Problem
Nothing exists to bandage the axilla in a secure, effective, and painless manner. For Hidradenitis Suppurativa patients, this is an acute pain point. HS patients are forced to buy inadequate products, leading to a decrease in quality of care at significant monetary cost. 

Debilitating fear of extreme pain, drainage, and odor hinders our patient users from comfortably living independent lives. ​

What does that mean?

Imagine withdrawing from friends and family, unable to go to work or school. Where even putting on clothes or going to the bathroom causes extreme pain and discomfort. Unable to truly talk about this excruciating condition without fearing judgement from others, and with no definitive cure in sight, imagine the insurmountable frustration and depression continuing for years and years.

​An estimate of 5 million Americans face these conditions every day. Now imagine if one of those 5 million people is someone dear to you. Imagine if you are the one waking up and going to sleep, living with this inescapable, daily struggle. Perhaps you do not need to imagine this, for it sounds familiar to you already.

​In any case, please read on.

 Ergonomic Design

During the 2017 JeffSolves MedTECH accelerator program, our team extensively researched varying axillary dimensions and range of movement, using modern 3D scanning technology.

Inspired by the wide variety of creative user hacks on dressing methods, we identified the ideal features needed for our product.

​With our combined vision, we developed a 3D bandaging system which offers a more affordable, streamlined, and user-friendly option to treat axillary wounds on a daily basis.

"The ideal dressing for HS patients has good absorptive capacity, is atraumatic, and is useful for special body sites, like under the arms or groin. The form of dressing should be appropriate to use in skin folds."

- Dr. Afsaneh Alavi, M.D., M. Sc., F.R.C.P.C., Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Toronto 

Solution

Through user experience research and expert testimonies, our ALAFLEX team discovered that women's sanitary napkin products provide similar coverage and a relatable market model. 

Our product provides leak and odor protection, while offering comfort and discretion. Though the ALAFLEX is primarily geared towards treating HS patients, users suffering from hyperhidrosis and other axillary wounds and conditions would benefit from this affordable option.

For the millions of people afflicted with HS, some of whom change their dressings anywhere from 2-6 times a day, this 3D bandaging system could be the difference they need to live and move freely again.
Partners