Problem/Solution

 PROBLEM: TISSUE DEFORMATION
  A primary cause of ischemic ulcers is decreased blood flow as a result of tissue deformation.
 SOLUTION: DEFORMATION RELIEF
Low pressure distribution is achieved through ROHO® DRY FLOATATION® technology. The DRY FLOATATION Mattress consists of four sections, each of which is independently adjusted and balanced to the patient. When the patient is properly immersed in the Mattress, ROHO DRY FLOATATION technology provides a low pressure environment over the entire contact area of the body. The DRY FLOATATION Mattress conforms so that the patient's soft tissue does not deform.


 PROBLEM: EDEMA
  Wound healing cannot occur without proper cell nutrition and oxygenation to meet metabolic needs. Metabolic activity is impaired by the presence of edema.
 SOLUTION: COMPRESSION THERAPY
The support surface conforms to the body without deforming tissues and provides compression therapy without ischemia. Efficiency of nutrient and oxygen exchanges are enhanced by the transfer of interstitial fluids away from the pressure sites. As the fluids are moved away from the pressure sites, the ROHO DRY FLOATATION Mattress continues to adjust itself and conform to the patient with even, low pressure distribution.


 PROBLEM: VASOCONSTRICTION
  Low local or body temperature reduces the metabolic rate and may cause vasoconstriction which decreases perfusion.
 SOLUTION: INCREASED BLOOD FLOW
Using laser doppler velocimetry1 in a year long study, it was proven that blood flow increased at least four times the base line value while the patient was immersed in the DRY FLOATATION Mattress.
1 Jacobs, Mary Ann, MSN RN. "Compression of Capillary Blood Flow Using a Regular Hospital Bed Mattress, ROHO Mattress, and Mediscus. "Rehabilitation Nursing 14.5 (September/October 1989).


 PROBLEM: DEHYDRATION OF THE BED WOUND
  Support surfaces which provide air flow tend to dehydrate the wound and the patient.
 SOLUTION: SUPPORT HYDRATION
The DRY FLOATATION Mattress does not blow air over skin surface. Blowing air on the patient's skin can dry out and desiccate the wound bed. DRY FLOATATION technology is compatible with moist wound healing principles and with dressing and bandaging techniques, which encourages granulation.


 PROBLEM: CUSHION TOXICITY
  People can develop severe and threatening reactions when exposed to Natural Rubber latex products.
 SOLUTION: ROHO DRY FLOATATION CUSHIONS MADE FROM MAN-MADE MATERIALS
When people talk about LATEX TOXICITY what they are really discussing is a severe allergic reaction to proteins found in Natural Rubber. Natural Rubber comes from sap, a white milky fluid (latex), of the Hevea brasiliens or rubbertree. All products made from Natural Rubber contain some amount of the proteins. The amount depends on how the latex was processed and how well the products made from it were leached and washed. Almost everybody will have some kind of reaction to these proteins. Depending on the number of times exposed and the duration of the exposure the reaction can be anything from a mild dermatologic rash to anaphylactic shock.

ROHO Incorporated products are manufactured from man-made materials. The cushions themselves are made of DuPont Neoprene, a synthetic rubber material that contains no protein; the covers are made of Nylon, Lycra, Polyurethane, and Polyvinyl chloride, and pumps are made of polypropylene.

When discussing specific allergy problems with healthcare workers we should be careful not to forget that a very small percentage of the population will have a reaction to contact with our cushions. Because the cushion is made from a chemical polymer and contains other chemicals used to produce a cure and render it resistive to UV light and the effects of ozone means that a few rare individuals will have a dermatologic allergy reaction to our product. This can be a serious problem but it should not be confused with the protein toxicity associated with Natural Rubber.


 PROBLEM: SHEARING
  Skin shear which results in angulation of blood vessels decreases blood flow. Shear forces generated when the body slides onthe bed surface contribute to skin breakdown in comprised and immobile patients.
 SOLUTION: TRUE FLOATATION
The cells in the ROHO Mattress provide a high resolution surface to support the patient with evenly distributed low pressure. Instead of a single membrane supporting the patient, there are interconnected surfaces, each of which conforms to the patient without increasing pressure at any one site. Each soft and stretchable cell is designed for six degrees of freedom - movement in any direction - and is specially treated to minimize friction and resulting shear.


 PROBLEM: COST CONTROL
  Health care professionals are seeking ways to deliver quality patient care in the most cost-effective manner.
 SOLUTION: COST EFFECTIVE DRY FLOATATION
Provides therapeutic value equivalent to mechanical beds for less cost. Programs designed by The ROHO Group to meet your therapeutic and fiscal needs. Does not require electrical power to operate. Fits standard hospital/homecare beds. Lightweight and portable. Accommodates all patient sizes and tissue conditions.