PolyU-developed prosthesis and bra can reduce heat and moisture inside clothing, thus enhancing wearers’ comfort.

A mastectomy is one of the most common types of breast cancer treatments. It is sometimes followed by breast reconstruction surgery, but not all women who have undergone mastectomies are qualified or want to revisit the hospital and thus, opt to wear breast prostheses and special bras. Breast prostheses come in many shapes, sizes and materials, but comfort is the essential criterion for most users. In view of this, a research team at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing led by Dr Kristina Shin has developed a set of novel prosthesis, a bra, and a garment clip that provide excellent thermal and moisture comfort for mastectomy women.

The research team gathered multidisciplinary advice in the research and development process from experts in different areas including psychologists, oncologists and product designers. The designs of the novel post-mastectomy products were based on a survey of 200 Hong Kong mastectomy women.

The products comprise three patented parts: a prosthesis, clip and mastectomy bra. The breast prosthetic device – with a wavy textured chest-wall contact section, a hollow inner-core and ventilation holes in the lower section – minimises sweat on the chest by increasing sweat evaporation. The post-mastectomy bra reduces heat and moisture inside the bra through specially designed air ventilation structures. Another part, the garment clip with a pouch, enables users to wear fashion bras without prosthesis pockets.

Thermal and humidity tests were conducted to compare the clothing comfort of the newly-invented prosthesis and bra to that of the conventional set. Data were collected from the two locations of the bottom cup: near the skin and between the prosthesis and the bra. Bottom cup area along the underwire section was selected because it was identified as the most hot and humid area of the bra by the survey participants. The results showed that the newly invented prosthesis and bra provide cooler body core temperatures, and cooler and drier micro-environments both near the skin and between the prosthesis and the mastectomy bra.

Given these advantages and its high adaptability, the post-mastectomy design concept can also be applied in other undergarments such as all-in-one items, girdles, full slips, sleepwear, sportsbras and sportswear.

This invention won a Gold Prize and Diploma from the First Institute Inventors and Researchers in I.R. Iran at the Seoul International Invention Fair in Korea last year. ♦