What the numbers tell us
In the United States:
Children were diagnosed with a developmental disability during a study period of 2009-2017.
Number of physician visits where the primary diagnosis included mental, behavioural and neurodevelopment disorders.
Children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Estimated number of children ever diagnosed with ADHD according to 2022 survey.
Benefits of Deep Pressure Therapy
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:
Beta trial participants
We conducted a beta trial to assess Snug Vest for usability, efficacy and pressure performance. 15 children with 8 caretakers participated in the study.
Child with therapist
Child with parent
Child with teacher
Disorders or syndromes
All were between 5-13 years old at the time of study with:
Beta kit
Each participant received a beta kit to complete the one month study. The study involved interviews, weekly questionnaires, worksheets, and diary studies.
Beta kit contents:
- Worksheet and exercise booklet
- Stationery kit
- Beta manual
- CD Instructions
- Snug Vest
- Pump
Usability results
Caretakers rated the Snug Vest based on 15 features.
Satisfaction level
Dissatisfaction level
Proposed improvements
On the commercialized 2013 version, we:
- replaced pump for faster inflation rate.
- eliminated hood drawstrings for safety purposes.
For future iterations:
- Consider alternative deflation tubes that are less noisy while retaining current fast deflation rates.
- Consider detachable hood options.
Average symptom occurrences throughout the week
Therapists, parents and teachers documented how often the children experienced anxiety, tantrums, tactile defensiveness and meltdowns each week over the course of a month.
Children’s emotions prior to, during, and after inflation sessions
Sum of all occurrences that the children experienced before, during, and 20 minutes after inflation sessions.
- Positive emotions include very happy, happy, comfortable or calm, excited, secure, focused or attentive, and relieved.
- Neutral emotions include neutral and tired.
- Negative emotions include anxious, confused, angry, annoyed, bored, and scatter brained.
Pressure performance
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.
Features
Block distractions
Hood gives a sense of comfort and blocks out overwhelming visual information such as light.
Flat labels
Labels are printed directly on the vest to minimize the tactile sensory input caused by tags.
Length adjustment
Adjustable hook and loop at the shoulders fit the child’s height and accommodate growth.
Width adjustment
Adjustable hook and loop at the sides ensure proper fit and accommodate growth around the torso.
Adjustable pressure
Breathable, inflatable vest evenly distributes adjustable pressure to the sides, shoulders, and back.
Deflate quickly
Deflate the vest by twisting the end of the deflation tube.
Inflate quickly
The hidden inflation tube attaches to the hand pump.
Pressure safe
The elastic strip in the front ensures minimal pressure is applied to the stomach and chest.
Front | Garment
Length adjustment
VelcroTM at the shoulders adjust 3” according to user’s height to accommodate growth.
Inflation tube
Inflation tube attaches to the hand pump.
Deflation tube
Deflate the vest by twisting the end of the tube.
Elastic strip
The front elastic strip ensuresminimal pressure is placed on the stomach and chest
Back | Inflatable
The inflatable provides evenly distributed and adjustable pressure to the sides, shoulders and back to give a hug-like squeeze.
Width adjustment
VelcroTM at the sides adjust 6” around the torso to accommodate growth.
Layered hoodie
The hood provides a sense ofcomfort and blocks out light and overwhelming distractions.
Breathable holes
The holes on the inflatable provide ventilation and ensure evenpressure distribution.
Evolution of concepts
Video compilation of prototypes made and tested until commercialization.
Before Snug Vest
After Snug Vest
Number of orders since launch
We got an overwhelming amount of orders when we launched in 2013 that we could barely keep up with the demand. It was heart warming to see the positive impact it created for so many people.
In preorders with zero marketing spend.
Repeat sales from therapists, parents, teachers, wholesalers, and more.
Returns with 60 day money back guarantee.
Post launch
We got an overwhelming amount of orders when we launched in 2013 that we could barely keep up with the demand. It was heart warming to see the positive impact it created for so many people.
After launching Snug Vest, my role shifted towards supply chain and manufacturing. I worked with suppliers, created tech packs, and developed systems so that Snug Vest can be manufactured at its highest quality.
I departed from the company in 2015 to pursue more research and design opportunities.
Snug Vest was available in the market from 2013 to 2017.
Red Dot award 2014 winner
The Red Dot Award is an international design competition for product design, communication design and design concepts.
