‘Breathing’ pillow promises calm, peace of mind to anxious individuals

Snuggling with a pillow that mimics the sensation of rising and falling breath can offer anxiety relief, as shown in a study.

The device features an intuitive haptic interface that simulates controlled slow, deep breathing. It incorporates a pump mechanism and an inflatable chamber embedded within the centre of a cushion. The mechanism pumps air in and out of the chamber at 10 breaths per minute with equal duration of inflation and deflation. 

“The intention of this interface is to create a calming physical presence that eases anxiety,” according to a team of UK-based researchers. “This could be due to multiple factors: for example, it could be due to the relaxing somatosensory feeling of hugging an external body that is slowly breathing (imparting a sense of safety and relaxation) or it could be by encouraging the holder to breathe slowly and deeply themselves either consciously or by physical entrainment of their breathing.”

Initially, the researchers built several prototype devices that simulated different sensations, such as breathing, purring, and a heartbeat to produce the effect of calming interactions with people, pets, and self. These devices were formed as a soft, huggable cushion that made it intuitive and inviting. Focus group testing found the breathing cushion to be “calming” and “soothing” and the most pleasant to interact with. Some participants said that the device even reminded them of a person breathing.

Calming the anxiety

When the breathing device was evaluated in 129 students (mean age 20.49 years, 96 women) who were anticipating an anxiety-inducing mathematics exam, pre-examination anxiety scores (measured using the Spielberger State—Trait Anxiety Inventory and visual analogue scales) were lower among those who did vs did not use the device. [PLoS ONE 2022;17:e0259838]

The device was notably as effective as a guided breathing meditation at reducing induced anxiety.

During the intervention, the students were only asked to hold the cushion interface and were not given any instructions, training, or guidance. The duration of the intervention was 8 minutes 18 seconds, based on the breathing meditation audio guide. However, a separate study demonstrated that the duration of deep breathing exercises factored in the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, with the 9-minute duration being associated with the greater activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. [Mindfulness 2019;10:2082-2094]

“Given [the above] information, it could be that increasing the intervention duration has an increased effect in anxiety reduction, based on the assumption that the anxiety reduction is caused by the cushion encouraging deep breathing,” the researchers said.

Not so creepy

Yet, simulating human behaviour, such as breathing, can be perceived as uncanny or creepy, the researchers acknowledged. This perception can negate the beneficial aspects of the breathing cushion.

However, most participants who underwent the cushion intervention (33 out of 45) gave positive feedback on their experience of the device, describing it as “calming”, “relaxing”, “comforting,” or “pleasant.” Only two negative comments were made about the device, including “quite comforting but … a bit weird” and “felt quite artificial/robotic.” Other participants liked the interface but found the rate of breathing too deep/slow (four participants) or hard to follow with their breath (three participants).

Based on the participant feedback, the breathing cushion was perceived positively and was not associated with negative states such as awkwardness, creepiness, or discomfort.

Overall, the findings highlight the efficacy of an intuitive haptic device for easing anxiety, according to the researchers, adding that they are looking to improve the breathing cushion for testing in people's homes.

“Current treatments [for anxiety] focus on therapy and pharmacological interventions. However, therapy is costly and pharmacological interventions often have undesirable side-effects… Therefore, a nonpharmacological, intuitive, home intervention would be complementary to other treatments and beneficial for nonclinical groups,” they said.