The idea for AudioCoasters was born on a usually hot October day in 2015 while on a packed train in Tokyo on a business trip. As I stood on this crowded train between Tokyo Station and Harajuku station listening to music on a pair of over-the-ear headphones, I notice that the heat and humidity caused the area around my ears to sweat profusely. This small contact patch between the vinyl cushion and my head caused sweat to roll down portions of my face, neck, and back. At the end of the train ride, I was so irritated by the constant wiping off of sweat and dirt from the ear pads that I continued the rest of my day without using my headphones.

After exiting the train station, I stopped at Meiji Temple to sightsee and cool off. As I walked the temple grounds, I couldn’t ignore my sweaty earlobes—a problem I’d encountered before while working in motorsports. I’d used cushion covers for racing headsets in the past, but they weren’t ideal. Made of moisture-absorbing cotton, they were bulky, unattractive, and restricted airflow to the ear. What I needed was a lightweight, moisture-wicking cover that kept the contact area dry while allowing air to flow. Surely, a solution existed—and where better to find one than in Japan, a hub of innovation? So, I began my search.

The requirements were clear: the covers needed to be stylish, machine washable, and tough enough for harsh environments—whether on a train in Tokyo, at Willow Springs on a hot summer day, or on a worksite. They also had to be adaptable, fitting any over-the-ear headset, and secure enough to stay firmly in place without slipping or shifting during use. I spent years researching materials, fabrics, and manufacturing techniques. Designing hundreds of different patterns and producing failed prototype after prototype (Thanks for the help Mom), I finally landed on a design that met my standards. AudioCoasters were released in 2019, right before the COVID 19 pandemic. But in light of those difficult times, sales continued and even picked up as more and more people used AudioCoasters.

Fast forward to now. I have taken the lessons from what I learned working in Silicon Valley and applied them to AudioCoasters. I continued to innovate, making small tweaks with the help of our customer's feedback to make the best product possible. Here at AudioCoasters, we are building a product with a purpose. It is not good enough to build something that looks cool on your headphones. It must function in a way that is beneficial to the user. It may sound corny, but we are designing athletic wear for your ears. What you see is just the beginning. We are developing new designs and finding new materials that work for our customers and their needs. Whether you are in the gym working out, on the job site, on the flight line in 100-degree heat, or gaming with your friends, we got you covered.