01
Monitor
Sensors in contact with the skin track biometric signals linked to rising stress.
ProActive
A smart, self-inflating deep pressure vest for people with autism, anxiety and sensory issues.
- Senses Tracks biometric signals linked to rising stress.
- Inflates Firm, even pressure, similar to a hug.
- Deflates Gradually, once readings return to baseline.
- Reusable Made to be worn again and again.
How it works
How ProActive works
The vest monitors the wearer throughout the day and only applies pressure when it’s needed.
02
Relief
When stress rises, a built-in compressor fills air bladders inside the vest, applying firm, even pressure similar to a hug.
03
Tracking
The vest stays inflated until readings return to baseline or the wearer turns it off, then deflates gradually.
Design
What makes ProActive different
Four design decisions set ProActive apart from weighted and compression vests.
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Responsive
Pressure only when it’s needed
Weighted and compression vests apply the same pressure all day. ProActive inflates when it detects rising stress and deflates once readings return to baseline.
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Materials
Made for sensitive skin
Soft, skin-friendly materials, chosen with hypersensitive users in mind.
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Placement
Placed to feel like a hug
The air bladders are positioned around the torso to recreate the feeling of being hugged.
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Caretakers
Updates for caretakers
Caretakers receive notifications when they’re relevant, which helps reduce caregiver stress.
FAQ
Questions about ProActive
Deep pressure, anxiety vests, sensory issues and wearable health: what ProActive is, and what it isn’t yet.
What is ProActive?
ProActive is a smart wearable vest by Vayence Inc, a health and medical technology company in Toronto. Sensors in contact with the skin track biometric signals linked to rising stress. When stress rises, air bladders inside the vest inflate to give firm, even deep pressure, similar to a hug, and deflate gradually once readings return to baseline or the wearer turns it off.
Who is it for?
ProActive is designed for autistic people and others with sensory issues, sensory processing differences or anxiety who experience sensory overload in everyday places like classrooms, grocery stores, transit and waiting rooms. It is also designed with caregivers in mind: they can receive updates when they’re relevant, so the wearer can self-regulate with less hands-on support.
Is ProActive an anxiety vest or a calming vest?
It belongs to the same family. Anxiety vests, calming vests, weighted blankets and compression garments all use deep pressure, which many people find calming. The difference is that ProActive applies pressure only when its sensors pick up rising stress, rather than all day. ProActive is in development and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent anxiety or any other medical condition.
How is it different from a weighted vest or a compression vest?
Weighted vests and compression vests are passive: they press with the same force all the time, or need to be put on when someone is already overwhelmed, and many are designed for children and for use at home. ProActive responds on its own, inflating at key pressure points when stress rises and releasing when it passes. It is designed to look like everyday clothing, so it can be worn at school, at work and in public.
What is deep pressure stimulation?
Deep pressure stimulation is firm, even pressure on the body, like a hug or a weighted blanket. Many autistic people and people with sensory issues describe it as calming. ProActive’s design began with hugs: the team studied where hands naturally fall on the body, how much pressure feels comfortable and for how long, then placed the vest’s air bladders to match.
Is ProActive a medical device? Can I buy one?
Not yet. ProActive is a wearable health device in development and is not available for sale. Vayence has filed a patent and received research ethics approval for user testing, and will seek the required regulatory approvals before launch. Join the newsletter to hear when it’s ready.
Where is Vayence based?
Vayence Inc is based in Toronto, Ontario. It was founded by OCAD University Industrial Design graduates Marzuq Vohra and Vienna Doria-Pighin, and ProActive was named Canada’s national winner of the 2026 James Dyson Award.
Availability
