Invention Description
Breast pain (mastalgia) can be attributed to many things, including hormones, diseases, breast asymmetry and improper breast support. Mastalgia is very common, affecting up to 70% of women across the globe at some point in their lives. Current remedies, including anti-inflammatories and hormonal treatments address symptoms but are ineffective when the underlying cause is breast asymmetry and incorrectly fitting brassieres.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed an innovative brassiere incorporating heat-activated materials in the cups, which contract at body temperature to conform precisely to the wearer’s breast shape. The materials apply gentle, adaptive compression and improved weight distribution, addressing issues of breast asymmetry and non-cyclic mastalgia. By utilizing the wearer’s body heat, the bra offers consistent, customized support without external power sources, providing a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative to surgical interventions or traditional bras with rigid underwires.
This self-powered, heat-activated bra is designed to provide dynamic, personalized breast support and alleviate benign breast pain without external power or uncomfortable underwires.
Potential Applications
- Medical device channel for breast pain treatment and clinical support
- Direct-to-consumer apparel market with advanced functional lingerie
- Partnerships with fashion and medical companies for product development
- Global women’s intimate wear market valued over $27.8 billion
- Specialized products targeting women with breast asymmetry and mastalgia
Benefits and Advantages
- Body heat-activated to offer continuous, personalized support
- Eliminates need for uncomfortable underwires while ensuring weight distribution
- Self-powering mechanism requires no external electricity or batteries
- Non-invasive, cost-effective solution for benign breast pain and asymmetry
- Final product cost comparable to current brassieres on the market
- Lightweight, breathable design suitable for everyday wear
- Potential FDA clearance as a medical device due to simplified technology