NipGuards®, patented and introduced in 1999, transformed the industry for nipple chafing and abrasion prevention. Prior to the invention of NipGuards®, endurance athletes would frequently face nipple chafing during long exercises due to dried perspiration and body salts acting like sandpaper between the chest and shirt (or wetsuit). This uncomfortable phenomena was exacerbated if the workout took place in inclement weather such as rain, heat, snow, strong winds, or high humidity. Most athletes experienced nipple chafing as a slight yet severe stinging sensation, with an excruciatingly painful "surprise" commonly noticed for the first time in the shower following the workout. Abrasions on the tip of the nipple that were openly bleeding were not unusual.Prior to NipGuards®, a number of improvised remedies were usually ineffectual. Sweat or chest hair would degrade the adhesive on bandages or tape that were attached to the chest. Messy petroleum-based jelly would wipe off and require reapplication throughout the workout, only to rub off again... Shirts would also be stained.
