Design and Fabrication of Smart Bandeau Bra for Breathing Pattern Measurement

Design and fabrication of a smart bandeau bra for breathing pattern mensuration is presented in this paper. The bra is knitted using Santoni’s Top 2 seamless circular weft knitting machine. By connecting the bra to a customized portable signal acquisition; processing and transmission box, breathing signals emanating from the excursion of wearer’s thorax is processed and transmitted to a computer interface. Five main respiration indices are recorded by this system and they include Respiratory rate, Respiratory cycle, Respiratory volume, Moment ventilation and Inspiratory duty cycles. Results show a successful application of the smart bra with result patterns being in congruence with studies conducted using other related respiratory measurement technologies and instruments.