MIPS – head protection

What is Mips?

MIPS is an acronym for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System and represents an innovative technology that can be used to equip helmets for a variety of different purposes.

Mips® was designed to make helmets safer in oblique impact situations, both in recreational and outdoor sports (climbing, mountain biking and motorbike riding) but also in the workplace. In practical terms, Mips® is a moving layer that is integrated on the inside of the safety helmet – close to the head. The sliding layer is not rigidly fixed but can move back and forth by 10 to 15 millimetres. In the event of lateral impact, this range of motion enables the helmet design to deflect acting rotational forces from the wearer’s head and brain using a sliding movement.

Safety helmets that are equipped with Mips® therefore offer a higher level of protection for the helmet wearer than conventional helmets.

Want to find out more?
Then watch the following video:

WATCH Video: How the system reduces rotational forces acting on the helmet

In what kind of situations can rotational forces occur?

In areas where helmets are mandatory, the greatest danger can usually be found high above. Namely, in the form of falling objects. In principle, these objects can strike the wearer’s helmet in three different ways:

1. Coming vertically from above, the centre of the helmet is hit (axial impact).
2. Coming vertically from above, the helmet is hit laterally – and therefore off the centre of the helmet.
3. The object hits the centre of the helmet but has an oblique trajectory – it comes from the side.

The first case described here is the only one in which the applied force does not lead to a rotational movement. Compared to the other two, this case is also usually the exception.

In addition, we would like to point out the possibility of falls, which also pose a risk on uneven, muddy or slippery ground. If the wearer is unfortunate enough to have a fall, the helmet may crash or hit against an obstacle such as a kerb or ridge. In this case, rotational movements will also occur, which can be transferred to the head.

The brain typically reacts more sensitively to rotational movement than linear movements because it has a similar shear strength to water or gel. When rotational movement causes different parts of the brain to move in an offset way to each other, the tissue can be stretched, which causes concussion and other brain injuries.

Rotational movement is a common cause of concussion and more serious brain injuries from an oblique impact to the head. The Mips system consists of a low-friction layer that is fixed on the inside of the helmet. This low-friction layer is constructed in such a way that it slides slightly in the helmet in the event of an accident, so that forces can be directed away from the head. It should therefore help to reduce the risk of brain injuries.

Cerebrospinal fluid is our natural protective system that allows the brain to move in a way that is offset to the skull.

When you equip yourself and your team with innovative Mips® helmets, you provide a considerable level of extra safety by significantly reducing the risk of head and brain injury.