Ask The Pros Archive:

Subject
bariatric equipment

Question
What is the criteria for choosing a bariatric bed/sleep surface and wheel chair for a patient?

Answer

We appreciate your inquiry.  In order to purchase any piece of bariatric equipment, it's vital to understand the following:

• the patient's weight
• the patient's height
• the patient's girth
• the patient's range of independent mobility
• the equipment's weight capacity and other dimensions
• Below are few models of bariatric beds that you should evaluate:

Heavy Duty Full Electric Bed
Dimensions
Bed end weight: 59 lbs.
Head frame weight: 55 lbs.
Foot frame height: 104 lbs.
Fabric height:  16" - 24"
Overall width: 42"
Overall length: 88"
Weight Capacity: 600 lbs.

48 in. Bariatric Full-Electric Hospital Bed
Dimensions
Bed end weight: 73 lbs.
Head frame weight: 162 lbs.
Foot frame height: 134 lbs.
Fabric height:  17" - 24"
Overall width: 48"
Overall length: 88"
Weight Capacity: 800 lbs.


54 in. Bariatric Full-Electric Hospital Bed
Dimensions
Bed end weight: 86 lbs.
Head frame weight: 178 lbs.
Foot frame height: 150 lbs.
Fabric height:  17" - 24"
Overall width: 54"
Overall length: 88"
Weight Capacity: 1000 lbs.

60 in. Bariatric Full-Electric Hospital Bed
Dimensions
Bed end weight: 42 lbs.
Head frame weight: 238 lbs.
Foot frame height: 219 lbs.
Fabric height:  17" - 24"
Overall width: 60"
Overall length: 88"
Weight Capacity: 1000 lbs.

For more specific information on how to size and fit a bariatric wheelchair for a patient, click the link below:

• Bariatric Wheelchairs

If you need further assistance or have any additional questions, please call our customer service department toll-free at 1-877-706-4480.

Thank You,

Subject
clavicle brace

Question
I want to order a clavicle brace for my son (5'10" and about 155#). I do not know which size to order..how do they run? Linda

Answer

Thank you for your inquiry.  Please see the following product and size details below:

Clavicle Strap With Buckle

• Comfortable support with stockinette over orthopedic polyester belt
• Sewn with zigzag fashion for strength and flexibility under arms
• Straps adjust in back with slide buckles
• Available in Infant, Child, Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large

Deluxe Clavicle Brace

• Four way adjustable back
• Webbing straps with Kodel for under arm comfort
• Sizes
  X-Small (20" - 24")
  Small (24" - 30")
  Medium (30" - 36")
  Large (36" - 42")
  X-Large (42" - 48")

Universal Posture and Clavicle Support

• Fits up to 44" chest circumference
• Features soft cotton/flannel back panel and felt padded stockinette shoulder straps, front buckle closure for easy self-application, and pliable metal stay for added stability.

Hope that helps.  If you need further assistance with product details or selection, please call our customer service department toll-free at 1-877-706-4480.

Thank You,

Subject
least painful glucometer

Question
I am looking for a glucometer for my 12 year old son. He is very sensitive to pain. Which glucometer would be the least painful one? Thanks.

Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  The majority of blood glucose monitors on the market today require a blood test and, unfortunately, there is no escaping the pain factor.  However, though most blood glucose monitors will direct you to take the blood sample from the forearm, this is not a law to be followed.  The best advice we can give you is to take the blood sample from a less sensitive area of the body (i.e. the fingertip).

There is technology being developed that will allow non-invasive methods and equipment for such testing, via lasers, ultrasound, etc.  However, the equipment that exists today is not readily available to the public and if it is, it's used in the medical community, and not very common at that.  Once these methods become available to a mass market, this may be an option to consider.  Until then, your best option is to go with blood glucose monitors that only require one drop of blood, such as the following:

Accu-Chek Advantage Diabetes Care Kit

• No wiping, no timing, no cleaning.
• Results in 40 seconds on an easy-to-read display.
• 100-test memory.
• Contents: meter, Chek Strip, 10 Comfort Curve test strips, control solution, Softclix lancet device with extra tip, lancets, self-test diary, two 3V lithium batteries & carrying case.

One Touch Basic Blood Glucose Testing Kit

• One Touch Basic meter
• Ten One Touch test strips
• Carrying Case
• Penlet II automatic blood sampler
• Lancets
• Control solution
• Owners booklet
• Logbook
• Batteries

Precision Q.I.D Kit

• No wiping, no blotting, no cleaning.
• Hand-held design allows testing while holding the sensor.
• Features a test strip requiring a very small blood sample for accurate results in 20 seconds.
• 10-test memory.
• Contents: meter, 10 test strips, Medisense lancing device, lancets and carrying case.
• Nonreplaceable battery included.

Hope that helps.  There are other Blood Glucose Monitors in our inventory you may want to evaluate.  After doing so, feel free to call our customer service department toll-free at 1-877-706-4480 if you have other questions or need additional assistance.

Subject
heat pad

Question
I was in the hospital and they used a great heat pad on me. It had pump attached to it and water circulated in the pad. I think it could do hot or cold. Do you have anything like this available?

Answer

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for your inquiry.  We carry a variety of products that will meet your needs.  Please click the link below to evaluate our product line:

Pads, Warmers and Compresses

If you need further assistance, please call our customer service department toll-free at 1-877-706-4480.

Thank You,

Subject
Stethoscopes

Question
I am looking to purchase a new stethoscope. I work as a Paramedic.. I would like your opinion on what you would recommend

Answer

Dear Jim,

Thank you for your inquiry.  We encourage you to evaluate our entire inventory of stethoscopes in order to decide which model will best suit your individual needs.  However, in your line of work, the item below might be a good option:

Disposable Stethoscope
This item provides excellent sound and helps prevent cross-contamination.

If you need further assistance, please call our customer service department toll-free at 1-877-706-4480.

Thank You,

Subject
Mattress

Question
My wife is having major spine surgery soon, and I am looking for a good quality hospital inner spring mattress to replace the existing old single hospital bed mattress. What choices do you offer? Thank You.

Answer

Thank you for you inquiry.  Though we have a wide selection of mattresses for you to consider that will aid in your wife's recuperation while providing the superior comfort that only medical mattresses can provide, click the links below to evaluate some specific products that meet your request:

Innerspring Mattress

Pressure Reduction Mattress

This mattress features a premium quality, high density foam core that gives this mattress the strength and durability to handle patients up to 400 lbs.  The core is further augumented by a bonded convoluted foam layer, allowing greater comfort and pressure reduction.  Covered with a non-shear, fluid resistant "breathable" nylon, this mattress is the smart choice whether you need a regular, replacement or pressure reduction mattress.

Supra Pressure Mattress System

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service department toll-free at 1-877-706-4480.

Thank You,

Subject
Spinal deformities

Question
Dear Sirs,My mother is 70 years old and has severe spinal deformity - ossification. The ossification is not over yet, so the finds out that certain exercises, treatments and particularly an adequate flat laying surface bad - can help for some short period of time. Soon after, she leans towards right side and pretty much stays in that position during the day, which makes her walking and moving extremely painful. Paradox ally she also shows some signs of spinal flexibility (she is capable to bend herself all the way down in hips.) I saw that you have some orthopedic supports for back on your website and wonder if you can give me an advice which one might help my mother to stay in vertical, or at least less painful, position during the day.Regards,Jelena Clemente

Answer

Dear Jelena,

Thank you for your inquiry.  First of all, it would be prudent to seek the advice of an orthopedic specialist.  However, we do have a line of products that might be helpful:

Posture Correctors & Clavicle Braces

Specifically, the item below will meet your needs:

Posture Corrector-Thoracic Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis
This item is recommended by doctors for correcting posture, for people who suffer from scoliosis or other spine problems, and for those who spend long hours sitting without much movement.

If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service department toll-free at 1-877-706-4480.

Thank You,

Subject
oxygen levels

Question
Hi there - My husband has to have oxygen most of the time but am looking for a measuring device for his oxygen level when he is not connected to the machine. The ones they have in hospital have a clip for your finger. Do you stock anything like this please? Thanks

Answer

You are referring to a pulse oximeter.  We carry a large selection of new and used in hand-held and stationary models.  For our selection of products, please click on the links below:

Subject
scd

Question
when my wife was in hospital after surgery they used machine called scd 6325 to massage her legs.I am try to buy it for home use. If you get some info on it for me.Thanks.Mr Javed.

Answer

Dear Mr. Javed,

Thank you for your inquiry.  We have a product to meet your request.  Please click the link below:

Regular Pneumatic Appliances - Leg Sleeve

For product details and further information, please call our customer service department toll-free at 1-877-706-4480.

Thank You,

Subject
Re: support for feet

Question
I have RSD and need some kind of support that will keep blankets and sheets from direct contact with my feet and ankles

Answer

Blanket Support

Item #: 18202RUDGSI

Blanket Support - Adjustable to 19", 20" L x 6" W, Twin
Protects sensitive skin areas. Tubular aluminum frame; inserts between box spring and mattress. Adjustable to 19".