Apply Deep Pressure Therapy and improve quality of life. Designed for individuals with autism, sensory processing disorder or anxiety.
Lisa Fraser
Wearable Therapeutics (formerly known as Squeezease Therapy Inc.)
2013–2014
Interviews
Diary studies
Usability testing
Medical device design
Soft goods design
In the United States:
Children were diagnosed with a developmental disability during a study period of 2009-2017.
Estimated number of children ever diagnosed with ADHD according to 2016 survey.
Number of physician visits where the primary diagnosis included mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Scientific studies show that deep pressure therapy can help regulate the sensory system when a person feels overwhelmed by environmental input and sensory information.
People experience a calm and relaxing effect when pressure such as a firm hug, hold or swaddle is applied to the torso.
Review third-party scientific studies from:
The purpose of the beta trial was to assess Snug Vest for usability, efficacy and pressure performance.
15 children with 8 caretakers participated in the study.
All were between 5-13 years old at the time of study with:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (11)
Sensory Processing Disorder (3)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (2)
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (1)
Tourette Syndrome (1)
Bipolar Disorder (1)
Down Syndrome (1)
Not specified (2)
Each participant received a beta kit to complete the 1 month study. The study involved interviews, weekly questionnaires, worksheets, and diary studies.
Caretakers rated the Snug Vest based on 15 features.
Inflation tube location
Pump clipping mechanism
Deflation tube location
Deflation tube ease of use
Height (shoulder) adjustment
Side adjustment
Use of hook and loop
Height of collar
Chin guard
Top shoulder strap
Pockets
Deflation tube whistle noise
Pump
Hood
Hood drawstrings
On the commercialized 2013 version:
For future iterations:
Anxiety
Meltdowns
Tantrums
Tactile defensiveness
Negative emotions
Neutral
Positive emotions
Children who completed this exercise said the pressure was “just right” through the sides, stomach, chest, upper and lower back regions.
Pressure was generally not enough on the shoulders.
Hood gives a sense of comfort and blocks out overwhelming visual information such as light.
Labels are printed directly on the vest to minimize the tactile sensory input caused by tags.
Adjustable hook and loop at the shoulders fit the child’s height and accommodate growth.
Adjustable hook and loop at the sides ensure proper fit and accommodate growth around the torso.
Breathable, inflatable vest evenly distributes adjustable pressure to the sides, shoulders, and back.
Deflate the vest by twisting the end of the deflation tube.
The hidden inflation tube attaches to the hand pump.
The elastic strip in the front ensures minimal pressure is applied to the stomach and chest.
Video compilation of prototypes made and tested until commercialization.
My son with ASD and Down Syndrome used your vest during speech therapy, and his speech therapist said it helped him a lot. During and after he wore it, he was a lot calmer as he sat in his seat and didn’t rock back and forth anymore.
— Mother
We’ve had our Snug Vest now for several months, and our autistic son uses it regularly, mostly at school. His Educational Assistant says it’s made a big difference in his ability to concentrate, and focus on a task or on schoolwork, and she noticed the difference almost immediately.
— Father
The staff have been using [the client’s Snug Vest] quite a bit and have found it very effective. They also report that it is great that it is not too difficult to get on her, since if she is escalated, you don’t want to get too much into her space.
— Residential coordinator
2012
2013
2014
2015
