Lowering Anxiety using Smart Weight Technology with Marna Pacheco Founder of CapeAble Weighted Products

Join us in this inspiring episode of From Lab to Launch as we sit down with Marna Pacheco, the innovative founder of CapeAble Weighted Products. Marna turned a personal challenge into a pioneering enterprise that integrates fashion with function, providing therapeutic weighted products to those in need, from individuals with autism to medical patients across various settings.

You'll learn:

• Marna shares her journey from designing a unique weighted cape for her daughter to founding CapeAble.
• Insight into the smartweight technology that sets CapeAble products apart in efficacy and style.
• Discussion on how CapeAble's products are making a significant impact in the medical field through non-pharmaceutical interventions.
• CapeAble's expansion into medical applications.

https://www.capeable.com/

Qualio website:
https://www.qualio.com/

Previous episodes:
https://www.qualio.com/from-lab-to-launch-podcast

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Music by keldez

Transcript

0:01

Hi there! Welcome to the From Lab to Launch podcast by Qualio, where we share inspiring stories from the people on the front lines of life sciences. Tune in and leave inspired to bring your life saving products to the world.

Meg Sinclair: 0:17

Hi everyone. And thank you for tuning in to From Lab to Launch podcast brought to you by Qualio. I'm Meg, your host, and I'm delighted to be here with you today. Before we dive into today's episode, we'd love it if you could take a moment to rate and share the podcast with your circle of science enthusiasts. And if you're interested in being a guest on the show, please check out the application in the show notes. Today, we're excited to be joined by Marna Pacheco, founder of Capable Weighted Products. Marna turned personal insight into innovation when she designed a weighted cape for her daughter, Millie, who has level 3 autism, discovering a unique way to deliver precise, deep touch pressure with less weight. This led to founding of CapeAble in 2017, where smartweight technology has revolutionized how weighted products like blankets, vests, and wraps offer therapeutic benefits. Capable's reach has now extended into the medical field, providing hospitals and clinics with medical grade weighted blankets, enhancing patient care through a non pharmaceutical approach. Marna's journey from a personal quest to a broader mission to alleviate anxiety and provide comfort in medical and everyday environments is truly inspiring. We're looking forward to learning more from her experience going from a home lab to launching into the healthcare industry. Check out the show notes for more information about Marna and to link to the CAPABLE website. But let's bring her in. Welcome to the show, Marna.

Marna Pacheco: 1:42

Thank you for having me. I'm really excited to be here and speaking with you. Great.

Meg Sinclair: 1:48

So I watched the video about Millie and the story behind Capable is so inspiring. Can you share a little bit about the creation of the first Capable weighted product?

Marna Pacheco: 1:57

Right. So Millie is really inspiring and, um, You know, she has just, um, done so much and she doesn't really even know, um, and probably comprehend all the things that she has contributed to society. But, Mellie, um, needed to have weighted therapy, and so our OT that we were going to for therapy, occupational therapist, was, Encouraging us to look at weighted items. And so I, like any mom went online and started looking at weighted products. And at first I saw the weighted blanket and then I saw a lap pad and I saw what I call the ugly institutional looking, um, vest with velcro and then, you know, bean bags weighed around the perimeter and it just felt like a straight jacket. And our daughter does come from adoption and from an orphanage. And so she was unfortunately left to her own Um, survival in that orphanage before we adopted her. And then she also had medical needs of what we knew apparently, which was cleft lip and cleft palate. Um, but what trauma does to the brain and how it affects the nervous system and all of that is what we really started learning once she came home after the age of two years of age. And basically I went online, like I said, and started looking at weighted products. And I thought, well, I can make a weighted blanket and made a weighted lap pad. But when Millie stood up, the weighted blanket fell down at her feet. And I went, Hmm, I need to get her out the front door. So. This is a little, I'm not sure that this is going to work for us. And then with the lap pad, it was smaller and it was a little bit more on the go kind of thing, but it didn't have any way to stay around her neck. So we put some snaps on it and it did help. And it felt a little bulky, but then I was like, okay, what if I can make a dignified, stylish. Better vest, if you will. And I collect Vogue patterns and I am a home seamstress. And I saw this 1950 vintage, um, capelet and I thought, Oh, what about a cape? And so I created the cape and it was adorable. It was pink fabric and she was like this sweet pink cape kind of thing and took it to the OT and. And the OT just went gaga over it and said, we need to sell these right now to all of my clients that are going to want this product because she hadn't seen anything like that from a wearable aspect that was dignified, fashionable, um, that really did deliver, um, what we call current to neuroscience, um, smart way technology, which was part of the research that I went into as we started doing this, um, with the weighted product.

Meg Sinclair: 4:49

Yeah. I love that play on words too, with CapeAble and having them. having these neurodivergent children who need this product still be able to feel fashionable with a cape and like a superhero with a cape. Also, I think that's great and empowering too.

Marna Pacheco: 5:05

Absolutely. We actually, um, called it CapeAble and we spell it wrong, but we pronounce it right, but we spell it with an E. Mainly because it did start with a cape because that's what the difference we were able to go out and about in society, and we were able to, um, function and be regulated and not get the condescending or judgmental stares while we were out, um, in, you know, the stores or wherever we were at, and she was noticed for who she was and not her behaviors. And then what we discovered is that just for the neurodivergent community, but really all of us have a central nervous system. All of us have a nervous system. And so the reality is I was going out and about as well, being in that fight or flight mode, trying to focus on keeping my daughter safe, and, you know, helping control, if you will, the environment, and then helping the behaviors. Thank you. And also give dignity to her as a human. And so my, um, nervous system was completely out of whack as well as I'm trying to, you know, do all the mom things, if you will. So it ended up being that this product was designed for my daughter with special needs. However, it ended up realizing that this could be for all nervous systems in the world. And as we all have gone through 2020, we know now. Um, our mental health and our wellness is really, really important, and we have nervous systems that are completely, um, vulnerable and really out of whack and overwhelmed, right?

Meg Sinclair: 6:39

Exactly. So on that note, how does the smart technology work, and what makes it different from traditional weighted blankets?

Marna Pacheco: 6:46

Right, such a great question. So I, I guess I love details and the details was the research and the research went into several different things. Um, number one, what is deep touch pressure? And the person who really started talking about deep touch pressure was Dr. Temple Grandin. And so Dr. Temple Grandin talked about her squeeze machine. And in that research and those white papers of the squeeze machine, Uh, what you could call I guess a hug. Some people call it the hug machine, but that squeeze machine was where you laid down in it and underneath there was like a cushion or like a blow up cushion and above and the person who was in the squeeze machine could actually control the amount of pressure they were getting. And the three most important points about the squeeze machine was nerve activation for deep touch pressure, getting to that third layer of the skin of the nerve receptor. So nerve, when you get deep touch pressure, you can override that fight and flight response. or those that do not want a human hug can mimic the human hug and it needs to be a safe, um, human hug, if you will, or a safe hug in general, if it is using deep touch pressure. And so we call that the three C's of deep touch pressure. It has to conform to any shape, Size or age of body, a body, and then it needs to compress evenly and gently. We don't need to pound or sock that nerve, you know, and beat it. We can gently compress it and have it even across the entire body or whatever nerves are being. activated at the time. And then it needs to be in constant contact with more nerves. And so with those three C's of deep touch pressure, what we call precise or excellent deep touch pressure, we found with more nerve activation with weighted products, we could use less weight more effectively plus create a freedom of movement. Now, the way that that happened is We inserted the weight and the pressure within our magic, if you will, two inch grid. So that two inch grid is everything. It's the two inch grid allows deep touch pressure to work more efficiently and effectively with a safety component of freedom of movement and actually using less weight versus more weight. And that is kind of the secret sauce of smart way technology.

Meg Sinclair: 9:20

Well, thanks for sharing the secret sauce with us. And now you've managed to bring CapeAble into the medical sector. What challenges did you face, um, entering this market?

Marna Pacheco: 9:30

So what's interesting about smart way technology is it is an infused into two different fabric applications. We've got the what we call the soft plush machine wash tumble dry one piece construction and it's in that two inch grid and it can be anywhere from blankets for sleep at night and activating your nerves or wearables on the move or sensory focus products that we have. But we also infused it into the medical grade fabric. So smart weight is infused into the medical grade fabric, and that is not machine washable or dry. It is literally wipe clean with all of the respective hospital cleaners that they would use for this medical grade fabric. So then it's reusable. It can go from patient to patient, and it just wipe clean. And yet we're delivering the smart way technology and with a patient who is in the hospital. Um, whether they potentially are, um, receiving chemo treatments with high anxiety or they are coming out of the O. R. Going into the O. R. If there's any wounds, the given the fact that this grid is evenly dispensed across the entire surface. then you don't get the unevenness of weight using like a micro sandglass. We actually use a bigger bead, a medical grade bead that, um, we don't have to stuff it full so much and, and it doesn't slop around or become uneven, especially because of that grid. And so it just becomes safer for the patient as well. And, um, what happened is we had a local hospital in our state that was looking to do a study in oncology with weighted blankets to see if it could lower that anxiety. And, um, so that first controlled IRB study, uh, when they reached out, I said, well, we don't just do typical weighted, heavy blankets with that. 4 to 6 inch square. Um, it's really precise. And I said we would love for you to use our blanket and would love to see what the results would be. And so they did. And it was astronomically significant that it lowered the anxiety. Well, since then, that got published in the C. John nursing journals of oncology. And it has slowly just started to creep out where people are looking for weighted blankets to help lower anxiety. What we're trying to share to the, the population of people who could benefit from weighted blankets or weighted therapy across the board is that it needs to have that smart weight technology, that two inch grid with the right amount of pressure and weight dispensing to really activate true deep touch pressure, um, more effectively and safer. To the patient,

Meg Sinclair: 12:21

that's great. Those three C's are really critical to get it to get that right fit for it

Marna Pacheco: 12:26

is

Meg Sinclair: 12:26

So

Marna Pacheco: 12:27

since that first study, the first study was weighted blankets, anxiety reduction in adult patients receiving chemotherapy. And then of course it's caught on and other hospitals have also been using, um, our blankets in their controlled studies or clinical trials. Um, another one was just recently. Was weighted blankets, reduce anxiety in adult surgical patients with moderate to high levels of perioperative anxiety. This provides a simple yet effective nurse driven intervention for anxiety reduction. And then another one evaluating the use of weighted blankets and anxiety reduction tool during cancer treatments. Uh, wait, don't sedate. This was an ICU. And what was really cool about this clinical trial was that, um, 100 percent raw scores went down. And then 62 percent less restraints on the risk being used with agitation. 64 percent less PRN, medication for agitation, given to the patient. So that's what's really exciting about this non pharmaceutical, no drug intervention, if you will, that it is easy on, easy off. And then they don't have to wait for even, you know, Um, multiple drugs are that are being given for it to, you know, leave the body or, you know, and then be able to, um, add more. So this has just really been a simple, simple tool for the nurses to be able to use on the patients with anxiety and other things. And it's just comforting. It's just, it's really helping the patient. So the medical side of things is. It's really been one of those beautiful surprise, uh, blessings, if you will, that it can really get into patient care and help the patient and which ultimately helps the nurses as well.

Meg Sinclair: 14:15

Yeah, that sounds like great outcomes for patients and nurses and a great tool that has no side effects and no potential allergies either, right? Right. That

Marna Pacheco: 14:24

too. Yeah. And then the dentistry, because my daughter is cleft lip and cleft palate. So we have a lot of dental, um, fear and, and, um, Anxiety. And so, um, the dental blanket designed a dental blanket also for patient comfort so they can choose from that comfort menu so that patient can have a really great experience in the dental chair as well.

Meg Sinclair: 14:47

It sounds like you've had an incredible journey so far with CAPABLE. What has been the most rewarding part for you so far?

Marna Pacheco: 14:55

Um, you know, just giving value to my daughter. Even though she is not neurotypical, if you will, her life has value and worth. And she contributes to society and she is contributing to society. I just happen to be her mom that has a voice. Um, that is very passionate, um, to bring, um, awareness and actually not just awareness, but solving problems for those that are struggling with regulation in an overwhelmed world right now. And, and that's been overwhelmed for a long time. It's just, it's really rewarding that, um, we get to together as a mom and daughter, do something that connects us and we're really making a difference in people's lives. Thanks.

Meg Sinclair: 15:43

Yeah, I would say you and Millie are making a huge impact in the world. So from your sewing machine out into the world, it's really inspiring. Um, at Qualio, we provide a quality management system and I do quality here. So we always love to ask executives how they approach quality. So as your company is continuing to grow and then growing into the medical industry, how do you think about quality and ensuring your products maintain quality and safety as you scale your production?

Marna Pacheco: 16:11

Well, that's a little pet peeve for me because I love details and I always think of the end user. I am the end user. And if that product isn't quality and isn't actually doing what it needs to do, then I just feel like it's a waste of time and a waste of money. And, um, you know, you can get a poor, uh, shoe, or you can spend a little bit more on a really good, design shoe that just makes your feet feel wonderful and allows you to make it through the day. And I constantly think of that when it comes to the end user. What do they need? They need easy to wear, easy to care, easy to use product that, um, doesn't need to be complicated. And so that environment at work in that quality control is always about How are we solving a problem for the customer in the easiest and the most effective and comfortable way that we possibly can. And a lot of it is just because I am that end user. I sleep with my blanket every single night. I actually have my lap pad right now on my lap while we're in this interview. And um, you know, we wear the product and then the medical product I've used it of course, even on myself. Going into the dental chair with dental work. And, um, I'm just so thrilled that customers, if you will, um, come back and they say, you said this product wasn't a miracle, but it sure does feel like a test in our family. And that makes all the difference in the world keeps me on, on par for creating a quality product.

Meg Sinclair: 17:50

Right. I think, uh, drinking that champagne yourself, your own champagne, is always a good test of quality, too. So, you're using the products day in, day out, and they've made a big impact on your family. I feel like that makes a huge impact for quality for you. Great. Um, looking ahead, what new innovations or expansions might we expect to see from Capable in the company years?

Marna Pacheco: 18:14

Right. Well, definitely within the medical arena. I want it to be that if you think weighted products and you think it should be heavy, heavy, heavy, um, I want them to go, Oh, we need weighted products within the care of our patient and it needs and must have smart way technology in it so that it is better for the patient. It's safer for the patient. It has freedom of movement. It's easy to use non pharmaceutical, no effects. Uh, it's just. something that can deliver something immediately. So I want nurses and hospital systems to understand that weighted products done correctly, current to neuroscience of today, um, understanding that if you don't want just heavy, you really want smart way technology infused in that medical grade fabric so that it can be used for patient care.

Meg Sinclair: 19:13

Great. I hope it gets more adoption in, in the medical industry, especially thinking, yeah, non pharmaceutical. I think that's, that's just a great option for patients and, and nurses alike. So to close this out, Marna, our last question is more of a fun one. We like to ask each of our guests, if we ran into you at the bookstore or your local library, in which section would we find you?

Marna Pacheco: 19:35

Oh boy. I would say, um, mental health, but I will say entrepreneur. You know, the necessity of a mother's invention. Um, and also in the, um, the special needs community as well, just bringing value and, um, worth to every human being that's just, everyone deserves, deserves. to be capable and to reach their own capabilities, whatever that is.

Meg Sinclair: 20:09

Absolutely. Great. Well, thank you so much for joining us. Where can folks go if they want to learn more about yourself or Capable? Great.

Marna Pacheco: 20:18

Well, um, Capable. com, which is our website. And again, it's spelled Capable, C A P E A B L E, but we do pronounce it Capable. And then we've got Facebook and Instagram, which is Capable Weighted Products. For both of those social media sites and then our linked in, which is really wonderful. Um, it's CapeAble weighted products as well. And of course, you can call or text the number. I answer the phone and I respond to the text. I respond to the emails. We definitely have a lot of people. you know, inquiring more about the medical and how they can get it into their hospitals. If they want to do any kind of research or trials with the blankets, we can do that. Um, we do have weighted blankets, but we also have weighted wearables and like vest, capes, shot, wraps and scarves. And then we also have a sensory enrichment tool, which is called their magnetic focus fidget, which is super popular within the medical community. Hospital use or within personal use as well. So all of those areas you can find us. And don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about SmartWeight technology or how this product could be used, um, within their family or within their hospital system or dental.

Meg Sinclair: 21:36

Great. All the options. All the

Marna Pacheco: 21:38

options. Yeah.

Meg Sinclair: 21:40

Well, we'll post those links in the show notes. Thanks so much for joining us, Marna. This was really inspiring. Um, I was so happy to speak with you. I think you wear your own cape every day, um, and all the work that you do. It's really inspiring. My goodness. Thank you so much.

21:57

Thank you for listening to this week's episode of From Lab to Launch, brought to you by Qualio. If you like what you've heard, please subscribe and give the show a positive review. It really helps us out. For more information about Qualio, our guest today, or to be a guest on a future episode, please refer to the show notes. Until next time.