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HipSaver - the Overview
HipSaver Hip Protector
HipSaver Soft Hip Protector
HipSaver Soft Hip Protector is scientifically validated soft hip protector has been designed with users in mind. HipSaver Hip Protector is widely used in the United Kingdom since 2002. HipSaver’s unique dual-mechanism energy absorbing and energy shunting airPad significantly reduces the forces of impact. During a fall, the airPad absorbs the energy released by the initial impact. This leads to redistribution of the air within the open cells of the viscoelastic urethane memory foam encased in the airtight and waterproof urethane pouch. At the time of impact, the pad temporarily inflates like a miniature air bag and diverts the force away from the vulnerable hipbone. Subsequently, the soft pad returns to the pre-fall status. The concept of HipSaver soft hip pads evolved from the research carried out during the NASA development of protective padded suits for astronauts and pilots. You can review the benefits of the HipSaver soft hip protector at a glance on the HipSaver Benefits page.
About HipSaver Hip Protector and HipSaver airPads
HipSaver airPads were tested at several prestigious universities. Here, we present the results of the testing carried out in August 2000 at the Tampere University of Technology, Applied Mechanics Laboratory by Jarmo Poutala and Jari Parkkari. The test was carried out to the protocol, testing methodology and the testing system identical to that reported in Bone 1999 Aug. 25(2):229-35. The test report shows that the HipSaver pad reduced applied fall force of 7200N to 1790N, thus reducing it to below the fracture threshold of 3100N +/- 1200N and by 20% more effectively than a commonly used hard shell protector (Safehip). The table and the graph below compare the results from the HipSaver pads to the tests results of other hip protector pads as presented in the published Bone report (Bone 1999 Aug. 25(2):229-35).
Important Points to Note about HipSaver Soft Hip Protector:
Please note that the HipSaver airPad does not take up fluids, such as water, urine or blood. The viscoelastic foam is encapsulated in polyurethane film to form an airtight and watertight pouch. Radio frequency technique is used as the encapsulation process. The pad can be washed at 95 degrees C (boil wash) and tumble dried at high heat.
Please also note that under the body weight the pad slightly inflates - like an air cushion - due to the presence of air trapped in the pouch. The pad is temperature responsive and when worn, becomes soft and pliable, moulding itself into the body contours.
Please note that HipSaver airPads as well as HipSaver garments are designed to be compatible with incontinence and will therefore accommodate the largest incontinence wear. HipSaver airPads and HipSaver garments will withstand the harshest laundries that comply with the infection control regulations.
HipSaver hip protector is all-soft one piece brief with thin tapered viscoelastic foam pads encased in a waterproof and airtight polyurethane pouches. The waterproof pads are permanently sewn in the undergarments over the trochanteric areas and cannot be removed. The HipSaver soft hip protector garments are fully machine washable at 95 degrees C and can be tumble-dried at high temperatures.
HipSaver hip protector is all soft and comfortable and suitable for day and night wear. The pants are made from soft polycotton jersey fabrics with Lycra for comfort and fit. HipSaver soft hip protector is made in many styles that cater for the needs of the elderly people. HipSaver soft hip protector is available in seven sizes for comfort and fit as well as for the total protection of the trochanters from the effects of falling.
Why choose HipSaver Soft Hip Protector?
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HipSaver Hip Protector provides great protection
HipSaver hip protector provides great shock absorption. It has been independently tested at two prestigious Universities - Harvard University, Massachusetts and Tampere University in Finland. The
results showed that the soft HipSaver airPad technology offers excellent reduction in applied force.
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HipSaver Soft Hip Protector is internationally accepted
HipSaver soft hip protector is used in more than 5000 institutions and by thousands of independently living users in the USA, Canada and in other parts of the world, such as Australia, Ireland, Sweden, Israel, Czech Republic and United Kingdom. HipSaver has been refined and improved in 11 years of research and development. The FDA in the USA cleared HipSaver hip protector for marketing in 1994. Since October 2002 HipSaver is supplied by the NHS Supply Chain as being a part of hip protector contract for NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. HipSaver is a registered Class 1 Medical Device under the provisions of the Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC and, as such, carries appropriate CE Mark.
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HipSaver Hip Protector is effective
In a controlled study, the high-risk intervention group wearing HipSaver soft hip protector had a 0% fracture rate (199 falls over 26 months with no hip fractures) as compared to a 4.3% fracture rate (369 falls over 26 months with 16 sustained hip fractures) for the less at-risk control group. Point to note: In this study, the elderly subjects (mean age 79) assessed to be at the highest risk of falls were non-randomly assigned to wear padded underwear in an attempt to immediately reduce their risk of fall related hip fractures.
A 13 months compliance study using HipSaver soft hip protectors carried out in a long term care facility in the USA, the authors reported over 90% compliance to day wear and concluded that hip protector programmes are feasible and sustainable.
In the United Kingdom, HipSaver hip protector was found to be the hip protector of choice in a number of local hip fracture prevention initiatives such as the RHINO Hip Protector Study in Dudley, West Midlands and HipSaver Pilot Projects in different parts of Kent. HipSaver was also found to be superior to hard shell protectors in the Acceptance and Usability Study carried out by a group led by Prof. Dr Tahir Masud.
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HipSaver Soft Hip Protector is comfortable and fits well
HipSaver soft hip protector undergarments are available in several different styles, each in 7 sizes to ensure proper and accurate fit with maximum comfort to patients with differing health needs. HipSaver soft hip protector is made from soft and skin-friendly materials. It can be worn day and night. The pads are soft, thin and tapered and HipSaver hip protector can be worn under normal clothes without showing ugly bulges. Male versions with convenient front fly openings are available.
For people that prefer to wear hip protectors incorporated in outer garments, there are HipSaver Activs casual trousers and HipSaver Interim pyjama available.
Styles of HipSaver Hip Protector video
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HipSaver Hip Protector is safe
There are no reported or known cases of skin breakdown underneath the HipSaver airPads. The pads are made of 100% urethane foam that is encapsulated in skin friendly polyurethane pouch. There is no latex component. The fabrics used in making of the garments are light, soft and stretchy - containing a mix of cotton and polyester fibres with a touch of Lycra®. HipSaver Easy Fit is made from 100% antibacterial polyester with special moisture wicking properties.
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HipSaver Soft Hip Protector is convenient to use
HipSaver hip protector is washable in domestic and industrial washing machines and can be tumble-dried.
HipSaver is designed to withstand laundering and drying at very high temperatures (95 degrees C) as dictated by institutional infection control procedures.
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HipSaver Hip Protector is affordable
For an independent older person wishing to enjoy an active healthy life with minimum risks related to falling, the HipSaver hip protector offers an affordable safety measure and gives confidence to enjoy life to its full potential.
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HipSaver Soft Hip Protector provides peace of mind
HipSaver soft hip protector offers peace of mind and confidence to the independent older person, their families, friends and carers as it may protect from severe fall related hip injuries.
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HipSaver is cost effective in nursing home setting
A published 'cost-benefit' analysis of external hip protectors in the nursing home setting states clearly that hip protectors represent not only a cost-saving intervention, but that hip protectors prolong lives and their use leads to 'life expectancy gains' in the elderly population destined to have a fracture. The authors recommend a preferential use of the soft-shell variety of hip protectors, because soft hip protectors are preferred for comfort and are likely to have improved adherence rates without compromise to biomechanical effectiveness. A Cost-Benefit Analysis of External Hip Protectors in the Nursing Home Setting. Lisa A Honkanen, Bruce R Schackman, Alvin I Mushlin, Mark S Lachs. Journal of American Geriatrics Society (JAGS), 2005; 53:190-197.
In the care or residential institutions, HipSaver soft hip protector can help to prevent consequences of the unpreventable falls, thus improving patient safety whilst encouraging beneficial mobility and giving the carers – as well as the patients - more peace of mind. HipSavers soft hip protectors help to prolong the elderly people's lives!
Please note, that the HipSaver soft hip protector garments should not be discarded/replaced after a fall. HipSavers are reusable time after time again! Efficacy of the airPad shells is not impaired by falls. HipSavers should be replaced, when signs of ordinary undergarment wear and tear (i.e. same as on normal standard underwear pants) are observed or, if the pads were accidentally damaged/pierced by high impact with sharp instruments. Such damage will be immediately apparent, because the damaged pad will take in water and lose its shape during the next wash. 12 months Quality Guarantee covers material and/or workmanship faults, hence, if products were to be found faulty, such would be immediately replaced. Quality Guarantee does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, disregard of laundry precaution on the use of bleach or purposeful damage.
HipSaver Soft Hip Protector Summary
HipSaver soft hip protector presents an effective way to minimise the devastating consequences of falling. However, it should not be looked upon as the only solution to prevention of fall related hip fractures and it is not guaranteed to prevent all hip fractures resulting from falls. HipSaver soft hip protector performs best as an integral part of an overall preventive package, which consists of the following elements:
Attainment and maintenance of life-long optimum bone health
Pro-activity and vigilance in fall prevention
Prevention or minimisation of consequences of the unpreventable and unforeseen falls
Buy HipSaver soft hip protector online 
HipSaver Hip Protectors
Video programme on DVD entitled "Protecting people from the effects of falling" is available from Win Health. It is offered FREE to healthcare professionals, social services executives, care homes staff and other professionals involved with Falls Prevention Initiatives or practically interested in the prevention of fall related injuries. The programme features Dr Tahir Masud of Nottingham City Hospital; Dr Bernard Walsh from St. James's Hospital in Dublin; Mr. George Gross from Boston, MA and others. Contact us to request a copy.
Refer to Hip Protectors page for general information on hip protectors.
Visit Nurse Call Mat page for falls prevention device to use with your existing Nurse Call Systems.
Refer to Care of the Elderly People for other products and devices useful in elderly care to carers and the elderly people.
Hipsavers
We have been using Hipsavers at our Nursing Home for the past 4 years. We have nothing but praise for the product. I can truthfully say that during the years that we have used them, there have been no injuries during falls to any resident that has been wearing them. We reccomend them to anyone that is prone to falls, usually prior to admission. They wash well which is a bonus! And delivery times are excellent.