2013 Volume 54 Issue 12 Pages 1066-1074
Clothing microclimate was compared by measuring temperature and humidity on the inside of brassiere (and breast form) on four female subjects who had undergone breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy). The temperature was higher at the diseased side than at the healthy side irrespective of the type of surgery. The humidity was higher at the diseased side in the post-mastectomy subjects, whereas, slightly lower at the diseased side in the post-lumpectomy subjects. Remarkably high temperature and humidity were observed on the inside of silicone breast form worn by the post-mastectomy subjects. Therefore, clothing microclimate was compared on three types of silicone breast forms with different material, structure and shape. The temperature and humidity measured on the inside of breast form were lower when wearing the improved products with built-in temperature equalizing layer and/or three dimensional surface on the back than when wearing the conventional product. The results indicate that improving breast forms could reduce thermal discomfort of the wearer.
