These muffs are in high demand for dementia patients as well as some special needs children. They are used for sensory stimulation and seem to help calm the people who use them.

Lots of different things can be added to the muffs for stimulation - pony beads can be knitted in, fabric ribbons can be used, bath puffs can be sewn on, little items like stress balls, can be sewn on after the muff is made. Look for things in the kid’s section of stores. Be careful with what you add though, because anything with sharp edges can tear fragile skin. Items like metal nuts and screws from the hardware store are not really appropriate for these. Also, sometimes the plastic beads have very rough edges too. Be aware that sometimes people put things like this in their mouths, so be sure that anything you do sew on is secure.

To add texture to the muff, consider using a furry or fuzzy yarn as one of the strands as you knit. Even small amounts of a novelty yarn add lots of texture to these.

Please consider donating items made from this pattern to your local Alzheimer Association, area Assisted Living units, or Assisted living centers for dementia patients. They are in great need of these.