Cocoon

What it does

Deep, even pressure is a feeling which many people with autism or another disturbance of the sensory processing search for. Cocoon is an inflatable role which gives exactly this feeling with the help of steady atmospheric pressure.

Your inspiration

When I looked deeper on this topic I noted that there are relatively few products in this area - indeed, a big need. I decided to work together with the company of my mother (Lebenshilfe), who works with handicapped people, to solve this problem with the help of atmospheric pressure.

How it works

Cocoon exists of polyurethane foils which were joined by means of high-frequency welding to an inflatable mat. The mat is divided into two chambers and is connected with two tubes with a pillow, who serves for the regulation of the pressure. The cover exists of 3D Mesh, is washable and promotes the aerial circulation. The person lies down on the mat, a second person closes the mat with the belts to a role and inflates them by with a compressor. To also feel the pressure well in the legs, there are another two inflatable wedges which are laid afterwards between the legs. The second person can raise now the pressure a little bit with the pillow and reduce again. Cocoon exerts pressure on the body - however, mediates at the same time a feeling of security, coziness and well-being.

Design process

The first active step in this project was to build the first prototype. This was there for testing whether it feels generally well to get pressure from an inflatable object. It existed of many single tubes which were connected with zippers. Also this one had a pillow to adjust the pressure. It was tested by the customers of the Lebenshilfe and afterwards I started to built, based on the feedback of the people, the second prototype which has concentrated, above all, upon the handling and the functionality. It existed of a divided mat which could be closed with belts to a role and was quite close to my final concept. After another test I have begun to sketch the final product and to build it. I have taken over the draught of the second prototype, have used bigger valves and tubes, have attached more belts and have sewn sensible covers for all parts. Now the Cocoon is used by the customers and responsible persons of the Lebenshilfe and helps many to be able to finally relax better.

How it is different

At the market there are already a few solutions for this problem - indeed, none who evenly works on the whole body. A pressure vest cannot be used with every form of handicap and the pressure is only given on the upper body area - weighted blankets are often not strong enough. My product is there to relax consciously and to concentrate upon nothing else than the own relaxation. The pillow which is connected with tubes to the Cocoon creates a connection with a responsible person or therapist who also takes over an active part with this product and also is there, if there are any problems.

Future plans

Of course I would like to work even further on the project. I would also form with pleasure a version for children and a version for the lower body which could be interesting above all for people with muscle spasms. Furthermore I would also like to make a version for the upper part of the body which allows to use the arms independently.

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