For anyone recovering from a mastectomy, everyday activities can become unexpectedly painful — including something as routine as wearing a seatbelt. Ford has launched the SupportBelt, a soft, foam accessory that attaches to a car seatbelt to relieve pressure on the chest. Designed by those who have themselves struggled with pain while driving after surgery, the SupportBelt’s contoured, breathable shape aims to reduce irritation, discomfort and anxiety when traveling by car — whether as a driver or passenger.
Developed in the US and now available in the UK, the idea was born from the personal experience of Lynn Simoncini, a creative director at VML – a marketing partner of Ford. Simoncini found herself in severe discomfort after undergoing a double mastectomy in 2022. The seatbelt’s tight pressure made even short car rides difficult. What began as a personal project evolved into a medically-informed design developed by Ford engineers.
The SupportBelt is being offered in partnership with breast cancer support charities including Flat Friends, the Sunshine Group and Keeping Abreast. Patients can request a SupportBelt via these organizations.
“The SupportBelt demonstrates the profound impact that thoughtful design can have on healing,” said Emily Obert, Ford experience design director, who guided the development of the original idea with the help of design intern Rima Shkoukani. To date, it is the only solution of its kind to be both designed and validated by an auto maker.
Flat Friends UK, which supports women who have had mastectomy surgery without breast reconstruction, welcomed the initiative: “We are all about empowering women to reclaim their comfort and confidence after a mastectomy. The free SupportBelt, designed by Ford, offers a thoughtful solution to make every car journey more comfortable and stress-free, allowing women to start living well after surgery. We are thrilled to be involved and look forward to providing the SupportBelt to our members to further support their well-being after surgery.”
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women in 157 countries, according to the World Health Organization. A patent has been filed, and Ford intends to share the design more widely with the goal of making it accessible globally.
In related news, Bridge of Weir (BoW), a supplier of fine automotive leather to luxury car brands, recently revealed the Conscious Collection range of car interior concepts, aimed at creating a calmer, more comfortable in-car experience, with a focus on those who are neurodivergent. Click here to read the full story.
