iMUSE for Wellbeing and how the Hugger is changing the game

The Hugger is the brainchild of iMUSE for Wellbeing participant Paul turned paid iMUSE Tech Developer, who’s been part of the programme for over 5 years.

From in-person sessions to piloting our iMUSE at Home kit, Paul’s feedback has been instrumental in taking iMUSE to the next level.   

'When I first experienced the world of iMUSE, it was as though I’d arrived in a world I’d previously only ever imagined could exist. Simply being able to creatively express myself in a way that traditionally left most people confused has had the most astounding effect on my mental wellbeing.’ 

So, when he came to us with ideas on how to adapt the iMUSE technology to suit neurodivergent people like him, we were happy to listen. Paul told us:  

‘A huge number of autistic people are uncomfortable with close personal contact, and I am no exception. And while I and virtually every other human soul yearns for it, the associated physicality leaves myself and other autistic people feeling uncomfortable.’  

Paul wanted to create a piece of kit that somehow replicated the feeling of physical contact. 

With his lived experience, Paul was able to design and make something that’s become an invaluable part of our iMUSE for Wellbeing programme.  

What is the Hugger?  

The Hugger is a wearable piece of kit that wraps around the body, like a backpack, and gently vibrates. It’s designed to relax and ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety. It can be worn on the front, or the back, or rest wherever the user might find pain or discomfort.  

Soothing vibrations and a slightly weighted feel are designed to replicate the feeling of a hug or touch – something that can be comforting to people who find human contact challenging.  

It’s been a huge hit in iMUSE sessions, allowing people who are unable to access the vibroacoustic mattress or who find human contact difficult, the chance to experience iMUSE.

A few months ago, Dom Sphere from Wobbling About and Rocking Out (WARO) dropped in and took the iMUSE set-up for a spin. Check out what he had to say here. 

How does the Hugger help with mental wellbeing? 

Much like the vibroacoustic mattresses and speakers used in our in-person and at-home sessions, the Hugger provides soothing vibrations.

When combined with deep breathing and other relaxation techniques, the vibrations help to calm and focus the mind, relax muscle tone and reduce anxiety and stress. 

On how making the Hugger has helped with his own mental wellbeing, Paul has said:  

‘I’ve had challenges to overcome and dark days to navigate.  It’s no understatement to say the process [of designing the Hugger] contributed towards giving me the focus needed to stay upright and moving forward.’ 

So, what’s next? 

With his lived experience, invaluable feedback and passion for seeing an idea through to creation, we invited him to be part of the AAM team as an in-house iMUSE Tech Developer.

We’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait to see what he’ll come up with next.  

Paul has lots of ideas in the pipeline, saying: 

‘I’ve already started sketching designs for a device to sit alongside the Hugger. Vibration is the clear attraction, but I’m thinking about how that vibration is experienced’ 

We’re really excited to see these sketches turn into a reality and to see the impact Paul's ideas will have on other people’s wellbeing.  

Want to try the Hugger for yourself? Book yourself in for a FREE iMUSE taster session, and chat with our team about taking control of your wellbeing, today. 
Email imuse@aamedia.org.uk or call us on 01904 626965.