Home | Medical | Industrial | Information Systems | Contact Us

Pressure ulcers are one of the leading perils facing patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). They are also the most preventable injuries.

What is a Pressure Sore?

Pressure sores are known by a number of names. In addition to pressure sore, they are sometimes called bedsores, or decubitus ulcers. Pressure sores can occur over any part of the body but, for the wheelchair-bound, the major risk areas are the ischial tuberosities and the sacrum. The consequences of developing such a pressure sore is severe and can be life threatening. The actor Christopher Reeve died due to complications from such an injury.

What causes Pressure Sores?

Pressure ulcers occur when lying or sitting in one place for too long. The skin needs blood and oxygen to get nutrients. Pressure on the skin blocks the blood supply. If the blood supply is blocked for a long time, a red area may be seen. Pressure can cause ulcers in less than two hours. If the pressure is NOT removed, the tissue in the red area will be starved of its blood supply and it will die.

How can Pressure Sores be Prevented?

Dr. Melissa Richardson of Carolina Rehabilitation Associates in Greenwood, South Carolina writes,

"For patients who require a wheelchair for mobility and sit for the majority of activities, pressure relief of the skin is essential to preventing pressure ulcers. I counsel my patients to change position in the chair at least every twenty to thirty minutes.

'Bottoms-Up' is a new device that can serve as a much needed remider for patients to shift position. I am pleased to offer my support towards the further development and availability of this product."

Melissa K. Richardson
Board-Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

The BottomsUp Timer

The BottomsUp device (patent pending) consists of a small battery powered device that is secured by a hook and loop fastener (Velcro ™) to a wheelchair with a powered tilt feature. The model shown in the photo to the left may be used by patients with any injury level as it requires no hand function whatsoever to operate. The timing cycle is initiated by the patient returning from the tilted position to the normal seating position. An unobtrusive, audible signal alerts the patient to perform a weight shift at the physician-prescribed interval. The alerts continue at one minute intervals for five minutes, or until the patient resets the device by performing a weight shift.

The BottomsUp timer has been proven effective in reducing the incidence of pressure sores by as much as 78%! Click here to read the report...

How to order:

Currently, there are three models offered.

Standard model with tilt reset	$49.99 USD
Push button model. Same as above, but uses manual push button for reset.	$49.99 USD
Push button model as above, but with belt clip instead of Velcro	$51.99 USD

Note: South Carolina residents should include applicable sales tax.

At this time, please direct all sales inquiries to the contact page or the contact methods below. An online ordering system is being prepared to make the process easier.

For wholesale quantities, please call.