Our MenoVests™ , VR, and Crampsta™ simulator are revolutionary tools to engage people on the topic of menopause and menstruation.
Our simulator trials help cultivate conversations, develop empathy and foster allyship, accelerating workplace inclusivity. They are a brilliant addition to any of our training programs, workshops, and on-site events.
MenoVest™ is the world’s first menopause simulator. This outerwear garment delivers intense hot flushes and is designed to be worn whilst performing typical work duties.
In just a few minutes, wearers can appreciate the impact symptoms can have for some, and the need to better support those colleagues transitioning through menopause.
MenoVests™ can only be worn by men for safety reasons. The temperature sensors in the heat pads become loose when worn over breasts and so the safety mechanism to power off the device if it becomes too hot stops working. Most men can wear it. The exceptions are if the person has any skin conditions or is on medication where heat might make them feel worse or aggravate existing symptoms.
The MenoVest™ can be worn for a few minutes and up to an hour (approved in safety testing). It is worn over a shirt, T-shirt, or polo shirt and due to hygiene and safety reasons, should not be worn over a bare chest. Nipple piercings and jewellery around the neck should be removed. Bulky jumpers should be removed as people won’t feel the heat as well.
We encourage trialists to go back to their usual duties but avoid anything physical activity where the battery pack might be damaged, or heat pads might endure stress. Eating, drinking, vaping, or smoking must be avoided whilst wearing a MenoVest™.
You may find some individuals impacted by menopause or partners of potential trialists feel that the MenoVests™ are trivialising their experience. It's important to communicate that the trials are designed not to replicate the menopause but to evoke curiosity, foster allyship, encourage engagement from co-workers who would not normally be interested in supporting or learning about the topic. We provide guidance on messaging for trialists to ensure it doesn’t come across as a joke or frivolous. The value of conversation in the workplace is significant and is carefully curated not to trivialise. Whilst there might be some playful conversation or laughter around seeing male colleagues suffer, this is respectful and adds lightness and engagement to our sessions.
Our research with Kantar showed that hot flushes are the most disruptive symptom after poor sleep and affects 70-80% of people through their menopause transition or beyond. Despite being regarded as a physical symptom, trialists often experience an array of psychological and cognitive impacts too. We talk about the unique experience of menopause, how there are up to 50 associated symptoms, and what percentage of people describe symptoms as severe / moderate / mild / not at all to provide a balanced perspective.
The MenoVest™ components have been individually and collectively tested and approved by an independent safety lab. All our Associates have been through extensive training to ensure the safeguarding of trialists which is a priority. Should you need it, we have a risk assessment form and insurance documents that we can share with your Compliance team. Before the fitting, every trialist is given a safety briefing.
The MenoVests™ are in five sizes:
It’s important to get the sizing right as too loose and you can’t feel the heat and too tight and it can feel too hot. We always bring along two sets in M, L, XL and with advanced warning, can bring along a S / 2XL if available.
No. Due to insurance and ensure safety, a trained Associate from OTBM will need to be on site for the fitting and removal of the MenoVests™. We don’t need to be present during the trials but nearby in case the person wishes to remove it. People can’t go off site wearing a MenoVest™.
For the reasons above, MenoVests™ can only be hired under supervision.
Currently in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, UK and USA. If we are not in your market, we can travel to you.
Alongside the MenoVests™ which are designed for men to wear, our VR headsets are used to view 3-minute immersive films which can be worn by everyone. These are available as part of our Menopause Allies & Menstrual Life XPO - an interactive edutainment space where people can chat to a hormone health coach and explore learning resources.
For “A Day in the Life of A Perimenopauser”, the viewer steps into the shoes of a perimenopausal estate agent who has a variety of symptoms and challenges throughout her day. Our Menstrual Life series showcases three women’s accounts of how PMDD, Endometriosis, and Dysmenorrhea have impacted their lives.
The VR simulators are another immersive way to help people develop a genuine insight into how symptoms associated with menopause or menstrual health conditions might feel for some. The take-out is the importance of encouraging people to talk about their experiences to managers and co-workers. The films can be licensed out for events and VR galleries.
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Crampsta™ simulates intense cramps, so people can appreciate the impact of period pain in the workplace. Our cramp simulator features as part of our 1-hour Menstrual Life workshop, Menstrual Health panels, or as an accompaniment to on-site wellbeing days.
The simulator works by sending electrical impulses to the muscles around the abdomen, causing contractions and a dull inner pain that is similar to period pain. Our Crampsta™ trials last just a few minutes and have multiple levels – 7 represents an average level of period pain whilst levels 10-12 are closer to someone with dysmenorrhea or endometriosis. When someone reaches their pain threshold, the simulator is immediately switched off.
These sessions can be filmed and used as a follow-up communication campaign to demonstrate commitment by the organisation to support those impacted by endometriosis, PCOS, adenomyosis, or other menstrual health issues.
Men and women can wear it. The exceptions are if the person has seizures or epilepsy, a heart condition or pacemaker. In addition, people with any electronic or metal implants or in pregnancy cannot use the period pain simulator.
Two small sticky pads are stuck on either side of the lower abdomen. We have instructions that we provide to the wearer as this may be below the trouser line and applied by the person directly and discreetly. Wires are attached to the pads that then connect to the power device. It might be hard to stick on the skin, for some with thick belly hair.
The trials are entirely supervised, and most people wear it for just a few minutes until they reach their pain threshold.
You may find some individuals impacted by period pain or partners of potential trialists feel that the Crampsta™ simulators are trivialising their experience. It's important to communicate that the trials are designed to evoke curiosity, foster allyship, and encourage engagement from co-workers who would not normally be interested in supporting or learning about the topic.
We provide guidance on messaging for trialists to ensure it doesn’t come across as a joke or frivolous. The value of conversation in the workplace is significant and is carefully curated not to trivialise. Whilst there might be some playful conversation or laughter around seeing male colleagues suffer, this is respectful and adds lightness and engagement to our sessions.
The simulators use a technology that has been tested and approved by an independent safety lab. There is a low risk of burning with prolonged use and moderate muscle fatigue after use that soon subsides, but these risks are outlined clearly in the waiver. All our Associates have been through extensive training to ensure the safeguarding of trialists which is a priority. Should you need it, we have a risk assessment form and insurance documents that we can share with your Compliance team. Before the fitting, every trialist is given a safety briefing.
No. Due to insurance and ensure safety, a trained Associate from OTBM will need to be on site for the supervised trials.
For the reasons above, the period pain simulators can only be hired under supervision.
Currently in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, UK, USA. If we are not in your market, we can travel to you.
