A breast pump including a container, a host unit disposed above and communicating with the container, an electric heating cup disposed at the front end of the host unit and communicating with the container, an electric heating element, and heat insulation. The electric heating cup includes an inner cover and an outer cover which are integrated. The electric heating element and the heat insulation are disposed between the inner cover and the outer cover. The heat insulation is disposed between the electric heating element and the outer cover. Positive and negative electrodes of the electric heating element are connected to conducting plates disposed in the inner side of the outer cover via connection wires. The conducting plates extend to the outer side of the outer cover and are in electric connection to contact chips disposed at the lower front end of the host unit.

A heating device is provided comprising: a wearable layer conformable to a part of a user's body; a heat source attached to the wearable layer for applying heat to a region of a user's body; a blood flow sensor attached to the wearable layer configured to detect a parameter indicative of blood flow in or adjacent to the region of the user's body and generate a signal indicative thereof; and one or both of: (i) a processor in electrical communication with the blood flow sensor for determining the blood flow in or adjacent to the region of the user's body based upon the signal; or (ii) a transmitter for transmitting the signal to a remote device.

Polymers, hydrogels, and thermochromic agents, including products embodying them, methods of using them, and processes for making them. In certain embodiments, temperature therapy packs which utilize thermochromic agents integrated into solid, semi-solid, or liquid hydrogels. In preferred (but optional) embodiments, the thermochromic agents are integrated into the composition used as the temperature exchange material of the therapy pack. In certain other embodiments, methods of using the thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials, or processes for manufacturing such thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials and/or methods or processes for manufacturing or using thermal packs embodying such materials. In certain particularly preferred embodiments, novel polymer compositions and/or processes for making polymers, which improve product durability or longevity and/or which improve use cycles or usage times.

The invention provides a cooling pad 110 for alleviation of pain or discomfort, especially in the perineum as a result of childbirth. The pad 110 has at least one chamber 116 containing a fluid (such as saline) for cooling. There is at least one aperture 126 for allowing passage of body fluid. The aperture 126 is located inboard of the chamber 116. Aperture 126 is formed in a web 124. Cooling pad 110 may be used alone or as part of an assembly, sandwiched between cover layer 130 and peel-off backing 132, and is intended to be placed in a freezer prior to use.

The present invention includes a garment with an attached inflatable bladder that is designed to be adjacent to the patient's breasts during use for post-surgery recovery. The inflatable bladder has an inlet tube and an outlet tube that connects to a pumping apparatus to supply cold fluid to the inflatable bladder for cooling therapy. The inflatable bladder may include a tortuous water passageway through a first breast section, a second breast section, and a sternum section such that the cool water continues to be recycled through the inflatable bladder without sitting and becoming warm. The garment includes a set of adjustable shoulder straps and a set of adjustable chest straps, which enable the patient to adjust the tightness of the breast cooling and compression apparatus without raising her arms above her head. The present invention also includes a face mask with an inflatable bladder that has an inlet and outlet tube that connects to a pumping apparatus to supply cooling therapy. The inflatable bladder of the face mask includes a tortuous water passageway to recycle the cold water.

A brassiere incorporating a hot flash mitigation system for cooling the upper torso, chest and neck area of a wearer is disclosed. The brassiere comprises two front panel sections connectively engaged to each other, at least one rear panel section connectively engaged to each of the two front panel sections. The hot flash mitigation system provides a deformable reservoir for containing and dispensing a fluid therefrom. The deformable reservoir is disposed in mating and contacting engagement with the brassiere and has an outlet in cooperative fluid engagement thereto. At least one duct disposed proximate to one of the at least two front panel sections is in fluid engagement with the outlet of the deformable reservoir. At least one nozzle disposed upon an end of the duct distal from the deformable reservoir operatively conveys the fluid from the duct to the upper torso, chest and neck area of the wearer.

A brassiere incorporating a hot flash mitigation system for cooling the upper torso, chest and neck area of a wearer is disclosed. The brassiere incorporating a hot flash mitigation system provides for a brassiere and at least one electronic hot flash mitigation system cooperatively associated thereto. The electronic hot flash mitigation system provides at least one fluid source having a valve in fluid engagement with an outlet thereof, at least one duct disposed proximate to one of the at least two front panel sections and in fluid engagement with the outlet of the fluid source, and at least one nozzle disposed upon an end of the duct distal from the fluid source and in fluid communication with the at least one duct.

Polymers, hydrogels, and thermochromic agents, including products embodying them, methods of using them, and processes for making them. In certain embodiments, temperature therapy packs which utilize thermochromic agents integrated into solid, semi-solid, or liquid hydrogels. In preferred (but optional) embodiments, the thermochromic agents are integrated into the composition used as the temperature exchange material of the therapy pack. In certain other embodiments, methods of using the thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials, or processes for manufacturing such thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials and/or methods or processes for manufacturing or using thermal packs embodying such materials. In certain particularly preferred embodiments, novel polymer compositions and/or processes for making polymers, which improve product durability or longevity and/or which improve use cycles or usage times.

A thermal device having a waterproof pouch including a first member having a first perimeter and an first waterproof outer surface, and, a second member having a second perimeter and a waterproof second outer surface, wherein the first and second members are partially joined about the first and second perimeter, respectively, and a cavity is formed between the first and second members, a removable insert arranged to be disposed within the cavity, wherein the insert comprises thermal material capable of being heated or cooled, and, a barrier member having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the barrier member is releasably secured to the first outer surface of the first member via at least one attachment means.

Polymers, hydrogels, and thermochromic agents, including products embodying them, methods of using them, and processes for making them. In certain embodiments, temperature therapy packs which utilize thermochromic agents integrated into solid, semi-solid, or liquid hydrogels. In preferred (but optional) embodiments, the thermochromic agents are integrated into the composition used as the temperature exchange material of the therapy pack. In certain other embodiments, methods of using the thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials, or processes for manufacturing such thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials and/or methods or processes for manufacturing or using thermal packs embodying such materials. In certain particularly preferred embodiments, novel polymer compositions and/or processes for making polymers, which improve product durability or longevity and/or which improve use cycles or usage times.