TM(Advertisement)
Tube City Community Media Inc. is seeking freelance writers to help cover city council, news and feature stories in McKeesport, Duquesne, White Oak and the neighboring communities. High school and college students seeking work experience are encouraged to apply; we are willing to work with students who need credit toward class assignments. Please send cover letter, resume, two writing samples and the name of a reference (an employer, supervisor, teacher, etc. -- not a relative) to tubecitytiger@gmail.com.
Ads start at $1 per day, minimum seven days.
Duquesne Manufacturer Wins ‘Kids Sleep’ Award
American Textile’s weighted blanket for kids honored by Parents Magazine
By Submitted Report
The Tube City Almanac
January 12, 2022
Posted in: Announcements, Duquesne News
(Submitted photo)
A weighted blanket manufactured by Duquesne-based American Textile Co. has received an award from the publisher of Parents Magazine.
The “Tranquility” brand kids’ blanket is featured in the “2022 Kids Sleep Awards” in the magazine’s January/February issue. It was called “one of the 21 best products to get kids to bed.”
Weighted blankets and vests have become popular in recent years for both kids and adults who struggle to fall asleep.
Although the scientific evidence for their benefits isn’t entirely clear, some experts have theorized the blankets induce a kind of deep pressure stimulation, which stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep cycles, and reduces cortisol, a stress hormone.
Similar techniques have been used in a practice called “sensory integration therapy,” said a spokesman for American Textile.
According to the Sleep Foundation, a non-profit industry trade group, between 15 and 20 percent of children and teens struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. The company says the Tranquility blankets provide a “non-pharmaceutical” solution to sleeplessness.
“We are thrilled to be honored in Parents’ first-ever sleep awards list,” said Patrick Seiffert, senior vice president of marketing with American Textile Company, the makers of Tranquility. “We started this brand with the goal of delivering an affordable tool to help children and adults sleep better, and it’s been so rewarding to witness the positive impact our products have on sleep routines, especially for little ones who may struggle with bedtime.”
The Tranquility blankets come in four patterns — blue, pink, camouflage and unicorns — and are sold nationally through Walmart, Target and other retailers. They sell for approximately $25. The magazine called the Tranquility blanket the “Best Heavy Blankie” and tested the product with kids before making its decision.
The company said the Tranquility brand was launched in 2018.
Founded in 1925, American Textile moved its headquarters to Duquesne in 2002, where it employs about 250 people, according to published reports. The company makes blankets, pillows and other bedding items under a variety of brand names and store labels.
In 2018, the company expanded to the RIDC industrial park in McKeesport when it leased a 98,000-square-foot building at 200 Center St. formerly used by Steel City Products.
Originally published January 12, 2022.
In other news:
"Dravosburg Sewer Line…" || "W.O. Council OK’s Par…"