Brian Mohika (right, with CathWear Vice President Hector Arce) seeks feedback on his medical garments from local patients. (Courtesy photograph)
As a nurse, Air Force veteran and inventor, Haverhill’s Brian Mohika knows a thing or two about serving his community. In fact, the Bradford resident is currently in the midst of the clinical trial phase of testing his line of medical undergarments called CathWear, and seeks locals to offer feedback in exchange for free product.
Originally from Lawrence, Mohika graduated from Northern Essex’s radiologic technology program in 2006 before receiving his nursing degree from UMass. In 2013, Mohika and Cathwear colleagues Hector Arce and Edwin Alvarez took home the top prize and fan favorite honors in Entrepreneurship For All’s pitch contest.
Designed to resemble boxer shorts, CathWear is worn in place of a patient’s regular underwear, cutting down on skin infections and improving circulation. The products are machine washable and available in several sizes, with a pediatric version planned for 2019.
Mohika was driven to create the product after seeing patients he worked with struggling to maintain their quality of life while using leg bags associated with acute or long-term catheter use. The inventor, who was awarded a patient in 2013, said his product usually elicits a similar reaction from medical professionals and patients alike.
“It’s always gotten the same review: ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ products,” he told WHAV.
Eager to keep CathWear operations centered in the Merrimack Valley, Mohika is giving away free samples of his unisex medical garments for patients willing to suggest enhancements. Mohika also looks to donate samples to veteran groups, he told WHAV.
Top of mind for Mohika is the overall patient experience.
“Of all they have to deal with, if we can just take this one thing away from them while they’re undergoing treatment and restore dignity and privacy for these patients, that means a lot to me as a nurse,” he said. “I can just imagine what the patient would feel.”
To participate in Mohika’s trial or for more information, visit CathWear’s Facebook page.