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How to Choose the Right Sensory Room Equipment

Written on . Posted in ADHD, Alzheimer’s, Multisensory, Sensory Room, Sensory Solutions

When you enter a sensory room, it is easy to be astonished by the aesthetics and equipment on display, but upon closer inspection, you will realize that every piece of sensory room equipment plays an important role within the space. Understanding the function of each object in a multisensory environment is essential to creating a space that benefits the individuals intended to use it, so we appreciate that choosing the right equipment for your sensory room design can be daunting.

In this article, we will discuss the different factors you need to consider when designing your multisensory room, explaining the developmental benefits of sensory room equipment and offering practical advice on how to plan your space.

Choosing the right sensory room equipment.

Who Will Be Using the Sensory Room Equipment?

Before you start buying equipment for your multisensory room, you need to consider who will be using the room and how you can support their development through your sensory room design. If you are designing a room for your own child, you can tailor your choice of sensory room equipment to their specific needs, curating an environment that aids their sensory processing and encourages their skill development. Planning sensory spaces for multiple users, on the other hand, can be a much more challenging process.

Multisensory environments within schools, hospitals, and care facilities need to be able to accommodate the needs of different users, potentially at the same time, which requires more sophisticated deployment of sensory room equipment. Furthermore, the products need to adapt to the changing demands of their users as much as the space itself, such that you can be confident that your multisensory room equipment will meet the needs of your next generation of students, patients or residents.

Types of Sensory Room Equipment

Whether you want to stimulate your students with interactive technology or support the rehabilitation of your patients and elderly residents through sound and music therapy, it is important to understand the different types of sensory room equipment in order to leverage their benefits.

At Experia, we developed our catalog in collaboration with occupational therapists, designing each product to address specific needs and motivate certain areas of sensory development. The types of sensory room equipment available on our site include:

  • Calming
    One of the most popular types of sensory room equipment is calming products, which provide consistent sensory inputs to allow users to reduce stress and regulate their emotions. These include sensory room staples, such as bubble tubes and fiber optic lights, which captivate their users with their gentle illumination, holding their attention.
  • Auditory
    Especially effective with individuals with ADHD and autism, these pieces of sensory room equipment provide audible inputs that can improve focus and sensory processing, promote relaxation and offer health benefits. Products such as the soundboard, sound equalizer, and interactive wall panels help develop cause and effect skills, while vibroacoustic products can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce muscle tension.
  • Visual
    This type of sensory room equipment harnesses light, color and motion to improve focus and visual processing, as well as alleviate stress. Our collection of projectors and effect wheels immerse users in exotic landscapes, while sensory mirrors help develop self-awareness.
  • Tactile
    Experiencing tactile inputs in a controlled environment supports sensory development. Fiber optic carpets invite tactile exploration, while the interactive light panel strengthens fine motor skills.
  • Movement
    For children and adults with dyspraxia, equipment that supports vestibular and proprioceptive development improves balance and body awareness. Our soft play equipment supports gross motor development safely.

How Much Space Do You Have for Sensory Room Equipment?

The amount of sensory room equipment you can include should reflect your available space. If windows are present, blackout curtains are recommended to maximize lighting effects.

Accessibility is also important. Avoid overcrowding the room, ensure proper supervision, and allow space for attendants when multiple users are present.

A boy with down syndrome interacting with a calming bubble tube.

What Budget Do You Have for Sensory Room Equipment?

The budget you allocate will influence the scope of your sensory project. We recommend sourcing equipment from reputable manufacturers to ensure quality and developmental benefit.

At Experia, our room designers work closely with clients to optimize sensory room packages based on user needs, spatial limitations, and budget. For more information, please get in touch with us today so we can help bring your sensory ideas to life.

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