Author Archives: Brett F
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Top 5 Patient Lift Belts for a Transfer
A patient lift belt will make transferring patients easier and safer. What is the best patient lift belt to purchase? Check out these top five belts!
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What Mobility Scooter Accessories Do You Need?
Do you have a mobility scooter? Check out our list of top of the line mobility scooter accessories to see which ones you need!
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How to Choose a Wheelchair Cushion: 5 Things to Consider
If you or a loved one sit in a wheelchair for long periods, you know that purchasing a wheelchair cushion isn’t as simple as picking out a nice pillow. Finding a wheelchair cushion with a comfortable cushion is crucial to ensuring the convenience and positioning of the person using it. The right cushion can improve your posture, decrease skin breakdown, and even make travel easier. However, purchasing the wrong cushion can do just the opposite, making the individual who uses a wheelchair uncomfortable. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five things you should know about how to choose a wheelchair cushion. What You Should Know About How to Choose a Wheelchair Cushion! 1. Skin Protection When you think of skin protection, you may be thinking of comfort. While comfort is a huge component, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. In essence, many cushions help prevent skin breakdown. One way a cushion can prevent skin breakdown is by aiding in proper weight distribution. By distributing your weight evenly on the seat, you won’t have as much pressure on localized areas of your skin. In other words, you’ll be able to sit for extended periods in complete comfort if you have a wheelchair cushion that prevents skin breakdown. So it’s important to asses how much protection you’ll need. Do you already suffer from skin breakdown or are at high risk for it? You may consider purchasing a cushion such as the Invacare Matrx Flo-Tech, which is specially made for those with preexisting tissue damage or are at the highest risk for skin breakdown. On the other hand, if you are at low risk for skin breakdown, you may consider purchasing a cheaper cushion. 2. Posture Support If you have difficulty with lower extremity positioning and alignment or have poor posture, you may consider purchasing a cushion that can help you. These cushions are often adjustable, so you kind find just the right positioning for your pelvis and lower extremities. This helps to relieve pain in the back, shoulders, hips, and other areas of the body. If you are looking for a cushion with the best posture help, consider purchasing the ROHO Hybrid Elite or the ROHO Nexus. These cushions are built with stability in mind, making it easy to transfer patients in and out of chairs, distribute weight evenly, and position the body for optimum posture. 3. Size and Weight Wheelchair cushions come in many sizes. They can range from twelve inches in width to twenty-six inches. Additionally, the cushion’s thickness can be anywhere from one inch to four inches. In the end, make sure it fits the width of the wheelchair seat and isn’t too tall or too short for your particular needs. Additionally, a heavy cushion can make independent travel harder for patients because it puts added weight to the chair. The ROHO LTV Seat Cushion, for example, is incredibly lightweight and supportive. On the other hand, the Drive Medical Titanium/Foam Wheelchair Cushion would be a better option for bariatric patients because it can redistribute larger amounts of weight. 4. Cushion Cover The cushion isn’t the only thing you need to think about when finding one for purchase. You also need to consider the type of cushion that comes with it. Is the cover on the cushion washable? Is it fluid-resistant? A cover like this is easier to clean. Additionally, you will want a cover that is soft to the touch and comfortable against the skin. Perhaps you would even prefer a slip-resistant cover. The Invacare Matrix Flo-Tech cover has all of these amenities. The outer cover is moisture-resistant, breathable, and has a non-slip base. This is one of the best cushions on the market! 5. Material Cushions can be made from a variety of materials. Some are made with foam, others with gel, and some are full of air. Still, other cushions are made with a mixture of materials. Overall, no one material is better than another. Air cushions are lightweight and make the base more breathable and adjustable for patients. Foam ones offer support, and gel adds comfort. Of course, there are more benefits to each type of cushion. Often, the cushions with more than one material offer more benefits such as support, breathability, and skin protection. Find Affordable Wheelchair Cushions That Will Suit Your Needs! Amica Medical Supply has the best quality wheelchair cushions at affordable prices! Whether you need a cheap cushion for general use or a top-notch cushion to improve posture, prevent skin deterioration, and help with pressure relief, Amica has the products for you! In fact, their prices start at just $33.50! To see a full list of available products, you can shop here for wheelchair cushions or contact Amica Medical Supply for more information about how to choose a wheelchair cushion that’s right for you
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Why Buy a Tilt In Space Wheelchair?
Did you know that there are many different kinds of wheelchairs to accommodate different needs? For example, some of the different types include standard, lightweight, transport, electric, and tilt in space wheelchairs. Tilt in space wheelchairs are unique because they allow the patient to recline as the seating system rotates around a fixed or sliding pivot point. Why buy a tilt in space wheelchair? Here are all of the benefits! 5 Benefits of a Tilt In Space Wheelchair 1. Pressure Relief Using the recline feature, a typical tilt in space wheelchair can tilt back about forty-five degrees. Some can even angle back fifty-five degrees. Why is this significant? The benefit of reclining can provide comfort and reduce the moderate risk of skin ulcerations that patients can face in a manual wheelchair. How? Whether you realize it or not, while seated, you are adjusting or moving your position every few minutes. This is a natural thing people do to relieve pressure while sitting down, especially for long periods. However, people with cerebral palsy, muscle disease, or spinal cord injury can’t move on their own. That’s where a tilt in space wheelchair comes in! They allow individuals to change positions often for optimal comfort. This reduces the amount of pressure placed on various areas of the back and lessens the risk of ulcers, enabling independent body movement. The Tilt-in-Space VIP-515, for example, is one of the best wheelchairs on the market. The mobility aid of the VIP-515 shifts the center of gravity from zero to thirty-five degrees to relieve pressure for patients. 2. Recumbent Positioning Some patients must lay back at all times. For example, if you or your patient has edema, the legs must be positioned at the level of or above the heart. Tilt in space wheelchairs are the only type of wheelchairs that can successfully achieve this position. Similarly, if the patient suffers from dizziness, s/he may need to lay back in a recumbent or semi-recumbent position. Tilt in space wheelchairs can effectively achieve comfortable positioning for this purpose. The MVP Ergo Reclining Wheelchair can move to a fully reclined position of 160 degrees! If you need a wheelchair that allows you to move to a fully recumbent position, the MVP Ergo Reclining Wheelchair is the one to buy! 3. Improved Posture and Stability Tilt in space wheelchairs provides the best support for patients who cannot move on their own. Because of the optimum postural help, they can even help to correct curvature of the spine, such as in scoliosis. Additionally, even a slight tilt can help prevent the patient from falling or slipping out of the chair, making it a much safer wheelchair for individuals who cannot move on their own. All in all, the wheelchair provides stability and balance for patients while still allowing them some independence. The tilt system also helps to position the patient’s head and trunk, which allows patients to maintain a clear line of sight without holding themselves up all day. Moreover, not all wheelchairs have armrests, foot and leg rest, and a headrest. If you or your patient needs these components, the tilt in space may be the best option for you! They ensure the patient is comfortable and secure at all times. The Drive Kanga Tilt in Space Wheelchair comes equipped with a depth-adjustable seat, a five-point harness, hip guides, lateral supports, and a curved headrest for the best full-body support possible. 4. Long-Term Use If you or your patient must spend all day or long hours in a wheelchair, s/he will benefit from a tilt in space. As discussed, the reclining features of the chair allow patients to reposition themselves throughout the day, preventing them from becoming uncomfortable after just a few hours of sitting. All in all, tilt in space wheelchairs are ideal for people who spend much of their time in a wheelchair because it allows them to remain comfortable and secure for extended periods. 5. Easy to Transport Many people think of tilt in space wheelchairs as big and bulky pieces of equipment. However, many of the chairs fold down, are lightweight, and can fit into a typical car. In fact, the Solara 3G is one of the most lightweight wheelchairs on the market, weighing only 34.5 pounds! Similarly, the Drive Kanga Tilt in Space Wheelchair can fold down for easy transport. Find the Perfect Tilt in Space Wheelchair Today! Now you know how a tilt in space wheelchair could improve a patient’s quality of life by making them more comfortable, it’s time to start shopping for one. The best place to find all your medical supplies is at Amica. Amica Medical Supply has the best quality tilt in space wheelchairs for sale at the best prices. So what are you waiting for? Shop for tilt in space wheelchairs today or contact Amica Medical Supply for more information about their products
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Best Cheap Patient Lifts for Transfers
Patient Lifts help to transfer patients from place to place securely. More than anything, they make transferring individuals safe for both the caretaker and the patient. However, some lifts can cost thousands of dollars with top-of-the-line lifts costing as much as $12,000! There are affordable options for patient lifts out there, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for a better price. That’s why we’ve found the best, most affordable patient lifts out there and compiled them in this list! Generally, manual lifts are cheaper than electric ones. Therefore, all of the manual lifts on this page are under $1,000, and all the electric lifts are under $1,700. That’s right! You can save thousands of dollars and still get a great-quality lift. Read on to find out which lift is best for you! Check Out These High-Quality Cheap Patient Lifts! Manual Lifts 1. Invacare 9805 Hydraulic Manual Patient Lift The Invacare 9805 Hydraulic Manual Patient Lift is one of the cheapest patient lifts on the market, costing only $460! This lift has a six-point swivel bar and a slim design, making it versatile in almost any homecare situation! 2. Lumex Patient Hydraulic Lift Lumex Patient Hydraulic Lift comes in blue or black and silver and only costs $525.95. For only $40 more, you can get the Lumex Patient Hydraulic lift with the foot pedal. These lifts can be disassembled for easy storage. Additionally, each is equipped with a six-point spreader bar that rotates 360 degrees and a hydraulic pump handle that makes it easy to lift patients. 3. Medline Hydraulic 400 Manual Patient Lift Medline Hydraulic 400 Manual Patient Lift costs only $625. This model comes with a padded, six-point sling full-body sling for optimum comfort. Additionally, this lift can pick up patients from the floor and has easy positioning. 4. PL400H Hydraulic Manual Patient Lift PL400H Hydraulic Manual Patient Lift costs $707.95 and is incredibly durable. It can be disassembled for transport, has a rear casters lock, and a unique foot pedal that opens the base to allow easy access to chairs and commodes. Additionally, this is the only hydraulic lift on the market that can be converted to a power lift with a simple upgrade! That means you get a cheap patient lift, and you always have the option to make it a high-end electric lift in the future! 5. Hoyer Hydraulic Lifter Manual Patient Lift Hoyer Hydraulic Lifter Manual Patient Lift is a top of the line lift and is only $899. The unique hydraulic pump handle allows for easy operation on either side of the lift. You can even pick up patients from the floor! The adjustable base spreads quickly with a hand lever, allowing it to fit through doorways and around large chairs while still being stable. Hoyer patient lifts are some of the best on the market, and this is the most affordable one! Electric Lifts 1. Bestlift PL182 Full Body Patient Lift The Bestlift PL182 Full Body Patient Lift is one of the cheapest electric lifts on the market at only $1,050. This lift has new electronics with 24/7 capacity and a new hand-operated base opening. Moreover, it eas designed with durability, stability, and safety in mind. 2. Bestlift PL400HE Electric Patient Lift Bestlift PL400HE Electric Patient Lift costs $1,099, is simple to assemble, and comes with rechargeable batteries for years of trouble-free use. It even has an emergency backup system. Additionally, it has a low base to fit comfortably under beds and a foot pedal to open the legs around chairs and commode. 3. Bestlift PL400HE Portable Electric Lift Bestlift PL400HE Portable Electric Lift costs $1,150 and is a portable lift. It easily folds down in three steps, allowing it to fit in the trunk of a car. If the battery fails, there is a backup manual release mechanism. You can also add-on the weight mechanism, which weighs the patient while s/he is being transferred. 4. Bestlift PL400 Full Body Electric Patient Lift Bestlift PL400 Full Body Electric Patient Lift costs $1,399 and is the best affordable option for facility transfers. The base easily opens, a low-clearance base, and a heavy-duty multi-tilt spreader bar. This model also comes with an optional scale to weigh patients mid-transfer. 5. Medline Power Elevating 400 Electric Patient Lift Medline Power Elevating 400 Electric Patient Lift costs $1,650 and has a power-operated base, which allows the legs to be positioned where you need them. It also has floor pick-up capabilities, emergency stop, manual lowering, and an audible warning when the battery gets low. Additionally, the four-point cradle design minimizes patient sway. Purchase Your Cheap Patient Lift Today! Amica Medical Supply has the best quality cheap patient lifts for you to purchase. No matter what kind of lift you need, Amica Medical Supply has it at an affordable price. In addition to lifts, they also have slings, transfer boards, and various parts and accessories for your lifts! In the end, Amica Medical Supply has all the cheap patient lifts listed above and so much more! Shop Amica’s patient lifts today to find out which affordable option is best for you
