Safe-Home.com

Question about how the memory foam lumbar cushion and regular foam lumbar seat cushions differ from the skin protection and positioning seat cushions.

Q: "Which seat cushion is the better choice for a person who must spend hours daily in a chair? Is the fleece coccyx wedge seat lumbar ortho cushion or the memory foam, etc. cushions a better choice or the Lumex skin protection positioning cushions? My mom has back problems, spends most days in a wheelchair and is in her 80's. Thanks. Steve."

Answer: The lumbar cushions have a cut-out that takes the pressure off tailbones. The memory foam are more firm than the regular foam as memory foam is more dense. These generally sell for $20 to $50, have no attachment strap (just place on the chair and sit on it). In contrast, the Lumex are retailed at over $275, have a gel center layer plus foam layers on top and bottom and have both side wedges for lateral stability and a center pommel for medial thigh support. More important they have a waterproof cover made to reduce shear/friction plus a strap for firm attachment to the chair. The purposes are to provide long-term skin protection and positioning for high-risk patients plus seating comfort.

There are also lumbar support cushions available to give her support in her lumbar region. For example, the memory foam lumbar cushion by Mabis Health Care and the Care Apparel polyurethane foam velour lumbar cushion can give her better back support in her wheelchair.

She probably would be most comfortable with the Lumex seat cushions and either of the lumbar support cushions. Do realize that the Mabis cushion does have a strap for the back of the chair if slippage is a concern.

Thanks for your question. Please contact us if you need more information.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the GF convoluted foam mattress pads

Q: "I'm interested in your 4 inch convoluted foam mattress pads for king sized beds. I do not see a density of foam given. I've seen other pads advertised at 1.2 as soft, 1.5 as medium, and 1.8 as average. How dense are these?" Thanks Will

Answer: Thank you for your interesting question. According to G F Health, the density of the 7-4000 mattress topper is given in Indentation Load Deflection (ILD). This pad is 34 ILD which the customer service rep says is firm.

A check on the internet indicates this density is considered a 2.6 visco foam density. Bariatric foam has a 45 ILD rating. To understand what this means, see below. Definitions: Density is based upon the weight of one cubic foot of foam. 2.6 thus means the weight of one cubic foot of this 4 inch foam. Indentation Load Deflection or ILD: the unit of measure to indicate degree of firmness.

One website says the ideal ILD reading for a cushion would be 25 to 50 lbs at 25% ILD reading (the weight an indenter must weigh to compress a 4 inch thick piece of foam to 3 inches) If fifty square inches of 4 inch foam is compressed to 3 inches, that is 25% ILD. If the foam is compressed to 1.4 inches, that is a 65% ILD. For seating comfort, the ideal ILD reading is 25 to 40 pounds at 25%, and 45 to 100 pounds at 65%.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Barbara reviews the Medready Pill Dispenser with Keyed Lock. Use this pill box as a senior product or for complicated medication regimens. A combination medication organizer and medication reminder, the pill alarm options include low frequency and high frequency alarms and a flashing red light. Optional modem connection, allows for long distance monitoring. Take medication on time without risk of accidental overdose. Set up an additional pill tray. (note: at 3:25, Barbara meant 240 Volts instead of 240 Watts.)

Question about the effectiveness of Bac Zap Urine Neutralizer Deodorizer, a Bio-Active Urine Neutralizer with Enzymes .

Q: "My two cats fought a year ago and sprayed urine on my carpet. I have tried everything I can find but when the AC and heat are off, the odor rises from the carpet and almost gags me. How does BacZap work? Will it work any faster than the other urine neutralizers I've tried? Will it kill the odor better?" Thanks Lorrie, Your Warehouse Manager

Answer:  This product is made by Brulin, who specialize in products for nursing homes, hospitals, veterinarians, kennels, etc. More detailed information on use is arriving in a day or two as this is a new product for Safe Home Products and is not yet on site in Iowa.  This is what information we have received and was also gleaned from the manufacturer's website:

"Tthis ready-to-use liquid formula attacks uric acid odors immediately with a powerful enzyme digestion process. It is bio-active. Use as is or add it to carpet shampoos and cleaners. This is a popular nursing home and hospital product. Attacks Uric Acid Odors Immediately by a Powerful Enzyme/Digestion Process with Zero Environmental Impact .Specially bred enzyme/bacteria cultures attack and break down the uric acid molecules like nothing else before. It does the job by digesting the source, just the way nature does it...but does it in minutes rather than days or weeks, with zero environmental impact. Destroys malodors by eliminating the source. Vanilla herb fragrance."

I, too, have some issues with dog urine odors from my carpet when the humidity rises. I will update this page after I get the additional information.

Thanks for your question, Lorrie.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the best choice to suggest to physicians' office and local hospital to make restrooms accessible to elderly and/or handicapped.

Q: "Recently I went to a Pittsburgh area hospital for tests to learn if I had a blood clot in my leg. Like most of my 80+ year old friends, I have an overactive bladder untouched by medications. My companion and I got directions to and tried three restrooms before we found one with a raised toilet seat. (My knees are so bad that I simply cannot get up and down from a regular height toilet plus I need the grab bars.)  My physician rents his office space and he claims that is why there are no handicapped height toilets in the restrooms. He's been my doctor for 20 years. But that means I am unable to use the restroom when I have doctor appointments. Which products should you (my daughter) or I suggest? I used to have a portable toilet seat riser. At home, I have a toilet seat riser with arms that attaches to my handicapped height toilet to make it a few inches even higher plus I have a grab bar on the wall. Thanks" Rosalie Lange, age 87, Barbara's mom.

Answer: Mom, I did write an email to the Pittsburgh medical hospital association with whom your physician and hospital are affiliated. I know you've brought up this subject with your physician many times in the past. I understand that the physician's building built must have been built prior to the ADA regulations went into effect. It still seems cruel to me not to be able to use a toilet at a physician's office. Thank you for your question and suggestion for the blog.

Some options that are removable and would help you and others include:

• 3 Locking Raised Toilet Seats, Without Arms These could be used in combination with grab bars. Each toilet seat currently would ship for under $40 each.
• TWO Locking Raised Toilet Seat With Removable Armrests These would cost about $50 each with shipping
• Chrome Grab Bars - Grab Bar 32" Chrome KnurledThis is a 32 inch grab bar that could be installed near the toilet.

If there are physician's offices, hospitals, etc. interested in more options, please contact me.

Thanks for the questions and comments, Mom.

Love, Barbara

 

Question about the Touchless Automatic White Dispenser for 800 to 1000 ml Hand Sanitizer and Epo Clenz Foam Hand Sanitizer Starter Kit.

Q: "Our PTA is interested in buying hand sanitizer dispensers and hand sanitizer for children and adults to use as they enter the school cafeteria. Our hope is to reduce colds and flu among the school population. The sanitizers we are looking at are alcohol based. What are the advantages of foam versus gel? Are there other options?

Answer: The two sanitizers you asked about are high in alcohol. A New York Times article from 2006 focuses on hand sanitizers. The recommendation there was to get all sides of your hands wet with gel or foam, then rub them together until they dry. CDC guidelines for healthcare workers are that, if your hands dry within 10 to 15 seconds, you did not use enough. Studies cited in the NY Times recommend purchasing alcohol based hand sanitizers with 60% to 95% alcohol or running the risk of growing bacteria rather than killing bacteria and viruses.

Soap and water are still the best choice although many restrooms are set up so that you must grab the door handle to leave rather than pushing it open thus contaminating hands. We were impressed on a recent cruise by the wide availability of hand sanitizer dispensers at all restaurants, entrances to the ship, restrooms, etc. Also one pushed out on restroom doors or there was a doorway entrance that meant no door was needed.

Personally, I prefer the foam dispensers although the liquid is as effective and was used on the ship. Children are attracted to foam products and there is less likelihood of dripping. The most economical way to buy the sanitizer is in the 1000 ml bags or about 33.8140225589 ounces.

One other more expensive option is the alcohol free Handclens foamer hand sanitizer that comes in green apple and unscented versions. This sanitizer has benzalkonium chloride as the active ingredient.

The products we sell by Medline all have moisturizers or similar additives to keep hands from drying out.

Thank you for your question. We hope you are successful in your efforts especially with the H1N1 flu expected this fall. Most schools are asking children to bring sanitizer to school. The problem is that rarely is it available in school cafeterias in such a way that every child uses it before they eat.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

Question about the Medport Daily PillBox with Alarm and the Medready Basic Pill Box with Alarm.

Q: "My mom is nearly blind. What pill boxes do you sell that would help her take her medications at the right times? We can set up her pills for her. Thanks." Margaret

Answer: At this time, these three are the best ones available.

For portability, the Medport Daily Pill Box with timer is the best choice if you need an alarmed unit that is portable.

The Medready has the loud alarm plus she would only have access to the medications during the time that particular pill container was available to her. The Medready audible alarm settings: 1- 4 per day.  Alarm signal: alternates 5 seconds on, 1 second off . Stops when medication door is opened. Set alarm time interval for 3, 30, 45, 60 or 250 minutes. Alarm will continue to beep for that time interval until the medication door is opened or the alarm time is reached. Alarm sound: similar to microwave alarm. Alarm intensity: 90dB, 2800-3000 Hz. (P1500LF is a lower frequency).

Thank you for your question.

Siincerely, Barbara

 

Question about the Walkabout Lite 4 Wheel Rollator, the Walkabout Contour 4 Wheel Rollator and the Lumex Contour Deluxe Rollators.

Q: "Which of these rollators would best meet my mother's needs? She currently is using a foldable walker. I'd like her to be able to get outside more and think a wheeled walker with a seat is the answer. Thanks. Michelle.

Answer: Among the three rollators, the best choice for both indoor and outdoor use is the Lumex Contour Deluxe Rollator. That is because it has 8 inch wheels for walking across grass and other non-paved surfaces.  6 inch wheels, however, work well for most people who stay on hard surfaces. You did not mention your mom's weight. All three of these units have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. The width and depths of the seats may vary by an inch or so. Most are about 13.5 inches wide by about 12 inches deep. All can be adjusted in height for most average sized persons.

Another choice is the Medline rollator with a 250 lb. weight limit. This unit has a 14 inch x 14 inch seat.

All rollators come with a basket that is removable. It can be placed under the seat or in front for carrying personal items.

I recommend that you verify your mother's weight. If she weighs over 300 lbs., then take a look at bariatric models like the Lumex Imperial Hemi rollatorwith a 20 inch wide seat that is 14.5 inches deep.

Thank you for your question. Please contact us when you've verified your mom's weight.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product HH-MR-1500FLLF MedReady Pill Dispenser With Flashing Light and Low Frequency Alarm.

Q: "My dad cannot hear higher frequencies of sound. He is getting forgetful and needs help remembering to take his pills three times each day. Is the MR-1500FLLF the best choice for him?" Thanks. David

Answer: Medready recognized the need for an automatic pill dispenser with dual reminders. So the 1500FLLF was created. The pitch of the alarm is at a lower frequency plus there is a flashing light reminder.

According to Mayo clinic websites, there now are hearing aids that can help those with high-frequency hearing loss. Those with high-frequency hearing loss have trouble hearing higher pitched voices such as women's and children's voices, and certain parts of speech, such as consonants.   More...

Question about benefits of using a Relief Band Motion Sickness Nerve Stimulation Device instead of a Scopolamine patch for motion sickness.

Q: "I am going on a cruise and am concerned about getting motion sick. My physician suggested the Trans Derm Patch. You put that on behind an ear and it is supposed to work for 3 days without drowsiness. What are the pros and cons of a Reliefband compared to the patch?"Thanks. Sara

Answer: Both products are widely used. Personally, my experience with the Trans Derm patch back in the 1980's was mixed as I was not motion sick but my vision was blurred somewhat. I had followed the instructions about carefully applying the patch. Later I used the Reliefband while riding the Ferris wheel, the carousel and several wilder amusement park rides with absolutely no motion sickness. I've also used it for flu nausea, headache nausea and to help with vertigo symptoms. All uses were successful.   More...