Invacare Softform Premier Mattress IPM 1080

Providing the best quality care for patients or loved ones, who have at-home medical needs, starts with finding the best quality comfort available to them. In order to ensure the greatest amount of relief and relaxation, consider investing in the newest high density, high resilience foam mattress model from Invacare: the Softform Premier Mattress IPM 1080.

High Resilience Foam
Compared to a number of other foams used in the industry, the High Resilience (HR) foam used in the Softform Premier Mattress incorporates impressive cell structure technology that boasts many additional benefits related to health as well as comfort:

• Exceptional body contouring
• Optimal supporting force
• Extreme elasticity
• Prolonged comfort life
• Superior pressure redistribution

New & Improved
As the latest Softform mattress from Invacare, the Softform Premier mattress outshines its predecessor, the Softform Excel mattress, in a number of areas. Three of the most signficant improvements include:

1. Patient Risk Level – With the new Softform Premier mattress from Invacare, you can enjoy a greater patient risk level accomodation compared to the Softform Excel. While the Excel model is only suited for patients with risk levels ranging from low to high, the Premier mattress raises the bar to accommodate patients with risk levels all the way from low to very high.

2. Physical Features – For one, the construction of the new Premier model features a single-piece foam “U” core, which facilitates patient transfer by providing effective side-wall support. Additionally, while the older Excel mattress utilizes a “keyhole cut” for its HR foam insert, the Softform Premier foam insert uses a “mushroom cell” foam cut, which has increased comfort levels and greater support than the keyhole foam configuration. Lastly, the mattress cover on the Premier is manufactured with 4-way stretch and high-frequency welded seams - offering more durability and longevity than the Excel’s stitched seam cover.
3. Warranty – Purchasing home medical supplies, such as a hospital-grade mattress, for personal, family or patient use is a big investment, so it’s only natural to be concerned about the quality and lifespan of the products you choose. The Softform Premier mattress comes with a comprehensive warranty, including 8 years of coverage for the foam and 4 years of coverage for the cover. The Excel mattress only guarantees 6 years and 2 years of warranty for the foam and cover.

Clinically Proven Benefits Invacare’s Softform mattresses have been clinically proven to deliver essential benefits to patients, compared to users of traditional mattresses. In clinical studies, the Softform models reduced the prevalence of pressure ulcers from 34% to 7% whereas traditional mattresses only experienced decreases from 30% to 9%.

This top-of-the-line therapeutic foam hospital mattress, from Invacare, can start improving the quality of life of your patients and loved ones today. Save almost 20% off the list price, and receive free shipping when you order from PHC-online.com. Enjoy the long-term health and financial benefits of the Softform Premier Mattress IPM1080 by ordering today.

What is COPD and What Does It Mean for Me?

Do you have difficulty breathing? Most of the time, labored breathing is the result of a rigorous physical workout or strenuous activity. But severe strenuous breathing could also be a symptom of COPD. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is a progressive group of lung diseases that makes breathing difficult by blocking airflow. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD. About 24 million people are affected by COPD in the United States every year.

What is COPD?

COPD is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
In emphysema, the walls of the lungs' alveoli (air sacs) break down, creating fewer, larger alveoli. COPD causes shortness of breath and can lead to oedema and heart failure. It is usually caused by smoking and damage is irreparable.

COPD is not usually something you wake up with one morning. It’s not something that just happens all of a sudden. This is something that happens over time, usually years. So knowing your symptoms early on can help treat the disease and make your life a bit easier.  Let us take a look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for COPD.

Causes of COPD

It’s not just smokers. There are other health problems such as Chronic Bronchitis that can lead to COPD. People who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as those who inhale second-hand smoke, are most vulnerable to COPD. Other cases of COPD are also caused due to prolonged exposure to fumes, chemicals, and dust found in work environments. One more important contributing factor to COPD is genetic factors. A deficiency in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein can lead to COPD. Without this protein, white blood cells begin to harm the lungs, which eventually deteriorate.

The Symptoms of COPD

• Increased breathlessness - People with COPD tend to experience increased breathlessness. As the disease progresses, breathlessness increases
• Chronic cough - Another easily identifiable symptom is chronic cough. This is usually the first symptom for someone suffering from COPD. For most people, it occurs well before the disease has fully developed
• Wheezing - As breathing gets more difficult with time, most people tend to develop wheezing. This makes it even harder to breath

Treatments for COPD

The most common treatment for COPD is oxygen therapy. Oxygen can reduce the shortness of breath and prevent blood oxygen levels from dropping. Most oxygen therapy is done using a portable oxygen concentrator with tubing, which is great for people who would like to continue to live active lifestyles. In addition, many hospitals also use oxygen concentrators that work more quietly and can be kept next to patient beds. These concentrators can also be used at home for people who have limited mobility.

Lastly, there are a few breathing techniques that seem to help with COPD. For example, breathing with pursed lips can help slow down your breathing rate, while keeping airways open longer so that air can reach your lungs. This increases the amount of time you can perform an activity, by improving exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Living with COPD doesn’t have to be as difficult as the disease itself. There are so many advancements in home medical care that allow you to live with it as comfortably as you can. Visit PHC-Online to browse through our selection of oxygen concentrators and other respiratory equipment today.



How to Buy a Wheelchair

Are you planning on just using it to transport a person to and from the doctor, appointments or dinner? Then buy a transport wheelchair. They are lightweight, fold easily and  are very cost effective ($110 - $150).

Do you need a substantial chair the patient can push or self-propel? Buy a standard weight chair. They weigh around 36 lbs.  Costs range $179 - $199.

Looking for a lighter weight wheelchair that is easier for the patient to propel? Try a Lightweight Chair? They weigh around 33 lbs. and cost under $500.

Need a chair with a Recline Back and the Legs Elevate?  Try a Reclining Wheelchair. They weigh 36 - 50 lbs.  Costs from $350 and up. 

Links to more wheelchair information pages: 

• Need a quick lesson in how to measure for a wheelchair?  Measure for Wheelchair
• Here's a complete guide to help you narrow down your search for a wheelchair and focus on the appropriate chair type: How to buy a wheelchair