Amante won the Best Thesis Award for Aidflo.
Motivated to address the mounting challenges to maintain proper hygiene for bedridden individuals, Filipino designer Eryn Sophia Amante introduces Aidflo, a mobile head-and-neck showering device which provides comfort and ease of use for both patients and caregivers.
Over a million persons are bed=bound with various health issues, such as body paralysis, multiple traumas, spine fractures, head injury, coma, and other severe illnesses. The senior citizen demographic in the Philippines is prone to limited mobility due to chronic diseases and age-related circumstances, including falls and accidents.
“Mobility-restricted individuals often struggle with hygiene maintenance,” Amante explained. “Since they have to stay in bed for long periods, they require basic but complex care.” This covers oral care, face washing and shaving, hand, hair, nail, skin, and perineal care, and even managing incontinence.
“Bathing is necessary to help them feel refreshed and regain a sense of normalcy. It promotes blood circulation and prevents bacteria,” she said. “The lack of proper hygiene care could lead to adverse effects, such as opportunistic infections.”
With over 20 percent of hospital beds occupied by bedridden patients, not including those who are homebound, Amante believes there is an urgent need for an improved method.
The Industrial Design graduate from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) engaged in months of research, including conducting surveys and interviews, plus observations and dialogues with healthcare professionals.
According to her study, the existing systems have limitations in terms of mobility and comfort. Even inflatable showers, collapsible or plastic washing basins and sinks, and the classic soap and water in a bowl approach are considered physically demanding for both the patient and the attending nurse.
“Traditional bathing methods often require patient relocation or complex equipment, leading to increased infection risk, as well as caregiver strain and distress due to uncomfortable positions for patients,” she said.
Under the mentorship of Benilde Industrial Design Program OIC chairperson Jay Mangussad, with fellow industry expert and educator Christine Escobar, Amante conceptualized a compact, lightweight, and water-resistant alternative.
Dubbed Aidflo, Amante’s proposal features integrated tools such as the controlled shower with magnetic attachment and a detachable ergonomic basin with a kidney-shaped head and neck rest.
To address issues on water supply and spillage, it has spacious tanks for clean and dirty water, innovative draining system complete with plug ports.
With a spacious storage compartment, essential items for daily health and grooming are within reach. The design is cart-inspired, which makes for easy transfer and portability.
“Aidflo promotes hygiene while reducing caregiver workload,” Amante said. “Its easy-to-disinfect design allows for a convenient, safe, and efficient cleansing of the head and neck area directly at bedside, whether in the hospital or home care settings.”
She’s improving her proposal to target full-body adaptability and sustainable manufacturing.
Aidflo was Amante’s capstone project for the completion of her degree. It received the Best Thesis Award, following the criteria of the World Design Organization, a globally recognized non-governmental network that champions the power of industrial design in enhancing economic, social, cultural, and environmental quality of life.
