New Products and Industry News

Bariatric bed system introduced

   Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI), has introduced the BariMaxx II bed system that features the new Comfort & Support Mattress to help reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development in patients up to 1,000 lb. The bed is UL listed, has side exit and entry, and expands from a width of 36" to 48" while the patient is on the bed.

   The unit incorporates a headboard with transport bars and integrated scales, a footboard with scale display, and dual braking casters with steer lock. Individual support columns within the mattress component of the bed act independently to allow proper patient submersion into the mattress and can help reduce shear forces exerted on the patient's skin. The foot section of the mattress is constructed of super conforming visco-elastic foam to help further protect delicate heel tissue from breakdown. The mattress meets Cal 129 standards.

   For additional information, call (888) ASK-4KCI (275-4524).

New total body cleansing system available

   Precision Dynamics Corporation (San Fernando, Calf.) has introduced a new total body cleansing system called Redi+Wash. The all-in-one packaging eliminates rinsing, towel drying, and applying lotion to reduce bathing time by 60%. The cloths are saturated with a no-rinse cleanser and a moisturizing lotion and are sufficiently gentle to use over the entire body, including the face. Redi+Wash cloths are disposable, reducing the potential for cross-contamination. The cleansing solution contains an antimicrobial preservative system to guarantee freshness. Available in easy-to-open packages of four or eight, the cloths can be heated and cooled to enhance patient comfort.

   For additional information, please call (818) 897-1111 or visit www.pdcorp. com.

Prosthetic product increases comfort

   Silipos (Niagara Falls, NY) has improved its Pin Siloliner with a smaller, more flexible distal end cap. The easy on-and-off construction is now more form fitting and will enhance comfort for amputees, geriatrics, and others suffering from neuropathy. All of the company's prosthetic interfaces are lined with a proprietary, vitamin-enriched polymer gel that diffuses a medical grade mineral oil to help keep skin supple and elastic to prevent further breakdown.

   For more information, please call (716) 283-0700, or visit www.silipos.com.

New OR positioning device now available

   The PurGel universal sandbag protector from Gaymar Industries Inc. (Orchard Park, NY) can be used in all surgical procedures to stabilize and properly angle patients. By reducing pressure that restricts blood flow to a patient's bony prominences during surgery, it helps prevent subcutaneous tissue damage. The product is resistant to fluids, fungus, and odors and uses a patented Xcelgel formula that conforms to the patient, prevents bottoming, and reduces shear. The complete line is latex-free, non-conductive, and features X-ray translucent capabilities. PurGel's purple color is easy to see and decreases the chance of the device being inadvertently tossed in with linens.

   For more information, call (800) 828-7341, or visit www.gaymar.com.

3M launches skin health website

   To give healthcare professionals a resource for the skin health continuum of care, 3M (St. Paul, Minn.) created www.3M.com/skinhealth. The site provides information on healthy skin maintenance, prevention for at-risk skin, and care for IV sites and wounds in addition to access to skin health-related clinical conditions and solutions, latex and reimbursement information, clinical practice tips, and links to other relevant professional websites and 3M products. Some of the specific clinical conditions that are addressed include adhesive trauma, incontinence dermatitis, IV site complications, surgical sites, diabetic foot care, infection prevention, ostomy care, lower extremity ulcers, and pressure ulcers.

   For general information about 3M health Care products, please cal (800) 228-3957 or visit www.3M.com/healthcare/