doesn't drape onto the floor. 

2. Blankets that are too light

Several patients have told me that they are still cold even though they have on a blanket. What is the purpose of having a blanket if it can't keep you warm? Some units have serious central air conditioner blowing and the fluctuating temperature in these dialysis facilities are the main issues.  It is important to get a great blanket that is not to long or too light and just right. 

3. Old Electric Blankets

Now hang on, hear me out on this one. Some patients I have worked with stated that they were very cold and brought an older electric blanket and plugged it in and turned it on high. Now here is the danger with that. Some of these old electric blankets have scorch marks, discoloration or frayed electric cords on the blanket. This indicates wiring that is damaged and is unsafe. Also, if a person is diabetic there is a chance they will not know if they were burned by the blanket if turned too high (due to decreased sensitivity).  If you do decide to purchase an electric blanket. Make sure that it has the "Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark which indicates that this heating blanket has been safety tested. 

Quick Tips in purchasing and upkeep of your blanket

Fleece, fleece sherpa, cotton fleece even cotton blankets are the best to take with you to dialysis. Make sure that when you purchase one you find one that is not too long or too light and is easy to fold and clean in case blood gets on it. I have nothing against gravity or weighted blankets but usually, those blankets are heavy and difficult to fold and place in the tote bag. I suggest getting those blankets for your comfort at home. 

Tips for cleaning blood stains out of your blanket 

I have used hydrogen peroxide to clean many of my patient's garments and blankets. I recommend asking your technician or nurse from some and treat the stain before it dries in your blanket. Once you get home, pretreat the stain with detergent then put it in the washer.

                                      The info below contain affiliate links. What does this mean?

Here are my recommended blankets

BEDSURE Sherpa Fleece Blanket 

 12 different colors to choose from. 

Dimensions: Twin/Queen/King (I recommend twin size).

Adory Sweety Throw Blanket (Moss Stitch Solid)

10 different colors to choose from

Dimensions: 50x60

Genteele Sherpa Throw Blanket

6 different colors to choose from 

Dimensions: 50x60, 60x70, 90x90

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