Heart cushions

BQ contact for more information: Bonnie Foster

These heart shaped cushions have proved hugely helpful to women following breast or heart surgery. They sit under arm and keep the pressure off the sore bit to enable sleep, relief from tight seat belts and they look nice.

It is now also common for patients after heart, lung or breast surgery to be sent home from hospital with “ambulatory” drains; which may be needed for up to a fortnight post-op. The bags are worn over the shoulder or across the body to carry surgical drains, for example, following a mastectomy. After a double mastectomy, two bags are recommended. The bags conceal the contents and alleviate the worry of pulling tubes when moving about. The bags can be worn under clothes, allowing patients to cover their drain when outside the home. 

The documents available for download below include a template for the heart cushions and patterns and instructions for a matching drain bag.

The heart cushions are made from two pieces of fabric 16 x 16 inches - matching/contrast/fun but preferably bright and cheerful designs. Ribbon - 2 x 18 inches, one inch wide is ideal but any is good. Stuffing - cheap pillows are a great source.

To make a heart cushion and matching drain bag you will need three fat quarters or equivalent.

Working with The South East London Breast Cancer Trust and through personal contacts, our cushions and drain bags are widely gifted to newly diagnosed breast cancer and heart surgery patients.

To date we have supplied over 300 cushions.