Hi, we’re Team Nova! We are an interdisciplinary and multicultural group of engineers that are committed to looking after our aging parents. Our goal is to identify the challenges that the elderly face in the performance of their daily activities, and then use our 35 years of combined experience in R&D, sales, and marketing, to deliver simple solutions that fit seamlessly into their existing routines. Our philosophy is simple: maximum benefit with minimal disruption.

The Seha Prayer Mat is an ergonomic Islamic prayer mat that is designed to alleviate chronic joint pain. The mat features an integrated layer of memory foam, built-in acupressure points for the feet, and a non-slip bottom surface. Additional supports for the ankles and wrists can also be attached to the mat. It is available in a variety of simple designs, and can be rolled up and transported in the accompanying carrying case.

The Seha Prayer Mat is geared towards elderly Muslims with chronic joint pain that want to practice their faith without having to compromise their physical health. It was inspired by one of our team member’s mothers, a devout Muslim that struggles to offer her five daily prayers because of her arthritis.

The Seha Prayer Mat performs multiple functions. The memory foam layer distributes body weight to reduce pressure on the joints, and the attachable cushions may be used to lessen the flexion in the hips and knees and provide additional support for the ankles and wrists. The acupressure points stimulate blood circulation and relieve muscular tension, while the non-slip surface decreases the chance of falls and further injury. The mat is also portable, so it can be taken to the mosque for congregational prayers. Finally, the mat will be available in simple designs and soothing colours to help improve mental focus during prayer.

Two of Team Nova’s members are Muslims that are active in their local religious community groups. As a result, we have a keen understanding of our customers’ needs in terms of both form and function. We are collaborating with experts in physiotherapy and therapeutic yoga that work especially with osteoarthritis patients to design the mat for maximum pain relief. We are also consulting with material science engineers to minimize cost, and with Islamic scholars to ensure that the mat adheres to religious standards.

Padded prayer mats that are currently on the market are not specifically designed to alleviate joint pain or they are fairly expensive. On the other hand, praying on a yoga or exercise mat does not offer the same spiritual experience. Muslims may pray in a seated position, but this option limits participation in congregational prayers. The Seha Prayer Mat is an affordable solution that makes prayer comfortable and honors Islamic traditions.