Etac and Kalogon Announce New Partnership to Expand Access to Smart Cushion Technology for Wheelchair Users. Partnership will enhance Etac’s Star cushion line and expand access to Kalogon’s innovative smart cushion technology for wheelchair users Stockholm, SE (Sept. 11, 2023) - Etac , a world-leading developer of ergonomic assistive devices and patient handling equipment, and Kalogon , a leader in smart seating solutions, today announced a new partnership to bolster the quality and availability of smart seating cushions for wheelchair users worldwide. The two companies join forces to enhance Etac’s Star cushion product line powered by Kalogon’s revolutionary air management system. Etac’s range of Star vertical air cell cushions is respected by clinicians worldwide to support individual needs for pressure redistribution. With solutions for stability and positioning in the StabilAir and StarLock cushions, the Star brand is known for blending trusted pressure care solutions with innovation to increase value to the end user. “Etac has a 50-year legacy of promoting user abilities and independence through our assistive devices, and teaming up with innovative companies like Kalogon ensures we can continue to lead the state of the art in pressure care,” said Magnus Björkqvist, SVP Wheelchairs and Pressure Care, Etac. “Kalogon’s air management systems are a game changer in our space, and together we can deliver the latest pressure care solutions on the market to everyone who needs them.” Kalogon’s range of smart cushion products combine machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology to redistribute weight and increase comfort by maintaining blood flow in wheelchair users. A connected app enables wheelchair users, caregivers and clinicians to personalize their experience based on each user's specific needs. Early customers of Kalogon’s Orbiter reported significant improvements in overall comfort, accelerated healing, and an ability to sit up to two times longer. Recently, Kalogon announced the pre-order for its Booster product, powered by its Air Management System (AMS). This controller enhances most existing air flotation wheelchair cushions to control and maintain pressure set by a clinician. “Partnering with Etac gives Kalogon a competitive edge, leveraging their strong reputation and go-to-market strategies,” said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. “Combining our innovations in smart seating with Etac’s expertise in pressure injuries is a win-win for our businesses and customers.” For more information, visit https://www.kalogon.com/ or https://www.etac.com/en-us/us/ . About Etac Since 1973, Etac has been committed to improving quality of life for the individual, family members and caregivers. Through our specialized product brands, we offer state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of daily needs and care settings, for people at all stages of life. Star is our range of vertical air cell cushions for pressure care, designed to support individual needs for pressure redistribution, stability and positioning. Learn more at https://www.etac.com/ . About Kalogon Kalogon revolutionizes the way the world sits through technological innovation, cutting-edge research and an obsession with user experience. By prioritizing empathy-driven design and embracing inclusivity, we aim to set a new benchmark in seating solutions for those who spend an extended time sitting, inspiring positive change in the industry. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to lead active, seated lives with enhanced comfort and well-being. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com .

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

Greg Pallone, Spectrum News 13 The nonprofit Brevard Achievement Center has partnered with Kalogon to help produce the world's first "smart" wheelchair cushion. (Spectrum News 13/Greg Pallone) BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A new partnership between a Brevard County nonprofit and a local company is bringing relief to those with disabilities. For Chris Coxwell, 28, the project is personal. As a Brevard Achievement Center employee, Coxwell is working on the assembly line for Kalogon , a company creating the world’s first “smart” wheelchair cushion. Coxwell assembles the parts that make up the cushion, which is made partially by 3D printer. According to the CDC, half of the country’s wheelchair users will develop pressure injuries over their lifetime. “The fact that it helps a lot of people, and potentially my cousin,” Coxwell said. READ FULL ARTICLE ON SPECTRUM NEWS 13

Sue Dewerff, Viera Voice Evan Rosenberg, left, the principle engineer designer, Nathan Atkinson, user experience engineer, and Tim Balz, the founder and CEO, expect to begin selling the smart cushions nationally. Approximately half of the more than three million wheelchair users in the U.S. will at some point develop pressure sore injuries. Viera-based Kalogon Smart Cushions founder and CEO Tim Balz and his team of former SpaceX engineers began their quest more than a year ago to create a cushion designed to alleviate pain by redistributing pressure points. It ultimately accelerates healing while delivering long-lasting comfort for wheelchair users. Last month, the company announced it will begin selling the smart wheelchair cushions nationally. READ FULL ARTICLE ON VIERA VOICE

Liane McIver, THIS. Florida-based mobility startup Kalogon has announced the launch of what it calls the “world’s first smart wheelchair cushion” to support the healing and prevention of pressure injuries and improve comfort for extended wheelchair use. Developed by ex-SpaceX engineers – the aerospace company started by Elon Musk – Kalogon describes the cushion as being designed to “assist in the healing and prevention of pressure ulcers or bedsores.” The company notes that approximately half of wheelchair users will develop pressure injuries in their lifetimes, yet the cushions people use today were invented before the personal computer. READ FULL ARTICLE ON THIS.

Sarah Sarsby, AT Today US-based mobility start-up Kalogon has launched what it says is the world’s first and only smart wheelchair cushion that alleviates pain, delivers long-lasting comfort, and treats pressure injuries. The smart cushions innovatively sense and redistribute pressure points to support the healing and prevention of injuries. They are designed to improve comfort for extended wheelchair user. Kalogon Smart Cushions feature patent-pending air cell technology and intelligent pressure sensors, which analyse pressure points in real-time and intelligently redistribute weight to alleviate pain, accelerate healing of pressure injuries, and deliver longer-lasting comfort. READ FULL ARTICLE ON ATTODAY

Over One-third of Americans Sit More Than 8 Hours Per Day, Finds New Research from Kalogon Kalogon Showcases Smart Seating Solutions at CES 2024 to Improve Comfort and Reduce Pain LAS VEGAS (Jan. 9, 2024) - At CES 2024, Kalogon ,   a leader in smart seating solutions, today released new research that found more than one-third (38%) of Americans are sitting for more than eight hours per day, and most respondents feel discomfort after sitting just 30 minutes to four hours. In its 2024 Seating and Sitting Survey  of over 1,000 U.S. adults, Kalogon studied the duration an d physical effects of sitting to understand how it impacts overall wellness. Seating & Sitting Chart Previous research by the CDC  in 2018 found that 25% of the population spent more than eight hours a day sitting, signaling that adults are now sitting longer than just a few years ago – and they’re uncomfortable. In addition to showing signs of discomfort starting at just 30 minutes, 13% of respondents had experienced a pressure injury  from sitting. Pressure injuries and their complications claim the lives of 60,000 Americans annually, establishing them as a top cause of preventable deaths in the United States.  The survey also found: 23% of people have taken medication to increase seated comfort; 41% have taken extra breaks to move to increase comfort More than half (58%) of people at least somewhat agree that they have a goal to sit much less frequently Nearly three-fourths (74%) of people at least somewhat agree that they are highly aware of the health risks of prolonged sitting Health tech is ‘behind’ “There are myriad reasons why people sit for extended times – due to their jobs, disabilities and more,” said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. “While it’s noble to encourage more movement, we can’t ignore the very valid reasons why people need to sit and must strive to improve seated wellness for those who do. Seating hasn’t been disrupted in 50 years, but we can massively improve our seated health by applying the best in health tech available to our butts.” Kalogon’s smart seating solutions are ushering in a new era for those who spend an extended time sitting. At Kalogon’s booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall, #8939, CES attendees will have the opportunity to experience the future of seating. Orbiter by Kalogon combines machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology to redistribute weight and increase comfort by maintaining blood flow. A connected app enables users, caregivers and clinicians to personalize their experience based on each user's needs. Early customers of Kalogon’s Orbiter reported significant improvements in overall comfort, accelerated healing, and an ability to sit up to two times longer.  Kalogon will demo the cushion for a range of applications requiring prolonged periods of sitting, such as mobility device use, trucking, transportation workers, pilots and more. For more information, visit https://www.kalogon.com/ .  Methodology The survey was conducted for this report using Centiment online survey tools. The sample of 1,045 individuals in the United States was surveyed between October 20, 2023, and November 29, 2023. The data set is available for academic researchers by contacting the Kalogon Research Team at science@kalogon.com . About Kalogon Kalogon revolutionizes how the world sits through technological innovation, cutting-edge research and an obsession with user experience. By prioritizing empathy-driven design and embracing inclusivity, we aim to set a new benchmark in seating solutions for those who spend an extended time sitting, inspiring positive change in the industry. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to lead active, seated lives with enhanced comfort and well-being. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com .  Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com

Published in the Journal of Tissue Viability, Orbiter by Kalogon’s offload sequence was found to improve blood circulation compared to static modes Melbourne, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2024) - Kalogon ,   a leader in smart seating solutions, today released the findings of a study  investigating how its Orbiter smart cushion  affects blood flow. The research, conducted in collaboration with EC-Service Labs and published in the Journal of Tissue Viability  on February 11, 2024, reveals promising results for improving blood flow perfusion. The study focused on the air-bladder offloading mode of Kalogon's Orbiter cushion and its impact on reactive hyperemia in the gluteal region of non-disabled individuals. Reactive hyperemia is a physiological mechanism that regulates the local blood flow after a temporary obstruction of blood vessels. The degree of reactive hyperemia depends on the degree of occlusion, a higher level indicates a higher degree of occlusion. By utilizing a high-resolution image system to measure blood flow during different seating experiences, researchers analyzed the effects of using Orbiter's offload sequence compared to static modes. The results indicate that when using Orbiter's offload sequence mode, there was less reactive hyperemia compared to static modes without offloading benefits. In other words, Kalogon's air bladder system within the cushion significantly improves blood flow and circulation in the gluteal tissue among non-disabled participants. "The outcomes of this study reinforce the early feedback and experiences of our customers – Orbiter improves comfort and aids in offloading that is difficult to do manually," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. "We strive to transform how people sit comfortably for extended periods, and this research marks an important step towards achieving that goal and gaining scientific validation for our innovations." While these initial findings highlight significant progress toward understanding blood flow improvement mechanisms associated with Orbiter, further research is needed to understand the full effects of the cushion. Kalogon has developed a continuing education course  for occupational and physical therapists including insights from this research, addressing how to identify those that will benefit from posture/positioning interventions and how to provide comprehensive assessments and dynamic treatment plans for those with posture and positioning needs.  “Using high-resolution imaging to study the impact of the Kalogon wheelchair cushion on blood flow in the gluteal area,” Sandra Arias-Guzman, Craig Oberg, Kasey Call, Marianne Russon, Evan Call, Journal of Tissue Viability, online February 11, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2024.02.003 For more information, visit https://www.kalogon.com/ .  About Kalogon Kalogon revolutionizes how the world sits through technological innovation, cutting-edge research and an obsession with user experience. By prioritizing empathy-driven design and embracing inclusivity, we aim to set a new benchmark in seating solutions for those who spend an extended time sitting, inspiring positive change in the industry. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to lead active, seated lives with enhanced comfort and well-being. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com .  Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com

Live an active seated life with Kalogon’s new cushion accessories that adapt to wheelchair users’ needs Melbourne, Fla. (March 12, 2024) - Kalogon ,   a leader in smart seating solutions, today debuted a new line of accessories to make its Orbiter smart cushion more adaptable to each user’s unique needs. Kalogon aims to increase customers’ independence and confidence when on the go with Orbiter. Orbiter by Kalogon  is a smart cushion proven to increase blood flow while sitting. Its proprietary air-cell technology analyzes and adjusts pressure points in real time to redistribute weight and maintain blood flow for people who spend extended time sitting. Now publicly available, Kalogon’s expanded line of Orbiter products includes:  XLR charger  – charge Orbiter from the port on most power wheelchairs with a three-pin XLR port Extender – turn Orbiter on/off or charge it in three to four hours without leaving your seat  Incontinence covers – protect Orbiter with an easy-to-clean, waterproof cover that goes discreetly under your existing Orbiter cover Replacement covers – change colors or add a spare Orbiter cover for more flexibility while on the go; replacement covers are machine washable and offered in two colorways Improved mounting kit – now included with every Orbiter purchase is a mounting kit designed to fit even more wheelchair model and includes velcro for attachments "Our team is continuously iterating and improving the Orbiter user experience, and each accessory has been designed in response to customer feedback," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. "These enhancements empower Orbiter customers with the confidence to be more independent when using our products and live an active seated life. Orbiter has already made a significant impact on the lives of wheelchair users, and we are always striving to make it more accessible for current and future customers." Learn more about all Orbiter products and connect with a representative at Kalogon.com . About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating, offering patent-pending solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon’s core technology integrates custom molding, dynamic motion and ambient sensing to provide personalized, healthy seating. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com .  Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com

Kalogon’s latest innovation in custom smart seating receives CMS coding approval, accelerating health insurance coverage for tech-powered wheelchair cushions. Melbourne, Fla. (April 11, 2024) - Kalogon ,   a leader in smart seating solutions, today unveiled a new custom wheelchair cushion, Orbiter Med , which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved for the use of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Code E2609 to bill Medicare. For the first time, Orbiter Med combines Kalogon’s groundbreaking Advanced Pressure Management (APM) system with the individualized postural support of a custom cushion reimbursable by insurance.  Pressure injuries (PI) are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, and more than 50% of people who use wheelchairs have experienced a PI from sitting . However, people who use wheelchairs have had to compromise by choosing to focus on either structural support or skin integrity. Orbiter Med is custom fabricated based on each patient’s unique seating and positioning requirements - needs that can’t sufficiently be satisfied by a prefabricated seating system. Each Orbiter Med cushion features Kalogon’s groundbreaking APM system clinically proven to improve blood flow and is built to provide postural support customizations designated by a clinician, seating specialist or therapist.  "Our first Orbiter cushion was created out of a need for innovation in seating for people at higher risk for pressure injuries, who have been ignored for decades," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. "Orbiter has been proven to improve blood flow and has already changed the lives of countless customers living active seated lives, but we know that one size doesn’t fit all. Orbiter Med is a fully customized system that blends the best technology in pressure management with tailored stability and postural support specific to a patient’s needs." APM uses a combination of machine learning and air cell technology to intelligently redistribute weight based on personalized settings set by a clinician in the Kalogon App. Users and clinicians can fine-tune their pressure levels and optimize their seating experience for different activities with the Kalogon App. Clinicians can select multiple cushion modifications, including variable sizes of medial and lateral supports, options for leg length discrepancies, residual limb support and more. Kalogon has partnered with National Seating & Mobility , North America’s largest provider of comprehensive mobility solutions, as the launch dealer for Orbiter Med in the United States. “National Seating & Mobility is proud to bring breakthrough technologies to market that will enhance the safety and lifestyle of the people we serve,” said Darren Lowman, chief supply chain officer at National Seating & Mobility. “Our collaboration with Kalogon will secure cushion demos for evaluative purposes in addition to technical training for our Assistive Technology Professionals to ensure our teams are prepared to make this wound prevention solution available in clinics nationally.” Orbiter Med represents the next stage in Kalogon's commitment to providing top-of-the-line products accessible to everyone who needs them. “More often than not, health innovation moves faster than regulation, creating economic barriers for the patients who could most benefit from technological advancements,” said Balz. “Patients shouldn’t have to sacrifice insurance coverage for the best technology available on the market. Earning CMS approval for Orbiter Med is a huge milestone in making our seating solutions more accessible. We take every piece of customer feedback to heart and thank all those who helped us test each iteration of Orbiter Med. This achievement is a testament to our team’s relentless effort to continuously improve our products.” Clinicians and seating specialists can order Orbiter Med by contacting Kalogon to be connected to their local representative at Kalogon.com , with cushions starting to ship in Summer 2024. Learn More https://www.kalogon.com/orbiter-med About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating, offering patent-pending solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon’s core technology integrates custom molding, dynamic motion and ambient sensing to provide personalized, healthy seating. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com .  Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com

A curated collection of books written by disabled authors to add to your reading list for 2024! Disability Visibility: First Person Stories from the Twenty-first Century by Alice Wong (editor) Sitting Pretty: The view from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement by Ashley Shew The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of A Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark A Revolution by Judith E. Heumann with Kristen Joiner The Secret of Haven Point by Lisette Auton The Centaur's Wife by Amanda Leduc So Lucky by Nicola Griffith Beauty Is a Verb by Jennifer Bartlett, Sheila Black, and Michael Northern Kindred by Octavia E. Butler I'll Push You by Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck What Happened to You?: A Solo Wheelchair Travel Memoir by Sylvia Longmire Driving Forwards by Sophie L. Morgan The Seawomen by Chloe Timms Girl of the Ashes by Hayleigh Barclay Happy World Book Day! Comment below if we missed one of your favorite books written by a disabled author. We'd love to add more to our list!

With an oversubscribed extended seed round, Kalogon will expand product offerings leveraging its Advanced Pressure Management (APM) system New funding will also bolster R&D and sales with commercial and military aviation partners, such as the U.S. Air Force MELBOURNE, Fla. (May 30, 2024) - Kalogon ,   the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced it has raised $1.2 million in extended seed funding to expand its line of products built for an active, seated life. Sawmill Angels, M7, SeedFundersOrlando, AARP and additional angels participated in the oversubscribed seed extension.  Kalogon is pioneering a new category of smart seating solutions clinically proven to improve blood flow. Using its patent-pending Advanced Pressure Management (APM) system, Kalogon cushions feature a unique combination of foam, air bladders, sensors and software to automatically and dynamically adjust to the person sitting on them. Traditional cushions can reduce blood flow, leading to discomfort, pain and even pressure injuries for people who sit for long periods, such as wheelchair users, truckers, transportation workers, commercial pilots and more. Kalogon cushions analyze pressure points in real time, intelligently redistribute weight and increase comfort for those who sit for extended periods.  The company will use the funds to bolster R&D and go-to-market following a stand-out year of product advancements and record sales. K alogon has widened its footprint through partnerships with the world’s largest mobility device distributors – such as Etac and National Seating & Mobility – and has completed the AgeTech Collaborative ™ from AARP’s accelerator program. The company also recently completed a Phase 1 SBIR contract with the U.S. Air Force and published research in the Journal of Tissue Viability  that demonstrated the efficacy of Kalogon’s APM system. After record-breaking sales in Q1 2024, Kalogon announced its first Medicare-approved wheelchair cushion – OrbiterTM Med  – increasing its market by 10x and accelerating reimbursement for medical use.  “Kalogon is on an impressive trajectory, propelling the entire industry forward to provide solutions for health conditions that have been ignored for far too long,” said Jeff Ready, investor at Sawmill Angels and board member at Kalogon. “Kalogon has the potential to not only serve the medical industry with better mobility products but also solve complex seating problems in aviation, transportation, the public sector and many more industries, and we are proud to support their next growth phase.” “This funding is validation for the hard work and tangible results driven by our team in the last year,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “With our relentless pursuit of science-backed innovation and an unwavering dedication to the user experience, we are ushering in a new future for seated wellness. The partnerships and product developments we have achieved recently have opened new doors, and this round will help us further expand our offerings and availability in the market.” For more information on Kalogon, visit https://www.kalogon.com/   About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating, offering patent-pending solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon’s core technology integrates custom molding, adaptive motion and ambient sensing to provide personalized, healthy seating. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com .  Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com