# Numbing Injection Devices Comfortably Numb is a 3D-Printed Device to Ease Medical Injections By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-04-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medical-injection References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150416-3d-printed-comfortably-numb-device-takes-the-pain-away-from-injection-needles.html) & [news.rice.edu](http://news.rice.edu/2015/04/14/making-injections-less-painful/) If you're someone who has a [fear of needles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/injection-simulator), you typically just have to handle the discomfort that comes with a medical injection. Fortunately, a team of three freshman students from [Rice University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Meta-NFS) in Houston, Texas, have come up with a 3D-printed device that could remove the pain that comes from getting an injection. Andy Zhang, Greg Allison and Mike Hua designed a prototype device called Comfortably Numb, which is able to mimic the effect a cold pack has, but on a very concentrated area of the body. Unlike many numbing solutions used by doctors which take a while to set in, Comfortably Numb causes a numbing sensation in about 60 seconds. As far as the potential applications for this device, the students foresee it being of huge help to [children and the elderly](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoobree-nebulizer), who are more susceptible to pain, as well as areas of the body that are just generally more sensitive. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Numbing Injection Devices:** Creating 3D-printed devices to alleviate the pain of medical injections. - **Concentrated Numbing Sensation:** Developing devices that mimic the effect of a cold pack on a specific area of the body for faster numbing. - **Enhancing Patient Comfort:** Innovative solutions to address the discomfort of medical injections for children, the elderly, and sensitive areas of the body. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical Devices:** Opportunities for disruptive product innovation in medical devices that prioritize patient comfort during injections. - **3D Printing:** Leveraging 3D printing technology to create customized and efficient numbing injection devices. - **Healthcare Services:** Integrating numbing injection devices into healthcare services to enhance patient experience and reduce pain. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Medical Preparation Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medical-preparation-toy.md) - [Wearable Drug Delivery Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-injector.md) - [VR-Based Pain Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smileyscope.md) - [Connected Insulin Injection Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-insulin-pen-caps.md) - [Comfortable Aesthetic Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/engineered-comfort.md) - [Compact Skin-Safe Cooling Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zera-cooling-crescent.md) - [Wearable Ear Therapy Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ib-stim.md) - [Cooling Epilator Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lubex-dt003.md) - [Wearable Therapeutic Pain Relievers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-relief-kit.md)