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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
As a manufacturer of products for the healthcare industry, we are often faced with a variety of questions about our products, our clinical research, and other related issues. And, more often than not, these questions have been asked by other people just like you. To help you find the answer you need as quickly as possible, we've gathered both the questions and the answers and compiled them below.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Q. What makes WAFFLE® brand products better than other skin protection products?
A. For over a decade, science and technology behind WAFFLE® brand products and continuous commitment to R&D has positioned the WAFFLE® Brand Product Line as the leader in its field. Hospitals around the world have discovered the healing effects of pressure ulcers and the comfort that takes place when patients use WAFFLE®.
Q. Who needs a WAFFLE® product?
A. People who are at risk for acquiring a pressure ulcer or those who have an existing ulcer and need a treatment surface that will relieve body pressure. Also, WAFFLE® brand products can provide hours of comfort for sufferers of back pain, sleeplessness, arthritis, youth and adult incontinence, muscular aches and pain and much more.
Q. What is a pressure ulcer?
A. Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure within the body and typically occur where soft tissue is pressed against the bone. This creates pressure and crimps the blood flow which can ultimately result in death to the tissue. Pressure ulcers, commonly called "bed sores", often occur in bed- or chair-bound individuals. And pressure ulcers can begin to form in only a few hours depending on the individual's medical circumstances.
Q. How can a WAFFLE Static Air Overlay help me?
A. The use of static air in a chamber, like the WAFFLE Mattress Overlay, mimics flotation therapy much like the embryo in amniotic fluid. By floating the body on only a half inch of air, pressure is greatly reduced over the entire body. Results can be as significant as preventing and treating pressure ulcers or as simple as a more comfortable night's sleep.
Q. What do you mean by "static air"?
A. Static air technology is a proven therapy in medicine and athletics. Static air is the use of air in a sealed compartment to contour, support and cushion a portion of the body.
Q. How are WAFFLE products made?
A. All WAFFLE® Products are constructed of a soft, medical grade vinyl providing ease of movement for the paitient. All materials are 100% anti-microbial, non-porous, and flame-retardant.
Q. How do I clean a WAFFLE?
A. WAFFLE products may be cleaned with soap and warm water.
Q. What makes WAFFLE® brand products better than other pressure relief products?
A. For over a decade, science and technology behind WAFFLE® brand products and continuous commitment to R&D has positioned the WAFFLE® Brand Product Line as the leader in its field. Hospitals around the world have discovered the healing effects of pressure ulcers and the comfort that takes place when patients use WAFFLE®. Today these products are available to homecare.
Q. What WAFFLE® brand products are available to me?
A. The WAFFLE® Brand Product Line includes mattresses, seating cushions and pads, OR pads, foot and heel elevators.
Q. Do I need to be sick to use a WAFFLE® brand product?
A. Absolutely not! WAFFLE® brand products can provide hours of comfort for sufferers of back pain, sleeplessness, arthritis, youth and adult incontinence, muscular aches and pain and much more.
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PRODUCT SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Q. Who needs a WAFFLE® Seat Cushion?
A. The WAFFLE® Seat Cushion provides comfort and pressure reduction to anyone who sits in a chair for prolonged periods of time. Most patients are encouraged to move from the bed to a chair during the day, where protection from pressure ulcers should always be addressed.
A. Also, the WAFFLE® Cushion can provide hours of comfort at the office, traveling or while attending a sporting event.
Q. I can't decide whether I need the WAFFLE® Lumbar Pad or the WAFFLE® Seat Cushion?
A. Either product will give you pressure reduction while you're sitting. The WAFFLE® Seat Cushion has one adjustable air chamber while the WAFFLE® Lumbar Pad has two additional air chambers that address the lumbar and upper back regions.
Q. Why do I need a WAFFLE M.A.D.® Hand Pump to inflate my product?
A. The clinical value of a WAFFLE product depends on correct inflation. The required amount of strokes and inflation directions for all WAFFLE® products are located on the side of the pump.
Q. Who needs the WAFFLE® Heel Elevator?
A. Anyone who has an existing pressure ulcer on the heel or anyone who might be at risk for acquiring a pressure ulcer because of immobility, such as person bedridden or paralyzed.
Q. Is the Wonder Dry™ Incontinence Pad durable?
A. Yes! Wonder Dry™ can be laundered up to 300 times. Its three-layer system allows fluids to quickly flow through and away from the patient while protecting bedding.
Q. Why is Wonder Dry™ better than a disposable underpad?
A. Disposables are uncomfortable, cold to the touch and offer little protection to the patient and bed linen while Wonder Dry™ provides longer, more restful sleep because of its absorbency and ability to draw moisture away from the skin.
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ORDERING
Q. Where can I purchase WAFFLE® Brand Products?
A. You may purchase our products online or call us at 800.899.5553.
Q. Do I need a physician's order for WAFFLE® Brand Products?
A. No, unless Medicare or insurance reimbursement is desired.
Q. Does Medicare reimburse for the WAFFLE® Brand Products?
A. Some of the WAFFLE® brand products are reimbursed under federal regulation. As is the case for most approved treatments, a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) must be submitted. With a documented need authorized by the doctor in charge, a valid claim for reimbursement can be processed.
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SIZING
Q. Can the WAFFLE® Mattress be used on any bed size? What if I have a Queen sized bed?
A. The WAFFLE® Mattress is designed to fit a hospital or twin bed. Two WAFFLE® Mattresses may be placed side by side to fit a queen sized bed.
Q. I sleep in my recliner, will the mattress fit in a recliner?
A. The WAFFLE® Chair Pad is designed specifically for a recliner, day chair or cardiac chair.
Q. How do I determine the right size Foot WAFFLE® Air Cushion for the patient?
A. Our Foot WAFFLE® Lower Limb Air Cushions are available in small, medium and large. You should select the size according to the patient's calf circumference.
Measure the calf at the thickest area with the flexible tape measure (an EHOB tape measure is available. Just call our customer service department.) You should measure the calf with dressings, stockings or anti-thrombetic products on, if applicable. Select the Foot WAFFLE® size by referencing the chart below.
| Small | Calf Size: 10" - 11 1/2" |
| Medium | Calf Size: 12" - 14" |
| Large | Calf Size: 14 1/2" - 18" |
Here are some sizing checks you should keep in mind:
- Always measure the calf with dressings on!
- Use s flexible tape measure to accurately measure the calf.
- Do a visual and a manual check to make sure the heel is properly elevated above the surface.
- Apply the product so that it is not pulled too tightly around the calf. There should be 1/2" between the strap and the top of the ankle. If there is less than 1/2", it is too close to the ankle and may cause shearing. Loosen straps or go up to the next size.
- Always perform a hand check by sliding your hand between the side of the patient's foot and the product. There should be enough room to easily slide your hand in and out.
- Make sure the foot sinks down into the product to realize the benefits of heel elevation and foot drop management. Make sure the foot is properly aligned and doesn't slide around in the product.
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INFLATION
Q. How do I know if the products are properly inflated?
A. The most important thing you can do to maximize the clinical effectiveness and comfort provided by these products is to inflate them only half-way full. WAFFLE® brand products are not like your pool rafts! They do not need to be fully inflated.
Ideally, you should inflate your products with our WAFFLE® MA.D.® hand pump for precise inflation. For easy reference, WAFFLE M.A.D.® has the number of strokes each WAFFLE® brand product requires listed on the pump or consult the package insert instructions. After inflating the product, place the patient on the product, and then perform a hand check* (explained in next question). The product may appear to have insufficient air in it until the patient's weight dissipates the air to contour and cradle the body. In addition, when the patient is moved off the product, the product may appear flat or to have lost air. Simply perform another hand check and make sure their bottom is lifted off the seating surface. The patient needs to be off the surface with a minimum amount of air. REMEMBER: To receive optimum benefit from your WAFFLE® product, do not fully inflate it. Your product should look soft and pliable, not hard and stiff. It is designed for the patient to lie in... not on.
Q. How do I check for bottoming out?
A. "Bottoming out" is a term used in the nursing profession to indicate that the patient's bottom is resting on the bed and is not lifted off the surface for pressure relief.
Hand Check for "bottoming out", while the patient is on the product, simply lift the edge of the WAFFLE® Mattress pad and slide your hand, palm side up, underneath their buttocks. Ability to easily slide your hand in and out easily indicates the patient is resting on a cushion of air. If it is difficult to slide your hand in and out because the patient's bottom is too heavy, the WAFFLE® Mattress may need one or two additional strokes of air.
Q. What do I do if a product deflates?
A. WAFFLE® brand products have the best warranty in the business. If you suspect a manufacturer's defect, call our Customer Service Department at 800.899.5553. They will walk you through our inspection process. Or you can check the following conditions of your WAFFLE® product as our products can be repaired.
Are the valves properly sealed? Sometimes the valve top isn't sealed against the inflation port and a slow leak occurs.
Are you sure the mattress has lost air? When the patient is moved off the mattress, it may appear as if the product has lost air, when in fact, the low-inflation level is exactly how the mattress cradles the patient.
Did you check you mattress for a minor puncture?Leaking is typically due to punctures which occur around the parameter of the product. They can be found by applying soapy water to the product. Bubbling will indicate any punctures. (See next question regarding repairs.)
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REPAIR
Q. How do I repair a hole in the WAFFLE® Mattress?
A. Call EHOB's Customer Service Department at 1.800.966.3462 to inquire about a vinyl repair kit.
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WARRANTY
Q. What is the warranty on WAFFLE® Brand Products?
A. WAFFLE® brand products are backed by a 30- and 90-day warranties for short term use. There are 6-month and 1-year warranteed products recommended for home care and long term facilities. If any WAFFLE® brand product fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship within these time periods, we will gladly replace all defective products.
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COMPANY INFORMATION
Q. Tell me about EHOB, Incorporated.
A. EHOB provides to home care patients the most clinically based, cost effective positioning and support surface solutions available today. We offer not only mattress overlays, but also seating cushions, day chair pads, lower limb protectors, positioning aids and more... products that are caregiver friendly, easy to clean, store and transport. Our product selection philosophy focuses on matching the product to the patient and educating the caregiver for economical and effective patient care. From simple comfort to prevention treatment of pressure ulcers, trust WAFFLE® brand for safe, easy to use products that save time and money. All WAFFLE products are manufactured in the U.S.A.
Q. What does E H O B stand for?
A. Elevate Head Of Bed. EHOB is a commonly used instruction given by doctors following specific surgeries. EHOB was founded in 1985 by a Head and Neck surgeon, Dr. James Spahn, who at that time named the company after a familiar medical term. Find out more about Dr. Spahn.
