Breathable Back, The First of It's Kind in Back Cushions
Otto Bock Canada announced in September 2004, the launch of the Otto Bock Breathable™ Back, the first in a future full line of breathable accessories.
Otto Bock developed this Back to address the problem of heat and skin breakdown that can result from sitting in a wheelchair for extended periods of time. This patent-pending product contains a cushion made of Brock™ Foam and a three-dimensional spacer fabric cover. This combination permits airflow through the cushion, distributes heat, and promotes the evaporation of moisture.
“We are very excited to bring this unique product to the market,” said Mark Agro, Vice President, General Manager at Otto Bock Canada. “The Breathable Back will help to create a healthier seating environment for wheelchair users.”
Pressure, heat, moisture, friction, shear and age all contribute to pressure sore development, a very serious health concern for wheelchair users. “The Otto Bock Breathable™ Back effectively addresses all five factors in the development of pressure ulcers,” states Evan Call, director of EC Services, Inc., a product testing facility in Bountiful, Utah.
Results from an independent study conducted by EC Services, show that when compared to Otto Bock’s original back, the Breathable Back transmitted moisture ten times faster and tested equal or better for peak pressure, contact area, and pressure distribution. Throughout time -- the Breathable Back was 35 BTUs cooler, which is enough to melt 35 pounds of ice.
The Breathable Back is available in two widths: 15-17” and 18-20”, and has a weight capacity of 250lbs. Otto Bock’s unique mounting hardware configuration makes the product compatible with most manual wheelchairs available on the market today.
Established in 1958, Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Otto Bock Health Care is the North and South American corporate headquarters of Otto Bock Healthcare, GmbH, based in Duderstadt, Germany. Canada was established in 1978 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and then relocated to Oakville, Ontario. Otto Bock has more than 3,500 employees worldwide and produces over 20,000 types of prosthetic and orthotic components, rehabilitation products and technical plastics, and also provides information technology services.
