Our Story: From Quiet Moments to Calmily
Libby LePinnet Kelly, PT, DPT
Owner + Inventor of Calmily
Our Story: From Quiet Moments to Calmily
As a pediatric physical therapist and mother of four, I’ve spent over two decades helping children with autism, ADHD, developmental delay, sensory processing disorder and other neurotypes thrive in their bodies. Throughout those years, I watched weighted tools remain largely unchanged often too heavy, bulky or stigmatizing. I dreamed of something that offered “just-right” weight, could travel anywhere and didn’t look like a therapy device.
Out of necessity and love, Calmily was born. I pulled out my sewing machine, tested every seam and weight, and handcrafted a pillow that delivers a grounding hug wherever it’s needed. What began in my sewing room has grown into a small-batch, mission-driven company trusted by families, therapists, teachers and adults. Each iteration was inspired by the children in my clinic, and my own kids, who deserved better tools for self-regulation.
Why Graded Weight Matters
Traditional weighted blankets spread weight evenly across the body and can be heavy and immobile. The Calmily pillow is different. It weighs 5 pounds in total, but that weight is graded, the top is the lighter section while the longer end is the heavy section. This allows you to “weight your way” by positioning the pillow so that the heavier section delivers targeted pressure where you need it most. Children or smaller bodies can engage with just part of the pillow, starting as low as 1–2 pounds of input. This portable, precise distribution of weight represents the future of deep-pressure tools: customizable, subtle and effective.
Deep pressure therapy works by stimulating mechanoreceptors in the skin, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces stress hormones. Studies show it can lower anxiety, improve sleep and reduce sensory overload. Our graded-weight design harnesses those benefits in a compact, beautiful form you can take anywhere, from the classroom to the couch to the car.
Thank you for supporting Calmily and our inclusive team. Each pillow is handmade in New York by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring that every purchase supports meaningful employment.
A Timeline of Calmily’s Journey
2023 – First prototype was made in my home.
2024 – Partnered with Finger Lake Textiles a division of Moziac ARC, in NY an inclusive manufacturing teams to handcraft pillows.
2025 – Featured in The Daily Star "Therapist brings experience to pillow production"
2025 – Upcoming appearances on two national TV segments (Sept/Oct) – stay tuned!
Why Calmily Works
Unlike traditional weighted blankets, the Calmily pillow is purposefully designed with a graded weight that molds to your body and delivers calming input exactly where you need it. Whether you’re 5 or 55, Calmily helps bring your nervous system back into balance with deep pressure that feels supportive, not overwhelming. Use it:
At home: to ease bedtime transitions and promote restful sleep
On the go: in the car, classroom or office for a discreet, grounding hug
For adults and teens: to reduce stress, improve focus and navigate sensory overload
For neurotypical users: as a natural way to unwind in our overstimulating world
Our Mission & Values
Calmily exists to provide dignified, evidence-based sensory tools that empower people of all neurotypes to self-regulate. We believe in:
Clinical expertise: The Calmily is rooted in research and tested in real therapy settings.
Inclusive design: Our pillow has a hidden tag, is free from zippers, Velcro, or stigmatizing labels.
Community impact: We partner with FLT a division of Moziac ARC in NY, creating meaningful jobs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Portability & dignity: Calmily is compact and beautiful, designed to support you wherever life takes you.
Trusted by Families and Experts
Amy, Breast Cancer SurvivorLife- Changing!!! I use my Calmily Pillow for sleeping, reading and winding down. It's the first thing that's brought real comfort to my mastectomy side. Every woman recovering from surgery needs one
I’ve used a weighted blanket before, and while I like it, I find it to overall be a bit too heavy and difficult to maneuver. I used the Calmily pillow partially wrapped around my neck and partially laid across my chest. I liked using it will going on my phone or reading a book while reclined in a chair. The biggest benefits are the proprioceptive input and the feeling of relaxation it gives! I would describe it as a versatile weighted product that you can take anywhere whenever you need to self-regulate.
The Calmily pillow has been a game changer for our bedtime routine. My daughter actually asks for her "hug pillow" every night!
As an occupational therapist, I've tried many weighted products. Calmily is the only one my clients consistently choose and it's the easiest for parents to use on the go.
We’ve also been featured in the Daily Star, will be on WBNG TV around the Tiers and CBS Long Island later this Fall.
Join the Calmily Community
If you’re ready to experience calm anywhere, Shop now or Sign up to receive exclusive offers and deep-pressure science tips. Thank you for supporting a small business that believes everyone deserves tools that help them thrive.