Attendance Down, Spirits Up
With the travel restrictions and economic worries that resulted from the September 11 terrorist attacks, it came as no surprise that Medtrade attendance was down 12% this year from the 25,000 that VNU Expositions, the show organizer, had estimated prior to the show.

About 68 companies out of the 1,050 expected pulled out; however, major players stayed in despite last-minute doubts. “Two weeks ago we weren’t coming,” said David Iammarino, marketing director of Permobil Inc, Lebanon, Tenn, during the Monday, October 22, setup in the show hall. Company sales representatives convinced the management to stay in.

It turned out to be a good decision. Many exhibitors Dealer/Provider spoke with did a significant amount of business despite the lower attendance, possibly because while attendee companies may have sent fewer representatives, those sent were decision-makers with shopping lists. “I’m thrilled,” said Jerry Keiderling, vice president of US Rehab, Waterloo, Iowa, on Thursday, October 25, the last day of the show. “The people who are here are quality people and they have an agenda.”

Tom Reidy, spokesperson for VNU, expressed similar sentiments about the 21,120 individuals who attended this year. “It seemed that many were pleased with the quality of the attendee. Instead of sending a staff of seven, a company might have sent five staff members, which of course, included the decision makers and buyers. So, quality of quantity ruled at Medtrade and I think that was very pleasing to the exhibitors.”

And The Winner Is...
A s the nation’s largest HME show, Medtrade provides the perfect opportunity to recognize those in the industry who are worthy of praise. This year was no exception.

The show got off on a cheerful note on Tuesday, October 23, with the best new product awards given at the 3rd Annual Kick-Off Reception hosted by VNU Expositions, the show organizer.

Corey Smith of VNU and David Savitsky of the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) gave the Merit Award for improving quality of life to Avenue Innovations Inc, Victoria, Canada, for its Handybar car-door opener. DT& J’s Roll-A-Ramp won the Innovation Award, and a dynamic, articulating footrest hanger by Miller Adaptive Technologies, Akron, Ohio, won the Distinction Award.

At the other end of the show hall from the new products pavilion, power chair and scooter manufacturers showed off the speed and versatility of their products on a 100-ft-by-78-ft track as part of the Harmar Grand Prix, a new addition to the show.

On Thursday, the last day of the show, powered mobility devices from DCC Shoprider, Golden Technologies, PDQ Mobility, Permobil, Pride Mobility Products Corporation, Sunrise, and Teftec collided, toppled, and even took down a section of the course in their quest to win.

When the dust settled, Golden Technologies took home the trophy for the three-wheel scooter class, Teftec for the power chair class, and Pride for the unlimited class.

More serious awards were also given. AAHomecare presented Mal Mixon, chairman and CEO of Invacare Corporation, Elyria, Ohio, with its Leadership Award, and Hymie Pogir, vice president of product management for Invacare’s research and development subsidiary, Invacare Technologies, received the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Stealth Walker? Camouflage pants, camouflage jackets, even camouflage hats, but a camouflage walker? Bond Link Inc, Houston, took the green, black, and brown to the next level. They used this marketing idea at Medtrade to make people aware that they are a national supplier to the Veterans Administration (VA), said Wade Helm, distribution manager for Bond Link. “People at the show seemed to be amused by the walker,” he said. “It was good for a chuckle.” Although there are not any plans to make the camouflage walker available to consumers, a complete catalog can be obtained by calling (888) 942-7925.

Medtrade Products

Oxygen Conserving Regulator
Precision Medical, Northampton, Pa, offers the 13-ounce EasyPulse Oxygen Conserving Regulator, which combines the comfort of a single-lumen cannula, the reliability of a pneumatic unit, and the pulse of an electronic conserver. The oxygen pulse is delivered in the first half of the inspiratory phase. Minute volume is fully controlled and the conservation ratio is greater than 3.5/L. (610) 262-6090.

Oxygen Conserver
Chad Therapeutics Inc, Chatsworth, Calif, introduces the Sequoia Oxymatic electronic oxygen conserver. Two models are available, one that offers alternate breath, OM-302, and one offering every breath technology, OM-311. Features include 1-6 LPM flow equivalency settings and an estimated 5:1 savings at all settings. (800) 423-8870; www.chadtherapeutics.com

Heated Humidifier
The HC150 Heated Humidifier with Ambient Tracking™, available from Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Inc, Laguna Hills, Calif, features a new design to eliminate tubing condensation while maintaining maximum humidification during the night. Seasonal adjustments are now unnecessary and the HC150 has DC/AC inverter capability. (800) 446-3908; www.fphcare.com

Full Face Mask
ResMed, Poway, Calif, is expanding on the Mirage® Full Face Mask with the Series 2. Its dual-layer, contoured cushions come in two types to fit a wider range of patients. The mask seal is enhanced with a forehead stability arm. The mask also has CO2 washout and a new frame design. Breath-O-Prene™ draws moisture away from the skin while allowing air to circulate through the material. (800) 424-0737; www.resmed.com

CPAP Therapy
Respironics Inc, Pittsburgh, introduces BiPAP® Pro with Bi-Flex. In the BiPAP mode, the Comfort Control feature establishes the time that BiPAP Pro requires a change from exhalation positive airway pressure to inhalation positive airway pressure. In the Bi-Flex mode, the amount of pressure relief that takes place at the end of inhalation and the start of exhalation is established through settings of 1, 2, or 3. (800) 345-6443; www.respironics.com

Wheelchair Cushion
Chattanooga Group Inc, Hixson, Tenn, introduces the PRII Pressure Reduction Wheelchair Cushion. It reduces body interface pressure at critical points using a Gel Medex™ layer, which responds to pressure by deforming slightly, thereby dispersing critical weight over a larger surface area. Two cover materials and three sizes are available. (800) 592-7329; www.chattgroup.com

Power Chair
Pride Mobility Products Corp, Exeter, Pa, introduces the Quantum™ Blast™ 850, a rear-wheel-drive power chair. Features include speed range up to 8.5 mph, Sport-Trac Suspension, active rear anti-tip wheels, adjustable Versa Seat frame, maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, upgraded 100-amp Remote Plus electronics, and easy rear-battery access with on-board charger. (800) 800-8586; www.pridemobility.com

Stairlift
Concord Elevator Inc, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, has acquired North American rights to market the Liberty II stairlift. The battery-operated stairlift features a handheld remote control to send the chair up or down the stairs. The chair glides along a rail track fixed to the stairs. When not in use, the device folds up. (800) 661-5112; www.concordelevator.com

Alternating Pressure Pump
The Paradise Pump™ Alternating Pressure System by Gaymar Industries Inc, Orchard Park, NY, features adjustable pressure control, compact housing, quiet operation, and an affordable price. (800) 828-7341; www.gaymar.com

Oxygen System
Tyco Healthcare/Puritan Bennett, Pleasanton, Calif, offers the HELiOS™ Personal Oxygen System, a small but long-lasting system for oxygen therapy patients. The unit weighs 3.5 pounds filled, enabling patients to wear it rather than carry it. Refilling from the HELiOS home reservoir takes about 40 seconds. It provides up to 10 hours of use at a flow setting of 2. (800) 635-5267; www.heliosoxygen.com

Bariatric Bed
Burke Inc, Kansas City, Kan, introduces the Burke Triton fully electric bed featuring a 600-pound capacity, a 48-inch patient surface width, and an 84-inch patient surface length. Features include multiple positioning via a quiet actuator system, side rail, mattress, caster, and battery backup options. (800) 255-4147; www.burkebariatric.com

Tilt/Recline Scooter
Quickie SmartSeat by Sunrise Medical, Longmont, Colo, with Intelli-motion offers the benefits of tilt and recline while preserving posture and skin integrity. Features include individually powered elevating or articulating legrests, back height adjustability, 53 degrees of full center-of-gravity tilt, anti-tip caster lock-out, programmable powered seat controller and programming pad, articulating ventilator tray, and independent switch and port for independent operation or attendant control. (800) 333-4000; www.sunrisemedical.com