SATECH’s New SmartCells website is a Smart Website for Health and Productivity

Chehalis, Wash.

The same technology trusted by leading companies to reduce back, knee and foot pain and improve productivity, as well as reduce fall-related injuries in frail populations is now available to the everyday consumer through SATECH’s  dynamic, new website, www.smartcellsusa.com . The website embraces an all-new look for the SmartCells brand cushioning technology and a user-friendly interface.

“The new look reflects our continued desire to provide outstanding products and create the best customer experience,” says Al Shelley, Vice President of SATECH Inc.

The new SmartCells website includes several new features such as: all-new e-commerce and “Everyday Use” pages, enhanced navigation bars, links to additional resources, customer testimonials, an updated blog, comparative information, research and data related to SmartCells cushioning technology and links to SmartCells social media sites.

The site functionality allows customers to view and purchase SmartCells products from the convenience and comfort of their home or office. Consumers also have the ability to obtain product specifications, view pictures of the broad range of SmartCells applications and connect with marketing specialists to learn more about SmartCells products and discuss all of their options.

In the past, SmartCells have been primarily used in professional or industrial applications however, SATECH Inc. believes that the benefits and versatility of SmartCells cushioning technology goes beyond those professional applications and extends to the everyday consumer. SmartCells products have many practical uses around the house including: kitchen and bath mats, garage and housework kneeling mats and fall protection mats for seniors or those with disabilities. In order to reach this market SATECH has added the “Everyday Use” section to the new website.

Searching for anti-fatigue or fall-protection mats can become overwhelming, confusing, and often misguiding, so the site provides education for consumers and seeks to squelch the common notion that soft, squishy mats are effective.  The addition of the research/data, customer testimonials, and the links/resources pages enables the consumer to have a better understanding of what they should look for when purchasing anti-fatigue or fall-protection matting or flooring.

In an effort to highlight the significant differences between SmartCells cushioning technology and other anti-fatigue mats, the site features the “Hall of Shame” page which encourages customers to take pictures of “shameful” anti-fatigue and fall protection mats that may be posted on the website.

SmartCellsUSA.com utilizes several social media networks and presents a blog in an effort to increase and cultivate conversations, excitement, and awareness of the SmartCells brand cushioning technology online, including links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. SATECH Inc. also utilizes LinkedIn as another avenue to reach business professionals.

Partnered with Marketing Puget Sound and a team of media consultants, SATECH Inc. spent months researching and testing innovative website ideas to enhance the customer experience.

With its enhanced user interface, bold new look, and user-friendly navigation tools the new SmartCells website placed third in Marketing Northwest’s Annual Marketing Awards “Best New Consumer Media” category.

SATECH encourages you to explore the new website, www.smartcellsusa.com , and “friend” or “follow us” on your preferred social media site and subscribe to the new e-newsletter. SATECH, Inc. encourages your feedback in order to continue to provide an enhanced customer experience that is second to none.

SATECH Inc. is a technology company that specializes in the development and marketing of SmartCells cushioning-technology solutions that enhance performance, reduce fatigue and help prevent fall-related injuries. SmartCells cushioning technology has 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

Study Finds a Significantly Reduced Fracture Rate for Falls on SmartCells Cushioning Technology

Falls in older adults are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Older adults living in nursing homes are three times as likely to fall as those living in the community. Rapp et al estimated the rate of falls to be about 1.6 per nursing home bed per year. Falls in this population lead to fractures approximately once every 20 falls. Beyond the significant impact falls have on the resident, falls with injury are also responsible for about 60% of liability cases filed against nursing homes.

Since 1988, numerous studies have suggested that the wearing of hip protectors can reduce the fracture rates related to falls. A recent Cochrane review, however, found only a marginally significant reduction in hip fracture risk in the use of hip protectors in nursing homes, but not in the community. Furthermore, compliance with the wearing of hip protectors is not very high.

An alternative approach to having each resident wear a hip protector could be to design a safer floor. Dual-stiffness flooring (DSF) has a rigid top layer and a collapsible lower layer. The intent is that the top layer provides support like a regular floor, while the collapsibility of the lower layer acts as a shock absorber. A number of biomechanical studies have suggested that DSF diminishes the impact of contact with a floor, potentially reducing injuries associated with falls. More recent studies have further supported these findings in people.Given that about 75% of falls in a nursing home occur in residents’ rooms, including the bathroom, it would make sense to install DSF in residents’ rooms. To our knowledge, there are no publications to date from a controlled study comparing injury rates on regular flooring with that on DSF in a nursing home setting.

Results

Over the study period, there were 449 documented falls. There were 82 falls on the DSF, and these were compared with the first 85 identified by taking every third of the remaining 282 falls on regular flooring. Fallers had a mean age of 74.2 years; 53% were male and 24% were on medication for osteoporosis. On average, these patients took 10 medications. Fifty-five percent of falls resulted in an injury and 26% in a significant injury, defined as abrasion, cut, fracture, or two or more injuries. Patients allocated to DSF flooring rooms were comparable with their counterparts in the regular flooring rooms on the previously mentioned factors except that they were significantly younger and took significantly fewer medications; these factors were thus treated as covariates in the analyses. There was a marked tendency for residents falling on DSF to have less bruising and abrasions while having more redness and cuts. There were two fractures on regular flooring (2.4% fracture rate) and none on the DSF flooring (0% fracture rate).

The complete report can be found here:

Dual Stiffness Research Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SmartCells Carpet Top Mat Receives Five-Star Rating from About.com

Since I had tested a SmartCells anti-fatigue mat in the past, I was already familiar with the SmartCells Cushioning Technology, so I expected the same stable, non-squishy support and I wasn’t disappointed. While some anti-fatigue brands go for a soft style of cushioning that can feel like you’re walking on sand (fatiguing

at times), SmartCells mats are dense but supportive, and you feel more energetic while you’re standing on one. So this test was no different in that respect.We positioned this mat at the kitchen sink where we tend to spend a lot of time. While the support met our expectations, what was surprising was the extra layer of cushioning that the carpet top provides. We did not expect that much difference, but it adds another level of comfort. The carpet is a Berber-type low pile similar to what we have in our family room. This mat sure looks lovely and the carpet top makes this industrial-grade mat look like it belongs in the home – a stylish upgrade.

The carpeting insert is partially recessed and the total height is still under an inch. The carpet is actually held into place by double-face tape, so when it needs to be changed over time, that will be easy to do. However, the carpet may fray – it looks likely and will probably need a little trim, if the fibers loosen at the edges. This normally would bother me, but I really like the extra comfort and the fact that the carpet can be easily replaced. So I find this a little trade-off of sorts. Of course, you’ll have to clean the carpet as needed, whereas you can just wipe a regular non-carpeted SmartCells mat. So that may be a consideration for some.

Another very nice feature of this mat is the wide rubber trim that provides an easy transition to the mat. The edge is firm and it stays put without curling or causing a tripping hazard. The mat stays well in place, having only moved about a couple of inches over a few days on vinyl flooring. I find this very reasonable and much better than some.

Faced with deciding between the carpet top or a standard SmartCells model (no carpet), we’d chose the carpeted mat without hesitation. My hubby’s first remark when he stepped on it?: “I wish the whole floor was like this”.

Overall Impression

The carpet top is an excellent stylish upgrade for the SmartCells mat. Now the anti-fatigue mat not only feels great but looks like it belongs in the kitchen. We both highly recommend this mat, it’s essential for anyone who has or wants to prevent back, knee or foot pain while standing at the counter. And I love the tan pattern.

Reviewed By: Mariette Mifflin, About.com Guide

Links

About.Com Full Review

Interface FLOR Brings SMARTCELLS Cushioning Technology to the Healthcare Market

(LAGRANGE, GA—MAY, 2011)—A flooring system that has been shown to help reduce fall-related injuries is about to make its way into the healthcare [A1] market thanks to an agreement reached between InterfaceFLOR, LLC, North America’s leading manufacturer of modular carpet tile, and SATECH, Inc., developers of SmartCells cushioning technology. In signing the deal, InterfaceFLOR becomes the exclusive soft flooring manufacturer to offer the proven fall protection surface that SmartCells provide.

“This launch represents the marriage of two proven leaders in their respective fields and an exciting new era for healthcare environments as we introduce a flooring system with significant preventative benefits,” said John Wells, Interface Americas President & CEO. “InterfaceFLOR has distinguished itself the past 37 years with a portfolio of innovative products, and in teaming with SATECH and adding SmartCells to an InterfaceFLOR installation, we’re achieving our goal to create aesthetically pleasing interiors for healthcare facilities while helping to reduce injuries from falls. With this breakthrough, we’re expecting to help play a significant role in reducing ever-increasing healthcare costs.”

In fact, it was compelling statistics, such as skyrocketing healthcare costs, that catalyzed the collaboration between InterfaceFLOR and SATECH. Injurious and fatal falls have been a growing concern for hospitals, assisted living and healthcare facilities, and the situation has become especially acute as the “boomer” generation now swells the ranks of the aging population. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 30 and 40 percent of people over the age of 65 fall each year, and approximately 40 percent are repeat fallers. In addition, nearly 90 percent of hip fractures are due to falls. Approximately 20 percent of older adults hospitalized for a hip fracture die within a year, and about 50 percent will suffer a major decline in independence.  For facility administrators, falls and related injuries result in high insurance costs and potentially expose the facility to fall-related lawsuits.

“Our SmartCells cushioning technology provides a stable surface for normal day-to-day activities that softens upon impact, thus giving it a unique dual-stiffness characteristic,” said SATECH President Bryce Betteridge. “The flooring surface has been shown to reduce fall-related injuries.  In many cases, preventing a hip fracture or concussion becomes a life-saving intervention for our elderly.”

While SmartCells adds significantly to the InterfaceFLOR benefits, the modular carpet tile company consistently has provided “go-to”  flooring solutions for the healthcare sector, and its products represent a preferred alternative to other flooring surfaces for a variety of reasons.  InterfaceFLOR carpet tiles allow effective compliance with infection control procedures and standards. Hazardous spills are easily addressed because the affected tile (or tiles) can simply be replaced and the area properly decontaminated and sanitized by housekeeping or maintenance staff without having to call in a floor covering specialist. What’s more, since all InterfaceFLOR carpet tiles incorporate its proprietary preservative, Intersept®, the carpet is also protected against mold, odor, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Then, there’s the distinct advantage that neither InterfaceFLOR carpet nor SmartCells require use of glue for installation, which reduces the mess, odor, VOCs, and reduce the need to relocate patients or staff during the installation or replacement process. Furthermore, the dimensional stability of InterfaceFLOR’s modular carpet tile also is well-established in the industry.  Mobility tests involving hospital beds, gurneys, wheelchairs, carts and equipment have shown resistance rates on par with hard surfaces, yet carpet tile is a more resilient and forgiving option that also offers anti-fatigue protection for caregivers. Acoustically, of course, carpet tile is a preferable alternative to hard surfaces, and this positively impacts the overall comfort and healing environment that is a prerequisite for a healthcare facility. Some studies show that in those facilities where the acoustics are better, hospital stays are 15 percent shorter and there are 25 percent fewer staff errors.

Another valued feature of InterfaceFLOR carpet tile is the inherent sustainability of the tiles. Many of the company’s products and its manufacturing processes included features that are designed to help lower the environmental footprint of a facility.

About InterfaceFLOR

InterfaceFLOR, LLC and InterfaceFLOR Canada, Inc, are a subsidiaries of Interface, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial carpet tile. For 38 years, the company has consistently led the industry through innovation and now leads the industry in environmental sustainability. InterfaceFLOR is setting the pace for development of modular carpet using materials and processes that take less from the environment, and is well along the path to “Mission Zero®,” the company’s promise to eliminate any negative impact it has on the environment by the year 2020. InterfaceFLOR’s worldwide carpet manufacturing facilities maintain third party registration to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standard, and the company obtained the first-ever Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the commercial floor covering industry in North America. The company is recognized globally for its commitment to build environmental considerations into its business decisions. For additional information, please visit :

 

www.interfaceflor.com

youtube.com/interfaceflorna

facebook.com/interfaceflor

 

About SATECH, Inc.

SATECH is a technology company that specializes in the development and marketing of SmartCells® ergonomic and cushioned flooring solutions that enhance performance and reduce fatigue and fall-related injuries. SmartCells technology has broad application in the industrial workplace and health care markets. For more information, please call (360) 748-8711.

 [A1]SmartCells Fall Protection has been in the Healthcare market for quite some time.  This, however, is an introduction of “the system” of SATECH + Interface FLOR

SmartCells Fall Protection Flooring Featured at Idea House Exhibit

SATECH Inc. today announced that its patented SmartCells® fall protection flooring will be highlighted in the Idea House exhibit at the annual conference of the American Association of Home and Services for the Aging.
“We’re honored to be a part of this prestigious event to demonstrate the latest in fall protection flooring technology to help prevent fall-related injuries,” said Bryce Betteridge, president of SATECH. “Not only will our fall protection flooring help provide a safer environment for indoor living spaces, it also is easily customized for outdoor surfaces.”
The 2010 AAHSA Idea House is an interactive exhibit at the center of the stage show floor, with more than 5,000 square feet of outdoor and indoor living space, it showcases the latest designs that optimize vibrant aging in place, using innovation technology and eco-conscious design. 
 The annual conference attracts more than 8,000 attendees.
The SmartCells technology creates a remarkable dual-stiffness fall protection flooring solution that does not impair balance by providing a stable surface for normal activities that softens under impact to provide fall- impact protection. The new SmartCells structures are not only optimized to provide effective solutions for both preventing falls and protecting individuals from serious fall-related injuries, but also
provide fatigue relief for caregivers. The SmartCells cushioned flooring technology is the subject of a variety of clinical studies to further quantify its many benefits as fall protection flooring to reduce risk and liability for long-term care providers.
About AAHSA The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,700 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. For more information, visit www.aahsa.org

About SATECH, Inc. SATECH is a technology company that specializes in the development and marketing of SmartCells® ergonomic and cushioned flooring solutions that enhance performance and reduce fatigue and fall-related injuries. SmartCells technology has broad application in the industrial workplace and health care markets. For more information, please call (360) 748-8711 or visit www.smartcellsusa.com

 

SmartCells Fall Protection Flooring Used by Aleydis Centers

SATECH Inc. today announced a relationship with Aleydis Centers to provide its patented SmartCell’s® fall protection flooring for Aleydis Centers across the
country.

“The Aleydis Centers and SATECH’s patented fall protection flooring are a perfect match to provide an aging
population with a safe infection control environment,” said Bryce Betteridge, president of SATECH.
“In addition, our fall protection flooring will reduce liability for assisted living facilities and most importantly,
preserve the dignity of residents for routine healthcare.”

According to Dr. Stuart Boekeloo, president of Aleydis Centers, the SATECH fall protection flooring provides a
significant benefit because it provides a safe surface in a safe room. “Infection control is challenging
in many facilities, and is inadvertently spread through common cleaning practices,” said Boekeloo.
After podiatrists, mobile dental units and others provide services in resident’s rooms or common
areas — as is the industry norm — it simply facilitates the spread of infection. When rotary
instruments are used and well-meaning housekeeping staff sweep or vacuum to clean up, it
increases the problem of contamination. Aleydis and SATECH are working together to not only
provide fall protection flooring, but also the most infection free surfaces possible.

Cushioned fall protection flooring reduces injuries and is easy to clean and disinfect.”We needed a safe, easily-cleaned fall protection flooring product for residents from their wheelchairs to treatment
chairs,” said Boekeloo. “When we found out about each other it was a natural fit. My goal is to have SATECH flooring in every Aleydis Center.”

Aleydis Centers are standardized mini-examination/surgery rooms for residents in assisted living
facilities. According to the company, 85 percent of routine healthcare examinations and treatments
for hearing aids, teeth, knees, feet, minor cardiology testing can be done on-site. The room
standardization improves infection control and lowers transmission rates between patients, securely
maintains medical records on site, reduces liability for care providers and decreases the burden on
families who must often shuttle loved ones off-site to visit their doctor or dentist.

The company is named after the patron Saint Aleydis, known for her endurance amid suffering and
to motivate those in pain. “It’s a great connection and meaning,” said Boekeloo.

About Aleydis Centers LLC
Based in St Joseph, Mich., Aleydis Centers are revolutionary healthcare centers for residents of
Assisted Living Facilities. They preserve patient dignity and provide infection control in a safe
environment. Aleydis multi-care treatment rooms™ offer standardized, state-of-the-art technology
through which various health care providers can rotate. Available nationwide and supported by a
network of certified technicians, Aleydis Centers are typically installed in 4-5 weeks. For more
information, call (269) 449-7017 or visit www.aleydiscenters.com

About SATECH, Inc.
SATECH is a technology company that specializes in the development and marketing of
SmartCells® ergonomic and cushioned flooring solutions that enhance performance and reduce
fatigue and fall-related injuries. SmartCells technology has broad application in the industrial
workplace and health care markets. For more information, please call
(360) 748-8711 or visit www.smartcellsusa.com.

SmartCells® Fall Protection Flooring in the News

SmartCells® USA receives national recognition for advances in Fall Protection flooring technology:

 

CONTACT US:

Telephone: (360) 748-8711

Toll-free:  (888) 728-3241

Fax: (360) 748-8822

Email: info@smartcellsusa.com

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1264
Chehalis, WA 98532

 

Shipping Address:

1769 Bishop Road
Chehalis, WA 98532