Page 25 – SmartCells Cushioning Technology

SATECH, Inc. Announces SmartCells Child Safety Mats and Flooring

SATECH, Inc. is proud to announce SmartCells Fall Protection mats, runners and flooring for child safety applications.

According to the Center for Disease Control, falls among children ages 0 to 19 years old are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries and account for 50% of all traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, 2.8 million children nationwide are treated in emergency rooms for fall related injuries.

SATECH, a Washington based manufacturer of SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring, has long provided health care facilities and senior citizens who desire to age-in-place with a safe solution to protect against fall-related injuries.

“Protecting our vulnerable young loved ones is equally as important as protecting our elderly loved ones,” says Bryce Betteridge, President of SATECH, Inc. “When we noticed the lack of child safety products for fall protection we knew the SmartCells technology would be the perfect solution.”

SATECH Inc.’s line of SmartCells Fall Protection products helps prevent falls, as well as injuries from falls. The unique dual-stiffness structure of SmartCells, provides users with a stable standing surface that will not cause a balance impaired person to lose their balance, while at the same time provide significant cushioning if a fall does occur.

Comparative studies and research to date have yet to record any broken bones on a SmartCells product, and indicate a substantial reduction in other fall-related injuries such as contusions and skin tears.

SmartCells Fall Protection child safety mats combine effectiveness with style and quality, including features like a low profile height (1/2”) and molded-in beveled edges which reduce tripping hazards.

SmartCells Fall Protection Child Safety Mats keep your loved ones safe.

SmartCells Fall Protection child safety mats are made of latex-free rubber that will not absorb liquids, which allows them to be easily cleaned. Independent testing, using widely accepted protocols (ATSM F355 – 10a) indicates that SmartCells cushioning technology is 2 – 4 times more effective at attenuating impact forces than other foam or gel-based products that are nearly twice as thick.

Mother of two, Chrissy Shelley, user of the SmartCells Fall Protection child safety mat highly praises the product:

“I wish I could have SmartCells child safety mats in every room of the house. Beyond adding comfort, SmartCells gives me piece of mind knowing my children are safer when they play. We keep a mat at the bottom of our stairs, next to the crib, outside the bath and below the slide. There are so many things to worry about in life, it is nice knowing I have one less thing to worry about at home.”

SmartCells Fall Protection child safety mats are available in a variety of colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) and configurations ranging from standard sizes (2×3, 3×5 and 24×68), to build-your-own mats and custom flooring.

Having peace of mind and protecting your young ones from fall related injuries has never been easier. Through SATECH Inc.’s online retail store, consumers can view different variations of SmartCells child safety mats, learn about the technology, determine which solution is best for them and order SmartCells fall protection products from the comfort and convenience of their home.

SATECH Inc. is a technology company that specializes in the development and marketing of SmartCells cushioning solutions that enhance performance, reduce fatigue and help prevent fall-related injuries. SmartCells mats and flooring have broad application in the industrial workplace, healthcare markets, and everyday consumer households. For more information, please call (360) 748-8711, visit www.smartcellsusa.com or view the following video: https://www.smartcellsusa.com/technology/videos/ .

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View Original Press Release Here

Anti-fatigue floor mats: When Subtle Instability is Beneficial

We do not envy the process that people go through to evaluate and choose anti-fatigue floor mats or flooring. An Internet search will render dozens of choices from manufacturers, their distribution networks, catalogs and web sites, but the simple truth is that if you lined up many (if not most) anti-fatigue floor mats next to one another, you’d be hard pressed to discern much difference between them.

It’s very confusing. That’s because, most of them have the same common characteristic; they’re made of foam (sponge). They may be dressed up with tough surfaces that mask how quickly foam can break down, or make redundant claims about being thick, plush or buoyant to mask how easily they bottom out, but the reality remains. When foam is compressed, it gets harder. The whole hard / soft narrative is a bit silly, since compressibility (softness) is only one of several critical elements that should be considered in a surface that has been optimized to reduce fatigue and injuries, and increase productivity.

There is plenty of research out there to support the use of anti-fatigue floor mats, and most manufacturers will tell you that the most important thing to consider when purchasing anti-fatigue floor mats is how the mat feels.

However, at SATECH, Inc. we believe that the most important thing is how YOU feel rather than how the mat feels. To ease your quest to discover the perfect anti-fatigue floor mats for your situation we have compiled a list of essential questions to ask before buying a mat.

Over the next few months we will continue to explore each of these essential questions regarding anti-fatigue floor mats.

So far, we have written about evaluating anti-fatigue floor mats based on whether the surface has been optimized for softness or hardness.

This month’s question is: does the surface provide adequate balance between instability and stability?

When looking for anti-fatigue floor mats it is important to find one that provides enough instability to encourage small postural changes. These small changes will increase blood flow to and from working muscles in order to facilitate venous blood flow (venous pump). However, too much instability (from overly thick / soft, squishy mats) can over-work muscles, causing muscular fatigue, as well as increasing the risk of balance loss, tripping, and contributing to poor body posture, very much like standing on a mattress would. Overly-soft mats can also create ankle, knee and hip joint issues as a heel or toe “catches” during twisting or turning motions.

Case studies have found that standing on a too-soft surface can cause or worsen musculo-skeletal conditions in the back, hips, knees, ankles and feet, and make conditions like plantar fasciitis even more debilitating.

At the other end of the spectrum, properly designed anti-fatigue floor mats also need to provide stability. The challenge is to balance the requirement for instability (cushioning) with stability (support), as an overly-hard surface will not encourage enough subtle muscular activity that creates the circulation needed to prevent painful swelling in the lower extremities. Decreased blood flow to muscles reduces their supply of nutrients and oxygen and in-turn increases fatigue. Surfaces that are too-stable also create pressure points that can result in discomfort and will not cushion or adequately absorb impact force. It all adds up to lost productivity.

Through years of careful development based on valid independent, third-party research, SATECH’s SmartCells cushioning technology which is ergonomically engineered into our anti-fatigue floor mats has been optimized to provide the perfect blend of surface stability/instability to reduce fatigue and increase safety and comfort.

The unique SmartCells cushioning technology will provide comfort for anyone who stands for extended periods of time. The SmartCells® cushioning technology consists of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. The SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue associated with standing.

SmartCells Cushioning Technology: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how YOU feel.

Infection Control: There’s More to Fall Protection Mats Than Meets the Eye

Several weeks ago, we blogged on the topic that not all fall protection products are made equal. This week our goal is to go more in depth about the dangers of using subpar fall protection mats and flooring and how SmartCells Fall protection product reduce the risk of infections.

The US Center for Disease Control reports that every day, about 1 in every 20 hospitalized patients has an infection caused by receiving medical care.

Ultimately, the goal of any health care organization is to provide the safest and most sterile environment to effectively aid in the rapid recovery of their patients. However, the use of subpar fall protection mats and flooring can negatively affect that outcome.

SmartCells fall protection mats will NOT absorb liquid which reduces the risk of infection.

Take for instance, manufacturers that produce fall protection mats or flooring that are primarily made using foam. These so-called fall protection mats create a multitude of complications for users including: unstable surfaces to walk on, make it difficult to roll wheel chairs and other medical equipment across them, are heavy and awkward to move, and worse, they absorb liquid.

Another important note to realize is that, once these foam “fall protection” mats do absorb liquid they become a risk to the patient and health care provider due to the increased risk of infection, therein becoming useless and a financial burden to replace.

As most of you may know, the range of bodily fluids and chemicals that have the potential of being spilled on the floor in a health care setting is high and finding a mat that will not absorb liquid is of utmost importance.

SmartCells Fall protection mats and flooring not only provide patients with protection from falls but they also provide a stable walking surface that easily allows wheeled equipment to roll over and more importantly, will never absorb liquid and are easy to clean when liquid is spilled on them.

Cleaning a SmartCells fall protection mat is as easy as cleaning and disinfecting a regular floor. SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring can be swept, mopped, or vacuumed just like a regular floor and can be disinfected using the appropriate dilution of TASKI NDC, a concentrated pH neutral detergent/disinfectant cleaner or OXIVER to provide one-step, no-rinse cleaning. These cleaners are EPA registered hospital grade disinfectants that provide protection against bacteria/virus/fungus/mildew. It is also okay to use a dilute bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) solution or an alcohol-based solution.

SmartCells Fall protection mats are also available in a rubber formulation that is autoclave safe in temperatures reaching no more than 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, SmartCells wall-to-wall flooring can provide a sealed surface that prevents liquid from passing through to the subfloor.

With excellent warranty periods, SmartCells Fall Protection mats and flooring will give you financial peace of mind and will be there for your loved ones when you can’t be.

-By Lincoln Hollis

Give Your Valentine Comfort With A SmartCells Anti-Fatigue Mat

With arguably the most romantic holiday around the corner, Valentine’s Day, it is no wonder why February is referred to as the month of love.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, it is estimated that people will spend slightly more than $13 billion on Valentine’s Day. The survey also cites that the three most common gifts respectively are cards, candy, and being treated to dining out.

Unfortunately, cards are thrown away, candy is eaten, flowers die, and dining out only leaves you with a memory. Here’s a unique and creative idea that will have him / her thinking of you every day.

This year for Valentine’s Day, go above and beyond the status quo with a thoughtful gift that is unique and keeps them feeling good all year long. Show your significant other that you truly care about them with a SmartCells Anti-fatigue mat or runner.

SmartCells anti-fatigue mats combine style and elegance with industrial quality materials making them the perfect gift for that special man or woman in your life.

In order to bring comfort, relief and versatility to any room in your house, SmartCells anti-fatigue mats are available in three different colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) as well as three different sizes (2’X3’, 3’X5’ and 24”X68”) and surface options (Smooth Top, Basket Weave and Carpet Top). It’s not foam, it’s not gel, it’s SmartCells.

If your valentine is simply too mobile to enjoy the benefits of SmartCells anti-fatigue mats, SATECH recently launched an all-new line of SmartCells Anti-fatigue standard and orthotic insoles. The SmartCells insoles utilize the same trusted technology as SmartCells anti-fatigue mats and are available in three different configurations to maximize comfort and best tailor to your valentine’s lifestyle.

Fall in love with SmartCells comfort this Valentine’s Day.

-By Lincoln Hollis

Beware: Not All Fall Protection Products Are Equal

According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 3 seniors over the age of 65 will fall this year and 20-30% of those who fall suffer moderate to serious injuries. These falls cost roughly $30 billion annually.

Finally, 95% of hip injuries are due to a fall. Among health care professionals it is often said that a hip fracture is the beginning of an elderly loved ones rapid demise.

So, how can we protect our elderly loved ones from the inevitable?

The answer lies with fall protection mats and flooring. There are a variety of fall protection products available to the everyday consumer but not all fall protection products are created equal.

SmartCells fall protection products can be used under vinyl and carpet to reduce tripping hazards.

For instance, there are several manufacturers that produce fall protection mats made from foam. Not only do these mats create an unstable surface for our loved ones to walk on, increasing the chances of a fall, but they also can soak up liquids, which can increase the likelihood of infections.

Unlike foam-based fall protection products, that may be haphazardly designed and lack research support, SmartCells fall protection products have been scientifically designed, and have been the center of several key studies at universities and senior care facilities.

Dr. Frank Knoefel recently conducted a retrospective study in which he and his associates compared the frequency of hip fractures that resulted from residents living in rooms with regular hard surface flooring to residents living in rooms equipped with SmartCells fall protection flooring.

The study found a 2.4% fracture rate among residents living in rooms with regular flooring, while the SmartCells fall protection floor resulted in a 0% fracture rate among its residents. Research continues to gain statistical confidence in these findings.

The unique SmartCells technology incorporates a dual-stiffness design that provides the stability of a hard surface while also retaining the capability to compress and cushion the impact of a fall.

SATECH, Inc. SmartCells fall protection products include bedside mats, which have a low profile and beveled edges, enabling wheel chairs to easily roll over them. In addition to bedside mats, SATECH, Inc. also offers custom fall protection flooring to fill any space or partial room when a single bedside mat is not large enough.

SmartCells Fall Protection products will be there for your loved ones when you can’t.

The Back Pain Epidemic: Reduce Your Back Pain By Changing What You Stand On

A recent study by the American Chiropractic Association found that 50 percent of all working Americans admit to having back pain each year and as many as 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at some point in their life.

The ACA also found that back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work and the second leading cause of visits to the doctor’s office.

SmartCells Anti-fatigue runners reduce back pain and are perfect for users who are too mobile for an anti-fatigue mat.

Back pain is not only a leading cause of bodily pain but it is also a cause of significant monetary pain and loss of productivity on the job. It has been estimated that Americans spend upwards of $50 billion each year on back pain not including the cost of lost productivity.

There is no doubt that back pain is a prevalent issue in the modern work place. Whether it’s sitting in an office setting or standing and walking in a retail or warehouse setting, each work place has its own factors that contribute to back pain on the job.

While it is important to take advice from healthcare specialists, it is also important to note that a recent study conducted by Dr. Bruce E Landon, a professor of health care policy at Harvard, found a rising trend in over diagnosis and over treatment of back problems. It is not uncommon for a doctor to prescribe and recommend a variety of expensive tests, narcotics and referrals for surgery.

Landon also states that “a majority of common back pain will improve on its own with conservative therapy and time.”

There are many simple and cost-efficient ways to reduce back pain including daily exercise, stretching, icing/heating sore body parts, over-the-counter pain relievers and rest.

Another easy way to reduce and/or prevent back pain and reduce the costs associated with back pain is to use SmartCells anti-fatigue mats, flooring, runners, or insoles.

SmartCells anti-fatigue products are ergonomically designed and engineered to prevent and reduce pain, including back pain, associated with standing for extended periods of time. The unique SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue.

SATECH’s anti-fatigue products are built with industrial quality and combine features such as beveled edges and stability with style and elegance that blends perfectly in any room in the house. The SmartCells line anti-fatigue rubber mats come with an industry-leading 8-year warranty and are available in three different surface options (smooth, basket weave and carpet top) as well as three colors (Black, gray and light brown) and three sizes (2X3, 3X5 and 24X68).

What is the difference between Fall Prevention and Injury Prevention?

Throughout the winter months, while temperatures drop and ice and snow accumulation increases, it is common to also see an increase in conversations regarding slip and fall prevention. The ice tends to remind people about how easy and dangerous a slip or fall could be.

While slip and fall prevention is often a seasonal topic for younger generations, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that for our elderly loved ones, they face the potential dangers of slips and falls on a daily basis.

There are many great tips that can be found regarding fall prevention for our elderly loved ones but the reality is that in spite of all our precautions, falls still occur. The conversation needs to broaden to include not just fall prevention, but injury prevention.

The statistics regarding senior citizen falls are staggering. According to the National Council on Aging, every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 29 minutes, an older adult dies following a fall. Falls are the number one cause of fatal injuries amongst our elderly loved ones.

So, what is the difference between fall prevention and injury prevention?

The difference is SmartCells.

SmartCells build-your-own-fall protection mat

SATECH Inc.’s line of SmartCells Fall Protection products helps prevent falls, as well as injuries from falls. The unique structure of SmartCells, also known as dual-stiffness flooring, provides users with a stable standing surface that will not cause a balance impaired person to lose their balance, while at the same time provide significant cushioning if a fall does occur.

Comparative studies and research indicate substantial reduction in fall-related injuries such as contusions and skin tears when using SmartCells fall injury prevention products.

SmartCells Fall Protection products are available to be used as an underlayment or in a variety of colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) and additional configurations ranging from build-your-own mats and custom flooring to pre-sized mats (2×3, 3×5 and 24×68).

SmartCells will be there for your loved one when you can’t be.

What is the difference between Anti-fatigue foam, gel, and rubber mats?

Shopping for an anti-fatigue mat can often be a daunting task. Consumers are faced with a variety of companies offering a multitude of so-called “anti-fatigue” products. Anti-fatigue products are generally made from three different material choices: foam, gel and rubber mats.

“Ultimately, it comes down to whether consumers want to invest in a piece of foam, a piece of gel or anti-fatigue technology,” says Al Shelley, Marketing Director at SATECH, Inc.

Foam mats compress and become harder, and gel is so soft that it squishes out of the way. Consumers find that SmartCells anti-fatigue rubber mats provide the perfect combination of ample cushioning, stability and density.

SmartCells Anti-Fatigue mats are an elegant upgrade for your home and office.

The unique SmartCells® cushioning technology consists of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. The SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue associated with standing.

SATECH’s renowned line of SmartCells Anti-fatigue products includes a large variety of rubber mats, custom flooring, and runners and is trusted by leading companies who take employee safety and comfort seriously such as: Disney, Amazon and Boeing.

SATECH’s anti-fatigue rubber mats are built with industrial quality and combine features such as beveled edges and stability with style and elegance that blends perfectly in any room in the house. The SmartCells line anti-fatigue rubber mats come with an industry-leading 8-year warranty and are available in three different surface options (smooth, basket weave and carpet top) as well as three colors (Black, gray and light brown) and three sizes (2X3, 3X5 and 24X68).

It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how you feel.

SmartCells Fall Protection Products Featured in European Showcase

SmartCells Fall Protection: We’ll Be There When You Can’t

SATECH, Inc. is pleased to announce that the full line of SmartCells Fall Protection products are being featured in Europe’s Healthy Aging and Public Procurement of Innovation (HAPPI) Showcase.

The HAPPI Project, funded by the European Commission and DG Enterprise, was designed to connect European health procurers with innovative and sustainable solutions and products that improve and promote aging well.

Aging-in-place is the current term that best characterizes the trend by aging individuals and their families toward living and being cared for at home, rather than in retirement communities or care facilities. This increase in desire to age-in-place has brought to light many concerns senior care professionals have for an at-risk population choosing to remain at home. By far, the most highlighted concern is that of safety and fall prevention.

In 2010, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 65% of senior citizens who fell were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. That’s an astonishing 2.3 million senior citizens.

Fall-related injuries pose a serious risk for the senior population and at times can turn fatal. In fact, the CDC also found that “approximately 20% of older adults hospitalized for a hip fracture die within a year and about 50% will suffer a major decline in independence.”

“It’s appropriate that resources and discussions are directed to fall prevention,” says Al Shelley, Marketing Director at SATECH, Inc., “but the reality is that in spite of all our precautions, fall still occur. The conversation needs to broaden to include not just fall prevention, but injury prevention.

SATECH Inc.’s line of SmartCells Fall Protection products helps prevent falls, as well as injuries from falls. The unique structure of SmartCells, also known as dual-stiffness flooring, provides users with a stable standing surface that will not cause a balance impaired person to lose their balance, while at the same time provide significant cushioning if a fall does occur.

Comparative studies and research indicate substantial reduction in fall-related injuries such as contusions and skin tears when using SmartCells fall injury prevention mats and flooring.

SmartCells Fall Protection mats combine effectiveness with style and quality, including features like a low profile height (1/2”) and molded-in beveled edges which reduce tripping hazards and allow most wheeled objects to roll over the mat, without needing to move it out of the way.

SmartCells Fall Protection products are made of latex-free rubber that will not absorb liquids, which reduces the risk of contamination and infection and allows them to be easily cleaned. Independent testing, using widely accepted protocols (ATSM F355 – 10a) indicates that SmartCells cushioning technology is 2 – 4 times more effective at attenuating impact forces than other products that are nearly twice as thick.

SmartCells Fall Protection products are available in a variety of colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) and configurations ranging from build-your-own mats and custom flooring to pre-sized mats (2×3, 3×5 and 24×68).

As is illustrated by the HAPPI Project, injury prevention is a worldwide issue where SmartCells has become an important solution provider.

In celebration of the Holiday Season, SATECH is offering a 10 percent discount on all SmartCells Fall Protection and Anti-fatigue products through their online retail store.

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Experience the Holiday Season in Comfort

SATECH, Inc. Releases All-New SmartCells Anti-Fatigue Basket Weave Mat

The holidays are a time to relax but between braving crowds to finish holiday shopping and long hours on your feet in the kitchen baking holiday treats, relaxation and comfort seems like the last thing you experience.

“The SmartCells Anti-Fatigue basket weave mat adds comfort and relief in any area of your home where you are standing or kneeling on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time,” said Bryce Betteridge, President of SATECH, Inc.

Available in three different colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) as well as three different sizes (2X3, 3X5 and 24X68), the all new SmartCells Anti-Fatigue Basket Weave mat is built with the renowned industrial quality and combines features such as beveled edges and stability with style and elegance that blends perfectly in any room in the house. SmartCells mats are also available with a smooth surface or with a replaceable carpet-top insert to dress up any room.

The unique SmartCells cushioning technology will provide comfort for anyone who stands for extended periods of time. The SmartCells® cushioning technology consists of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. The SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue associated with standing.

SATECH’s SmartCells Basket Weave anti-fatigue mat adds comfort and style to any room in your house.

Shopping for quality anti-fatigue mats can often be difficult and confusing, but through SATECH’s website consumers can compare SmartCells anti-fatigue technology to foam and gel mats, read consumer testimonials, watch informative SmartCells videos and view the several variations of SmartCells Anti-fatigue and fall protection products.

For those who are simply too mobile to enjoy the benefits of the all-new SmartCells basket weave anti-fatigue mat, SATECH, Inc. recently launched a new line of SmartCells Anti-fatigue insoles that provide SmartCells cushioning relief anywhere they go.

SmartCells® Insoles are available in three styles that easily slip into most shoes: a Standard flat style, for use with or without orthotics, as well as Therapeutic and Active Orthotic styles that offer additional arch and heel support, personalized for size and tuned to the nature of the users’ activities

In celebration of the holiday season, SATECH is proud to offer a 5 percent discount on all SmartCells Anti-Fatigue and Fall Protection products ordered through SATECH’s online retail store.

SATECH Inc. is a technology company that specializes in the development and marketing of SmartCells cushioning solutions that enhance performance, reduce fatigue and help prevent fall-related injuries. SmartCells mats and flooring have broad application in the industrial workplace, healthcare markets, and everyday consumer households. For more information, please call (360) 748-8711, visit www.smartcellsusa.com , or view the following video: https://www.smartcellsusa.com/technology/videos/ .

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