For your health and well-being
ÍslenskaEnglish
At Bara we specialise in designing and producing elegant and functional health-care products. From the beginning we’ve made it our goal to offer high quality support products that enhance, improve and maintain people’s health and well-being.

The fruits of our development and dedication have brought about a quality line-up of products; The Apple, The Pear and The Snake. All made in good collaboration with both health-care professionals and clients.

The Bara products are designed to support a better body position, reduce strain and muscle tension and increase each user’s personal comfort and participation in daily activites.

Click here to read more about Bara

Íslenska

Bara is an Icelandic design company
bara (adverb), bah -rah, /bɑːrɑː/ – Icelandic word for just or only

The Products

The fruits of our design

bara snake

bara SNAKE
Neck Collar
A soft neck collar that helps you relax on your travels but can also be worn creatively.

bara apple

bara APPLE
Support Cushion
A footstool but for your hands, The Apple helps reduce shoulder-tension when resting your arms on it.

bara pear

bara PEAR
Support Cushion
Our largest support cushion, The Pear improves your sitting position and eases muscle-tension in shoulders, hands and back.

 

Specialised Solutions

bara HANDPAD

Support Cushion
A compact support cushion designed to fit in narrow seats and wheelchairs.
bara BACKUP

Symmetrical Support Cushion
A cushion that provides symmetrical back-support while seated or lying down to prevent deformations in muscles and joints.

 

The Apple

The Apple

Specially made furniture for your hands

Information

Use the stem as a handle and take The Apple with you wherever you go!

Click The Apple to cycle through the 5 colour options.
  • baraAPPLE-YellowAmber Yellow

  • baraAPPLE-RedRouge Red

  • baraAPPLE-GreenLime Green

  • baraAPPLE-BeigeVanilla Beige

  • baraAPPLE-GrayGraphite Grey

Copyright

The bara APPLE © is produced in Iceland and has a registered patent.

Words from the designer

Bjargey Ingólfsdóttir - Designer“As an Occupational Therapist I figured there was a need for some support under the forearms closest to the body when we sit and work with our hands. In ergonomics this area is called the Green Zone, and good support under the arms in this region helps reduce neck, shoulder and lower back tension while sitting.”

Bjargey Ingólfsdóttir

About The Apple

The Apple is a furniture-like cushion for your arms similar to what a footstool is for your legs.
It’s a multifunctional cushion designed to support a better body position and help reduce neck, shoulder and lower back tension when sitting.
Place The Apple in your lap, rests your arms on it and enjoy the benefits of having the weight lifted off your shoulders while relaxing, working and playing.

The Apple is particularly popular amongst those who do handicrafts like knitting, crochet or video-gaming and research has shown that The Apple reduces muscle tension when using it as support under the forearms while working on a computer.

The inner loop of The Apple consists of a rubber string which makes it possible to tighthen it further around your waist.

Usability options

We suggest using The Apple in various ways to get the desired function and support.

By placing The Apple in a U-shape around your waist in front of your body it allows you to correct your shoulder position by resting the force of the arms on the cushion while sitting. This position alleviates the weight from your neck and shoulders and also reduces back strain. You‘ll be pleased to find that you’re able to maintain a better sitting position with this kind of support, both while working and relaxing.

The cushion can be used for lower back support in the lumbar region either when you sit up straight or lean back on a sofa. By using the cushion behind your back in this way you can also get good arm support alongside your body.

It’s also possible to tighten The Apple around your waist to support your hands while standing upright.

As a cushion it has numerous possibilites. When lying down place it between your legs, under your legs to elevate them, under your head or arm, just relax and get creative, that’s what we’re all about.

Detailed Information

Material

The bara APPLE is made of soft high quality upholstery fabric with a teflon surface on the outside which makes it easy to clean and remove stains.

The pillowcase is 80% polyester and 20% cotton and has a zipper on it so it can be washed separately.

The inner material is white and made of 100% cotton.

Inner Filling

The filling is of tiny polystyrine beads that give firm support and are easy to adjust to the body. In order for you to get the perfect support that your body needs the amount of filling can be adjusted by taking out some of the beads. They can be put back in later, if necessary. The beads diminish very little over the years but it is always possible to get a refill if necessary.

Washing Guidance

The pillowcase can be washed at max 30°C on a mild program without bleach in a washing machine. It can also be dry cleaned.

7. Machine wash, permanent press / wrinkle resistant, 30 degrees CDo not bleachDo not ironDry cleanDo not tumble dry

Weight & Measurements

The bara APPLE weights about 700 g, which makes it light and portable.
The size of the cushion as it is portrayed in the pictures is approximately 45 x 40 x 15 cm (Height x Width x Depth)

Choose between 5 colours

Click the colour samples to see a bigger picture of the cushion.

What our satisfied customers and experts have to say?

Click or swipe the text below to cycle through the testimonials.
  • “I bought The Apple-cushion as I thought it would work well with knitting. I suffered a whiplash to my neck and therefore always have to struggle with pain in my arms, and The Apple really helps. It has supported me and comforted me through an uncountable number of stitches that became usable garments. Then I enrolled in a demanding university course in middle age and The Pear and The Apple supported me while reading a huge number of heavy books and endless computer work and made it possible for me to change place and position, go from an office chair to the sofa and then up to bed, and thus everything went better, both for my body and my soul. The Apple and The Pear have also gone with me for long drives where my body feels infinitely better if they hug me and support my valuable arms and hands. And then they always look new even after 6 years of use, and so smart!”

    Kristín Linda Jónsdóttir· Editor & Psychologist. 2012, Reykjavik, Iceland
  • “My Apple-cushion from Bara has been with me for the last 5 years. I crochet and knit a great deal every day, whether at home, elsewhere or in the car. The Apple makes it possible for me to do all this as long as I want to. I usually take the cushion with me, whether I am going abroad, out into the countryside or just next door, when I know that I am going to knit or crochet when I get there. When I use the cushion I can really relax my shoulders, which is a wonderful feeling while doing handwork. In fact, I often use it even though I am doing nothing… it’s just so nice to sit and hold it.”

    Edda Lilja Gudmundsdóttir· Designer & Teacher of textiles. 2012, Reykjavík, Iceland
  • “I highly recommend The Bara support cushions for women with edema in the arms. Both The Apple and The Pear provide good support under the lower arm and reduce the strain on the shoulders and arms. The support cushions from Bara have helped many of my patients feel better and made it possible for them to rest their arms in a comfortable position and even to do light handiwork despite the swelling.”

    Marjolein Roodbergen· Physiotherapist and Lymph-Therapist, Landspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland 2012
  • “The Apple from Bara is indispensable and I use it more or less all day. I hold it in my lap in the morning when I read the paper and get my morning coffee. Always when I sit doing handicrafts or using a computer. In the evening while I watch TV. The Apple is also an integral part of a trip by car to rest my hands and shoulders. Thanks you Bara.”

    Jenný Karlsdóttir· Retired teacher & handicrafts expert. 2012, Akureyri, Iceland
  • “I’d like to share my experience with you regarding The Apple and Pear-cushions from Bara. I’ve used them for a number of years. I use the larger cushion, The Pear during the night, but the smaller (The Apple) I use in the car while driving and during my daily routine. I find the fabric non-slippery and the material in the cushions helps me tremendously to adjust the angle of my arm. These qualities enable me to do more work than I could do without them. In my case these Bara-cushions have made a lot of difference. I’m a former breast cancer patient and today I’m fighting extreme edema in one arm. It’s no secret that these cushions have enhanced my life. I’m extremely pleased to have them. They have undoubtedly made my life much easier.”

    Anna María Ögmundsdóttir· Teacher and a former breast cancer patient. 2012, Reykjavík, Iceland
The Pear

The Pear

Furniture for your hands

Information

The cushion that hugs and supports you!

Click The Pear to cycle through the 5 colour options.
  • baraPEAR-BeigeVanilla Beige

  • baraPEAR-GreenLime Green

  • baraPEAR-YellowAmber Yellow

  • baraPEAR-RedRouge Red

  • baraPEAR-GrayGraphite Grey

Copyright

The bara PEAR © is produced in Iceland and has a registered patent.

About The Pear

The Pear is a big and comfortable cushion, designed specially to be used as support under your forearms to improve your sitting position and ease muscle-tension in your shoulders, hands and back.

When The Pear is positioned around your waist resting on your lap it creates a soft table in front of you. This space can be perfectly suited to rest something heavy like a big book.
With extra size but also similar properties The Pear is kind of like the bigger sibling to The Apple-cushion.

From the beginning physio- and occupational therapist have recommended The Bara-cushions. Many people experience a feeling of safety, wellness and better balance while seated with their arms rested on the cushions. Research has shown that using them for support under the forearms while working on a computer reduces muscle tension.

Usability Options

Use The Pear in various ways to give you the desired function and support.

In front of your body

When the cushion is placed in the ergonomic Green Zone it allows you to correct your shoulder position by placing the force of your arms and hands on it. In this way the weight from your neck and shoulders is reduced and furthermore, it relieves back strain. You will also be able to maintain a better sitting position with this kind of support, both while working or relaxing.

Lying down

The cushion can be used in numerous ways when lying down so you can settle into a better body position. It it can provide good support under either arms or legs and thus increase relaxation.

Detailed Information

Material

The bara PEAR is made of soft high quality upholstery fabric with a teflon surface on the outside which makes it easy to clean and remove stains.

The pillowcase is 80% polyester and 20% cotton and has a zipper on it so it can be washed separately.

The inner material is white and made of 100% cotton.

Inner Filling

The filling is of tiny polystyrine beads that give firm support and are easy to adjust to the body. In order for you to get the perfect support that your body needs the amount of filling can be adjusted by taking out some of the beads. They can be put back in later, if necessary. The beads diminish very little over the years but it is always possible to get a refill if necessary.

Washing Guidance

The pillowcase can be washed at max 30°C on a mild program without bleach in a washing machine. It can also be dry cleaned.

7. Machine wash, permanent press / wrinkle resistant, 30 degrees CDo not bleachDo not ironDry cleanDo not tumble dry

Weight & Measurements

The bara PEAR weights about 950 g, which makes it light and portable.
The size of the cushion as it is portrayed in the pictures is approximately 55 x 45 x 20 cm (Height x Width x Depth)

Choose between 5 colours

Click on the colour samples to see a bigger picture of the cushion.

What our satisfied customers and experts have to say?

Click or swipe the text below to cycle through the testimonials.
  • “My TV chair and I have acquired an absolutely necessary accessory – The bara PEAR cushion – what a wonder for torn shoulder muscles. I just love my Pear-cushion from Bara.”

    Thorsteinn Pétursson· Retired policeman. 2012, Reykjavik, Iceland
  • “I’d like to share my experience with you regarding The Apple and Pear-cushions from Bara. I’ve used them for a number of years. I use the larger cushion, The Pear during the night, but the smaller (The Apple) I use in the car while driving and during my daily routine. I find the fabric non-slippery and the material in the cushions helps me tremendously to adjust the angle of my arm. These qualities enable me to do more work than I could do without them. In my case these Bara-cushions have made a lot of difference. I’m a former breast cancer patient and today I’m fighting extreme edema in one arm. It’s no secret that these cushions have enhanced my life. I’m extremely pleased to have them. They have undoubtedly made my life much easier.”

    Anna María Ögmundsdóttir· Teacher and a former breast cancer patient. 2012, Reykjavík, Iceland
  • “I highly recommend The Bara support cushions for women with edema in the arms. Both The Apple and The Pear provide good support under the lower arm and reduce the strain on the shoulders and arms. The support cushions from Bara have helped many of my patients feel better and made it possible for them to rest their arms in a comfortable position and even to do light handiwork despite the swelling.”

    Marjolein Roodbergen· Physiotherapist and Lymph-Therapist, Landspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland 2012
  • “I use my Pear-cushion from Bara most when I am reading – it gives such good support and adjusts my body so that I am not hunched over the book. It is also warm and comfortable. My 11 year old daughter also uses The Pear, usually under her laptop and when she is reading books and also just as a cushion when she stretches out on the sofa. It’s also an advantage that even when the baraPEAR cushion isn’t in use it’s so pretty, no matter where we put it. We are very pleased with our bara PEAR cushion.”

    Kristín Óladóttir· Mother. 2012, Akureyri, Iceland
  • “My mother had a Pear-cushion from Bara and it definitely helped her. It helped relax her shoulder and helped her to feel better in her arm and hands. Last but not least, I noticed that she always sat straighter with it and therefore she could breathe more deeply. My mother felt better with this cusion than with others. She adjusted it so she felt better in her wheelchair, without question.”

    Nanna Ingibjörg Jónsdóttir· 2012, Reykjavík, Iceland
  • “My husband, Peter was diagnosed with MND nerve degeneration in the spring of 2008. First he lost strength in his arms and hands, has been confined to a wheelchair since 2010 and can now only move his head His breathing became shallow as his chest muscles stopped controlling and now his diaphragn is has almost completely stopped working. However, Peter can utilize oxygen for a few hours a day, though otherwise he is tied to a respirator. On the other hand, respiration is only possible if his elbow and upper arm are supported away from his chest. Various things were tried, but now most recently the bara PEAR cushion, which is just right for him because with it his elbow and arm are held away from his chest. Peter feels much better now and there is less of a burden on those of us who take care of him.”

    Sigfrídur L. Angantýsdóttir· 2012, Reykjavík, Iceland
The Snake

The Snake

A Functional Neck Collar with a length of possibilities

Information

The perfect travel buddy!
The Snake holds your head up while you take naps on long flights

Click on The Snake to cycle through the 4 colour options.
  • Bara Snake - GreyCox Grey

  • Bara Snake - RedBurgundy Red

  • Bara Snake - GreenMoss Green

  • Bara Snake - BlueNavy Blue

Copyright

The bara SNAKE © is produced in Iceland and has a registered patent.

About The Snake

The Snake is a soft neck collar that can be easily wrapped around the neck like a scarf to get the desired support.

It might not look like a neck collar at first, but that’s exactly the idea behind the design of The Snake, to attract positive attention to the user instead of focusing on an underlying physical illness.
It’s an excellent solution for people with chronic neck-pain.

The Snake offers numerous possibilities when wearing it as an accessory or scarf and it is the perfect travel buddy, supporting your head so you can easily take a nap on long flights.

Usability Options

The Snake offers never before seen usability options as a neck-support collar.

Travelling

The Snake is the ideal travel companion, wrap it around your neck upwards from your shoulders to your chin and adjust it to get the perfect support.
Whether you’re travelling longer or shorter distances, in a plane, train or a car the Snake can really help you relax and sleep when supporting the weight of your head.

Accessorise

The unusual design of the neck-collar makes it possible to use it in creative ways as a stylish accessory. Sculpture The Snake in any way your imagination makes possible and have a new exciting accessory each time you wear it.

Be Proactive

The neck collar is a good reminder of keeping your neck in a healthy upright position, preventing poor posture. Not letting your head fall forward or having an unhealthy strain on your neck and shoulders for longer periods.

Dealing with minimum neck injuries

The collar can provide those with minimum or chronic neck injuries sufficient support and you can decide by yourself how firm the support shoule be at any given time. The Snake helps the neck stay in a more stable position, increasing the feeling of comfort and security.

Detailed Information

Material

The fabric in bara SNAKE is very soft stretch velvet, composed of 90% polyester and 10% spandex.

The material has a glimmer-like effect when it reflects light.

Inner Filling

The filling is of tiny polystyrine beads that give firm support for the neck and degrade very little over time.

Washing Guidance

The bara SNAKE can only be handwashed at a maximum of 40°C. It must be handled with care and may not be stretched. It muse be put in a washing-bag if washed in a washing machine.

washing_machine_gentle_delicate_40-24pxDo not bleachDo not ironDo not tumble dry

Weight & Measurements

The bara SNAKE comes in two sizes (length): Small/Medium (≈ 225 cm) and Large/X-Large (≈ 265 cm).
It weighs approximately 90g.

Warning

The bara SNAKE is not in any way a toy or a neck collar for children.
It is important that only people able to put it on, adjust it and take it off themselves use The Snake.

Choose between 4 colours

Click on the colour samples to see a bigger picture of The Snake

Instructions on how to wrap the Snake for use as a neck collar?

It is important that only they use The Snake that are able to put it on and take it off by themselves.
Step 1

Step 1

Start with the shorter and wider end resting on your shoulders at the bottom of your neck.

Step 2

Step 2

Wrap it around your neck and upwards so that it sits comfortably.

Step 3

Step 3

Tuck the narrow end in between your neck and the snake to close the loop.

Step 4

Step 4

Relax and enjoy the support of The Snake from Bara.

Fun Fact:
Asclepius the god of medicine in ancient Greek mythology always carried a snake with him for healing purposes. The Snake wrapped itself around his staff and today the snake-entwined staff is a global and commonly used symbol for medicine and health-care.

What our customers and experts have to say about The Snake?

Click or swipe the text below to cycle through the testimonials.
  • “The bara SNAKE is a flexible and warming stabiliser for the neck. It has proved useful for patients with neck problems. Two qualities stand out that make this collar special. Firstly, it has to be adjusted by each user and as such is a good tool to teach patients control of their condition. Secondly, it looks more like clothing than an orthopaedic collar, which makes it great for people with chronic conditions. One size fits all, so the whole family can use The Snake, with or without neck problems. My family often uses it as a travel “pillow” that can be worn as a scarf and then wound up into a brace to support the head during long-distance travel. The Snake is a handy gadget to have at home as well as in the clinic, whether for neck support, first-aid or simply as a fun conversation piece.”

    Kristinn Magnússon· Physiotherapist, Ásmeginn Physiotherapy, Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, 2012
  • “After having been in 2 car accidents and suffered both back and neck pains it has been a great relief to learn about The Snake from Bara. It has made it possible for me to travel, both within the country (even on our potholed roads in the West Fjords) and abroad in coaches, which I could not possibly have done without The Snake. If I try the old foam neck piece it just doesn‘t do nearly as well and then everyone asks, what happened, and that‘s not comfortable either. But with The Snake from Bara I‘m often told, what a beautiful scarf, and that makes me feel happy.”

    Guðrún Júlíusdóttir· 2012, Reykjavík, Iceland
  • “The bara SNAKE is soft and comfortable and lies beautifully under my neck and over my shoulders. It’s simple to adjust it as needed so that it lies attractively around your neck and provides warmth and support for your sore neck muscles. Besides being a beautiful neck adornment it helps you have good posture and rests your neck muscles.”

    Guðríður Jóna Örlygsdóttir· Health Therapist, Garðabær, Iceland 2012