Feel Tect Tight Alright
Venous leg ulcers are a common and painful chronic wound condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Compression therapy is the primary treatment, yet the pressure applied during bandaging is often estimated rather than accurately measured, leading to inconsistent results and slower healing.
With the ambition to modernise this standard of care, the Tight Alright system was created as a connected compression therapy solution combining a wearable pressure-sensing device with a companion mobile app and digital platform. We helped develop the system, supporting the electronics, sensing architecture, and user-facing app to ensure accurate pressure measurement and intuitive interaction for both patients and clinicians.
The Challenge
Traditional compression therapy relies heavily on experience and manual judgement. Applying too little pressure can reduce effectiveness, while too much can cause discomfort or complications. The challenge was to create a system that could reliably measure sub-bandage pressure in real time, without adding complexity to the treatment process.
The device needed to be compact, robust, and comfortable enough to integrate into everyday clinical workflows. It also had to provide clear, easy-to-understand feedback through a mobile app, ensuring that both patients and healthcare professionals could apply and maintain the correct compression levels with confidence.
Our Approach
We designed the custom PCB housed within the wearable device, developing the electronics architecture to support accurate pressure sensing, wireless communication, and reliable power management. During development, we evaluated different charging methods. The system was initially designed around Qi wireless charging, but following practical testing and design considerations, we transitioned the device to USB-C charging to improve reliability, usability, and manufacturing simplicity.
A key part of the system was the flex PCB placed beneath the compression bandage. We selected and integrated the pressure sensors used to measure sub-bandage pressure, ensuring that they could deliver consistent readings across a clinically relevant range. Extensive sensor testing was carried out to validate performance and confirm accuracy under varying applied pressures.
In parallel, we designed the companion mobile app used to display real-time pressure readings and guide users during application. The focus was on clarity and ease of use, ensuring that the digital experience complemented the physical product and made pressure optimisation straightforward rather than technical.
Custom PCB design for wearable electronics
Flex PCB integration within compression bandage
Selected and validated pressure sensing technology
Embedded firmware for real-time measurement and communication
USB-C charging architecture
Companion mobile application with live pressure feedback
Outcome
The Tight Alright system transforms compression therapy from an estimated process into a measurable, data-driven treatment approach. By combining wearable sensing, embedded electronics, and a user-friendly mobile interface, the system enables more accurate pressure application and ongoing monitoring.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful electronics design, sensor validation, and integrated app development can modernise a traditional medical treatment and support more consistent clinical outcomes.
