An innovative and advanced soft hip protector garment, designed to reduce fall related injuries, is now available in the UK from a Scottish healthcare company Win Health Ltd., an approved supplier to the NHS. The HipSaver®, US made unique patented product, is the only validated soft hip protector that is a proven and user-friendly alternative to commonly known hard shell hip protector. The HipSaver® is a registered class 1 medical device (Directive 93/42/EEC) and is appropriately CE marked. HipSaver® is available directly from Win Health and/or from the NHS Logistics Authority distribution centres.
Hip fracture is the most serious injury in older people with high costs attached in terms of morbidity and mortality of the elderly population and the costs to the NHS and the society. Currently there are more than 70,000 hip fractures in the UK per year. The effectiveness of external hip protectors has been widely researched and debated, and it is well accepted that when worn, hip protectors can reduce the risk of fall related hip injuries
HipSaver® all soft hip protector garments have been designed with users in mind and effectively address elderly people's health needs. HipSaver's unique patented dual-mechanism energy absorbing and energy shunting airPadT significantly reduces the forces of impact. The airPadT uses open cell foam (developed by NASA to protect astronauts) in an airtight waterproof pouch, which is sewn into the underwear over each hip and, in some models also over the coccyx. In the event of a fall, the initial impact is absorbed by the foam and the air displaced from the open cells of the foam temporarily inflates the pouch in a way similar to automotive air bag, thus dispersing and redistributing the force over a large area and away from vulnerable hip bone to the soft tissues of the buttocks.
HipSavers® are made in four styles for different patient needs, male/female versions and seven sizes for the best fit. HipSavers® TailBone models that incorporate an extra coccyx pad to protect from the effects of backward falling and impact related injuries to coccyx are also available. All HipSavers are lightweight, comfortable, durable and affordable. HipSavers® are replacement underwear that can be washed and dried at very high temperatures (95°C) as required by institutional laundry regulations.
Win Health Ltd is a manufacturer and a supplier of other products that include HipSaver® ActivsT long and/or short comfortable trousers with a combination of sewn-in hip, coccyx and/or knee pads to protect the active elderly people from impact related injuries; FibreFresh® reusable continence products and waterproof beddings; FeetSavers Footwear for the elderly and disabled people and many other innovative products relevant to health and wellness.
A programme entitled "Protecting People from the Effects of Falling" is available free to health and care professionals on VHS video tape.
