What are Bariatric Supplies?

In a time when over 34% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, the need for bariatric equipment has never been higher.  Now, you may be asking yourself, “What is bariatric?”  Bariatric is a term that is given to anything having to do with the treatment, regulation or prevention of obesity.  Bariatric Equipment is a category of medical supplies that characterizes anything designed for patients who are overweight.  In general, this includes bariatric beds, Bariatric Wheelchairs, bariatric benches and scooters.

Sentra Bariatric Reclining Wheelchair

What is Bariatric Equipment Used for?

The answer is:  Just about anything.  All daily functions of an obese patient are affected by the extra weight they carry.  From getting around in a bariatric wheelchair to sleeping in a bariatric bed, patients often require special supplies to improve their quality of life and empower them to live independently as they treat their condition.

In general, these supplies look much like their “regular” counterparts.  However, they are often reinforced in areas where the extra pressure from a heavier individual would cause a failure in most equipment.   They may also be made of materials that are stronger and heavier than their counterparts.  For example, a normal walker may be made out of a light aluminum.  On the other hand, a Bariatric Walker would probably be made out of another metal similar to steel.

Bariatric Side Walker

Bariatric equipment can be found at hospitals across the country.  However, it is much more common at treatment facilities that specialize in weight-centric procedures, such as laproscopic banding, gastric bypass, or liposuction.

In summary, bariatric supplies include any medical equipment that is specially designed to better suit a patient who is overweight or obese.  Bariatric equipment, while sometimes a bit more expensive, is necessary for providing a safe and effective regimen for an overweight individual looking to improve their health and well-being.

Resources

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=jzMofJBxLw8C&oi=fnd&pg=PA37&dq=bariatric+equipment&ots=3A-rWqUrLn&sig=Sh_AM-vDAgwgAVNNY0s7M3OtKKE#v=onepage&q=bariatric%20equipment&f=false

 

http://www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/Choosing_Equipment_for_the_Heavier_Person.pdf

Buyers Guide to Buying Bariatric Equipment

Due to the rise in obesity, there is an urgent need for Bariatric equipment. This is aimed towards giving obese people as much support as possible. Based on this premise, lots of products have been produced by reliable manufacturers towards making life more comfortable for the obese. We shall start by analyzing these products one after the other.

First on the list is Bathroom Assist products . These particular bariatric products are developed in a way that they can conveniently adapt to extra weight. Most of them come as extra wide and best of all is that they are made with strong steel so that the support provided to the user is one that is nothing short of stable. The Shower Chair comes extra wide and there are models which are specially made to carry weights from 500lbs upwards. In order to prevent any case of accident slips, the shower chairs are designed with drainage holes.

Next on the list is Bariatric Beds. Just like the bathroom assist products, these beds are reliable and strong. They are designed to carry weights that ordinary or standard beds cannot carry: some can hold up to 1000 lbs. Not only this, but with the use of these bariatric beds, wider and more comfortable sleeping spaces are provided. There is a wide range of styles for you to chose from, all thanks to thoughtful manufacturers. It is not only the beds that are designed this way; Bariatric Mattresses exist which are designed to rotate the amount of pressure that the user’s body receives and results in little or no bed sores. Also, there are Bariatric Sheets to complement the beds and mattresses.

KCI Bariatric Bed

We cannot forget the Walkers, Rollators and Crutches which are designed to help obese people with mobility. The Bariatric Scooters and Wheelchairs are also available to provide that much needed mobility for obese people who are confined to wheelchairs. There are accessories in stock also for all the Bariatric equipment you desire to purchase either for yourself or a loved one.

Bariatric options exist in a variety of products. With a little research, it is not hard to find the right product for every person, of any size.

References:

http://www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/index/display/article-display/6912795510/articles/fire-apparatus/Volume-14/issue-07/departments/ems-equipment/bariatric-equipment-for-obese-patients.html

http://www.articlesalley.com/article.detail.php/305941/63/Medicine/Health-and-Fitness/7/Bariatric_Equipment