Foam tubing for the medical and healthcare sector

Revolutionising medical support with foam tubing

At Kewell Converters, we have rich heritage in producing high-quality foam products that cater to a variety of sectors for the healthcare and medical industry. This blog highlights our innovative foam tubing solutions and their significant impact on medical support applications. We truly believe our track record and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with medical conditions sets us apart in the industry.

The challenge

In the healthcare sector, medical support devices are crucial for patient rehabilitation and daily living assistance. For people with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, holding cutlery, or indeed any implement requiring a firm grip, can be very difficult. Simple daily tasks, such as eating dinner, can become impossible without someone else’s assistance.

However, these devices often lack the necessary comfort, durability, and adaptability to meet varying patient needs. Traditional materials used in medical equipment can cause discomfort and don’t always  offer the flexibility required for effective rehabilitation. Production managers and supply chain teams face the ongoing challenge of sourcing materials that not only meet regulatory standards but also enhance the end-user experience.

The solution

Kewell Converters addresses these challenges with our state-of-the-art foam tubing solutions, particularly our unique use of Plastazote which had taken decades to finetune. Our medical foam products offer unparalleled comfort, support, and versatility. The unique properties of Plastazote make it an ideal choice for a wide range of medical applications, including grip enhancement on everyday tools and critical support in medical devices.

Key features of Plastazote foam tubing:

• Comfort and support: Plastazote provides a comfortable grip, essential for individuals with limited hand strength
• Versatility: Can be used in various applications, from cutlery to medical devices
• Durability: Closed-cell foam tubing is light, non-absorbent, non-sticky, washable, and dishwasher safe.
• Customisable: Supplied in one-metre lengths and can be cut to size, making it easy to tailor to specific needs

This product is highly sought after by occupational therapists who aim to improve daily living for their clients. The closed-cell foam tubing is available in various sizes to provide a built-up handle for easier gripping (e.g., cutlery, pens). It’s lightweight, non-absorbent, and can be washed or placed in a dishwasher, ensuring hygiene and ease of use.

Versatile applications in healthcare

Many of the foams specified by our customers need to be in skin contact and must be MRI, CT, and X-Ray lucent, so they can be deployed in splint and support applications we manufacture. Some specific applications include:

Prosthetics

Our Azote foams are often specified for prosthetic applications due to their very low mass and wide range of available densities, making them suitable for numerous podiatric applications, including Plantar Fasciitis, Pes Planus, and Pes Cavus.

Joint and spinal supports

Plastazote and other foams are used in “moulding to the body” applications, such as the manufacture of joint supports, spinal supports, and immobilising orthoses.

Hydrotherapy equipment

The hydrophobic and flexible nature of our foams makes them ideal for manufacturing hydrotherapy equipment.

Our commitment to innovation means we continuously explore new applications and improvements to our existing products, ensuring that we meet the ever-evolving and essential needs of the healthcare sector.

The science behind Plastazote

Plastazote, a type of closed-cell foam, is at the heart of Kewell Converters’ product range in the medical equipment sector. Here’s why it’s so effective:

Kewell Converters transformed the landscape of medical support with our innovative foam tubing solutions dating back many decades. For production managers and supply chain teams, understanding the benefits and applications of these products is crucial. Our unique expertise, combined with the exceptional properties of Plastazote, makes our foam tubing an invaluable tool in improving daily living conditions and medical support applications. From enhancing grip on everyday tools to providing critical support in medical applications, Kewell Converters’ foam products are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with medical conditions.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Kewell Converters can help your organisation leverage the power of foam tubing, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Join us in revolutionising medical support and enhancing the quality of life with innovative foam solutions.  Email  enquiries@kewell-converters.co.uk

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