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- Brevard County nonprofit working with company to serve the disabled
Greg Pallone, Spectrum News 13 The nonprofit Brevard Achievement Center has partnered with Kalogon to help produce the world's first "smart" wheelchair cushion. (Spectrum News 13/Greg Pallone) BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A new partnership between a Brevard County nonprofit and a local company is bringing relief to those with disabilities. For Chris Coxwell, 28, the project is personal. As a Brevard Achievement Center employee, Coxwell is working on the assembly line for Kalogon, a company creating the world’s first “smart” wheelchair cushion. Coxwell assembles the parts that make up the cushion, which is made partially by 3D printer. According to the CDC, half of the country’s wheelchair users will develop pressure injuries over their lifetime. “The fact that it helps a lot of people, and potentially my cousin,” Coxwell said. READ FULL ARTICLE ON SPECTRUM NEWS 13
- Former SpaceX engineers design smart cushions for wheelchairs
Sue Dewerff, Viera Voice Evan Rosenberg, left, the principle engineer designer, Nathan Atkinson, user experience engineer, and Tim Balz, the founder and CEO, expect to begin selling the smart cushions nationally. Approximately half of the more than three million wheelchair users in the U.S. will at some point develop pressure sore injuries. Viera-based Kalogon Smart Cushions founder and CEO Tim Balz and his team of former SpaceX engineers began their quest more than a year ago to create a cushion designed to alleviate pain by redistributing pressure points. It ultimately accelerates healing while delivering long-lasting comfort for wheelchair users. Last month, the company announced it will begin selling the smart wheelchair cushions nationally. READ FULL ARTICLE ON VIERA VOICE
- Kalogon launches "world’s first smart wheelchair cushion" for treatment of pressure injuries
Liane McIver, THIS. Florida-based mobility startup Kalogon has announced the launch of what it calls the “world’s first smart wheelchair cushion” to support the healing and prevention of pressure injuries and improve comfort for extended wheelchair use. Developed by ex-SpaceX engineers – the aerospace company started by Elon Musk – Kalogon describes the cushion as being designed to “assist in the healing and prevention of pressure ulcers or bedsores.” The company notes that approximately half of wheelchair users will develop pressure injuries in their lifetimes, yet the cushions people use today were invented before the personal computer. READ FULL ARTICLE ON THIS.
- Smart pressure-reducing wheelchair cushion helps users sit for twice as long
Sarah Sarsby, AT Today US-based mobility start-up Kalogon has launched what it says is the world’s first and only smart wheelchair cushion that alleviates pain, delivers long-lasting comfort, and treats pressure injuries. The smart cushions innovatively sense and redistribute pressure points to support the healing and prevention of injuries. They are designed to improve comfort for extended wheelchair user. Kalogon Smart Cushions feature patent-pending air cell technology and intelligent pressure sensors, which analyse pressure points in real-time and intelligently redistribute weight to alleviate pain, accelerate healing of pressure injuries, and deliver longer-lasting comfort. READ FULL ARTICLE ON ATTODAY
- Kalogon's Inaugural Seating & Sitting Survey
Over One-third of Americans Sit More Than 8 Hours Per Day, Finds New Research from Kalogon Kalogon Showcases Smart Seating Solutions at CES 2024 to Improve Comfort and Reduce Pain LAS VEGAS (Jan. 9, 2024) - At CES 2024, Kalogon, a leader in smart seating solutions, today released new research that found more than one-third (38%) of Americans are sitting for more than eight hours per day, and most respondents feel discomfort after sitting just 30 minutes to four hours. In its 2024 Seating and Sitting Survey of over 1,000 U.S. adults, Kalogon studied the duration and physical effects of sitting to understand how it impacts overall wellness. Seating & Sitting Chart Previous research by the CDC in 2018 found that 25% of the population spent more than eight hours a day sitting, signaling that adults are now sitting longer than just a few years ago – and they’re uncomfortable. In addition to showing signs of discomfort starting at just 30 minutes, 13% of respondents had experienced a pressure injury from sitting. Pressure injuries and their complications claim the lives of 60,000 Americans annually, establishing them as a top cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The survey also found: 23% of people have taken medication to increase seated comfort; 41% have taken extra breaks to move to increase comfort More than half (58%) of people at least somewhat agree that they have a goal to sit much less frequently Nearly three-fourths (74%) of people at least somewhat agree that they are highly aware of the health risks of prolonged sitting Health tech is ‘behind’ “There are myriad reasons why people sit for extended times – due to their jobs, disabilities and more,” said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. “While it’s noble to encourage more movement, we can’t ignore the very valid reasons why people need to sit and must strive to improve seated wellness for those who do. Seating hasn’t been disrupted in 50 years, but we can massively improve our seated health by applying the best in health tech available to our butts.” Kalogon’s smart seating solutions are ushering in a new era for those who spend an extended time sitting. At Kalogon’s booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall, #8939, CES attendees will have the opportunity to experience the future of seating. Orbiter by Kalogon combines machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology to redistribute weight and increase comfort by maintaining blood flow. A connected app enables users, caregivers and clinicians to personalize their experience based on each user's needs. Early customers of Kalogon’s Orbiter reported significant improvements in overall comfort, accelerated healing, and an ability to sit up to two times longer. Kalogon will demo the cushion for a range of applications requiring prolonged periods of sitting, such as mobility device use, trucking, transportation workers, pilots and more. For more information, visit https://www.kalogon.com/. Methodology The survey was conducted for this report using Centiment online survey tools. The sample of 1,045 individuals in the United States was surveyed between October 20, 2023, and November 29, 2023. The data set is available for academic researchers by contacting the Kalogon Research Team at science@kalogon.com. About Kalogon Kalogon revolutionizes how the world sits through technological innovation, cutting-edge research and an obsession with user experience. By prioritizing empathy-driven design and embracing inclusivity, we aim to set a new benchmark in seating solutions for those who spend an extended time sitting, inspiring positive change in the industry. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to lead active, seated lives with enhanced comfort and well-being. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com
- Kalogon Smart Cushion Shows Promising Results in Improving Blood Flow, According to New Research Paper
Published in the Journal of Tissue Viability, Orbiter by Kalogon’s offload sequence was found to improve blood circulation compared to static modes Melbourne, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2024) - Kalogon, a leader in smart seating solutions, today released the findings of a study investigating how its Orbiter smart cushion affects blood flow. The research, conducted in collaboration with EC-Service Labs and published in the Journal of Tissue Viability on February 11, 2024, reveals promising results for improving blood flow perfusion. The study focused on the air-bladder offloading mode of Kalogon's Orbiter cushion and its impact on reactive hyperemia in the gluteal region of non-disabled individuals. Reactive hyperemia is a physiological mechanism that regulates the local blood flow after a temporary obstruction of blood vessels. The degree of reactive hyperemia depends on the degree of occlusion, a higher level indicates a higher degree of occlusion. By utilizing a high-resolution image system to measure blood flow during different seating experiences, researchers analyzed the effects of using Orbiter's offload sequence compared to static modes. The results indicate that when using Orbiter's offload sequence mode, there was less reactive hyperemia compared to static modes without offloading benefits. In other words, Kalogon's air bladder system within the cushion significantly improves blood flow and circulation in the gluteal tissue among non-disabled participants. "The outcomes of this study reinforce the early feedback and experiences of our customers – Orbiter improves comfort and aids in offloading that is difficult to do manually," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. "We strive to transform how people sit comfortably for extended periods, and this research marks an important step towards achieving that goal and gaining scientific validation for our innovations." While these initial findings highlight significant progress toward understanding blood flow improvement mechanisms associated with Orbiter, further research is needed to understand the full effects of the cushion. Kalogon has developed a continuing education course for occupational and physical therapists including insights from this research, addressing how to identify those that will benefit from posture/positioning interventions and how to provide comprehensive assessments and dynamic treatment plans for those with posture and positioning needs. “Using high-resolution imaging to study the impact of the Kalogon wheelchair cushion on blood flow in the gluteal area,” Sandra Arias-Guzman, Craig Oberg, Kasey Call, Marianne Russon, Evan Call, Journal of Tissue Viability, online February 11, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2024.02.003 For more information, visit https://www.kalogon.com/. About Kalogon Kalogon revolutionizes how the world sits through technological innovation, cutting-edge research and an obsession with user experience. By prioritizing empathy-driven design and embracing inclusivity, we aim to set a new benchmark in seating solutions for those who spend an extended time sitting, inspiring positive change in the industry. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to lead active, seated lives with enhanced comfort and well-being. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com
- Kalogon Debuts New Orbiter Accessories to Increase Independence and Confidence for Customers who use wheelchairs
Live an active seated life with Kalogon’s new cushion accessories that adapt to wheelchair users’ needs Melbourne, Fla. (March 12, 2024) - Kalogon, a leader in smart seating solutions, today debuted a new line of accessories to make its Orbiter smart cushion more adaptable to each user’s unique needs. Kalogon aims to increase customers’ independence and confidence when on the go with Orbiter. Orbiter by Kalogon is a smart cushion proven to increase blood flow while sitting. Its proprietary air-cell technology analyzes and adjusts pressure points in real time to redistribute weight and maintain blood flow for people who spend extended time sitting. Now publicly available, Kalogon’s expanded line of Orbiter products includes: XLR charger – charge Orbiter from the port on most power wheelchairs with a three-pin XLR port Extender – turn Orbiter on/off or charge it in three to four hours without leaving your seat Incontinence covers – protect Orbiter with an easy-to-clean, waterproof cover that goes discreetly under your existing Orbiter cover Replacement covers – change colors or add a spare Orbiter cover for more flexibility while on the go; replacement covers are machine washable and offered in two colorways Improved mounting kit – now included with every Orbiter purchase is a mounting kit designed to fit even more wheelchair model and includes velcro for attachments "Our team is continuously iterating and improving the Orbiter user experience, and each accessory has been designed in response to customer feedback," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. "These enhancements empower Orbiter customers with the confidence to be more independent when using our products and live an active seated life. Orbiter has already made a significant impact on the lives of wheelchair users, and we are always striving to make it more accessible for current and future customers." Learn more about all Orbiter products and connect with a representative at Kalogon.com. About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating, offering patent-pending solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon’s core technology integrates custom molding, dynamic motion and ambient sensing to provide personalized, healthy seating. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com
- Kalogon Unveils Orbiter Med: A Medicare-Approved Custom Wheelchair Cushion for Pressure Management and Postural Support
Kalogon’s latest innovation in custom smart seating receives CMS coding approval, accelerating health insurance coverage for tech-powered wheelchair cushions. Melbourne, Fla. (April 11, 2024) - Kalogon, a leader in smart seating solutions, today unveiled a new custom wheelchair cushion, Orbiter Med, which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved for the use of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Code E2609 to bill Medicare. For the first time, Orbiter Med combines Kalogon’s groundbreaking Advanced Pressure Management (APM) system with the individualized postural support of a custom cushion reimbursable by insurance. Pressure injuries (PI) are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, and more than 50% of people who use wheelchairs have experienced a PI from sitting. However, people who use wheelchairs have had to compromise by choosing to focus on either structural support or skin integrity. Orbiter Med is custom fabricated based on each patient’s unique seating and positioning requirements - needs that can’t sufficiently be satisfied by a prefabricated seating system. Each Orbiter Med cushion features Kalogon’s groundbreaking APM system clinically proven to improve blood flow and is built to provide postural support customizations designated by a clinician, seating specialist or therapist. "Our first Orbiter cushion was created out of a need for innovation in seating for people at higher risk for pressure injuries, who have been ignored for decades," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. "Orbiter has been proven to improve blood flow and has already changed the lives of countless customers living active seated lives, but we know that one size doesn’t fit all. Orbiter Med is a fully customized system that blends the best technology in pressure management with tailored stability and postural support specific to a patient’s needs." APM uses a combination of machine learning and air cell technology to intelligently redistribute weight based on personalized settings set by a clinician in the Kalogon App. Users and clinicians can fine-tune their pressure levels and optimize their seating experience for different activities with the Kalogon App. Clinicians can select multiple cushion modifications, including variable sizes of medial and lateral supports, options for leg length discrepancies, residual limb support and more. Kalogon has partnered with National Seating & Mobility, North America’s largest provider of comprehensive mobility solutions, as the launch dealer for Orbiter Med in the United States. “National Seating & Mobility is proud to bring breakthrough technologies to market that will enhance the safety and lifestyle of the people we serve,” said Darren Lowman, chief supply chain officer at National Seating & Mobility. “Our collaboration with Kalogon will secure cushion demos for evaluative purposes in addition to technical training for our Assistive Technology Professionals to ensure our teams are prepared to make this wound prevention solution available in clinics nationally.” Orbiter Med represents the next stage in Kalogon's commitment to providing top-of-the-line products accessible to everyone who needs them. “More often than not, health innovation moves faster than regulation, creating economic barriers for the patients who could most benefit from technological advancements,” said Balz. “Patients shouldn’t have to sacrifice insurance coverage for the best technology available on the market. Earning CMS approval for Orbiter Med is a huge milestone in making our seating solutions more accessible. We take every piece of customer feedback to heart and thank all those who helped us test each iteration of Orbiter Med. This achievement is a testament to our team’s relentless effort to continuously improve our products.” Clinicians and seating specialists can order Orbiter Med by contacting Kalogon to be connected to their local representative at Kalogon.com, with cushions starting to ship in Summer 2024. Learn More https://www.kalogon.com/orbiter-med About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating, offering patent-pending solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon’s core technology integrates custom molding, dynamic motion and ambient sensing to provide personalized, healthy seating. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com
- Smart Seating Startup Kalogon Secures $1.2M in Funding to Fuel Product and Team Expansion
With an oversubscribed extended seed round, Kalogon will expand product offerings leveraging its Advanced Pressure Management (APM) system New funding will also bolster R&D and sales with commercial and military aviation partners, such as the U.S. Air Force MELBOURNE, Fla. (May 30, 2024) - Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced it has raised $1.2 million in extended seed funding to expand its line of products built for an active, seated life. Sawmill Angels, M7, SeedFundersOrlando, AARP and additional angels participated in the oversubscribed seed extension. Kalogon is pioneering a new category of smart seating solutions clinically proven to improve blood flow. Using its patent-pending Advanced Pressure Management (APM) system, Kalogon cushions feature a unique combination of foam, air bladders, sensors and software to automatically and dynamically adjust to the person sitting on them. Traditional cushions can reduce blood flow, leading to discomfort, pain and even pressure injuries for people who sit for long periods, such as wheelchair users, truckers, transportation workers, commercial pilots and more. Kalogon cushions analyze pressure points in real time, intelligently redistribute weight and increase comfort for those who sit for extended periods. The company will use the funds to bolster R&D and go-to-market following a stand-out year of product advancements and record sales. Kalogon has widened its footprint through partnerships with the world’s largest mobility device distributors – such as Etac and National Seating & Mobility – and has completed the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP’s accelerator program. The company also recently completed a Phase 1 SBIR contract with the U.S. Air Force and published research in the Journal of Tissue Viability that demonstrated the efficacy of Kalogon’s APM system. After record-breaking sales in Q1 2024, Kalogon announced its first Medicare-approved wheelchair cushion – OrbiterTM Med – increasing its market by 10x and accelerating reimbursement for medical use. “Kalogon is on an impressive trajectory, propelling the entire industry forward to provide solutions for health conditions that have been ignored for far too long,” said Jeff Ready, investor at Sawmill Angels and board member at Kalogon. “Kalogon has the potential to not only serve the medical industry with better mobility products but also solve complex seating problems in aviation, transportation, the public sector and many more industries, and we are proud to support their next growth phase.” “This funding is validation for the hard work and tangible results driven by our team in the last year,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “With our relentless pursuit of science-backed innovation and an unwavering dedication to the user experience, we are ushering in a new future for seated wellness. The partnerships and product developments we have achieved recently have opened new doors, and this round will help us further expand our offerings and availability in the market.” For more information on Kalogon, visit https://www.kalogon.com/ About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating, offering patent-pending solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon’s core technology integrates custom molding, adaptive motion and ambient sensing to provide personalized, healthy seating. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com
- Companies To Check Out This National Disability Employment Awareness Month
At Kalogon, we actively promote different experiences within our team, board, and advisory group by embracing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We are committed to hiring individuals with various backgrounds, which helps us better understand the challenges our users face. This collection of mission-driven employees reflects our belief that unique experiences lead to better solutions. We foster a culture of empathy and inclusion through initiatives like sharing personal stories about mobility and seating challenges, hosting a book club to encourage diverse discussions, and gathering ongoing feedback from the wheelchair-using community through our Kalogon Flyers program. As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we wanted to shed light on some organizations we admire who emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion of employees with disabilities: 2. 2Gether-International 2Gether-International is changing the game for disabled founders. They run a startup accelerator that helps entrepreneurs with disabilities turn their ideas into successful businesses. By offering mentorship, access to capital, and a robust support network, 2Gether-International ensures that innovators with disabilities are able to lead the way in their industry. Their commitment to leveling the playing field for these entrepreneurs is helping create a future where diverse voices drive innovation. 2. DiscoverAbility DiscoverAbility partners with Florida’s Department of Education to provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) for people with disabilities, offering participants real-world work experience and skills training. DiscoverAbility’s model connects people with meaningful, paid work while supporting employers in building more inclusive teams. Their program helps bridge the gap between ability and opportunity, making a tangible difference in people’s lives. 3. Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council INSILC plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities across Indiana. Led primarily by individuals with disabilities, this council ensures that disability voices are at the heart of decision-making processes. Their work focuses on promoting independent living and equal opportunities through policy and community engagement. By empowering individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves, INSILC is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable state.
- The Mental Toll of Pressure Injuries: Addressing the Psychological Impacts on Caregivers and Patients
by Nchimunya Mwiinga A Pressure Injury (PI) is a localized area of damage that affects the skin and, potentially, the underlying tissues, usually occurring over a bony prominence. It can manifest as either intact skin or an open wound, and it arises due to sustained pressure applied to that area for an extended period of time (Bharucha et al., 2018). PIs develop as a result of mechanical loads such as friction but usually occur amongst people that spend most of their time sitting like wheelchairs users, patients with Spinal cord Injury and patients bedridden in Intensive Care Unit. A Combination of external forces as well as weight, internal forces and other factors such as bone anatomy, microclimate and tissue thresholds, integratedly lead to either internal deep tissue injury or deformation of cells, which eventually leads to a reduction in blood fall in the loaded areas, which consequently leads to the development of a pressure injury(Grey et al., 2006, Gefen et al., 2022). Statistical data shows that an estimate of between 1 and 3 million individuals in the United States experience pressure injuries each year (Mondragon & Zito, 2024). The incidence rate varies depending on the clinical setting. For instance, the prevalence of pressure injuries among patients admitted to hospitals ranges from 5% to 15%, while the percentage tends to be considerably higher in long-term care facilities and intensive care units. This emphasizes the urgency with which PIs should be addressed (Mondragon & Zito, 2024). While the physiological impact of PIs is well-documented, the psychological ramifications for both caregivers and patients are often overlooked. This blog reviews some of the research work that has been done in analyzing the relationship between pressure injuries and psychological well-being. By exploring this work, we can understand the importance of a holistic approach towards healing and treatment of pressure injuries, emphasizing the importance of mental health for all parties involved. Pressure Injuries and Patient Psychological Wellbeing Patients with pressure injuries often experience a range of psychological effects beyond physical discomfort and pain. They may experience feelings of humiliation, social isolation, and a loss of a sense of autonomy, which can be emotionally and mentally challenging (Qian et al., 2024). Due to the close care required for treatment, patients may struggle with anxiety, which can lead to feelings of helplessness. Social withdrawal could result from stigmas surrounding wounds from people around them, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and desolation. The malodors and leakage associated with pressure injuries have been shown to also contribute to patients' social withdrawal and feelings of humiliation (Charalambos et al., 2018). Harding-Okimoto (1997, as cited in Charalambos et al., 2018) interviewed patients with pressure injuries and found that they often experienced negative body-image perceptions, which can be highly distressing and lead to mental complications such as depression and social anxiety. Further research shows that other factors are likely to affect one's mental well-being regarding having a pressure injury. Qian et al. (2024), in a study examining 215 patients with pressure injuries, found a direct relationship between a patient's level of depression and the progression of the pressure injury stages. Patients with more severe injuries reported higher levels of depression. Additionally, they found an inverse relationship between the length of care and quality of life – the longer the duration of the pressure injury, the lower the reported quality of life scores. Qian et al. (2024) found that patients' anxiety levels increased with age, which may be attributed to mobility and health issues over time, as well as a higher susceptibility to pressure injuries accompanying aging. Pressure Injuries and Caregivers Psychological Wellbeing The psychological consequences associated with pressure injuries do not only exist in the patients but the caregivers as well. Caregivers, whether healthcare professionals, spouses, or relatives, face significant challenges and stressors when managing pressure injuries. Qian et al. (2024) also examined 216 caregivers along with 215 patients and found that caregivers experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to patients. They also found that the location, particularly sacral and ischial injuries, of a pressure injury was found to be a significant determinant of more extensive care, placing a heavy burden on caregivers. This implies that caregivers had invested more of their time and emotional capacity to be available and present for their patients. Furthermore, the study revealed a direct correlation between caregiver stress and the progression of pressure injury stages, reflecting the impact of the injury's severity on caregivers' mental well-being. The psychological toll on caregivers is multifaceted. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout can arise from the demanding nature of providing care for patients with pressure injuries. The need for constant vigilance, attending to wound care, and managing pain can be emotionally and physically taxing. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing caregiver stress and the need for support systems and self-care strategies. Neglecting the emotional well-being of caregivers can lead to burnout, compromised quality of care, and negative patient outcomes. Psychological ramifications experienced by both groups Quin et al. (2024) found a statistically significant correlation between patient depression and caregiver burden, reflecting the patient-caregiver dynamics present when treating pressure injuries. They also discovered that the sleep quality of both patients and caregivers deteriorated as the pressure injury stage became more severe. Patients experienced sleep difficulties due to pain, while caregivers had to provide heightened nocturnal care. Similarly, depression and stress levels increased for both parties as the pressure injury progressed, highlighting the direct correlation between injury severity and psychological distress. Notably, as caregivers' burden increased, there was a significant rise in the probability of patients experiencing high levels of depression. They also found a correlation between the duration or length of care provided and the well-being of both patients and caregivers, with both groups experiencing lower levels of mental well-being as the length of care increased. Integrating Mental Health in Pressure Injury Care: A Holistic Approach The interconnectedness of physical and mental health in pressure injury care cannot be overlooked. Charalambos et al. (2018) suggest that stress can impair the healing process in humans, thereby affecting the treatment of pressure injuries. They discuss how stress can impair the healing process by affecting various biochemicals and hormones essential for wound healing. Ebrecht et al.(2004) found that as perceived stress increased, the speed of wound healing decreased, highlighting the direct impact of psychological factors on physical recovery. To address this, a holistic approach that integrates mental health support is crucial. Incorporating mental health professionals into care teams can ensure that both the physical and psychological needs of patients and caregivers are addressed. Open communication and education about the psychological impacts of pressure injuries can empower caregivers and patients to prioritize their mental well-being. Furthermore, technological innovations like Kalogon's products can play a significant role in alleviating the burden on both patients and caregivers. By promoting autonomy, mobility, and advanced air pressure management, these devices can restore - to some degree - a sense of control and independence for patients, while reducing the caregiving demands on loved ones or healthcare professionals. For instance, products such as the Booster are useful for leak detection in air-based cushions, maintaining pressure in case of a leak, and adjusting to environmental pressure changes, which can reduce the anxiety that deflation may result from unexpected deflation. Meanwhile, products like the Orbiter and Arbiter Med can assist wheelchair users with pressure offloading and pressure control, all of which help patients and ease the burden on caregivers. Collaboration between healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and companies like Kalogon can pave the way for a comprehensive approach to pressure injury care, addressing the multifaceted needs of all parties involved. Conclusion The relationship between pressure injuries and psychological well-being is undeniable. Patients with PIs often experience negative emotions, social isolation, and a diminished quality of life, while caregivers grapple with stress, anxiety, and burnout from the demands of providing care. Neglecting mental health can impede the healing process and exacerbate the detrimental impacts of pressure injuries. To truly promote holistic healing and well-being, it is crucial to integrate mental health support into pressure injury care plans. By acknowledging and addressing the psychological needs of both patients and caregivers, healthcare providers can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to treatment. Additionally, leveraging innovative technologies that restore autonomy and alleviate caregiver burdens can further support a multifaceted approach to pressure injury management. Prioritizing mental health is not only a matter of compassion but also a fundamental aspect of effective pressure injury care and overall well-being. Kalogon is not just concerned about improving the sitting lives of its clients but also their holistic well-being. References Bharucha, J. B., Seaman, L., Powers, M., Kelly, E., Seaman, R., Forcier, L., McGinnis, J., Nodiff, I., Pawlak, B., Snyder, S., Nodiff, S., Patel, R., Squitieri, R., & Wang, L. (2018). A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial of a Novel, Noninvasive Perfusion Enhancement System for the Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Sacral Pressure Injuries. Journal of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing : official publication of The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society, 45(4), 310–318. https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000450 Charalambous, C., Vassilopoulos, A., Koulouri, A., Eleni, S., Popi, S., Antonis, F., Pitsillidou,M., & Roupa, Z. (2018). The Impact of Stress on Pressure Ulcer Wound Healing Process and on the Psychophysiological Environment of the Individual Suffering from them. Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina), 72(5), 362–366. https://doi.org/10.5455/medarh.2018.72.362-366 Mondragon N, Zito PM. Pressure Injury. [Updated 2024 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557868/ Ebrecht, M., Hextall, J., Kirtley, L. G., Taylor, A., Dyson, M., & Weinman, J. (2004). Perceived stress and cortisol levels predict speed of wound healing in healthy male adults. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 29(6), 798–809. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4530(03)00144-6 Qian, L., Yan, S., Ting, S. T., Han, Z. M., & Qi, T. (2024). Complications and psychological impact of pressure ulcers on patients and caregivers. International wound journal, 21(4), e14836. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.14836
- Kalogon's Orbiter Med Earns Special Mention in TIME's Best Inventions of 2024
Melbourne, Fla. (October 30, 2024) - Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced that its first Medicare-approved product, Orbiter Med, has received a Special Mention in TIME's Best Inventions of 2024 list. This prestigious recognition underscores Orbiter Med's significant impact on improving seated wellness within healthcare, transportation and defense industries. Every year for over two decades, TIME has highlighted the most impactful new products and ideas in TIME’s Best Inventions issue. To compile the list, they solicited nominations and evaluated each contender on several key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. Orbiter Med was selected in a small group of Special Mentions on the list for 2024. Launched in 2024, Orbiter Med is Kalogon’s custom cushion for pressure management and postural support for wheelchair users, pilots, transportation workers and more. Each Orbiter Med cushion features Kalogon’s groundbreaking Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS) clinically proven to improve blood flow and is built to provide postural support customizations designated by a clinician, seating specialist or therapist. APMS uses machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology to analyze pressure points and adjust to prescribed levels in real time to maintain skin integrity and influence posture. "This recognition from TIME is a huge honor for Kalogon and is a direct result of our customers, partners and team," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder at Kalogon. "Kalogon doesn’t create products looking for a solution – everything we do is born out of the needs of our customers. To have our first Medicare-approved product recognized by such a reputable publication validates our customer-centric approach and expands the impact we can have in moving the industry forward." For more information on Orbiter Med, contact Kalogon to be connected to you local representative at Kalogon.com. About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon redefines seating through patent-pending technology featuring our advanced pressure management system. Kalogon’s products promote seated tissue health using adaptive customizations, ambient adjustments and personalized settings. Our products are clinically validated to improve comfort and lessen fatigue for those who sit for extended periods, such as wheelchair users, pilots and drivers. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com











