Ford unveils device to make wearing seatbelts more comfortable for women who have had mastectomies

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Ford has come up with a seatbelt device that will ease the pain of women who have had mastectomies — and it'll be available for free.

The SupportBelt is a discreet device that cushions the shoulder belt, and also spreads out the energy that the belt puts along the body when it’s used.

This comes as many women who have had mastectomies have found it painful to just wear a simple seatbelt.

“A lot of people were just holding the belt away from their body, rolling up a towel, that wouldn’t stay in place, or just putting the belt behind their back,” said Sara Obert, Ford’s in-vehicle accessibility manager.

The idea was the brainchild of Lynn Simoncini, a creative director at Ford’s partner VML. She was among the many women who found seatbelts painful after their treatment for breast cancer.

“I couldn't believe there wasn't a product made that makes your seatbelt comfortable to wear and that also happens to look good,” Simoncini said.

She shared her idea with her partner, Chad Woolums, and together they drafted a proposal for a supportive, comfortable belt designed specifically for post-mastectomy patients.

Simoncini took the idea to Obert, who got her team working on the device.

“My team wanted to design a cushion that could help someone feel comfortable enough to leave the belt across the torso, where it does the most work in the case of an accident.”

Doctors say this type of pain after mastectomies is not uncommon.

“The surgery is so much more intense than one can imagine. Residual pain and sensitivities can last for months after surgery, making exposure to everyday objects painful and uncomfortable,” said Dr. Nayana Dekhne, breast surgeon for Corewell Health, which provided medical expertise during the development of the SupportBelt. “It is also likely that there is a need for additional follow-up surgeries that make the need for this product ongoing past the initial mastectomy.”

The SupportBelt is being manufactured by Southfield-based auto supplier Lear, and will be available for free on Ford’s merchandise website merchandise.ford.com

For Obert, this was a particularly special project to work on.

“I’m just thrilled we could come up with something to make peoples lives a little bit easier. It’s just been a meaningful project for me, and I’ve loved working for it.”