# Melon-Protecting Pillows (UPDATE) The Hövding Airbag Collar is a Couture and Practical Helmet By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-06-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoevding-airbag-collar References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/hovding-airbag-tests/23099/) & [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662525/trash-the-bike-helmet-try-an-airbag-for-your-head-instead-video) Several years ago, a team of Swedish designers created the Hövding [airbag collar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerobag-system) to keep cyclists' heads protected without causing the rider to get a dreaded case of helmet hair. The inflating dome expands out of a subtle black collar that rests around the biker's neck -- fully encasing one's noggin within a cushion in a manner that almost designates the falling rider with high-fashion status. While the avoidance of messed-up hair and no longer having to ride around in a dorky helmet is an advantage in and of itself, Swedish insurance company Folksam has recently suggested that the dome performs better than a traditional helmet. The company found the Hövding to perform up to three times better than [conventional helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumos-nyxel) in terms of preventing head trauma which will surely lead to the mass production and consumption of the product very soon. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Airbag Helmets:** The development of airbag helmets not only provides alternative head protection, but also upgrades the traditional riding gear industry. - **Fashionable Safety Gears:** The fusion of safety and fashion in the Hövding airbag collar presents an opportunity for designers to create more protective and stylish gears for cyclists. - **Innovative Bike Safety:** The Hövding airbag collar as a new option for cyclists to better protect themselves while riding creates an opportunity for businesses to innovate their approach to bike safety. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sporting Goods:** The airbag helmets can greatly disrupt the traditional cycling helmet market and lead to a surge in demand for more innovative and safer riding gear. - **Fashion:** The development of fashionable safety equipment can offer a new market for designers and creates an opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate safety features into their product line. - **Insurance:** The higher performance of the Hövding airbag collar has potential implications for the insurance industry and could lead to changes in policy on cycling head protection. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Inflatable Accordion-Style Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ventete-ah1.md) - [Self-Inflating Bicycle Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bumpair-20.md) - [Foldable Air Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ventete-ah1.md) - [Flatpack Cyclist Safety Equipment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-helmet-concept.md) - [Brain-Protecting Wearable Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brainprotecting-wearable-device.md) - [Featherlight Inflatable Bike Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflabi-bike-helmet.md) - [Breakaway Panel Bike Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canyon-deflectr-rls-helmet.md) - [Folding Smart Helmet Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-helmets.md) - [Origami-Style Cyclist Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raba-helmet.md)