Several years ago, I was working on an extended care unit trying to calm down an elderly confused patient at bedtime. She would walk the halls at night, anguished and inconsolable, pushing us away when we tried to help.

Finally the proverbial light bulb went off. I took her to her room and looked down the back of the diaper. Her skin was bright red and breaking down.

Pain in the anogenital region is often called “exquisite” pain due to its sharp, intense and relentless nature.

We knew a soak in the tub would help immensely but we didn’t have enough staff to bathe her safely. She’d fall. So we put her to bed after cleaning her up with wipes and barrier cream. It didn’t help.

That night, I sketched the first of many versions of a shower soaking chair. Basically, a bathtub on legs. And 6 years later, it is finally here.

Ironically, I had surgery right before production. Luckily, I had the 3D printed prototype. I had used the soaking chair many times before, but never actually needing it for wound care, swelling and pain. And after sitting and soaking during those post operative weeks, I knew this was it. I healed quickly with very little pain.
Bathing and hygiene can now be an easy, relaxing experience with all the benefits of a tub soak, simply by sitting down in a chair.

And I can personally assure you, the shower soaking chair will change the way we think about hygiene, bathing and soaking. Especially for those who need it the most.

— Paula Hennessy, RN of 43 years, Inventor & Founder of SoSoak