Search this site
64 results found with an empty search
- Kalogon Launches Verro, a New Medicare-coded Custom Wheelchair Cushion Built for the Most Complex Support Needs
The new cushion line introduces a 3D-printed, variable-density lattice technology alongside a dual-density foam option, purpose-built for wheelchair users with significant postural needs Melbourne, Fla. (July 20, 2026) – Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced the launch of Verro – a new Medicare-coded custom wheelchair cushion line designed for people with significant postural support needs. Available in two models – Verro variable-density lattice (Verro Lattice) and Verro dual-density foam (Verro Foam) – Verro is built for wheelchair users whose bodies require a precise, body-conforming fit that standard cushions can’t deliver, including those with windswept posture, pelvic obliquity, or asymmetry. At the core of Verro Lattice and new to the complex rehab tech market is Kalogon’s patent-pending variable-density lattice technology – a 3D-printed elastomer construction that varies firmness across the cushion surface: firmer where the body needs to be held in position, and softer where pressure needs to be diffused. For those who want more adaptability after fitting, Verro Foam is also available, with a dense foam base and soft foam topper (dual-density). “We kept hearing from clinicians that their most complex patients were falling through the cracks, so we developed a technology that lets us 3D print the cushion with precise, localized control over where the body gets support and where it gets relief,” said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. “With our variable-density lattice, we can create subtle variations across the surface and sides of the cushion that simply aren’t possible with traditional materials. The customization options are hyper-personalized to provide the best comfort, support and fit for every customer.” Verro's Two Cushion Constructions for Diverse Needs: 3D-Printed Variable-Density Lattice Technology and Dual-Density Foam Seating specialists can order Verro in two construction types suited to different user needs and clinical approaches: Verro Lattice is 3D-printed from a high-performance, lightweight elastomer material, in a proprietary variable-density lattice that varies firmness across the surface. The open lattice lets air move freely through the cushion, helping with temperature and moisture management and making the cushion up to two pounds lighter than the average cushion. The material is hydrophobic, so liquids pass through rather than pooling around the client, and the cushion is safe for the top rack of the dishwasher. This variant comes standard with a vapor-permeable outer cover; an incontinence liner is available as an add-on. Verro Foam features a custom-cut dense foam base overlaid with a soft foam topper, creating a custom base with added support. Critically, the base can be carved and adjusted after delivery, giving seating specialists flexibility if a user’s needs change over time. An incontinence liner is included. Together, the two Verro construction options cover a wide range of user needs and clinical preferences. Users who prioritize breathability and temperature regulation tend to do well with the lattice construction. Seating specialists who want the ability to modify after fitting or who are working with users new to contoured seating often prefer foam. Two Ways to Order Verro: 3D Scan or Made-from-Measurement Every Verro cushion starts with a precise capture of the user’s body. Clinicians can order in one of two ways on Launch Pad, Kalogon’s interactive real-time configurator: A 3D scan taken from a physical mold of the user in their desired seated position, offering the most intimate fit and empowering seating specialists to choose the shape that works best Detailed measurements entered directly into Launch Pad, giving seating specialists a familiar, accessible workflow Regardless of which path a clinician chooses, Kalogon ships within 14 days of receiving the order – a fraction of the typical industry turnaround. “Every client is different, and seating specialists need options that reflect that. Verro gives us more ways to match the right solution to each unique person based on their postural support needs, personal preferences and desire for in-field modification,” said Kelly Waugh, MA, PT, ATP, advisor to Kalogon. “That flexibility will allow Kalogon to serve a much wider population of people with complex seating needs than before.” Verro carries the E2609 Medicare code and represents a deliberate expansion of Kalogon’s product line, offering a variety of materials and solutions for a wide range of clients who need custom seating. All cushions are manufactured in-house at Kalogon’s Melbourne, Fla., facility. Clinicians and seating specialists can order Verro by contacting Kalogon at Kalogon.com. About Kalogon Kalogon is the trusted leader in seated health, delivering inventive seating solutions that eliminate the stresses of sitting. Driven by clinical research, deep customer empathy and rapid product iterations, Kalogon’s solutions serve anyone who sits for extended periods, across healthcare, aviation and beyond. Kalogon’s proprietary technology combines real-time sensors, adaptive surfaces and personalized control to restore circulation, protect skin integrity and reduce fatigue. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Melbourne, Fla., Kalogon manufactures all products in-house and serves customers through clinical partnerships, major DME distributors and direct sales. For more information, visit www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski, Changemaker Communications for Kalogon press@kalogon.com ###
- Verro vs. Orbiter Med: What’s Right, When
Verro and Orbiter Med are both medicare-coded (E2609) custom wheelchair cushions designed to support complex seating needs. However, each product takes a different approach to customization, posture accommodation and pressure management. The right choice depends on the user’s body shape, postural support needs, pressure redistribution goals, and whether the seated surface should remain consistent or change throughout the day. It’s also important to consider the user’s personal goals and daily functional activities) that may prioritize one choice over the other. What Is Verro? Verro is designed for users who may need greater postural support or accommodation, and a consistent seated surface shaped closely around the body. It may be the better choice for users with more significant postural asymmetries that cannot be fully accommodated by Orbiter Med, as Verro can be created from a shape capture scan for more intimate contact. Verro’s custom shape is built into the base of the cushion, creating a stable design that remains constant during daily use. Because Verro’s seated surface does not actively change, it is well suited for users who benefit from consistency in their cushion design and positioning. Verro is available with two material options: Variable-density lattice is our custom 3d printed cushion that uses Kalogon’s proprietary variable density lattice technology. It supports increased airflow and microclimate regulation in a lightweight custom shaped cushion Dual-density foam provides a dual foam construction, comprised of a machine carved firmer base topped by a layer of immersive foam. This is also a lightweight custom shaped cushion that is easily modifiable in the field. Both Verro material options can be created either from measurements, or from a shape capture scan - providing even more options for your clients. What Is Orbiter Med? Orbiter Med is designed for users who need a more forgiving fit, dynamic pressure redistribution, and the ability to actively customize their seated surface using Kalogon’s patent-pending Air Pressure Management System (APMS). Orbiter Med combines a customized foam base with adjustable air cells. This allows the cushion to provide active customization rather than relying only on the shape of the base. The foam base is made from measurements that allow customization of the depth of contour around the pelvis and thighs, with the pelvic well maintaining a static, symmetrical orientation and shape. Fine tuning adjustment of the surface shape for greater support vs. more immersion is done through the air cells within the Kalogon app. It may be the better choice when pressure redistribution and skin integrity is the primary need or when the user’s seating needs are expected to change. Orbiter Med also allows users to vary the seated surface based on different activities, making it adaptable throughout the day. Verro Does This, While Orbiter Med Does This Verro can be shaped closely around the user’s body to provide a more precise seated surface shape. Orbiter Med allows greater flexibility through its combination of foam and adjustable air cells. Verro can support more significant postural asymmetry, while Orbiter Med supports active pressure redistribution. Verro’s customization is built into the base shape, while Orbiter Med combines a foam base shape with air-cell customization. Verro provides a constant seated surface, while Orbiter Med can change based on the user’s needs or activity. Verro offers lattice or foam material options, while Orbiter Med uses foam with adjustable air cells. Verro can be made from measurements or a shape capture scan, while Orbiter Med is made from measurements only. Verro or Orbiter Med Both cushions offer a custom approach, but the best choice depends on whether the user needs a precise and constant surface or a more adaptable seating system. Every user’s seating needs are different, and Kalogon can help determine which option may be the best fit based on individual goals and priorities. Speak with a Kalogon representative at (321) 465-4504 to schedule an in-service or be connected with a local representative in your area.
- Kalogon Raises $5.75M to Make Sitting Healthier for All
Enable Ventures leads investment in smart seating company serving wheelchair users, aviation, automotive and beyond Kalogon Raises $5.75M: The Kalogon team at a ribbon cutting ceremony at their HQ in Melbourne FL Melbourne, Fla., (June 4, 2026) – Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced it has raised $5.75 million in funding to accelerate further global expansion of its seating products that reduce the stresses of sitting. The investment was led by Enable Ventures, the first venture fund dedicated to closing the disability wealth gap, with participation from Florida Opportunity Fund, Castellan Group and returning investors DeepWork Capital, Sawmill Angels, SeedFundersOrlando, venVelo, and Black Opal. Kalogon's products serve anyone who sits for extended periods across a range of markets, including healthcare, aviation, and beyond. The funding comes on the heels of a breakout year for Kalogon, which more than tripled its medical revenue year-over-year and moved into a dedicated manufacturing facility in Melbourne to meet increasing demand. Kalogon will use the capital to hire across engineering, research and business development, expand the number of life-changing products offered internationally, and invest in the intelligence that its growing suite of deployed smart cushions makes possible. This investment reflects what the disability community has understood for decades – solutions designed for accessibility benefit everyone. More than one in four Americans identify as having a disability, and adults 55 and older are the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. The companies designing for this population are building better products for all users, pushing the rest of the industry forward. Much like curb cuts on sidewalks and closed captioning on screens, Kalogon’s advancements in wheelchair seating have made sitting healthier for all. “Disability is not a niche market, it’s an inevitable part of the human experience, like being seated, yet there is still so much we don't know about the effects of sitting,” said Regina “Gina” Kline, founder and managing partner of Enable Ventures. “People want products that are intuitively designed and fit seamlessly into their lives. Kalogon's empathy-driven design process, rooted in data, is exactly what this market needs, and every cushion they put into the world teaches them something new about how people sit. That knowledge compounds, and what they're building for wheelchair users today will become the standard for seating for everyone tomorrow.” Founded in 2019 by engineers from SpaceX, Kalogon set out to solve one of the most overlooked health crises for wheelchair users: pressure injuries, which claim more lives each year than nearly any form of cancer and cost the healthcare system an estimated $20 billion annually. Its first product was Orbiter, a smart wheelchair cushion clinically validated to improve blood flow and comfort. Since then, Kalogon has expanded into a full seating system, adding custom Medicare-coded products that address postural support alongside pressure management. That same technology, refined through millions of hours of real-world use, is in pilot testing to relieve fatigue and pain for U.S. Air Force aircrew on B-52 and E-4B long-duration missions, with commercial aviation and automotive partnerships in development. “People who use wheelchairs face real health consequences from sitting, but the stresses of sitting don't stop there,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “When you solve for the people with the greatest need, you end up solving it for everyone. Our work with the U.S. Air Force showed us that the same technologies that help wheelchair users can help a B-52 pilot endure a 30-hour mission at peak performance. Improving seating has applications everywhere, and this investment lets us chase the full scope of that opportunity.” The funds build on a strong institutional foundation in the rapidly growing aging and mobility market. Kalogon is a graduate of the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP and Praxis SCI Incubate, both of which hold an investment stake in the company. The company serves customers nationally through major DME distribution partners, including National Seating & Mobility, Reliable Medical, Numotion and Paragon Mobility, and plans to expand distribution partnerships outside the United States. To learn more about Kalogon, visit www.kalogon.com. About Kalogon Kalogon is the trusted leader in seated health, delivering inventive seating solutions that eliminate the stresses of sitting. Driven by clinical research, deep customer empathy and rapid product iterations, Kalogon's solutions serve anyone who sits for extended periods, across healthcare, aviation and beyond. Kalogon’s proprietary technology combines real-time sensors, adaptive surfaces and personalized control to restore circulation, protect skin integrity and reduce fatigue. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Melbourne, Fla., Kalogon manufactures all products in-house and serves customers through clinical partnerships, major DME distributors and direct sales. For more information, visit https://www.kalogon.com.
- Kalogon expands access to smart seating with extended sizing for Orbiter Med
Orbiter Med now offers new gluteal extension, contour adjustments for increased comfort and pressure relief for more body types Melbourne, Fla. (March 18, 2025) - Kalogon, a leader in smart seating solutions, today announced its custom wheelchair cushion Orbiter Med will now be available in extended sizing. The new sizing options expand accessibility to a broader range of users who need improved support and pressure relief. Launched in 2024, Orbiter Med combines Kalogon’s groundbreaking Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS) with the individualized postural support of a custom cushion reimbursable by insurance. Starting today, Orbiter Med is now available in sizes up to 27 inches by 27 inches, ensuring that more wheelchair users—regardless of their body type—can benefit from Kalogon’s smart seating technology. This expanded sizing was developed in response to consumer feedback, aiming to serve a broader audience who experience difficulties with offloading and weight shifts. "Our goal has always been to deliver adaptive seating solutions that solve direct problems for our customers," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. "Wheelchair users are diverse and have unique needs for a cushion, from postural support to skin protection. The first iteration of Orbiter Med has been a game changer for Medicare-coded cushions, and the introduction of expanded sizing is an important step toward serving a greater population." Kalogon adjusted Orbiter Med based on feedback from clinical advisors and customer requests. These improvements include offering a gluteal extension to the back of the cushion, optimal performance up to 550 lbs., and adjustments to the contours of the pelvic well for redundant tissue. These refinements ensure that Orbiter Med provides even greater comfort and functionality for users with specific postural and pressure relief needs. Orbiter Med still offers all the original cushion modifications, including variable sizes for medial, posterior lateral pelvic, lateral thigh and residual limb supports. Clinicians and seating specialists can order Orbiter Med by contacting Kalogon to be connected to their local representative at Kalogon.com. About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon's patent-pending Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS) offers adaptive customizations, ambient adjustments and personalized settings. 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
- Calgon or Kalogon? How to Spell and Say It Right
In the world of unique brand names, mispronunciations and misspellings are practically a rite of passage. Here at Kalogon, we’ve seen it all. From "Kalagon" to "Calegin,” the creative variations on our name never cease to surprise us. The name itself was inspired by a friend who used a word in Cebuano – which our team took to mean trust and stability. From there, the team explored options, ultimately choosing Kalogon as the perfect representation of the principles we strive to embody. One common mix-up is with “Calgon,” the classic bath product slogan, “Take me away!” While both of us focus on comfort, Kalogon is all about smart seating solutions, not bubble baths. Here’s some other misspellings that are actually tied to entirely different things: Kalegon: As it turns out, this is the name of a mythical World of Warcraft character. While we’re not in the fantasy realm, our smart cushions might feel like magic to those who use them. Kalagon: A small village in Myanmar, located near the Chinese border. While it’s a lovely place, our focus is creating comfort solutions for seated health, not geography. Calogon: A prescription lotion. We’re all about relieving pressure and discomfort, but with technology, not creams. Kalgon: A heavy metal band. We’re flattered by the edgy vibe, but the only thing rocking with Kalogon is our cutting-edge innovation. We've heard it all. Other common name variations include: Kalgon, kalogen, kalogan, calagon, kolagon, and calogon. We know “Kalogon” is unique, so here are some easy ways to remember both the spelling and how to say it: Think of the word “gone.” When you say “Kalogon,” you’re saying “cal-o-gone,” just like our cushions help discomfort and pressure injuries be gone. Getting our name right helps you find us quickly and easily – no detours through bath product brands or video games! When you search for Kalogon, we want you to connect directly with our innovative solutions designed to improve seating comfort and health.
- Air Travel Safety – Kalogon Orbiter & Orbiter Med Control Box
The lithium battery used in the control box for the Kalogon Orbiter and Kalogon Orbiter Med cushions are safe for air travel and compliant with current U.S. aviation safety guidelines. The control box contains a rechargeable lithium battery with a capacity of 28.9 watt-hours (Wh). This size is well below the 100 Wh threshold established by aviation authorities for lithium batteries carried by passengers in personal electronic or medical devices. According to guidance from the TSA, lithium batteries 100 Wh or less installed in a device are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage, subject to standard screening procedures. The applicable TSA guidance is available at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/medical Additionally, the battery complies with aviation transport safety standards recognized by the FAA. FAA guidance states that lithium batteries under 100 Wh installed in equipment are generally allowed for passenger transport, provided they meet applicable safety testing and certification requirements. More information is available at: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries The battery used in the Kalogon Orbiter control box has been tested and certified to the following international safety standards: UN38.3 – United Nations testing requirements for the safe transport of lithium batteries UL1642 – Safety standard for lithium batteries established by UL Solutions Because Kalogon’s control box battery: Is 28.9 Wh (well under the 100 Wh aviation threshold) Is installed within the device Has passed UN38.3 transport safety testing Meets UL1642 lithium battery safety certification …it meets the applicable guidance from both TSA and FAA for lithium batteries carried by passengers on aircraft. Note because the control box is not installed in the medical device this means that the battery can not be checked in luggage. Passengers traveling with a Kalogon Orbiter or Orbiter Med device may bring the device through airport security and on commercial aircraft in accordance with standard airline and TSA screening procedures. For any additional questions, travelers should consult their airline or TSA guidance prior to travel.
- Kalogon Appoints Paul Banz as Vice President of Sales to Drive U.S. and International Growth
Complex rehab tech industry veteran joins smart seating provider as company scales production capacity and expands global footprint Melbourne, Fla. (March 23, 2026) - Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced the appointment of Paul Banz as vice president of sales. The hire comes on the heels of the company's recent opening of a new 20,000-square-foot production facility and supports Kalogon's aggressive growth strategy in both domestic and international markets. Paul Banz, Kalogon's VP of Sales Banz brings more than two decades of sales leadership experience in the complex rehab technology sector, most recently serving as managing director of export sales group for Etac Group, where he oversaw international sales for multiple brands, including Ki Mobility, Axiom, Star, Hovertech, MoLift, R82, Immedia and Etac's wheelchair, bathroom products and ADL lines. Throughout his career, he has built and scaled sales organizations and product management at leading mobility companies, including Sunrise Medical. His deep expertise in CRT markets and proven track record in international expansion position him to accelerate Kalogon's market penetration as demand for its smart seating technology continues to climb. "Paul's appointment marks an important milestone in Kalogon's growth trajectory," said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. "We've built incredible momentum over the past year, tripling our medical revenue and opening a state-of-the-art production facility to meet surging demand. Paul's experience scaling sales operations in complex rehab technology, combined with his international market expertise, will be instrumental as we expand our presence in North America, Australia and Europe. This hire also allows our leadership team to sharpen its focus on the core functions that will drive our next phase of growth." Based in Stevens Point, Wis., Banz will report directly to Balz and oversee Kalogon's territory sales managers and independent representative network. His immediate priorities include driving sales strategies and revenue growth across new and existing product lines, with a goal of tripling revenue in 2026. He will also expand Kalogon's international footprint, building on the company's existing distribution partnership in Australia and establishing new channels in Canada and Europe. "The vision, level of technological innovation and talent assembled at Kalogon is incredible," said Banz. "Kalogon is poised to reinvent the CRT industry, and the opportunity to build a world-class sales organization around its products is exactly the kind of challenge I've been looking for." Kalogon recently announced it had tripled its medical revenue year-over-year and opened a new production facility in Melbourne, Fla., providing capacity to scale production to approximately $50M in annual revenue. This allows Kalogon to meet the growing demand for its line of seating solutions for medical, aviation and defense. With U.S. manufacturing capacity secured and an experienced sales leader now in place, Kalogon is positioned to accelerate market penetration across multiple sectors and geographies while maintaining the rapid innovation cycle that has defined its growth.
- Kalogon Live Q&A Overview: Bondar Back Support
Watch the full Q&A recording here or follow along with the timestamped transcript below. 3:31 – Bondar overview & coding So as we get going here, Bondar is our E2617 coded back rest. So whenever your wheelchair supplier and your clinician go to submit, that's going to be the code they submit it with. What that means is it's custom configured, so it's all order form based. So Bondar is going to be made by measurement and online we do have a Launch Pad which is our quote request tool. On Launch Pad, you can actually see a 3D image of Bondar as you're customizing it and going through. 4:15 – Size range & who needs Bondar We can do anything from a 12-in Bondar up to 25 in in width or height and then the laterals we can do anything from a 3-in lateral up to an 8 in deep lateral. And you could have the height of it being the whole size of the back rest. I believe there is a minimal height and that's going to be three inches for the laterals. Anyone that would be qualifying for that E2617, that custom configured back rest where you might not need off the shelf and then you might not need to be super molded. So, we're going to be right in the middle right there, middle ground with that custom configured. Before I go on, I'll just go over some of the different things that we can do with Bondar. So we can do different things like a back rest relief where we can do an actual relief in the 3D printed shell itself. 6:05 – Launch Pad measurement & foam options On Launch Pad you're able to select exactly where you want that relief and then you can see the visual. So the first page on Launch Pad is going to be your client measurements. They can go back, toggle, and see those measurements while they're going through the Launch Pad. You will see that 3D model, as you see right here in this picture. We offer two different foam types. We have an XLP foam, which is a little bit more uh little bit more of a high density foam, a little bit more firmer, and then we offer a 1-in polyurethane foam as well – that's going to be a more immersive foam. We do recommend that if you do order that polyurethane foam, if you have some concerns of like sweating or some odors, we do recommend the incontinence cover just because polyurethane foam does kind of hold some odor a little bit more than XLP foam. As you're going through, you can change the different height of the Bondar from 12 up to 24 in. If you put in a measurement that we can't do, the Launch Pad will actually give you a little red error message. That way, it's letting you know that the tool can't do that measurement, and that way you can go back there and put in the correct size you need. 7:18 – Mounting, customizations, & auto calculations We do ask that you guys provide the type of wheelchair Bondar is getting mounted on because depending on manual versus power chair, it will change the, uh, adapter plate or the mounting hardware that we use for the back rest. And then for the width, if you wanted to, you can put in the width right here and kind of leave your width measurement there. Or if you want to get really custom with it, you can actually choose a custom width part where you can get more in depth and more customized there with your measurements. So right here on the Launch Pad, you can see we did an asymmetrical lateral, just showing that you could have one be at 4 in and one be at 8 in in depth. Then you can actually choose the height of the lateral and then you choose where the top lateral is to the base of the back rest to determine where you want that starting point of the lateral. Then you can choose to shape the laterals. If you need that shape to be more steep versus shallow, you can adjust that there. And you can see the model change on Launch Pad. So, if you just needed to have that one width, like at 18 in, you can leave it at that and kind of move on to the next section. Or if you were trying to accommodate and capture some more intimate shapes, you can come in here and have different width measurements. You choose where you want that curve to start on the laterals. So it'll tell you based on your lateral height where that measurement needs to be. It'll kind of guide you through as you're putting in those dimensions. One thing to note too about the width measurements and how we kind of capture width on Bondar – so if you can see right here it says the max outside width is 17.75 in and that's based on the 16 in here. So the model will actually tell you the total outer width based on your inner width measurements. So you're going to be measuring between the two inner points of laterals. You're not going to be measuring like the outer width of the back brush. It's based on the inner points of laterals. And then based on the shell and the foam you have selected, it will populate your total outer width to make sure it's going to fit in between your back canes or on the power chair you're using. So that's just a cool little feature of Bondar that it's going to do that math for you. You don't have to like sit there and do any calculations to make sure it's going to fit. You can kind of know based on your width measurements if you're going to fit in between those back canes of your uh wheelchair. 10:12 – Biangular tilt feature This is another cool feature, our biangular tilt. So, this allows you to kind of have some curvature into that back rest where if you need to have some procline or recline, we can do 10 degrees of recline and 8 degrees of proline. So you just let us know if you want that to be rotated forwards or backwards and then toggle that bang angular feature on. It is something you don't have to add on if you don't want to. 10:44 – Backrest relief feature The next feature we have is the back rest relief. So on the relief here, you'll be able to specifically pinpoint where you want the relief in that 3D printed shell and you'll get a nice visual as you can see the little relief here. We can go in half inch increments up to a full inch in the relief. But eventually you will go through the back of that shell. So we can't get you know too much of a back rest relief there. There are some limitations and Launch Pad will actually tell you those limitations as you're going through as well. 11:17 – Foam types & functional cover features This part here is just the construction and the foam options. So it's going to come with that outer 3D printed shell and then we have the XLP polyurethane foam. For the covers we have two different options. We have an incontinence cover and then we have a breathable cover. The breathable cover was actually designed by our seamstress who's an end user herself. She had free reigns to go and customize a back rest cover that she's always wanted. Even at some of these abilities shows, we've had people come up just trying to buy the cover itself, like where did you get this cover? So it's pretty neat. It allows you to attach different points. So right here there's actually a zipper pouch where you can open the zipper and you can add in like a water bottle you know your notebook if you happen to be using an Orbiter Med that pouch actually fits the control unit perfectly for your Orbiter Med. There are some weight bearing straps up here too. So, if you want to attach like if you have like a suitcase going through the airport, if you have another wheelchair you're having on the back, you can attach things and pull it behind. Just little things that she always wanted in her current wheelchair covers that she had the free range to go and do now. So, the breathable cover will come standard with each cushion or each Bondar. If you want that incontinence cover, you can have that selected. 12:57 – Field kit & post-fit adjustments We do offer a Bondar field kit, which is a foam field kit, which allows you for further customizations in the field for some wedges and stuff like that to make further customizations after you get your Bondar. And then we do have a removable inner shell. This will allow you to take off the foam that you have and then you can heat form that shell for any further customizations once you get it delivered. You need to adjust those laterals more inward, flare them outward more, you can adjust that and then put that foam back on with that removable inner shell. If the removable shell isn't selected, it does make it a little bit more difficult to take the foam off because it is like Veltex on. So you to remove the Velcro to be able to heat form it and make those adjustments. So if you do plan on making some adjustments after the fact, we do recommend that inner shell. A lot of us who have a lot of experience with molded backs in the past, when you do have to alter them, the heating and the molding is easy, but there is some surgery required to get to it. With this one, we're not cutting, we're not scraping, we're just popping out two bolts, popping out that inner liner, and doing our heating and molding. That was that was something that jumped out at me as a difference on Bondar. 15:05 – Hardware & mounting compatibility This going to be our different hardware options that we have. So, as I was mentioning early on Launch Pad, if you want to use a manual versus a power chair, these are our manual options. So, we have the quick release, we have a fixed cane clamp, and we have a dual cane clamp mount. And then we also offer a headrest mount as well. And then for power chairs, we do have a power chair adapter plate. It's going to be a universal plate. So, it'll just come one size kind of fits all with all these different attachment points for permobil quantum. We have Amy Leor attachments, Sunrise. For the most part, every power chair should be compatible with it. And if it's not, please let your territory manager know and we can get it back to the team so we can make those updates and have those different wheelchairs added on to the universal plate. We can also do a dual adapter for the adapter plate as well for the power chairs. The only time we'll use a dual hardware is if any back restrust exceeds 20 in in length or if someone is above 250 pounds we'll go with the dual hardware option. 16:17 – Ordering process & turnaround time With ordering we do have that Launch Pad online. So as you order your Bondar you will complete the Launch Pad, submit the quote, and it will then come to the team. You will get an automated quote with your MSRP on there and then you will get your discounted quote then probably within two hours from your territory sales manager. So it's a pretty easy process in that sense where it's still order form based just like Orbiter Med and that quote will automatically get populated as you hit submit on the Launch Pad. And then once we get a PO, we're seeing between 14 and 21 business days or calendar days until Bondar is delivered. 17:25 – Easy installation process With the install process – I know with our hardware, it's all 4 millimeter Allen wrench or Allen key, so it's all one tool for setup and adjustment. We try to make it really easy on the tech side for any installs and deliveries. Feedbackwise early on, we're hearing it's really nice with the hardware for the tech and then the ordering process for the ATPs and clinicians. Just getting that visual that way when you're in for your evaluation, you have your clinician, ATP, end user all working together, seeing that visual creating the back rest. 18:33 – Measurement workflow tips Going through the process, it's really useful to take those client measurements first. Especially if you know what you want and you've done some stuff, but you haven't quite finished and you go home and you need to finish it up. When you take your client measurements first, they are in there and you can toggle. So later in Launch Pad and you're putting in what you want the length and the height of the laterals to be, it's nice. All you have to do is click on client measurements and on the side of the screen you'll see, oh yeah, they're ax height was 18 in. I want to be about two inches below that. that helps you sometimes choose the specifications of the back if you can be toggling back and forth and see your client measurements. So that is super useful and I love the fact that you can actually see them at the same time that you're filling out other parts of Launch Pad. 19:43 – Default vs advanced customization The other thing I just want to highlight is not only can you customize if you want there are defaults if you don't choose some of these things so you're not forced to choose all of them but you can you can choose the steep or shallow line sort of like the trim line of the top of the lateral. So, you might want something steeper to allow more upper extremity movement like for somebody who's self-propelling. And then you can see what it looks like on Launch Pad. What's cool is that you can go back and forth and you can see the difference and one choice gives you a little bit more width in the back along the posterior surface of the torso um versus the other one. 20:44 – Advanced shaping The last two, the custom width and shaping that you're seeing on the screen now if you're live with us, is very unique. To my knowledge, none of the other custom by measurement backs have this. And you know how when you have somebody and you have straight laterals and it's just not contacting in the lower ribs where you really would like that intimate contact, you can shape for that hourglass figure. You can put in a more narrow which is usually at the lower ribs or right around the person's waist. And you indicate what the height is from the bottom of the back rest and it will come in and shape and basically it's just giving you more intimate contact with the lateral supports. That can be asymmetrical also. You can have one lateral have a different shape on one side than the other. When I worked up a new Bondar back rest for our seamstress and we were able to do that very successfully with a slight bangular back as well. 22:01 – Inside vs outside width The other thing I want to emphasize is the inside versus the outside width. Just to remind you because that is something that's very different than the other manufacturers in the field. Typically, you're choosing an outside width. What's nice about Bondar, I believe, is that we are asking for inside width. So, that helps you make sure it's going to actually fit the person, right? Because that is the measurement that matches the width measurements that you took on the person. And then it automatically shows you the outside width. So, just remember that these are inside widths to help you provide a better fit for the actual client's body.
- Tim's 2026 Predictions on Healthcare and Startups
As we head into 2026, one thing is clear: progress isn’t coming from louder tech or bigger promises. It’s coming from coordination, restraint, and a renewed focus on solving real problems for real people. Here are my 2026 predictions for shifts I believe will define the year ahead. Healthcare Complex systems finally coordinate. The biggest healthtech breakthroughs in 2026 won't come from individual innovations, but from systems learning to work together. AI in healthcare only delivers value if data systems actually integrate across providers, devices and platforms. Patient monitoring tools only work if clinicians, patients and algorithms are truly connected, not just collecting data in parallel silos. In 2026, we'll see the emergence of companies focused purely on being that connective layer–the infrastructure that makes interoperability possible. Software platforms connecting manufacturers, supply chain partners and component suppliers will provide essential coordination infrastructure for complete product ecosystems. This trend extends to business models, too, with direct relationships and transparent pricing replacing convoluted insurance networks and hidden fee structures. Progress happens when all stakeholders are finally at the same table, and someone builds the bridges between them. Niche wellness issues get overdue attention. We're five years past COVID, and healthcare is finally paying attention to conditions that were previously dismissed or overlooked. The common thread in 2026: recognizing that "niche" often just means underserved, and there's both massive need and market opportunity in addressing conditions that standard healthcare has ignored. Menopause and perimenopause are getting serious investment and product innovation. Prosthetics and limb health are seeing breakthroughs. "Taboo" health issues, such as pelvic floor, sexual wellness and digestive health, are being normalized with real solutions and tracking tools. Seated health will be another major development, especially as we understand the long-term effects of prolonged sitting during lockdowns and WFH. Accessible development tools mean conditions previously considered too specialized for commercial investment can now support viable businesses serving those specific communities. Consumer companies rebrand AgeTech. Sharper Image is selling durable medical equipment. Martha Stewart has a rollator on Amazon. Gen X and Millennials are the first digital natives aging into mobility needs while also caring for their Boomer family members, who rarely want to identify as having a disability or needing accommodations. Seniors expect their assistive devices to look and function like the consumer tech they already use. The cold medical aesthetic won't work for this generation. Watch for more mainstream lifestyle brands launching aging and mobility lines in 2026. Consumers revert back to “dumber” technology. There's a growing rejection of overly complex technology, especially among Gen Z. People are buying landlines that just make phone calls. They're avoiding "smart" refrigerators because they don't want ads playing on every surface in their kitchens. The overwhelming number of feature-bloated tech products and constant screen time are driving consumers back to basics. Health care devices in 2026 will follow this trend. The most successful products will do one or two things automatically and well, with simple user control. The tech will be advanced, but the UX will appear more analog. People want equipment that works seamlessly in the background, not apps and screens that demand constant attention and management. The Great Medicaid Reckoning is coming. People who rely on Medicaid face significant changes in 2026. Each state will decide independently how to handle funding constraints—shouldering additional burden, scaling back coverage or restructuring programs entirely. Medical debt will surge, likely spawning new financing companies to manage payment plans. The aging population accelerates this pressure. We may reach a political tipping point where reform becomes necessary and politically viable. For healthcare companies, this means more will diversify across reimbursement codes, payer sources and international markets. Risk management means building resilience across multiple revenue streams. Concierge medicine expands beyond luxury. Given the volatility of health insurance accessibility and pricing in 2026, more providers and patients will opt out of traditional insurance networks entirely, making concierge medicine a mainstream alternative rather than a luxury service. Physicians seeking autonomy from insurance company restrictions will offer direct-pay arrangements. Hybrid models will emerge—basic access fees plus transparent fee-for-service—giving doctors and patients clarity and control. This shift creates new opportunities for healthcare delivery models built on direct relationships rather than third-party intermediation. Startups Sustainable, agile startups emerge from the economic ashes. Market volatility in 2026—from policy changes, tariffs, or economic uncertainty—creates opportunities for nimble startups who have built sustainable businesses amid the VC winter and rising interest rates. Large companies take too long to navigate reorganizations and strategic pivots, while small hardware companies solving real problems can move quickly. Capital-efficient operations and vigilant customer focus enable rapid progress while larger competitors manage internal complexity. Fewer resources means fewer constraints and faster decision-making. Innovation happens at the edges during turbulent times. Small-scale manufacturing becomes economically viable. Companies will ask a defining question in 2026: "Can we build this in-house, or do we need a partner we can truly trust?" Vertical integration for core differentiators and careful partner selection for everything else will define the manufacturing strategy for startups. AI-powered tools will make distributed, small-batch manufacturing profitable, with automation reducing labor requirements for work at modest volumes. Software platforms will connect smaller shops to leverage combined capabilities, with coordinated networks for component sourcing and specialized processes. We will see manufacturing decentralized into niche facilities operating efficiently because AI eliminates overhead that previously required massive scale. Agility and local production become competitive advantages, as "Made in the USA" from base components through final assembly becomes feasible for startups. Hardware startups attract fresh investment. Hardware companies that survived the funding downturn through capital discipline will find themselves in a prime growth position. Investors with dry powder and AI deal fatigue will actively seek alternative opportunities to “AI-proof” their portfolios. Hardware startups incorporating AI as a capability rather than leading with it as their primary identity will find receptive audiences. Real problem-solving with tangible products continues to succeed through market cycles. Ultra-niche startups become viable. Accessible development tools, easy APIs and affordable IoT platforms enable profitable businesses serving tiny markets. Fortune 500 companies and individual developers can now use the same infrastructure. In 2026, this democratization means ultra-specialized solutions for conditions, use cases and communities that previously lacked sufficient scale will be viable. When building and data collection costs approach zero, you can profitably serve highly specific needs. Capital efficiency meets long-tail opportunity, creating space for solutions that capitalism previously overlooked. AI finds its real market in B2B. The AI landscape will split decisively in 2026. Business-to-business AI tools solving specific operational problems with clear ROI will thrive. Healthcare workflows, university research tools and business operations will integrate AI as essential infrastructure. These companies build defensible moats through deep domain expertise and measurable productivity gains. Businesses pay for results, and AI that delivers them will command sustainable pricing. The key differentiator will be embedding AI as a feature that enhances core value rather than positioning AI itself as the product. Across all of this, one theme keeps repeating: durable progress comes from coordination, focus, and human-centered design. That’s where we’re placing our bets. Here’s to building what actually lasts in 2026. — Tim Balz, CEO of Kalogon
- Kalogon Opens $50M Production Facility, Expands Team as Revenue Doubles
Smart seating company expands team as sales surge and production capacity scales Kalogon Team, August 2025 Melbourne, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2025) - Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced it has moved into a dedicated manufacturing facility in Melbourne with production capacity to support up to $50 million in annual business – a major milestone for the company that has built its reputation on U.S.-based innovation and rapid product iteration. The expansion reflects significant growth, with overall revenue more than doubling and medical revenue nearly tripling year-over-year. After reaching maximum production capacity at Groundswell Startups' campus, Kalogon needed a larger dedicated facility to fulfill accelerating customer demand. Kalogon's vertically integrated approach – designing, prototyping and manufacturing in-house – enables the company to implement improvements based on customer and clinical feedback in days rather than months. "When your engineering team and production line are under the same roof, speed becomes your competitive advantage," said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. "We hear feedback from a customer in the morning, prototype a solution by afternoon and have it in testing by the end of the week. That cycle would take months with overseas manufacturing. This facility gives us the capacity to scale that speed, introducing new products, expanding customizations and getting innovations to users at a pace that simply isn't possible when you're dependent on external supply chains." The expansion isn’t just square footage. The company has grown to 35 employees – including recent additions of a specialized industrial sewing technician, multiple engineers and R&D – and is actively hiring across engineering, product and sales to support accelerating demand and innovation. This agility has proven critical in serving a wide range of use cases, from wheelchair users with diverse needs to passenger comfort on airplanes to high-performance pilots in the U.S. Air Force. Just this year, the company has expanded its medical product line and launched the Bondar back support in multiple sizes, completing a fully Medicare-coded seating solution that combines postural support with Kalogon's proprietary Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS). "Kalogon represents exactly the kind of sustainable business we want to see thriving in Florida," said Ken Hall, partner at DeepWork Capital, an early investor in Kalogon. “They’ve built a model where rapid iteration and human-centered design create better products faster, and the market is clearly responding. This combination of innovation and commercial traction is exactly what attracts serious investment.” As urgency for seated health heightens, Kalogon's momentum looks prescient. Kalogon's technology – seating systems that use patented air cell technology, sensors and AI to relieve pressure – addresses growing awareness of seating-related health issues across multiple markets, from wheelchair users managing pressure injury risk to professionals in transportation and aviation seeking enhanced comfort and performance. The company's smart seating technology has been clinically validated to improve blood flow compared to static cushions and has earned numerous recognitions, including the SXSW Patient Safety Technology Innovation Award and TIME’s Best Inventions. Kalogon serves customers through partnerships with major mobility equipment distributors, including National Seating & Mobility, Numotion and Reliable Medical, as well as direct sales and federal grants. https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2025/12/16/melbourne-startup-kalogon-new-space-coast-facility.html
- Personalize the Perfect Fit for Bondar: Introducing the Bondar Field Kit
One of the core ideas behind Bondar is that customization shouldn’t end at the order form. Bodies change. Needs shift. Real-life use highlights things you can’t always predict in an evaluation room. The Field Kit was created to support exactly that reality. It gives clinicians a practical way to continue shaping Bondar after delivery – not by starting over, but by making thoughtful, precise adjustments right on the back support. A Tool for Continuous Fit The Field Kit includes a small set of foam components in shapes that address common, real-world needs: enhancing sacral support, improving lateral contact, adding contour where a user collapses, or refining a bi-angle so you can personalize Bondar. Each piece attaches using hook-and-loop, and everything is intentionally oversized so you can trim it to the exact shape you want. This gives clinicians the flexibility to respond to how the user sits day to day, week to week, or year to year. How It Works Pieces attach directly to the Bondar’s Veltex surface They can be added, moved, layered, or trimmed as needed No tools required beyond scissors Placement differs depending on whether the Bondar is built with XLPE or Polyurethane foam, but in both cases the kit integrates seamlessly Most adjustments take only a few minutes, and they can make meaningful improvements without interrupting the user’s routine or waiting on a remake. Built to Evolve With the User Seating is never static. Whether someone experiences growth, shifting posture, or simply finds new pressure points over time, the Field Kit supports that ongoing evolution. It’s there for the small change, the ones that matter in daily use but don’t require a full redesign. For clinicians, it means having a reliable way to refine Bondar without extra appointments, delays, or guesswork. For users, it means their backrest is something that can keep up with them, not hold them in one fixed shape. Add an Extra Layer of Personalization Alongside the Field Kit, we’re also offering free embroidery on Bondar’s breathable covers. It’s a simple option for adding a name or identifier – useful for clinics, helpful for long-term care environments, and appreciated by users who want something that feels personal. As always, Kalogon believes your seating system should reflect your needs, your identity, and your life – not the other way around.
- Kalogon Launches the First and Only Smart Wheelchair Cushion...
Laurie Orlov, Aging and Health Technology Watch Kalogon Launches the First and Only Smart Wheelchair Cushion Designed to Alleviate Pain and Deliver Personalized, Longer-lasting Comfort MELBOURNE, Fla. (February 8, 2022) - Approximately half of wheelchair users will develop pressure injuries in their lifetimes, yet the cushions people use today were invented before the personal computer. With a team of former SpaceX, NASA and Northrop Grumman employees, Kalogon today launched the world’s first smart wheelchair cushion designed to support the healing and prevention of pressure injuries and improve comfort for extended wheelchair use. With more than 3 million wheelchair users in the U.S. growing with an aging population, Kalogon’s mission is to empower this underserved community with a personalized experience they deserve. Leveraging their experience in aerospace design, Kalogon’s patent-pending intelligent pressure sensors analyze pressure points in real-time and intelligently redistribute weight to alleviate pain, accelerate healing of pressure injuries - also known as pressure sores or bedsores - and deliver longer-lasting comfort. A connected app for iOS and Android enables wheelchair users, caregivers and clinicians to browse Kalogon comfort presets or customize and upload their preferred settings to personalize their smart cushion and optimize pain relief. “Wheelchairs haven’t changed substantially for decades, and we believe that by improving the cushion, we can address the biggest pain points for wheelchair users,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “Early Kalogon users have already reported significant improvement in overall comfort and wellness, gaining a greater sense of freedom to live more active lives.” READ FULL ARTICLE ON AGEINPLACETECH.COM











