ZDNET Highlights
- Petal is a health tracker that fits inside a bra.
- It monitors the menstrual cycle, heart and body.
- It ships in May and pre-orders are open now.
Health wearables are becoming increasingly discreet and difficult to trace. One of the latest health-tracking devices is hidden inside a bra to monitor menstrual cycle, heart and body.
Petal is a bra insert that uses bio-impedance sensors and electrical measurements to monitor blood flow near the heart. Petal says, because wearers place the insert right next to the heart, the device can capture more accurate readings than your typical smartwatch.
This device comes in one size and fits each breast. It’s made from bio-compatible materials including soft European fabric and a polyurethane-coated interior.
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It monitors data on four pillars: heart, mind, body and chakras. Like other wearable devices, the device senses the user’s baseline and notifies the user when there are deviations. Its location near the breast also makes it suitable for monitoring variations in breast tissue during the menstrual cycle. Petal says it tracks both breast tissue and water volume, and measures midsection fat and visceral fat percentage.
“Petal uses breast tissue measurements as a more direct biological indicator. Your breast tissue and hydration levels undergo distinct, predictable changes throughout your cycle. Our sensors provide a private, bias-free characterization of these fluctuations,” a Petal spokesperson explained in an email with ZDNET.
The Petal Insert lasts for up to 18 days on a single charge. That’s much longer than any smartwatch or smart ring I’ve tested, which averages a maximum of two to ten days.
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Health-monitoring bra inserts would be a good option for those who are interested in keeping track of their health without having a watch or ring on their wrist. It ships in May in two colors, black and blush. Pre-orders are now openAnd you can get the device at a $50 discount (for $149) before shipping.
Petal’s health-tracking bra insert is one of many health-tracking accessories with a microscopic form factor. Late last year, Lumia unveiled smart earrings that record blood flow using the back of the stem. These movements toward unclear tracking reflect a growing theme in the health wearables space.
