Evaluating the effect of breast prostheses on the thermal comfort of mastectomy bras using a thermal manikin

Postmastectomy bras are essential for providing support and comfort to breast cancer survivors during recovery. However, existing designs primarily focus on functionality while often overlooking physiological comfort, which affects prolonged wearability. This study provides a comparative evaluation of mastectomy bras with different prosthetic materials, offering insights into their thermal and evaporative resistance measured using a thermal manikin under both dry and wet conditions. Results indicate that bras with silicone prostheses exhibit lower thermal resistance ( R _cf = 0.051 ± 0.002 K m ² /W) and evaporative resistance ( R _ef = 12.1 Pa m ² /W) compared to foam prostheses, facilitating greater heat dissipation and moisture permeability. This research highlights the influence of prosthetic design, particularly the wavy back structure of silicone prostheses, in enhancing airflow and reducing heat buildup. In addition, the nonabsorbent nature of silicone contributes to moisture runoff, affecting weight retention in the bra. This study provides clinically relevant insights into how prosthetic material and design influence thermal regulation and overall physiological comfort, which can inform future advancements in mastectomy bra development. By addressing both material selection and structural design, these findings contribute to optimizing postmastectomy garments for improved patient comfort. Future research should incorporate wear trials to validate these results and refine prosthetic bra designs for broader clinical applications and user-centered improvements.