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August/September 2003

Michael Joseph is product manager, pediatrics, for Sammons Preston Rolyan, an AbilityOne Company, Bolingbrook, Ill. Joseph recently spoke with Rehab Management about the company’s antimicrobial product line and the state of the current industry.

Q: Could you describe your antimicrobial product line?
A: Our entire Tumble Forms 2 (TF2) product line has antimicrobial protection. It is built into the product’s covering during the manufacturing process, and the protection works from within to help prevent premature wear caused by microorganism growth that can occur during normal use. The growth of bacteria and mold can cause stains, odors, and general deterioration of the product. We have this seamless, nonstick, nontoxic covering that not only attacks microbes, but prevents their development. The result is that these products end up being cleaner, safer, odor-free, longer-lasting, and more durable. The technology does not eliminate the need for disinfectants, but it does provide a major added line of defense against microbes between regular cleanings.

Q: How long have you been using this technology?
A: The technology is brand-new. We’ve been manufacturing Tumble Forms products for 30 years, and we’ve continued to improve them for the special needs population. One of the biggest issues communicated to us over the years by parents and therapists has been difficulty in keeping the Tumble Forms products clean. The special-needs population that uses the products, primarily children with cerebral palsy, tend to have fluid issues. These could be caused by difficulty in feeding, drooling, incontinence, or simply sweating from being in a seat for a long time. These fluids create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth, which can lead to odor development and premature breakdown of the product covering. We researched a number of solutions and decided that an antimicrobial was the ideal additive to combat the problems associated with a moist environment.

Q: Which specific products do you manufacture?
A: We have more than 300 items in my line, ranging from pediatric to nursing home products. We have products for clinical, home, school, or hospital settings. Our products can be applied to vestibular therapy, therapeutic positioning, pediatric and adolescent toileting, postural seating, and other therapeutic needs. Also, many of the products have a modular design, so therapists can position clients in a variety of ways. Because of that design, our seats and chairs are more versatile, which allows for some creative combinations in prone, supine, or standing positions.

Q: What are some of the challenges of being in the industry?
A: Without question, the common challenge to all of us is the reimbursement issue. At a national level, there is Medicare, which tends to get squeezed as health care costs rise. At the state level is Medicaid, which is equally as volatile. Right now, there are a lot of states implementing budget cutbacks on social and health care services. Many of our products are reimbursable, so this is a very big issue with us at the moment. I talk to parents, therapists, and distributors every day on the phone or in the field, and I can tell you it’s on everyone’s mind. Basically, we are trying to fight the good fight, and will continue to do everything we can to help by providing products that make special-needs kids’ lives better.
— Ben Van Houten

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