Her daughter was born with a congenital heart issue. The doctor commented to her mom, Audrey Lunt, that it sure would be handy if there were an infant baby hospital gown. That was the catalyst for A. Lunt Design. And this is the story of many women product inventors; they experience situations in their own lives or notice unmet needs.

Back at the beginning, Audrey Lunt researched the medical products field, thinking about infant disposables, and became interested in the ultrasonic heat-seal application of nonwoven materials. This technology has been at the core of many Lunt products that are made in the U.S.A. and supplied through distribution, for example, of Phillips Healthcare in the U.S. and throughout the world, in 28 languages.

Questioned about her seemingly superior knowledge of manufacturing processes like heat-seal using nonwoven materials, it becomes clear that dogged investigation and learning led the way for this woman with a business degree. She remembers driving to a company in Connecticut to prototype the first baby shirt.

Many Lunt products were unique, and later, other manufacturers made their own versions. “Performing the highest quality control manufacturing standards has built our reputation,” says Lunt. “We adhere to intricate drawings and strict specifications.” Details, such as use of latex-free elastic and design for comfort, also enhance the A. Lunt Design identity. “And don’t forget our strong, loyal workforce,” she says.

Mary Lou Olson’s Patented Spill Bags
Olson is a former nurse, whose rollouts of spill containment products has allowed her to become a bit reclusive while today the Bio-Wipe Bag product speaks for itself:

• It has been used by the U.S. Olympic Sports Medicine Committee at three Olympics in their 40+ medical stations.
• It was introduced at a Centers for Disease Control conference as a “barrier protection device against blood borne pathogens.”
• The product was inserted in 10,000 attendees’ registration bags at the National Safety Council meetings.

The Bio-Wipe Bag is a patented opaque poly bag sealed to a super absorbent material that, upon clean-up of the spill, inverts and seals. It’s OSHA approved for the temporary containment of biohazard waste, including body fluids such as blood, urine and vomit that need proper disposal. Used in settings such as chemotherapy, it comes in different colors, blue, yellow, red for medical, safety and emergency situations. During product development, Olson worked with the industry to select materials including nonwovens, film barrier and more.

Arlene Mathews Focuses on Cleanliness
Not surprisingly, Arlene Mathews has a healthcare background. A few years ago, her product was selected among the “Top Five” innovations at a World of Wipes conference. Her “Soaptowels” is designed to make it simple to wash hands with a colored soap-embedded towel that becomes white when washing occurs long enough to be considered “clean” (about 20 seconds according to the Centers for Disease Control).

“The impact of the product could result in less illness and disease. It is well documented that about 2.2 million children under the age of five die each year from diarrheal and upper respiratory diseases,” she says. “Hand washing with soap could dramatically cut the number of young children who get sick this way. In many areas very few people use soaps to wash their hands and don’t have access to soap.”

Mathews continues to develop the product, working with converter-manufacturers. She also has a product sold on Amazon trademarked as Automotive Tissue Valet, which holds a standard box of tissues within easy reach hanging from the front or back of the passenger seat headrest. 

Neeley Kolsch’s Brand is Well-Kept
Wet wipes in personal care and cosmetic niches often appeal to upscale and self-branding buyers. The attention to aesthetics in packaging, trendy fragrances and functional performance are hallmarks of these products.

Add to these niches, Neeley Kolach’s Well-Kept screen cleansing towelettes. Kolach doesn’t just market screen wipes, her approach includes designer-look packaging, plus reminders that clean screens also support clean hands. “Your phone can be dirtier than a toilet handle,” is part of the message. “This might result in cross contamination leading to skin infections…keep your hands and surfaces tidy.” From style to impact, Well-Kept has delivered for this former disaster recovery professional.

Alison Gordon’s Dwypers, The Complete Diaper Kit
Alison Gordon knows all about baby care items. Parents.com describes her as the “engineer mom who invents a pocket size changing kit for on-the-go convenience.”

As her promotions say, “Even if you’re not quite to the potty-training stage yet, that doesn’t mean you have to carry around a small piece of luggage to meet your diapered baby’s needs.”

This product consists of individual pouches to fit in a back pocket. Each pouch contains a diaper, a pack of wipes, a disposal bag and a changing pad. Caring about detail means:

• The diaper is designed for sensitive skin and a has wetness indicator.
• Wipes are individually sealed with five wipes included.
• The disposal bag has a seal strip to keep odors contained.
• The changing mat is poly-backed to protect baby from changing surfaces.
• Wow…there is even a “distraction graphics card” to quiet squirmy babies.

Unique Approaches
What often sets women, such as these five, apart is personal experience which means that buyer-parents “get it.” On the other hand, others who lack a corporate backing or a corporate development group, struggle. But, there is the persistence and ingenuity that can carry them through.