Self-Sanitizing Changing Table Debuts in Indiana
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn Indiana native is a co-founder of Pluie, a startup manufacturing what is described as the world’s first self-sanitizing diaper changing table. Pluie uses UVC light to sanitize the changing surface after each use. The company has been installing the tables at locations throughout Indiana, including Conner Prairie in Fishers, the first museum in the country to use the product.
Business of Health Reporter Kylie Veleta spoke with co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Brittany Hizer about how the product works and what’s in store for Pluie.
Hizer, a graduate of Cathedral High School in Indianapolis and DePauw University, says the table uses two UVC lightbulbs to deactivate viruses and bacteria.
“These two UVC lightbulbs sanitize the changing surface,” explains Hizer. “You change your child, you close the table, the light system is triggered on, and then sanitizes within a 60-second cycle.”
Hizer says the company spent the last year introducing Pluie into the market and installing the first units. As a new mom, Hizer says she fell in love with the product.
“When we met, I thought this is a great opportunity to bring this product that’s innovative, and definitely needed, to market.”
“My business partner, Addie Gundry, actually had the idea in 2018 when she was changing her son in a public restroom for the first time,” said Hizer. “She was really surprised how uncomfortable, inconvenient and unsanitary it seemed and just thought there’s got to be a better solution.”
In addition to its sanitizing capabilities, Hizer says Pluie features a modern design with a foam cushion, retractable safety straps and multi-purpose handles.
“Diaper changing stations were invented in the 1980’s,” said Hizer. “So instead of placing your baby on a hard, plastic surface you change your child on a nice foam cushion that’s leak proof. The handles are multi-purpose, you can place your purse or diaper bag on the handle instead of the bathroom floor.”
Pluie now has 75 tables installed throughout the U.S.
Hizer says the company is partnering with a contract manufacturer to start assembling Pluie in Wisconsin and is preparing to kick-off its next round of seed funding.