Wheelchair Cozy Vs Wheelchair Lap Blanket: Reviews and Best Products
Cold weather can be a nightmare for wheelchair users as it is difficult to regulate body temperatures. This leaves many people looking for options to combat the cold. This post will examine using a wheelchair cozy vs a wheelchair lap blanket to help with warmth and review the best products available.
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Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are my top picks!
This is the wheelchair cozy I have personally used. It is more like a sleeping bag for your legs with reinforced fabric for the foot area. It is waterproof and windproof to keep you warm in the chilliest of weather. It also attaches to your wheelchair, so it won’t bunch or slip.
This heavy fleece blanket is designed for wheelchair users. It attaches to the chair and wraps and secures around your legs so it won’t get caught in the wheels.
This wheelchair cozy is perfect if you can’t stand but want the warmth over and around your legs. It also has a pocket on top for your hands. The comfortable fabric is also waterproof.
Differences Between a Wheelchair Cozy and a Wheelchair Lap Blanket
A wheelchair lap blanket comes in both lightweight and heavier weight options. Additionally, unlike a cozy, there is typically no area to cover your feet. However, they do attach to your chair and around your legs like how the cozy would. Furthermore, the blankets generally are not waterproof or windproof.
On the other hand, a wheelchair cozy will not only attach to your chair and block the rain and wind, but it will also cover your feet. There are two styles to choose from, one of which you do not need to leave your wheelchair to attach, and one that will require you to transfer (to put the cozy in) and then transfer back to your chair. These often provide more warmth than a blanket.
Wheelchair Cozy Review
Due to my Muscular Dystrophy, when I get cold, my muscles freeze up and become temporarily paralyzed. It can be painful as my muscles also cramp up. However, I refuse to let cold weather prevent me from traveling to places on my bucket list.
On my recent cruise to Antarctica, I knew I would need extra help staying warm, so I got a wheelchair cozy to see if it would help. Honestly, I was willing to try anything to stay warm so I could venture to the White Continent.
I chose the GFertre Lightweight Wheelchair Cozy because it wrapped all the way around my legs and was waterproof as well as windproof. I also liked that it came up high on my waist.
Luckily, it worked great! Temperatures in Antarctica ranged from upper 20’s to low 30’s (Fahrenheit) and I was comfortably warm the entire time I was outside admiring the scenery (which was quite a bit). There was no pain and no problems when I went to transfer out of my chair.
The cozy was also easy to use. It zipped up the front and I could transfer in and out of my wheelchair without any issues. I will definitely be using this again and again so I can travel to wherever I want no matter the temperature!
Best Wheelchair Cozy’s
Choosing the best wheelchair cozy will depend on your individual needs. For example, if transferring or standing is not possible (or very difficult), then you’ll want an option such as this one which allows you to put the cozy on while seated in your chair.
100% Waterproof Fleece-Lined Wheelchair Cozy Cover
Stay warm with this cute cozy that fits your wheelchair and allows you to stay seated while taking it on and off. Fun colors and patterns will show off your personality.
Pros: Cons:If you are able to transfer to and from your wheelchair, you may want to consider a cozy that acts similar to a sleeping bag. This product will keep your legs nice and warm while being soft and comfortable. It is the same product I used during my Antarctica trip, so I know it works great.
GFertre Lightweight Wheelchair Cozy with Zipper
Make going out into the cold a lot more pleasant when using this wheelchair cozy. A sherpa lined interior will be soft and comfortable while the waterproof outer layer will keep you dry. It easily attaches to your wheelchair to prevent bunching and slipping.
Pros: Cons:Best Wheelchair Lap Blankets
The best wheelchair lap blankets will be sized appropriately so that it doesn’t excess material that may get caught in your wheels, and ideally attach to your wheelchair somehow to prevent slipping. Here are the top two blankets I recommend.
Granny Jo Products Heavyweight Wheelchair Blanket
This soft blanket has two layers of fleece and is heavier in weight to help keep you warm. Designed specifically for wheelchair users, it’s the perfect size and attaches to your chair to prevent slipping.
Pros: Cons:Granny Jo Products Lightweight Wheelchair Blanket
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Pros: Cons:
Wheelchair Cozy Vs Wheelchair Lap Blankets: Deciding Which is Best for You
Deciding whether you should use a wheelchair blanket vs a wheelchair cozy will depend on the situation and environment you wish to use the product. For example, if you plan to use it mostly outdoors, then you may want to consider the wheelchair cozy as it is better designed to handle the possible outdoor elements.
However, if you get chilly indoors and that is where you plan to use the product the most, then the wheelchair lap blanket may just be the perfect product.
Additionally, make sure to consider the following factors when choosing the right product for you.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Product
1. Size
Make sure that whichever product you choose, you get a size that is designed for wheelchairs, so it won’t get caught up in the wheels during movement. Typically, you will want a blanket sized around 36 x 42 inches.
If you are looking at the cozy product, you will want to consider the height of the individual using it and make sure that you purchase an item that will fit them (it should come to their waist).
2. Material
The material of the product is also important. You want something soft and comfortable, while also being easy to take care of. For instance, take into consideration how easy it is to clean (is it machine washable).
Additionally, consider where and when you plan to use the product to make sure the material is appropriate for the situation. Ideally, if you plan to use the product outside, you will probably want it to be waterproof and windproof to be able to stand up to the elements.
3. Weight
If strength is a problem, or you plan to use your blanket or cozy in freezing weather, you will also want to consider the weight of the product. The colder the temperatures, the thicker or heavier weighted item will likely keep you warmer. However, if you have difficulty with lifting, you may want to weigh the benefits of a heavier item vs how easy it is to use.
4. Quality
No one wants to purchase something that isn’t going to hold up to repeated use. That is why when choosing the best product for you, you will want to consider the quality. Reading personal reviews and knowing the durability of the material will assist you in judging this factor.
5. Design
The best of these products will be designed specifically for wheelchair users. This will show not only in the size (as previously discussed) but whether it attaches to the wheelchair or could possibly get caught in the wheels. Furthermore, it should be easy to use and care for.
6. Easy to Use
As suggested above, your choice of product should be easy to use as well as functional. For example, if standing and transferring is not easily accomplished, you will want something that doesn’t require that you do this. You may also want to look at how the product attaches to your chair and how easy or difficult it is to do this (what type of fasteners are used).
FAQ’s
Most blankets designed for wheelchairs measure 36 x 42 inches.
People who use wheelchairs have difficulty regulating their body temperatures and therefore can become cold easily. Blankets help to keep warm and regulate temperatures.
Wheelchair lap blankets and cozy’s cost between $20 – $60 and can significantly increase comfort in cold or chilly temperatures and help to regulate body temperature. Having a product that allows individuals to handle the changes in weather allows people to take part in additional activities they may not otherwise feel comfortable doing.
I can personally attest to the fact that wheelchair cozy’s work. I used one in Antarctica, and it helped to keep me comfortable and warm.
Final Thoughts on Wheelchair Cozy Vs Wheelchair Lap Blankets
I hope that this post has helped give you more options for staying warmer in cold weather. In addition, I hope it has highlighted the pros and cons of using both wheelchair lap blankets and wheelchair cozy’s. Whichever option you choose I know it will make braving unpleasant weather more bearable.
