Free comfort cushions for people navigating breast cancer treatment
At the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, we know that recovery from surgery and treatment can bring unexpected discomfort. Our Comfort Cushion Packs, proudly supported by Port Waratah Coal Services, provide soft, supportive comfort for people living with breast cancer across the Hunter region.
The cushions are lovingly handmade by volunteers and distributed free to clients undergoing treatment. Each pack includes a specially shaped cushion, a drain bag and information about other supportive services offered through HBCF.
Armpit comfort
A sentinel node biopsy or an axillary node dissection can leave tender incisions or scars in an area where there are plenty of nerves. Placing a comfort cushion between your arm and chest can ease the pain of axillary and mastectomy incisions.
Safety belt pillow
After a lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction, your chest area will be tender anywhere you have incisions. Use our comfort cushion to place between you and the upper body part of the seatbelt to protect from chafing and distribute the pressure on your chest.
Breast support pillow
After a lumpectomy or reconstruction, your breast may feel tender. Having breast surgery changes the balance of weight on your chest muscles. Until you adjust to this, our comfort cushion is useful to support your breast until the incisions heal and your muscles adjust.
Between breasts
When you’ve had any kind of breast surgery, your balance changes and you really feel that change in your chest. If you sleep on your side, the weight of your breasts on your chest muscles may feel different than it did before surgery. Tucking the comfort cushion between your breasts may help relieve the discomfort from muscles being expanded for breast implants.
Arm rest pillow
If you are going to be sitting still for a long chemo infusion, it can ease your arm to rest it on a comfort cushion. You could also use this pillow while lying down, to support your arm over your chest. Elevating your arm while resting may also ease lymphoedema symptoms.
Chest splint
Hold your cushion firmly against your chest wall when you cough to splint your surgical site and decrease discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get a free comfort cushion pack?
Comfort cushion packs are available free to local people diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing treatment in the Hunter region.
Can someone outside the Hunter region get a cushion?
Yes. If you live outside the Hunter region, you can purchase a comfort cushion online through our Shop and have it shipped to you.
Who makes the cushions?
Our cushions are handcrafted by volunteers who generously give their time to support others in our community.
How many cushions are distributed each year?
Around 1,000 comfort cushion packs are provided annually to hospitals and directly to clients.
How do I request a comfort cushion?
Contact our Supportive Care Coordinator to arrange a pack through a hospital referral or direct delivery.
Are the packs really free for local clients?
Yes. Thanks to community support and our sponsors, these packs are provided at no cost to eligible local clients.
What comes in a comfort cushion pack?
Each pack includes a specially shaped comfort cushion, a drain bag and information about HBCF’s other support services.
Can I use the cushion for other discomfort?
Yes. Many clients find comfort cushions useful for a variety of supportive positions during treatment and recovery.
Our Comfort Cushions wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsor Port Waratah Coal Services.
Request Access to Our Support Services
If you're ready to request access to our services, complete the form at the link below, or Contact Us to learn more.
Other Support Services
HBCF provides a range of free, practical services to support local families through breast cancer. Explore more of our services below.
Transport To Treatment
Free, safe transport to and from breast cancer medical appointments.Learn More
Comfort Cushions
Specially designed cushions providing comfort and support after breast surgery.Learn More
House Cleaning
Professional cleaning services to ease the load during treatment.
Learn More
Lawn
Care
Help with outdoor maintenance so families can focus on recovery.Learn More
Prosthesis Support
Financial assistance to help cover the costs of breast prosthesis post-surgery.Learn More
Wigs & Headwear
A free range of wigs and headwear to restore confidence during treatment.Learn More
Education Assistance
Scholarships supporting students impacted by a parent's journey.Learn More
Children's Books
Specially designed storybooks to help children understand breast cancer.Learn More
Metastatic Support Group
Freindly, local groups offering connection and support.Learn More
Cancer Recovery
Guided program for physical and emotional recovery post treatment.Learn More

