Adjustable Insole Technology Supports Senior Foot Health

Alliance Design and Development Group (ADDG), a biomechanics technology company whose core mission is to create assistive devices that help people lead pain-free lives, has created advanced assistive technology in SelectFlex® arch control insoles to promote foot health and quality of life among the aging population.

ADDG pioneered the variable resistance beam (VRB), a patented adjustable suspension and joint support technology with the potential to dramatically enhance human augmentation products such as bracing and prosthetics.

When ADDG initially introduced SelectFlex, feedback analysis confirmed that the demographic receiving the most therapeutic benefits were men and women over the age of 45. Ideally, ADDG hopes the insoles are used to proactively prevent foot-related problems before they occur but, the reality is, SelectFlex is usually needed to improve existing issues and alleviate pain.

“Balance is a skill that diminishes with age, leading to incidence of falls, a primary cause of injuries and fatalities among the older population,” said Barry Renow, chief executive officer. “Moreover, fear of falling often makes people less active and grow progressively weaker, which only escalates chances of falling.”

Research shows three quarters of all adults will experience foot problems in their lifetime, ranging from mild discomfort to severely restricted mobility. After years of use and continuous compression, foot bones often become misaligned and arches begin to collapse, compromising our natural shock absorption capabilities. The embedded VRB suspension system dynamically lifts the arch into better alignment to support the entire body, relieving pressure on hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

Though foot health is vitally important to mobility and independence for people of all ages, ADDG’s vision of life without pain is being realized in helping older generations stay active and self-reliant for as long as possible.

For more information: Visit www.selectflex.com.

Company Introduces LTC Pressure Redistribution Mattress

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Port Washington, N.Y., has announced the addition of the Gravity 6 Long-Term Care Pressure Redistribution Mattress to its premium line of therapeutic mattresses.

Capable of supporting up to 350 pounds, the Gravity 6 provides therapeutic support for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries and offers superior compliance and durability above innerspring mattresses for improved patient satisfaction. The mattress features deluxe horizontal, cross-cut single-layer, latex-free foam for premium comfort, support, and pressure distribution across five therapy zones.

Made in North America, the Gravity 6 is also equipped with a sloped-heel section to offload pressure from vulnerable heels, and a barrier-covered zipper to minimize the risk of foam contamination. Other features include a non-skid bottom and a removable, multi-stretch cover that is fluid-resistant, low-shear, and vapor-permeable to protect skin from friction and moisture. The mattress also has a bumper-to-bumper, three-year foam and premium cover warranty.

For more information: Visit www.drivemedical.com.

Textile Company Make PPE Manufacturing Permanent Part of Portfolio

Months ago, when Precision Textiles, Totowa, N.J., put a toe in the water to try its hand at producing personal protective equipment (PPE), the strategy was designed to keep its plant open and employees working. But the strategy has been so successful, that the leading supplier of coated fabrics, nonwovens, and laminations for the bedding, automotive, health care, and home furnishings industries has now purchased additional manufacturing equipment to make the PPE line a permanent part of its product portfolio.

With the addition of six new laminating machines dedicated to producing medical gown fabric, Precision Textiles can now produce an additional 1.5 million yards of domestically sourced fabric each month. These additional machines have allowed the company to hire 25 new machine line operators and supervisors that will solely produce medical gown fabric.

“When the coronavirus pandemic erupted, we began manufacturing medical gown and mask fabrics in order for us to remain an essential business. We saw what our country needed, and we were able to respond quickly to this demand. We see now that PPE materials made domestically and are readily available to meet the needs of our customers are more important than ever, and we look forward to further expanding into this category,” said Scott Tesser, chief executive officer of Precision Textiles.

During the initial outbreak, Precision Textiles’ 210,000-square-foot manufacturing facility became an essential business providing more than 28 million yards of PPE to hospitals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to-date.

Along with production, which was completed in the New Jersey factory, all the polyester staple film, TPU fiber, and other materials used to make the fabrics were sourced domestically.

Precision Textiles is committed to sourcing the necessary materials state-side, as well as bringing all PPE production to its U.S. facilities. This move will also create numerous jobs within the industry.

For more information: Visit www.PrecisionTextiles-USA.com.