BiaCare is a medical compression company based in Michigan. They were founded approximately 10 years ago with a mission to create high quality garments that are affordable. One way they achieve more affordability is by not having sales reps on staff. Because of that, they may not be as well-known as some of their competitors, but they still compete with their selection of lymphedema & wound/vascular compression as well as their own bandaging products. We’ll overview a few of their products in this blog.
LYMPHEDEMA PRODUCTS
1. ChipSleeve with OverSleeve: A non-compressive, channeled chipped-foam liner (which can also be used under bandaging) increases compression to an arm, full leg or foot to knee length with the added OverSleeve for a total of 15-20 mmHg compression. This is suited for mild edema & is a ready made item but they will sell a custom option in 2016.
2. CompreSleeve: A substitute for bandaging, this sleeve has Velcro closure with a removable loop at the top for easier donning & comes in lengths for a full arm & foot to knee length. Compression given is 20-30 mmHg.
3. MedaFit: A sleeve for the arm, full leg or foot to knee length, this is the most durable fabric & highest compression garment provided at 30-40 mmHg. As with the CompreSleeve, this is a Velcro-closure compression with a removable Velcro attachment at the top for easier donning. Another helpful feature to this garment is a removable foam liner (made of a moisture-wicking fabric) which can be taken out to be washed. This garment may be paired with the MedaHand or MedaGlove with an OverSleeve. They also have a unique Dorsal Pocket Glove which contains a pocket on the back of the hand for foam inserts to prevent fluid refilling or break up fibrosis (15-20 mmHg).
SPECIAL “NITCHE” PRODUCTS
1. Biker shorts & capris with an optional length extending into the trunk & abdomen. 10-15 mmHg. Sizing goes up to 5x or custom-shorts can be made.
2. ChipPads for head/face, neck, breast/chest & genital areas.
3. Cotton liners or liners made with anti-microbial silver (silver liners contain 10-15 mmHg).
4. TheraBra (comparable to the Bellisse post-mastectomy bra) which has a foam-insert pocket each side or a drain tube option. This front-closure bra also has Velcro shoulder straps for easy removal & wide, soft elastic band to prevent it from sliding up while also providing 20 mmHg compression.
WOUND CARE / VENOUS PRODUCTS
1. CompreFit: Inelastic/non-stretch, 2 or 4-piece Velcro garment (knee-high or thigh-high) which provides 30-40 mmHg in the leg & 20-30 mmHg in the foot. A strap extender option allows an additional 10 cm of circumference compression, for a total of 75 cm around the calf. This garment has been Medicare-approved for those with a venous ulcer using code A6545-AW & is latex-free.
2. CompreFlex Lite: Low-stretch, 2 or 4-piece Velcro garment (knee-high or thigh-high) which provides 30-40 mmHg. A best-seller, this garment has also been Medicare-approved & is latex-free.
3. CompreBoot: Velcro foot piece which can be paired with the above items & has 20-30 mmHg compression.
4. CompreBoot-Lite: Velcro Foot piece which can be paired with the above items & has 10-15 mmHg compression. Because of the thin material, it fits easily into most shoes.
BANDAGE SUPPLIES
BiaCare carries their own line of bandages which are manufactured in Germany (like their competitors Lohmann & Rauscher or BSN Medical). Their lines are called BiaForm & IsoForm. They also sell liners, tubular compression (BiaGrip), elastic gauze, tape & foams.
In conclusion, BiaCare is a small company with big potential. All their lymphedema & venous compression products can be machine-laundered & dried & come with a 6-month warranty. You can learn more by visiting BiaCare.com.
