Creative Bedding Technologies Acquires Rights to Manufacture, Sell Kaymed Woolfson's Kombat Mattress

Creative Bedding Technologies, Inc., a maker of private label healthcare mattresses, has acquired the rights to manufacture and market Kaymed Woolfson's Kombat Mattress. The Kaymed Woolfson Group is a worldwide supplier of specialty application cushioning materials serving the healthcare and luxury/consumer health markets.

The Kaymed Kombat Mattress has been designed in accordance with the most progressive principles of pressure area care. The design and specification are a result of extensive research and development undertaken in conjunction with top technical and clinical research institutes around the world. The interior features the unique and exclusive Inner Wisdom^™ cushioning, which consists of temperature-sensitive polymer formulated to soften under the points of highest interface pressure, redistributing the patient's weight over a greater surface contact area. The mattress is covered by Omnilastic Sensoflex^™, which stretches in all directions, optimizing the performance of the Inner Wisdom cushioning. Sensoflex is vapor permeable, has enhanced resistance to hydrolysis, and is antibacterial. The mattress is fully welded with a Preventor^™ filter device, which allows the product to breathe and helps prevent the ingress of bacteria.

Used by caregivers around the world, the Kombat Mattress provides the highest level of static pressure area care in the most cost-effective manner.

For more information, contact Creative Bedding Technologies, Inc., at (800) 526-2158 or (815) 444-9088.

Heel Minder^™ Addresses Heel Ulcer Problems

Tharos has introduced the Heel Minder^™ Foot Elevator, a patented product that is designed to prevent skin breakdown and relieve 100 percent of the pressure on the heel. The U-shaped design positions the heel off the bed while the foot drop strap prevents foot drop. The skin is protected by a highly breathable synthetic shearling surface that covers three internal gel pads that gently adjust to provide an exceedingly soft support surface. The Heel Minder can also be used to control internal/external hip rotation.

For more information contact Tharos at (901) 755-4065 or heelminder@heelminder.com.

Low-Cost Pressure-Relieving Mattress from Direct Supply

The PANACEA^™ mattress, Direct Supply's variable-density sleep system, offers exceptional pressure relief at a low cost. Designed to reduce the number of different specialty surfaces needed facility wide, all three models of the PANACEA feature a designated pressure-reducing heel area and super-low shear cover for superior wound management. Built-in side bolsters and super-sensitive heel protection are also available. PANACEA is available exclusively from Direct Supply.

For more information, contact Direct Supply Healthcare Equipment at (800) 634-7328.

First Quality Products Introduces Prevail^® Fits to a T^™

First Quality is proud to introduce the new Prevail^® Fits to a T^™ innovative incontinence product. Prevail Fits to a T is specially designed to meet the needs of caregivers and wearers who requested an incontinence product with application that is As Easy as 1, 2, 3^™.

For caregivers, this new T-shaped belted product is a great timesaver. Application time for the new Prevail product is decreased by approximately 50 percent over application time of a standard brief product. This product is so easy to apply that by simply following the numbered tape tabs self application can be completed in 10 seconds or less.

For the wearer, this is the most convenient, discreet, comfortable, and driest product on the market. The unique T-shaped design creates a customized fit allowing for maximum wearer comfort. In addition, toileting is made easy by simply unfastening the #2 and #3 tape tabs. This new product is a great convenience for wearers with an active lifestyle and caregivers instituting a bowel and bladder training program.

The new Prevail Fits to a T product is available in two sizes: Medium/Regular that fits hip size 35" to 47" and Large/X-Large that fits hip size 48" to 64".

For further information, please contact First Quality Products at (800) 227-3551, ext. 4418.

Hi-Low Power Trolley from Apollo Corporation

The Apollo Hi-Low Power Trolley is a lift that features soft start/stop control that gently raises/lowers without startling, a 24-volt DC system with on-board charging with charging light, and an optional scale for accurate digital readouts. The Power Trolley with symmetric design has neither head/foot nor left/right restrictions. Lift starts at $4,999.

For more information, contact Apollo at (800) 247-5490.

Mentor Introduces New Ergonomic Design for Self-Cath^® Closed System

Mentor has introduced a new ergonomic design for its Self-Cath^® Closed System. Mentor's Self-Cath Closed System is used for the management of urinary retention, which is the loss of voluntary control over bladder emptying. The new design of the Self-Cath Closed System is intended to provide users with a more convenient means of intermittent self catheterization.

Self-Cath Closed System is a sterile, unisex device for individuals who must maintain an intermittent self-catheterization schedule to empty their bladders. In addition to a new, narrow collection bag, Mentor's Self-Cath Closed System includes a prelubricated 100-percent latex-free intermittent catheter. The system's introducer tip is specifically designed to bypass bacteria that can lead to urinary tract infections. The Mentor catheter features fire-polished eyelets designed to increase patient comfort.

For more information about Mentor Health Care Products and the Self-Cath Closed System, contact the company at (805) 879-6252.

Wheelchair Seat Assist Transforms a Wheelchair into an Automatic Lifting Seat

Uplift Technologies Inc., manufacturer of the Uplift Seat Assist, announced a new member to its Uplift family of products--the Uplift Wheelchair Seat Assist^™.

The Uplift Wheelchair Seat Assist is a self-powered, lifting drop-seat base that helps users gently seat and raise themselves from a wheelchair. The gentle lifting action is provided by a hydropneumatic piston that is activated once the user releases the safety latch and shifts his or her weight forward. It provides a gentle, controlled support for both lowering and raising the user; it lifts up to 80 percent of the user's weight and is adjustable for weights between 80 and 350 pounds depending on the model.

For more information, contact Uplift Technologies at (800) 387-0896 or visit www.up-lift.com.

New Point of Care System for Therapists and Nurses from FASTRACK Healthcare Systems, Inc.

FASTRACK Healthcare Systems, Inc. announces the availability of a new Point of Care remote data entry system for infusion nurses and respiratory therapists. Since the system is easily customized, any home care nurse or employee working in the field can also use it.

Utilizing low-cost devices supporting the Palm Pilot operating system, field personnel can easily capture patient data including assessments, progress notes, care plans, and more with the FASTRACK system. The screens on the Palm Pilot mimic the forms used by many providers but can be customized to add fields or entire forms. The program allows for quick entry of data in a logical format and was designed with the assistance of therapists and nurses. Information on patient's visits is downloaded to the device, and when the visit(s) is completed, it is sent back via modem to the office. This data is viewable in the patient's file and is date and time stamped. Before the data is "locked," a supervisor or case manager can review the information, add notes, etc., and the system records any action taken, including approvals. The Windows program running in the office presents the data in a clear Microsoft "tree" format.

The software is available standalone with an export feature for receiving the data into a third-party patient billing system or fully integrated with the FASTRACK HME, Infusion, or Enterprise/SQL Software Solutions. The standalone version includes a full electronic patient record including the option of having the ability to scan in any document for quick retrieval. Clients not looking to use a hand-held device still have the ability to enter data directly into the system via the Internet or in the office.

FASTRACK is offering a free trial CD that allows the user to load the Point of Care Software on a Palm Pilot, Handspring, or other compatible device for evaluation purposes.

For further information, contact FASTRACK Healthcare Systems, Inc., by phone at (800) 520-2325; by e-mail at info@fastrk.com; or visit their web site: www.onlyfastrack.com.

Zephtex^™ Industries Introduces Gel Cell Plus^® Mattress Overlay

Zephtex Industries, Inc., introduces the Gel Cell Plus^® mattress overlay (E0185). This extremely high quality, group 1 product measures 76" x 34" with a depth of 3". The Gel Cell Plus is soft and comfortable with a nonshear/low-friction nylon cover. It securely attaches to any standard mattress. Convoluted foam top allows for maximum patient comfort. Gel packs are guaranteed not to dry out or burst. The weight of the overlay allows competitively priced shipping throughout the US.

For more information, contact Zephtex Industries, Inc., by phone at (949) 533-9101 or by fax at (949) 494-5502.

Wound Wash Saline^™

Blairex Laboratories, Inc. presents Wound Wash Saline^™, a sterile saline solution (0.9%) indicated for flushing and cleansing wounds with a pressure specifically designed for safe and effective wound irrigation. Wound Wash Saline remains sterile throughout the life of the can and is extremely cost effective because there is no waste.

For more information, contact Blairex Laboratories, Inc., 1600 Brian Drive, PO Box 2127, Columbus, IN 47202-2127; phone (812) 378-1864 or (800) 252-4739; fax (812) 378-1033.

New Unique Device for Accurate Measurement of Wounds from Leading Maker of Medical Swabs

Healthcare providers now have a consistent, accurate way to measure wounds. The new Puritan^® DM Stick^™ Foam Tipped Wound Measuring Device introduced by Hardwood Products Company LLC represents a significant advance in wound measurement. It also marks the entry into the wound care field for this leading maker of disposable medical applicators.

The Puritan DM Stick is a one-step, one-use device with an easy-to-read measurement scale marked directly on the flexible, unbreakable polypropylene shaft. The tip is soft foam for patient comfort and leaves no fibrous residue. Ideal for measuring pressure ulcers, the device is effective for podiatry, pulmonology, dental, enterostomal therapy, surgery, and ER uses and is available sterile.

With the Puritan DM Stick Foam Tipped Wound Measuring Device, Hardwood Products Company addresses another specialty area within the Puritan healthcare product line. The company also manufactures and markets disposable products for the industrial/cleanroom and food service industries. While many of these products are made from Northern White Birch, Hardwood Products increasingly uses its ISO-9002 production facilities to manufacture specialty swabs of technically advanced manmade materials.

For more information, contact Hardwood Products Company at (800) 321-2313 or (207) 876-3311.

AQUACEL^® Hydrofiber^® Medicare Part B Coverage Enhancement

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), formerly HCFA, has re-evaluated the classification of AQUACEL^® Hydrofiber^® and has determined that effective immediately, AQUACEL Hydrofiber wound dressing is now being reimbursed by Medicare Part B under the "Calcium Alginate" dressing category.

Previously, AQUACEL Hydrofiber had been reimbursed under the "Specialty Absorptive" dressing category. Now, the appropriate Medicare Part B billing codes for AQUACEL Hydrofiber are the calcium alginate HCPCS codes.

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Dressing is designed for the management of moderate to heavily exuding wounds. The dressing's unique Hydrofiber technology allows it to "Hold More Exudate" compared to alginates and gauze.

For more information concerning AQUACEL Hydrofiber, please contact your ConvaTec representative or ConvaTec's Professional Services Department at (800) 422-8811.

Introducing Elbowlift^™ from DM Systems

DM Systems, makers of original Heelift^® and Heelift^® Smooth Suspension Boots, introduces Elbowlift^™ suspension pad for the prevention of elbow discomfort and injuries. Elbowlift offers exceptional protection against olecranon bursitis, ulnar neuritis, pressure pain, pressure ulcers, and skin injury.

Elbowlift works in a manner similar to Heelift Suspension Boot. Elevating and cushioning the elbow in smooth, protective foam, Elbowlift protects the olecranon and olecranon bursa from friction burns and contusions by eliminating pressure to the sensitive elbow areas. Ideal for people who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair, Elbowlift makes weight shifts less painful.

Made from a soft, firm medical-grade foam with smooth surfaces, Elbowlift has an adjustable, well-padded hook-and-loop strap that wraps around the outside to keep Elbowlift in place. Two soft foam columns maintain elbow position over the centering hole. The smooth, low-friction backing provides improved patient movement. Because one size fits all, there is no guesswork in choosing the correct size for patient fit.

For more information, contact DM Systems at (800) 254-5438 or visit www.dmsystems.com.

Restraint-Free Antislip Floor Mat Alarm from Universal Medical Products

Universal Medical Products has introduced its newest product--a new low-cost restraint-free antislip floor mat alarm, Model FM-1. This floor mat interfaces with its CS-1 monitor and comes with a one-year warranty on both the floor mat and monitor.

For more information, contact Universal Medical Products by phone at (732) 583-0077 or by fax at (732) 583-6923.