HeartSnug: How Two Sisters Are Revolutionizing Patient Comfort in Healthcare

In a dynamic conversation with SEAM founder Amy Cohen Epstein, sisters Lisa Humiston and Sarah Dorband discuss their journey in creating HeartSnug, an innovative medical garment designed to provide women with comfort and privacy during healthcare visits. Sparked by Sarah’s own experiences as a cardiac patient and her lifelong struggle with vulnerable moments in clinical settings, HeartSnug aims to empower women to feel secure and dignified during medical exams. Lisa and Sarah share their passion for patient rights, their mission to change standard healthcare practices, and the family bond that fuels their drive. Dive into this interview to learn how HeartSnug is set to become a game-changer in healthcare.

Amy Cohen Epstein:
Well, hello, ladies—sisters. This is so fun to have two sisters with me today. Lisa and Sarah, coming from a family of sisters, I know it'll be a really good conversation. Let’s just jump in: Tell me about HeartSnug and the “why” behind it. How did it start, and what motivated you to create it?

Sarah Dorband:
I’ll start. I’m Sarah. I was born with a very complex heart defect, so I had open heart surgery as a baby. For the first 15 years of my life, I was in and out of doctor’s appointments and procedures, especially at UCSF in San Francisco, a great institution. But there was a lot of chest exposure, and cardiology is a very male-dominated field… I remember lying there, wishing I could wear something that offered more privacy and protection. So, years later, when I had a stroke, I was back in the cycle of doctor visits, and it hit me—nothing had changed. I still had to wear a gown with zero coverage, and I wanted something better. That’s how HeartSnug was born.

Amy:
How old were you during that first experience of being self-conscious about it?

Sarah:
It was around my teen years, and it was incredibly hard to feel so exposed….

Lisa Humiston:
And I always knew her struggles. We started brainstorming, and along with our other partner, Lauren, we decided to do something about it. We worked with a pattern maker and created HeartSnug. It’s patent-pending because nothing like it existed before.

Amy:
That’s incredible. So, when women wear it during exams—cardiology, breast oncology — can it stay on for the procedures?

Sarah:
Yes, absolutely. We initially designed it with cardiology in mind, but it’s expanded to other fields like breast cancer and radiology… HeartSnug has a low cut to allow the stethoscope access and opens with Velcro so one side can stay covered. It’s all about giving women an extra layer of privacy.

Amy:
And how are you aiming to get it into hospitals?

Sarah:
Our goal is to sell directly to hospitals. We’re currently in trials with some major hospitals and are already in UCSF Children's… They loved it for teens, especially given my connection to the hospital. It’s very personal for us.

Amy:
What’s the reaction been like when you present it?

Sarah:
It’s mixed. Some male healthcare professionals don’t quite understand the need; they think the standard gown is sufficient… But female clinicians instantly get it, and they’ve become our biggest champions.

Amy:
It’s amazing, but I can see how some might need more convincing. The importance of the patient experience is something that’s getting more focus lately, and HeartSnug definitely supports that.

Lisa:
Absolutely. Our vision is for HeartSnug to be part of the standard of care, something women have the option to use if they choose.

Amy:
What a powerful mission. Thank you for sharing this journey with us—it’s truly inspiring.

Sarah:
Thank you, Amy. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Lisa:
Yes, thank you so much. We’re excited to make this impact.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.