Product Solutions

Bariatrics

A roundup of the latest bariatric products.

• By Laura Swift
• Jan 01, 2010

The population of obese Americans is increasing, and providers must respond to these patients’ needs accordingly. People are considered obese if they have a BMI of 30 or higher and morbidly obese with a BMI of 40 or higher. In terms of population, the percent of non-institutionalized U.S. adults age 20 years and older who were obese was 34 percent during 2005 and 2006, according to “Health, United States: 2008,” a study from the Centers for Disease Control.

Moreover, bariatric patients experience a number of co-morbidities. Obesity-related conditions often include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar/diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, sores, ulcers, arthritis, chronic pain, and sleep disorders, as well as depression.

With the rising number of patients, more resources and money are going towards treating obesity-related conditions. To accommodate the needs of bariatric patients, manufacturers have raised the weight capacities and upgraded some of their products. Providers have the advantage of offering a wide variety of bariatric products to patients, including cushions, beds and air lifts, designed to provide the highest levels of comfort, safety and strength. Here’s a look at some of the latest offerings:

Comfort and Strength

GL-358 XL and XXL Chaise Lounger

• Bariatric chaise lounger features a quiet and smooth lift system, a heavy-duty lift actuator and scissor mechanism and large dual pockets.
• The GL-358XL supports up to 500 pounds and the GL-358XXL supports 600 pounds.
• Has a three- and two-position recline and is available in more than 50 different fabrics.

Pride Mobility Products Corp.
(800) 800-8586
www.pridemobility.com

Cushion Has Multiple Layers

Synergy Spectrum

• Features a high-density molded foam base, a viscoelastic top layer and foam insert, an inner liner for incontinence, a 3-millimeter ACM solid seat insert and a moisture wicking four-way stretch cover.
• Designed to provide pressure management and comfort.
• Has a 650-pound weight capacity and is available in sizes up to 32 inches by 28 inches.

Quantum Rehab- Pride Mobility Products Corp.
(800) 800-8586
www.quantumrehab.com

Variety of Seat Depths and Widths

9000 Topaz Wheelchair

• Features a carbon steel frame, heavyduty front riggings and cross braces, gusseted sides and caster journals.
• Available in 700- and 1,000-pound weight capacities.
• Offers a variety of seat depths and widths, including a 15.5-inch seat-tofloor unit with smaller wheels and casters.

Invacare
(800) 333-6900
www.invacare.com

Provides Odor Control

Tranquility XL+ Bariatric Disposable Brief

• Fits waist/hip measurements of 64 inches to 90 inches, with stretchy side panels.
• Holds up to 1 quart of liquid, and provides skin dryness, odor control and urine pH neutralization.
• Designed to provide enhanced self esteem, increased mobility and ease of use for caregivers.

Principle Business Enterprises Inc.
(800) 467-3224
www.tranquilityproducts.com

Raises and Lowers Gently

CAMEL

• Elevated air lift lifts individuals to a height of 22 inches above the floor and gently lowers to a sitting position, allowing users to transfer to a chair or to stand up, if ambulatory.
• Powered by a battery-operated Airflo compressor.
• Designed for indoor and outdoor use.

Mangar USA
(800) 901-5269
www.mangarusa.com

Easy to Move

Low Bed 800

• Fully electric with multiple positions, including a cardio chair and a low position designed to eliminate the fear of injury while being restraint free.
• The convertible feature allows for easy transfer through doorways with an overall width of 40.75 inches.
• Has a 1,000 pound weight capacity.

Big Boyz Industries Inc.
(877) 574-3233
www.bariatricbeds.com

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of HME Business.