If you are someone who has a heart problem or you know someone that has a heart problem, then you will know that checking the pulse rate is something that should be done on a regular basis.  It can even save a life by pre-empting a heart attack.  Even people that have minor angina can do with checking their pulse every now and then. 

Now the normal way of checking your pulse, with your finger on your wrist or your neck is fine, but this is not always the easiest of methods, especially if someone is having an attack of some sort.  So make it easier and safer for yourself or someone else, by having an accurate reading from a machine. 

All you need to do with a Digit Finger Pulse Oximeter is stick your forefinger in it and wait for the reading.  This little gadget can save a life, it’s compact and can be carried anywhere.  There are many different brands and type of pulse meter devices, there are even ones that can tell you about your blood oxygen levels.  The Fingertip Pulse Oximeter does this and can also be carried anywhere, because of its size. 

If you look on sites like gowheelchair.com you can find these amazing little instruments that will save lives.  Even if the person that is using the fingertip pulse oximeter is wearing nail polish of any color it will make no difference, it will still give an accurate reading. 

Nearly all of these pulse readers are motion resistant, give a clear and precise reading and have around one thousand hours of use before the battery runs down.  Like I said before, look at sites like gowheelchair.com for the best kind of pulse oximeter and be prepared.  Do remember that they are designed for spot checks only and not as a constant pulse reader.  You could still save your life or someone else’s.

Each product on our website has a unique model number such as R6, RJ4300, etc.. However, a lot of products are available in various configurations. For example, the two products just mentioned are Rollators that are available in various colors. Do all the colors really share the same model number? No. In general, each variation of a product has a unique identifier, its SKU number.

 

Sometimes, manufacturers give the product a “product name”, for lack of a better term. Take the SilverSport2 wheelchair from Drive Medical as an example. None of the actual SKUs even have the word SilverSport in it. Rather the model #s look like SSP216FA-SF. In this case, the SKU gives a hint as to what the product configuration is. SSP2 stands for SilverSport2. The number 16 indicates that the seat width of the wheelchair is 16”. FA means it has fixed arms. The SF at the end tells us that it has swing-away footrests.

 

In other cases, the “product name” is actually a portion of the SKU. The blue R6 is R6BL, the red R6 is R6RD, and so on. All this can be a little confusing if someone knows the exact SKU that they are looking for. But it gets worse.

 

In yet other cases, the SKUs of a product have nothing to do with its known name. Let’s use the Drive Medical Cuiser III as as example. Drive has no less than 18 unique SKUs for the CruiserIII. The SKUs look like K316DDA-SF, K318ADDA-ELR, etc. In this particular case, we decided to use K318 as the model number on our site, despite the fact that not all model numbers even contain the characters K318. Admittedly, as I write this blog post, it occurs to me that a better idea would have been to call it CruiserIII, as we did for the SilverSport2. Perhaps we will change it, perhaps not. J.

 

There is no perfect solution. We believe the system we implemented is the most straight-forward. The average customer doesn’t want to be busy with the technicalities of the various SKU numbers when ordering their product. They just want to select the options they want on the product page, and add the product to their cart. The fact that this obscures the actual SKU number of the product as configured is not an issue to them.

Last week we received an inquiry form s guy who has looking at the 3 wheel Winnie Walkers. The reason the 3 wheel rollators caught his interest was because he needed a rollator that folded the most compact. He was a motorcycle rider and had some type of storage place on the side of his bike where he intended to store the rollator. Three wheel rollators do not have a seat, but that didn't bother him. His main concern was that it fold compactly. However, the Winnie Walker's width when folded is 10", the same as the R6 four wheel rollator. We tried looking at our other models, but we could not find anything that folded more compact than 10" according to the specs we had available. In the end, the customer did not place the order. At GoWheelchair.com, we take pride in helping the customer make the right decision, not just "completing the sale".

When open, the width of the Winnie Walker is 29" as opposed to 24" for the R6. So if doorway clearance is an issue, going for 3 wheels will just make matters worse. The Winnie Walker is very lightweight, however, weighing just 9 lbs. It is also highly maneuverable, as there is only a single front wheel. Some consider the 3 wheel form factor to be more "sporty" and less like a mobility aid.

The two most common colors for rollators are blue and red. Both of these colors sell well, but it seems that blue is a little more popular. Red by nature is a color that sticks out more and many people prefer a more neutral color. Also, many men consider the color red to be more feminine.

This past week I had a customer specifically request a red rollator. The reason she gave was quite unique to her situation. She intended on using the rollator outdoors to manage what she termed her "jungle". The customer reasoned that a red rollator would stick out more among the overgrown shrubbery and she would be able to spot it more quickly when ready to move on.

Now that's what I call an active user! She was happy that the rollator came with a basket for storing her clippers. I recommended that she consider a rollator with 8" wheels as the terrain was bound to be quite rough. She decided to stay with a 6" model.

I can only make recommendations. Ultimately, a customer knows their situation best and has to make the final decision. Our job is to assist the customer in making their independent choice. Not more, not less.

People often ask if the rollator or transport chair they are purchasing will be the exact color that they see on their computer screen. Probably not. There are many external factors that make it virtually impossible to display the exact shade or swatch of the product. Let us walk through the stages that an image goes through.

Everyone has experience taking photographs. Often the result is darker or brighter than the object appears in real life. This is true even for professionally taken photographs, but usually to a lesser degree.

Certain colors and various materials appear more accurate than others in photographs. Objects that are extremely metallic, even mirror like, are tricky to get just right. Being that many wheelchairs and walkers have a chrome or other metallic finish, this can be an issue.

Even if the resulting color shade in the image is true to the original, chances are that there will still be inaccuracies in perceived color. The human mind interprets colors based on surrounding colors. A white object appears more white if it is surrounded by black. Also, the size of the object in the image is smaller, which can also cause the mind to interpret the color a little different. As anyone who has tried to visualize a painted or carpeted room by studying a small swatch sample will tell you, it is virtually impossible to imagine it accurately. On our website we sometimes display color swatches in the customize section. It is very difficult to accurately imagine an entire rollator in the color of the swatch.

Last but certainly not least is the computer display. If you go to a computer store with working monitors on display, it is clear that the color in images can vary quite drastically between different models. If a wheelchair appears to be "Sea Blue" on one display, the same wheelchair can seem to be more of a "Sky Blue" color on another. Besides for the inherent variations between different computer displays, every monitor has color adjustments such as saturation and brightness which can drastically alter the color of an image.

In short, any colors or swatches of a mobility aid viewed on a computer display should be taken as an approximation and a guide, not absolute.

Virtually all mobility products have a specification indicating the maximum weight capacity of the item. A common question we receive is how to interpret this spec. Let us point out a few things to keep in mind when choosing a rollator or wheelchair.

The weight capacity includes the total weight exerted or placed on the product. If a person siting in a transport chair weighs 200 pounds and is wearing a winter coat weighing 8 pounds, the total weight exerted is 208 lbs.

In addition to clothing, one must consider the possibility that they will sometimes carry packages with them. This alone can add 30+ pounds to the overall weight exerted on the wheelchair.

When it comes to walking aids such as walkers and rollators there is another factor to determine as well. It is possible for person weighing 125 pounds to exert more strain on a walker than another person weighing 175 lbs. It depends on how much pressure that person exerts on the walker when they push it.

One more point that I would like to mention is that a wheelchair or rollator operating at its limits can easily be damaged should it hit a really bad rut or crack. The total strain exerted at that moment would be much greater than during normal use.

So the short answer is that the listed weight capacity is not to be taken as a literal figure, but an approximation. My recommendation to customers is to purchase a product with a maximum capacity considerably higher than the intended usage. Someone who weighs 275 pounds, for example, should probably be purchasing a bariatric wheelchair or rollator, even if the standard version lists 300 pounds as its capacity.

A common question that customers ask is what the difference is between all the different rollators that we carry. Why are some more expensive than others? What features should they be looking for? Let us point out some of the basic differences between the different model rollators that we carry.

We shall begin by pointing out a few things that all rollators have in common. A rollator by definition is a mobility aid that has four wheels and a flip down seat. A rollator also must have squeeze hand brakes (or push down brakes) to prevent the wheels from rolling. This is in contrast to a traditional walker which may have two wheels or none at all. Regular walkers also don't usually have a seat, although some do or it can be purchased as an optional accessory. The advantage of a rollator over a walker is that it is inherently easier to push. It must be determined, however, if the user has the stability to use such a walking device.

The first and foremost question that has to be answered when choosing a rollator is what form factor the customer is looking for. There are basically two types of rollators. There is the standard rollator which has handles that resemble those on a baby stroller. Examples of this are the Drive Medical R6, Invacare 65650 and Lumex RJ4300. A variation on this design is the 3 wheel rollator (ex. Drive Medical 10218). The second type is one pioneered by Invacare called the Rollite Rollator, which is available in various configurations and colors (65100, 68100, etc.). It resembles a traditional walker with its upside down "U" frame, with the addition of wheels and a seat. Drive Medical also makes a rollator of this type called the 10230 Clever Lite Walker. Besides for personal preference, a determining factor in choosing between these two types is doorway clearance, as the Rollite and its cousins are wider than most other rollators.

As with any mobility aid, the dimensions, product weight and max weight capacity must be carefully studied. Heavier people must select a bariatric model. Shorter people may have to get a junior model. Doorways must be measured to make sure the rollator will fit through the opening. Handle height is usually adjustable. Seat height is not adjustable, with the Rollite family being an exception to this rule. If product weight is of concern, aluminum rollators weigh considerably less than their steel counterparts.

In addition to the physical dimensions, rolaltors are available with various wheel sizes. The most common size is 5 to 6 inches. 8 inches wheels provide a noticeable advantage when being used on uneven terrain.

Last and least (but not to some) is the color option. The most popular rollator colors are blue and red, but some models come in other colors as well, such as the Drive Medical LBPS. There are even rollators that offer designer colors.

This is by no means an exhaustive checklist of options and features to consider when purchasing a new rollator. But it should help as a starting point. As always, we are more than happy to answer any additional product questions you may have. Feel free to call us at 800-292-1129.

A customer called requesting to return a transport chair he had purchased from us. He explained that the reason he purchased the transport chair was because he wanted something to hold on to as he walked around the house. He did not want a walker as walkers do not have 4 wheels. Being that the transport wheelchair has handles, he thought it to be ideal for this. He specifically ordered our most lightweight transport chair, the Drive Medical DFL19.

Well the problem was that the transport wheelchair was tipping backwards as he pushed it around the house with the seat vacant, using the chair as a support.

Of course we took the item back as it was within 30 days of purchase. I recommended that he purchase the Drive Medical LBPS Aluminum Rollator. He is very happy with the product.

It has come to my attention that not all GPS units are suitable for wheelchair use. Many devices are designed only to be used in a car driving on the road. The feature you should look for is called "Pedestrian Mode". The reasons for this are quite simple. Cars can be directed to drive on highways - pedestrians cannot. Additionally, cars can only travel in a single direction on one way streets. Pedestrians do not have to be concerned with that. If your GPS navigation device does not have a "Pedestrian Mode", the directions often won't make sense.

Here is an interesting suggestion for the active wheelchair user. Why not add a GPS unit to your wheelchair? With the cost of portable GPS devices ridiculously inexpensive, it makes a lot of sense to trick out your chair with this accessory. Consider a model with voice prompted turn-by-turn instructions.

Let’s propose the following scenario. You take a trip to a mall using the city bus. During the bus ride you are able to pinpoint your location along the way. You don’t need to strain to see when your stop is coming up to give the driver enough notice. Arriving at your destination, the GPS system will help you navigate the unfamiliar area. After completing your shopping, you exit the mall but find yourself on a different street. You must have come out of a different entrance. With a GPS device mounted to your wheelchair, you do not get disoriented and quickly find your way.

When purchasing a new car, pass on the navigation package. Instead, purchase an aftermarket unit that you can transfer to your wheelchair. It’s a good idea to arrange for a way to mount it easily to the chair. Sure beats having the unit sit on your lap where it is difficult to view and can easily fall down.

If you are a power wheelchair user and are good with electronics (or know someone who is), consider creating a power adapter allowing the GPS unit to be powered from the chair’s batteries. Just make sure you aren’t voiding any warranties (both for the chair and the GPS unit).