Pressing Matters: Unveiling the power of using a smart wheelchair cushion for pressure injury prevention Each year, 2.5 million Americans develop a pressure injury also known as a bed sore, joining the millions more experiencing the pain and negative life impacts of a pressure injury. 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. Pressure injuries manifest as a result of prolonged and unmitigated pressure and shear applied to the skin when lying down or remaining seated. Individuals with limited mobility, such as those with spinal cord injuries (SCI), face heightened pressure injury risks, with around 95% of the SCI community affected. Geriatric care recipients also have a high risk, with rates in nursing homes ranging from 7% to 23%. The cost of treatment ranges from $37,800 to $70,000 per injury, totaling $11 billion in annual healthcare expenses. Additionally, 17,000 lawsuits are filed yearly due to pressure injuries, often targeting nursing homes and hospitals. While vital for preventing pressure injuries, many wheelchair users do not adhere to clinical recommendations for proper pressure offloading. A 2002 study by Stockton et al. found that only 20.8% of participants performed offloading at least once per hour, deviating significantly from the recommended frequency of every 15 minutes. Developed through nearly two years of R&D, customer interviews, clinical evaluations, and consultation with industry partners, Orbiter by Kalogon aims to bridge the gap between clinical recommendations for weight shifts/pressure offloads and what is actually possible outside of the care setting for individuals with mobility difficulties. The orbiter smart cushion offers four key attributes: Provide a dynamic surface capable of performing targeted pressure redistributions around the pelvis and thighs to reduce stagnant pressure points. Allow for precise customization by the end user, care provider or clinician to tailor pressure reliefs and support to unique individual needs Adapt to postural, weight and seating position changes to effectively manage pressure changes over time. Implement a self-checking system, capable of detecting when to increase or decrease inflation levels, monitor for air leaks and eliminate the need for complex maintenance. View the full Kalogon Case Study below to see how the Orbiter by Kalogon can make a difference in the prevention and healing of pressure injuries. All citations are reflected in the full White Paper available at https://www.kalogon.com/study-and-whitepaper To learn more about pressure injuries, read recent articles surrounding pressure injury research, and participate in raising awareness for Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day, visit https://npiap.com/news/?id=14613

2023 Kalogon’s Adaptive Gift Guide 20 Adaptive Gifts for Friends & Family with Limited Mobility 'Tis the season for celebration! Explore our gift guide for creative solutions and gift ideas to encourage your loved ones to live an active, seated life. Whether it's everyday must-haves, cutting-edge technology, or products from disability-owned small businesses, we've got all your gifting needs covered! Disclaimer: The following gift guide is provided for informational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and features may change over time. We do not endorse or guarantee the products listed that are not sold by Kalogon, Inc. Please verify all details with the respective sellers before making a purchase. The inclusion of products in this guide does not imply an endorsement or partnership with the mentioned brands. 1. CHIC - Z Series MEDIUM Adaptable Tote Bag Give the gift of style and convenience combined with the CHIC Adaptive Tote Bag for wheelchairs. This stylish bag uses fabric with a luxury feel and can clip onto your wheelchair or be used with the included removable shoulder strap. Owning a bag that will store all daily essentials within reach will allow for more independence while living an active, seated life. Learn more and purchase at https://www.feeldomlife.com/products/ 2. Think King Buggy Cup Holder This cupholder is lightweight and can easily attach to a wheelchair for easy access to drinks, phones, wallets–anything you need to be able to grab quickly! The unique design allows you to tighten the holder around what’s inside so items are secure. It’s easy to detach and move to another chair or a vehicle as needed making it a versatile gift. Learn more and purchase at https://a.co/d/5yi2BZd 3. Orbiter by Kalogon Using a combination of machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology, the Orbiter by Kalogon, a smart wheelchair cushion, analyzes pressure points in real-time, intelligently redistributing weight, increasing comfort, and maintaining blood flow by augmenting existing offloading protocols to prevent pressure injuries (bed sores). Users can personalize their seating preferences through the app, providing an optimal, tailored experience for the user. Learn more and purchase at: https://www.kalogon.com/orbiter 4. No Limbits Adaptive Wheelchair Pant Did you know that it can be difficult for people who use wheelchairs to wear typical standing jeans? Sitting for an extended period in jeans not meant for sitting can become uncomfortable and make it difficult to live an active, seated life. No Limbits has created pants specifically adapted for individuals with limited mobility that sit for extended periods. There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from, and this is a great gift for the fashion enthusiast. Learn more and purchase at https://no-limbits.com/collections/womens-wheelchair 5. Watercolor Greeting Cards - Paper by Janey Need greeting cards this holiday season? Janey was in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down when she was a senior in high school. She always loved to paint, but needed to find a new way to be creative. She created Paper by Janey in 2020 making watercolor cards for Mother’s Day, and has since expanded her business online and in shops around the U.S. These beautiful cards are sure to be a great addition to any gift this season. Learn more and purchase at https://paperbyjaney.com/ 6. Booster by Kalogon Booster is designed to reduce anxiety when using your existing air cushion by maintaining your clinician’s recommendation for pressure in an air flotation cushion and eliminating the need to manually adjust it to prevent pressure injuries, also known as pressure sores. Booster can be installed onto most full-sized single cell air flotation wheelchair cushions and is a small device that provides automatic leak detection, ambient adjustments, and a good battery life. Learn more and purchase at https://shop.kalogon.com/products/booster 7. easyTravelseat Have an avid traveler on your list? The easyTravelseat makes traveling in a wheelchair easier allowing for safety and dignity with transfers to a separate transportation seat. The device comes in four sizes, and is compatible with most wheelchairs and wheelchair cushions. Learn more and purchase at ttps://www.easytravelseat.com/product/easytravelseat/ 8. Access Wireless Controller for PlayStation 5 People with limited mobility and dexterity can’t always use the standard gaming system controllers. Provide access to gaming with this customizable controller for PlayStation 5. It provides swappable buttons and caps so it can be adjusted to suit the level of mobility of the person using it. The wireless design makes it convenient for placing on a wheelchair tray, and it can be used from any 360 orientation. This is a great gift for the avid gamer on your list. Learn more and purchase at https://a.co/d/6jAzzVC 9. Cup of Té Gift Set Wellness gifts are always a good idea, and Cup of Té has all your organic tea needs covered. Founder Taylor Lindsay-Noel was an aspiring Olympic Gymnast when she suffered a training accident that left her paralyzed. She was determined to overcome her challenges and founded Cup of Té in 2018 to provide organic loose leaf teas and tea ware. All teas are ethically sourced and for each starter set sold, $1 is donated to mental health awareness. Learn more and purchase at https://cupofte.com/ 10. Izzy Wheels Gift Voucher Izzy Wheels has a mission to challenge negative associations with wheelchairs, and hopes to show that a wheelchair can be a form of self expression to showcase an individual's personality. The gift voucher allows your loved one to select the design that fits them most! Designs are created by local artists, famous designers, or feature popular characters from Disney and more. Each wheel cover is easily removable and is made to order in Ireland. Learn more and purchase at https://www.izzywheels.com/product-page/gift-voucher 11. SunBeam XL Heating Pad Give the gift of comfort and relaxation with the SunBeam XL heating pad. The large size allows for multiple uses and it features 6 heat settings. There is also an automatic shut off that reduces the worry of falling asleep while using it. Those with spinal cord injuries often experience temperature regulation problems, and a heating pad like this can help. Learn more and purchase at https://a.co/d/1BGcP6w 12. Wheely-X Designed by Kangsters, this wheelchair treadmill is bringing innovation to the fitness world for those who use manual wheelchairs. This equipment allows an individual to remain in their wheelchair and on their current cushion during workouts. It allows a person using a wheelchair to participate in fitness independently gaining endurance and strength to support living an active, seated life. Learn more and purchase at https://www.wheely-x.com/products/wheely-x 13. Dining with Dignity Adaptive Fork and Spoon Set Give the gift of dignity and independence while dining for your loved one with limited hand dexterity. The silverware set comes in two sizes, regular and petite, and each utensil is adjustable to fit different sized hands. These utensils are dishwasher safe and are sure to become a favorite everyday essential. Learn more and purchase at https://diningwithdignity.com/product/regular-set-fork-spoon/ 14. WheelBrights Holiday lights aren’t only for your tree or home! These wheel lights are sure to make a statement for New Year’s Eve and more! They come in a variety of colors of LED lights to fit an individual’s personality, are easy to attach and remove as needed, and feature a battery pack with a strap that can be attached to a wheelchair wheel spoke. Learn more and purchase at https://a.co/d/aI62FUt 15. Nike FlyEase Shoes Give the gift of the classic and trendy Air Jordan design with the addition of adaptive features to make wearing them easier for someone with limited mobility. These shoes feature an easier on and off design and a zipper closure rather than the usual tie-laces. Nike offers a variety of styles and colors of their FlyEase shoes including options in Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s sizes. Learn more and purchase at https://www.nike.com/flyease 16. Easi Grip Garden Tools Have an Avid Gardener on your list? Most garden tools are not easy to use for those with limited mobility and dexterity. The ergonomically designed handle of this trowel allows the hand to stay in a neutral position. Put together a gift set with tools, gloves, and a plant or seeds to create the perfect gift for someone who wants to be able to work in their garden or flower bed. Learn more and purchase at https://www.thewrightstuff.com/adaptive-garden-tools.html 17. Providence Spillproof 10oz Adult Sippy Cup with Handle This is the perfect gift for someone with limited dexterity. The cup is made in the USA, includes a spill-proof lid, and extra long handle, and is dishwasher safe, and can hold a variety of liquids. Personalize the cup with stickers for a gift that fits their personality and makes life easier at the same time! This gift comes in a single pack or a three pack option. Learn more and purchase at https://a.co/d/imE5jua 18. Rehabilitation Robotic Glove This OT recommended rehabilitation glove allows for an individual to keep up with their training at home independently. Those with limited dexterity can benefit from using this device to train their finger function. There are a variety of modes and the device can save your previous settings for future use. The device features an LED display and an extended battery life making the device easy to travel with. Learn more and purchase at https://a.co/d/2Luww4M 19. Grip Toggle The Grip Toggle is an adaptive aid perfect for individuals with limited hand dexterity. They are made with high-quality materials which can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Toggles can easily attach to an individual’s phone, kitchen utensils, hair tools, cabinets, and doors allowing for multiple uses throughout the day. Learn more and purchase at https://a.co/d/12uyD9f 20. Guide Beauty Adaptive Makeup The final addition to this adaptive gift guide is from Guide Beauty. Guide Beauty is all about inclusion and has created an extensive adaptive makeup line. Selma Blair, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis recently signed on as Chief Creative Officer for the brand. The adaptive products are useful for those with limited dexterity who still want the ability to be creative and independent when applying makeup. Individual items and complete collections are available for purchase on their website. Learn more and purchase at https://www.guidebeauty.com/

Kalogon presents Where it Started In November 2022, Kalogon presented its first webinar through Kalogon University! Clinical Education Specialist, Wendy Underwood, dove into the brains behind Kalogon's smart seating technology in an interview with founder and CEO Tim Balz. "I've been working in the abilities industry for over a decade now," says Tim Balz. Tim started his journey in the abilities industry in high school when he fixed and personalized an electric wheelchair for a fellow student. Tim founded and continues to run Freedom Chairs, a non-profit that builds and provides electric wheelchairs to those who cannot afford them. His commitment to helping this community has provided • patients with nearly 200 wheelchairs in the last 10 ears. Through this work, Tim was endorsed by famed physicist Stephen Hawking, and partnered with Intel to develop the world's first smart wheelchair. The Problem Tim's shift into the smart seating space started when he founded a company that built the power wheelchairs themselves. "This is when we identified that smart tech should go into the seating as well.* Pressure injuries are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, with their complications resulting in nearly 60,000 deaths annually. These injuries develop due to unmitigated pressure applied to the skin and deep tissue when seated for long periods of time, making wheelchair users particularly vulnerable. Current solutions for preventing pressure injuries do not effectively address the problem at hand. Traditional wheelchair cushions are static, made of either blocks of foam, inflated air pockets or both. Without the person actively shifting their weight, pressures build and cause reduced blood flow, leading to painful and costly pressure injuries. Practicing consistent and proper pressure offloading is critical for preventing PI development; however many wheelchair users do not perform the offloads or have preexisting conditions that make performing offloads extremely difficult. What results is unmitigated pressure and eventually a pressure injury. The Solution "We spent over a year testing our product and having end-users use it in a controlled environment before we even announced that it existed," "From the beginning we wanted to incorporate trust into our company, our culture, and our name. Kalogon means trust and stability." Using a combination of machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology, the Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion analyzes pressure points in real-time, intelligently redistributing weight, increasing comfort and maintaining blood flow in wheelchair users. A connected app enables wheelchair users, caregivers and clinicians to personalize their experience to support healing and pain relief. The intent of the Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion is to 'bridge the gap' between clinically recommended pressure offloading regiments and what movement is feasible and practical for those with limited mobility outside the care setting. The invention of the Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion has completely revolutionized wheelchair seating and is redefining the standard of care for wheelchair users: an issue that has been left untouched for too long. To learn more about Tim's story, visit Kalogon University to view this webinar on-demand!

Kalogon presents Kenny Mendoza Kalogon recently presented our 3rd webinar with Clinical Education Specialist, Wendy Underwood. We highlighted the meaning behind Living an Active, Seated life in a conversation with Kenny Mendoza, an inspiring Kalogon user, scuba diver, and cyclist who spends his time empowering others with disabilities. Keeping a Positive Outlook Kenny spoke about the importance of being surrounded by the right people throughout his journey. "I think the most positive role models I had were other people that were injured." Kenny did not let his injury get in the way of living an active. "I just try to take everything as a learning experience. Even when I was told I'd never walk again, I looked at ways of staying active and moving around as much as possible." Staying Active Kenny now serves as a board member for Thresher, an organization helping people with disabilities scuba dive. He also and also for GOSCI. GOSCIN is a non-profit group whose mission is to serve the needs of individuals in employment, adaptive sports, recreation, social functions, networking, outreach, SCI prevention, and guest speakers for the group in the greater Orlando area. Kenny finds happiness by focusing on three simple things; proper sleep, adequate hydration, and sitting on the right cushion. To learn more about Kenny's journey, visit Kalogon University to view this webinar on-demand!

Kalogon presents Cheryl Carver Kalogon recently presented our 3rd webinar with Clinical Education Specialist, Wendy Underwood. We discussed pressure ulcer prevention in a conversation with Wound Expert, Cheryl Carver. Cheryl is an active member of the Board of Directors for the American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA), a designated Master (MAPWCA) member of he Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC), and is on the Speakers Bureau for the International Alliance of Wound Care Scholarship Foundation (IAWCSF) as Vice President Board of Directors, a Fellow with the American College of Clinical an Ohio Prison Fellowship Justice Ambassador. Cheryl's mother died at only 47 years old due to complications of diabetes and pressure ulcers. "My life changed dramatically on what I wanted to do and how I could save someone else from that happening to them." Cheryl used her pain from the loss to fuel a passion for wound care and pressure ulcer prevention. She has contributed over 260 published white papers, ebooks, blogs, and articles both freelance and with WoundSource since 2014. "We are all a care giver at one point in our lives," says Cheryl.We should all know this information." Cheryl talked about the importance of shifting our mindset from wound care to wound prevention. Being educated on how we can help ourselves and others prevent pressure injuries is key to preventing another tragedy. To learn more about Cheryl and pressure sore prevention, visit Kalogon University to view this webinar on-demand!

Parks Associates hosted the interactive virtual session, “Seniors and Caretakers: Living Independently” on Thursday, October 6 at 11:00 AM CT as part of the 2022 Connected Health Summit: Consumer Engagement and Innovation. Tim Balz, CEO, Kalogon, who was featured on the panel, Integrating Tech and Services to Empower Seniors, recently shared insights on seniors, caretakers, living Independently, and so much more. What do you consider to be one of the key trends impacting healthcare and the connected Home? Patients know that their smartphones have a tremendous amount of power and can provide connectivity between health providers and patients. They expect their healthcare devices to leverage their phones to improve their healthcare experience. What new ways are consumers using connected devices in connected health? Smart technologies are changing the way patients can direct their own care and interact with their care providers. Solution providers need to embrace these technologies to meet the expectations of their patients. What independent living features are seniors and caregivers looking for in their homes? Customized health care is becoming the new standard. For seniors, new technologies need to be easy and intuitive. Being connected is a way for seniors and caregivers to have a direct voice in how their healthcare products work and how they improve overtime. How have consumer attitudes towards connected health solutions shifted in the last year? As technology improves, the need for patients to be virtually connected to their caregivers only grows. Consumers are expecting their health solutions to be customized to their needs. Connected technology makes this possible, but it is important that such technology does not make the experience complicated or confusing to the user. Seniors are becoming more accustomed to new technologies. What impact does that have on new product and service demands in the senior and caregiver markets? Seniors are not afraid of new technologies. They have smart phones and know how to use them. Like anyone, they can become frustrated if the new technology is cumbersome or difficult to learn and use. They want their healthcare to use the latest technology to provide customized care, and they also want that experience to be natural and easy. Will shifts in consumer behaviors related to fitness, wellness, chronic care management, and care for senior populations outlast the COVID-19 crisis? COVID forced people to be more accepting of using technology to enhance the speed of access and customizability of their healthcare. As we move forward, people will expect access to these technologies to continue and improve. For information on this Connected Health Summit session and future sessions, visit the event page. < Read the full article here >

WATCH: Kalogon Technologies Wins $20,000 Groundswell Startups Space Coast Pitch Challenge Brevard County, Florida – Kalgon Technologies was the winner of the nine finalists of the “Shark Tank”-style Space Coast Pitch Challenge on Thursday evening. Groundswell Startups Coworking space located at 2412 Irvine Street in Melbourne. Kalogon’s innovative wheelchair cushion helped him win a cash prize of $20,000. The final nine were selected from 50 locally based startups that applied to the Space Coast Pitch Challenge, showcasing the diversity of technology, talent and passion for solving complex problems. READ ON FLORIDA NEWS

ORLANDO, FL – August 30, 2021 – SeedFundersOrlando, a premier source of seed capital, mentoring, and connections for pre-revenue, high-growth technology startups in Central Florida and beyond, announced today that it has invested $195,000 in Kalogon, a Melbourne, Florida healthtech startup founded by Space Coast aerospace engineers developing smart seating technology to prevent pressure sores for those who sit for long periods of time, typically in wheelchairs. Seedfunders St. Petersburg and Seedfunders Miami Investors participated in the investment. Kalogon, located at the incubator Groundswell Startups, is a purpose-driven, tech-enabled company focused on helping improve the comfort level of individuals via innovative solutions. Pressure sores, which affect over 2.5 million patients and lead to 60,000 deaths annually, are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on skin that covers bony areas of the body. The Kalogon Smart Cushion senses how the user is sitting and electronically adjusts itself every few minutes to offload pressure from their tailbone, maintaining healthy blood flow and keeping their skin healthy. This is SeedFundersOrlando’s eighth Florida startup investment since its founding in 3Q 2019, having previously invested in Blue Halo Biomedical, Winter Park, Safe Zone, Melbourne, ViewStub, Orlando, Intelligent Observation, Miami, Seedfunders Opportunity Fund, St. Petersburg, RxLive, St. Petersburg, TSOLife, Tampa, and Miventure, Orlando. Read Full Article on Seedfundersorlando.com

MELBOURNE, FL (Sept. 22, 2022)- Kalogon, the market leader in smart wheelchair cushions, today announced it has raised $3.3 million in seed funding and federal grants for the development and expansion of its patent-pending technology. The investor group includes leading Florida investors DeepWork Capital, SeedFundersOrlando and VenVelo, with additional investment from Sawmill Angels, a new investment arm of alumni of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and federal grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and the U.S. Air Force. Using a combination of machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology, the Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion analyzes pressure points in real-time, intelligently redistributing weight, increasing comfort and maintaining blood flow in wheelchair users. A connected app enables wheelchair users, caregivers and clinicians to personalize their experience to support healing and pain relief. The company will use the new funds to scale both domestically and internationally, increase staff and expand the product’s capabilities. “Pressure injuries cost tens of billions of dollars annually and indicate an unmet need in care,” said Ben Patz, managing partner at DeepWork Capital. “Kalogon’s technology saves lives for a fraction of that cost. Kalogon’s technology has created an entirely new market in smart seating, with applications in wheelchair mobility and beyond, and we are confident our investment will help get their groundbreaking product into the homes of everyone who needs it.” “We previously backed Tim and his team of aerospace engineers at Kalogon because we saw they brought the Silicon Valley startup ethos to Central Florida and were set to change the world with their smart wheelchair cushion technology,” said Dr. Dennis Pape, CEO of SeedFundersOrlando. “They innovate, rapidly execute and exceed expectations. We are thrilled to have helped assemble this leading Florida investment group along with investors from Tim’s alma mater, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, to bring additional resources to scale Kalogon.” Kalogon first announced product availability in February 2022 and immediately delivered value to wheelchair users and clinicians. Traditional cushions can cause reduced blood flow, leading to painful and costly pressure sore injuries. Early Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion users reported significant improvements in overall comfort, accelerated healing, and an ability to sit two times longer. Kalogon’s innovative technology helped win the Groundswell Pitch Competition and the Florida Venture Pitch Competition, allowing them to further expand their reach. The Orbiter Smart Cushion is now in use at 20 Veterans Affairs hospitals throughout the United States. “Pressure injuries are the most preventable cause of death in wheelchair users, yet they kill more people each year than colon, breast or prostate cancer,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “We are on a mission to redesign wheelchair technology to help prevent these injuries and give wheelchair users the freedom to do what they love. This is the first step in our journey to revolutionize seating for everyone.” “Kalogon is freedom,” said John Miller, one of Kalogon’s first users. “I’ve been able to take pain-free road trips for the first time in 18 years; I’ve worked in the garden longer than I used to; I’ve traveled to see my grandchildren. Kalogon gave me my life back.” For more information or to order a Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion, visit https://www.kalogon.com/ About Kalogon Kalogon, the leader in smart wheelchair cushion technology, is on a mission to empower wheelchair users by helping them live a safe and active, seated life. Using patent-pending air cell technology, Kalogon cushions improved patient comfort in case studies. Kalogon custom manufactures in partnership with BAC, a social enterprise dedicated to building communities that support members of unique abilities in growing their own personal success. The Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion is available for wheelchair users, facilities, and clinicians. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com/ > Read the full article here <

Devin Coldewey@techcrunch / 3:02 PM GMT+2•September 22, 2022 Anyone who has to use a wheelchair regularly runs the risk of incurring injury from poor circulation. Kalogon believes it can mitigate this common but potentially life-threatening condition with a smart cushion that prevents any one part of the body from being compressed for too long — and it has already caught the eye of the VA. Pressure injuries are caused when a part of the body can’t get enough blood to it and the tissue starts to die. Most people have experienced the beginnings of it, like something tightening around a finger and cutting off bloodflow, but it’s not always so external, painful or obvious. “Especially if they have reduced sensation, just about anyone who sits for an extended period is at risk for pressure injuries,” said Kalogon founder and CEO Tim Balz. Certainly the shift to remote work has everyone wondering whether sitting for too long is damaging their body in some way or another. But this goes well beyond a sore back; people who can’t stand up and stretch, or feel the pressure or pain that might signal a real problem, are at risk of serious harm. Pressure injuries affect millions and lead to the deaths of thousands of people every year. The solution, in theory, is to reduce the pressure on the various parts of the body that are most affected — essentially the butt, thighs and tailbone area. This can be done by the person if they can remember to “offload” by leaning this way for a few minutes to take the pressure off, then do it again on the other side, then forward, etc. — and do it constantly. Unsurprisingly, adherence to this kind of self-care is not particularly high. Getting a sculpted cushion is a step up — you buy an expensive foam one, then have it shaved down or compressed to accommodate the contours of your body. But Balz pointed out that this only really works for a little while — your body changes and the cushion doesn’t, so after a month or two you need to customize it again: costly and time-consuming. More recently there have been smart-adjacent cushions made of a pair of interwoven cushions that are filled and deflated in sequence, alternating so that pressure isn’t always on one spot. These may be better, but the problem with them is that they still allow pressure to build up in pain points because the area of pressure reduction is small. And as Balz pointed out, “the chance of injury on an IT vs a thigh is like an order of magnitude difference, so it makes no sense to treat them the same.” Kalogon’s app for adjusting the cushion’s pressure zones. Image Credits: Kalogon Kalogon’s solution, a cushion called the Orbiter, has five distinct regions, corresponding to the tailbone and left and right thigh and butt areas generally. By keeping four of the five inflated, the user is supported adequately and a whole area is relieved of pressure. Then a few minutes later it slowly shifts that pressure to the next region, and so on. Here’s a diagram of pressure being redistributed from the tailbone region to elsewhere (darker and green means higher pressure): “When you sit down on it, we have a basic machine learning algorithm that at its default settings does its best to accommodate your body, but you can customize it to fit,” Balz said, either using a companion app or with the help of a caregiver or clinician. After setting its normal sequence, the cushion also monitors pressure on the different regions so it can shift differently if the user is leaning forward or to the side for longer than usual (typing, for instance, or dozing). When the cushion deflates the rear center area, pressure is diverted to the front, allowing better bloodflow to the sacral area. Image Credits: Kalogon “By having five cells that are independently controllable, we can move one at a time and tune that movement — support the body but drop down one of the cells. If you look at a pressure map, you’ll see that the pressure drops below the commonly accepted threshold,” he continued. The whole thing is powered by a battery and pump unit that clips to the wheelchair, and has enough power built in to last for 14-16 hours at default settings (redistributing weight every three minutes). Users have complimented the Orbiter as a huge improvement over ordinary or semi-smart cushions. One said it allowed him to sit in his chair without discomfort for four hours, which he hadn’t done in years. You can see it being set up and demonstrated in the video below: Despite the glowing reviews, it’s difficult to prove the efficacy of this type of setup, Balz admitted, because there’s just not a lot of clinical data on it yet. While there are generally agreed-on helpful practices like offloading pressure, there isn’t some international board of cushion testers that evaluates these things. Though the company has conducted numerous case studies with users, there’s no big study saying the cushion reduces risk by some percentage. They can, however, say that it achieves a similar effect to offloading, which everyone agrees is a good practice. That said, the VA took a chance on Kalogon in a few cases where there was serious risk or an existing injury and Balz said they have been very happy with dozens of deployments. While the results aren’t official enough to be published, the fact that the VA is ordering more and working with them on a study using the device indicates confidence. The cushion launched in February starting at $2,000 and is classed as a medical device that can be paid for by a variety of means, though it isn’t going to be covered by insurance or Medicare or the like just yet. That’s in the cards, Balz hopes, but for now they’re focusing on the “dozens” of VA centers that are actively recommending Orbiters. Naturally there are many veterans who could use the product, and a VA clinician endorsing it makes it more affordable. Kalogon just raised $3.3 million in seed funding, led by SeedFundersOrlando, with participation from DeepWork Capital, VenVelo, and Sawmill Angels. It also collected federal grant money from the U.S. Air Force (make of that what you will). The funding will go toward scaling the company and, of course, meeting demand.

The company's smart cushion can analyze pressure points in real-time and redistribute pressure Pressure injuries develop due to unmitigated pressure applied to the skin and deep tissue when a person seated for a long periods of time, making people who use wheelchairs particularly susceptible and vulnerable. These injuries are the most preventable cause of death in wheelchair users, yet they kill more people each year than colon, breast or prostate cancer, said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon, developer of a smart cushion that redistributes pressure points and improves blood flow. "We founded Kalogon to help prevent these injuries and give wheelchair users the freedom to stay active longer and do more of what they love. We believe everyone deserves to live an active seated life," he said. Now the company will be able to continue to develop and expand of its technology thanks to $3.3 million it has raised in seed funding and federal grants. The investor group includes Florida investors DeepWork Capital, SeedFundersOrlando and VenVelo, with additional investment from Sawmill Angels, while the federal grants came from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and the U.S. Air Force. While traditional cushions can cause reduced blood flow, which may lead to painful and costly pressure sore injuries, Kalogon's Orbiter Smart Cushion uses a combination of machine learning and air cell technology to analyze pressure points in real-time, intelligently redistributing pressure, thereby increasing comfort and maintaining blood flow in wheelchair users. The cushion also comes with a connected app that users, caregivers, and clinicians can use to personalize the experience. "The cushion uses pressure sensors to detect applied pressures on the seat surface. The control system then takes this pressure information and compares it to the user’s settings from our app," Balz explained. "The system adjusts applied pressure as necessary to ensure pressure reliefs are provided in sensitive areas. The cushion connects via Bluetooth to our companion app. Additionally the system can receive software updates via a WiFi connection." The Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion, which has been on the market since February, can be purchased directly by wheelchair users, facilities, and clinicians; it's also available in more than 20 Veterans Affairs hospitals throughout the U.S. The company custom manufactures in partnership with BAC, a social enterprise dedicated to building communities that support members of unique abilities in growing their own personal success. In terms of ROI, Kalogon's customers with higher level injuries have been able, in some cases, to reduce healing time, which can take years and also cost patients thousands in out-of-pocket medical costs. "We have customers who went from needing to stay in bed to being cleared to swim again. That ROI is priceless," said Balz. The company will use the new funding to scale both domestically and internationally, and to build out its team, which is currently between 10 and 15 people. That means hiring across its sales team, as well as additional interns in engineering, sales, and marketing, and increasing its production team at BAC to keep up with manufacturing needs. The money will also be used to expand the product’s capabilities, including increasing the cushion’s ability to customize to their lifestyle and activities, and working on new algorithm improvements to increase the comfort and efficacy of the product. "We are on a mission to empower wheelchair users by helping them live a safe and active, seated life. This funding is the first step in our journey to revolutionize seating for everyone. As we continue to expand the seating space and improve our cushion, we strive to provide what will become the new standard of care," said Balz. > Read the full article here <

Written by Marco Santana September 23, 2022 It has been a whirlwind 24 hours for former SpaceX engineer Tim Balz, who now leads Melbourne-based Kalogon. Not only did the company punch a ticket to be a presenter at Synapse Florida next month by impressing a distinguished panel of judges during an event in downtown Orlando Thursday night. But the company also shared news Friday morning that it had raised $1.9 million for its medical-tech company. SeedFundersOrlando led the round, with Sawmill Angel Network, venVelo and DeepWork Capital also joining. Kalogon uses a combination of machine learning and “air cell technology,” which uses air pockets similarly to shock absorbers, in its smart wheelchair cushion design. The technology aims to increase comfort and blood flow for those using wheelchairs by adjusting the cushion and giving control to users through a mobile app. “We are on a mission to redesign wheelchair technology to help prevent these injuries and give wheelchair users the freedom to do what they love,” Balz said in a release announcing the investment. “This is the first step in our journey to revolutionize seating for everyone.” Balz worked for SpaceX’s Dragon, Starship and Falcon 9 projects during a nearly 4-year stint with the space giant previously. Through federal grants, Kalogon pushed its recent investment total to $3.3 million. Last year, Kalogon landed a much smaller round of $200,000, which was also led by SeedFundersOrlando. “They have demonstrated the ability to innovate and rapidly execute and have exceeded expectations,” SeedFundersOrlando CEO Dennis Pape said in the release. But first, an event win for the team On Thursday, the Kalogon team participated at the Orlando Economic Partnership’s TenX Tech event downtown. As part of the event, eight startups met the community and presented to judges who would select a winner. Kalogon, because of its win, will now have a stage to present at next month’s Synapse Orlando, a fast-growing tech event that returns this year. Orlando startup Overhead Intelligence won a crowd-based vote to also present there. “Being able to be part of this community has been awesome,” Balz said in an interview with Orlando Tech News. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate with people who have helped us get here.” At Thursday’s event, hosted jointly by Orlando Economic Partnership and Orlando Tech Council, Orlando Tech Council chair and Blue Wave Resource Partners CEO and Founder Charlie Lewis said the Synapse tie-in was important to continue pushing the ecosystem forward. “If your goal is to get funding, find talent and clients then you need to be as connected in this ecosystem as you can be,” he said. “Everyone in the ecosystem will be at Synapse.” That’s why Christina Drake, CEO of the presenting startup Kismet Technologies, put her business up for consideration at the event. The company has developed a safe material that provides long-term virus and bactria protections for surfaces, something that became increasingly important during the COVID pandemic. Drake said the event was more general interest than others she has presented at but that this offered unique opportunities. “It’s definitely different from a typical show we’d be at because you have a wider range of people here,” she said. “The types of questions you get are different. It makes you think more about your business. It gives you a much different perspective.” For companies like Kalogon, it also sets up what could be a crucial appearance at Synapse. “Kalogon’s technology has created an entirely new market in smart seating, with applications in wheelchair mobility and beyond,” said Ben Patz, DeepWork Capital managing partner. “We are thrilled to help get their groundbreaking technology to everyone who needs it.” > Read the full article here <