EACH YEAR, HomeCare magazine publishes information about hundreds of home health care products. We then process thousands of requests for more information about all the products reviewed or advertised in the magazine.

Each year, we also showcase the most requested products of the year for your review and consideration. This year, we've compiled a list of the top 25 of 2000, which you'll find on the following pages.

Take note of the newcomers and the old standbys. They all deserve a second look.

AirCare Therapy/Mattress System --

The SelectAir low-air-loss mattress system features a waterproof cover sheet, 36 air openings and a low-air-loss foot pillow. It can be changed from firm to upright, according to the manufacturer. Go to www.aircaretherapy.com.

Amira Medical/Blood Glucose Monitoring System --

The At Last self-monitoring system eliminates fingersticks, according to the company. The device draws blood to the surface of the arm or thigh, where the system collects and reads it. Go to www.amira.com.

Bird Products/CPAP --

The Alura nasal CPAP system is designed for easy setup and simple operation with only one switch. It is small, reliable and quiet, according to the manufacturer. Go to www.thermoresp.com.

Computer Applications Unlimited/Software --

The Solution/One HME systems software provides integrated inventory, Oryx interface, laser CMNs and total HME automation, according to the company. Go to www.cau.com.

Convaid/Wheelchair --

The Convertible is designed to be two wheelchairs in one. It comes with 8-inch rear wheels plus removable larger rear wheels that can be snapped on or off. Go to www.convaid.com.

Burke/Bariatric Bed --

The Tri-Flex is a 1,000-pound-capacity, one person delivery system designed for easy patient transport. It features a 39-48-inch bed surface. Go to www.pacesaver.com

Chad Therapeutics/Electronic Oxygen Conserver --

The Oxymatic 401 is designed for use with ambulatory oxygen systems. A built-in regulator eliminates the need for a supply tube between the regulator and the conserver. The system delivers 1-6 liters per minute of oxygen and extends the life of a cylinder by an average of five times, according to the manufacturer. Go to www.chadtherapeutics.com.

Computers Unlimited/Software --

TIMS Diver is a PC-based data analysis and reporting software tool that allows users to filter data by patient, insurance company, physician, product category and payer category. It also organizes accounts receivables by aging period, the manufacturer says. Go to www.cu.net.

Datex-Ohmeda Continuing Care/Pulse Oximeter --

The handheld TuffSat pulse oximeter is lightweight and durable, according to the manufacturer. It provides readings in five seconds. Go to www.datex-ohmeda.com.

Fastrack Healthcare Systems/Software --

The multitier feature of the Windows HME, Home Care and Infusion programs allows providers to set up a multilevel reporting and operational structure that matches their business operations, according to the manufacturer. Go to www.fastrk.com.

Mallinckrodt/Oxygen System --

Weighing less than 3.4 pounds, the portable HELiOS oxygen system provides 10 hours of use between fillings, according to the manufacturer. Patients can wear it on a waist belt, shoulder strap or backpack, and it does not require tubes or canisters. Go to www.mallinckrodt.com.

Omnisys/Software --

TeleCare for Windows is designed to ensure that claims are paid. It features a checks-and-balances system for billing with graphical user interfaces and point-and-click functions. Go to www.ominsysinc.com.

Dynamic Energy Systems/Software --

Med-Act software is designed to perform CMN tracking, electronic billing, bar coding, management reports and data conversions from existing systems. Go to www.dynamicenergy.com.

Mabis Healthcare/Nebulizer --

Weighing less than 1 pound, the MabisMist ultrasonic nebulizer has a two-button operating design, three airflow-control settings, a carrying case, an AC adapter and a three-year warranty. Go to www.mabis.net.

Nidek Medical Products/CPAP --

The 2.5-pound Silenzio Elite CPAP features a full pressure range, an adjustable ramp selector, variable ramp starting pressure and an illuminated digital display. Go to www.nidekmedical.com.

Ortho Pillow/Elevation Pillow --

The inflatable Heel Saver pillow is designed to remove all pressure from the heel and foot and to elevate the lower leg to improve circulation and reduce chronic swelling, according to the manufacturer. Go to www.medline.com.

OxLife/Medical Repair Service/Oxygen Concentrator --

The Excel oxygen concentrator comes with a transport case, handle and carrying case and pediatric flow meter It has a washable gross particle filter and comes with a four-year warranty. Go to www.oxlifeinc.com.

ResMed/Mask --

The adjustable Ultra Mirage Mask features a cushion covered by a silicone membrane designed to eliminate pressure on the nose bridge. A clip ensures the cushion remains firmly attached to the frame. Go to www.resmed.com.

SeQual Technologies/Oxygen Concentrator --

The Integra is designed to deliver an O subscript 2 concentration of 90-95 percent at 5 lpm. It features an ATF core and rotary valve that eliminates about 200 of the pneumatic and electrical connections and solenoid valves, according to the manufacturer. Go to www.sequal.com.

Pioneer Plastics/Scientific/Bath Seat --

The Juvenile bath bench seat comes in five colors and can be custom-designed for patients. Go to www.theplasticspeople.com.

Respironics/Nasal Mask --

Small and lightweight, the Simplicity nasal mask is designed to provide comfort and convenience for adult obstructive sleep apnea and noninvasive ventilation therapy. It features a contoured silicone cushion, built-in exhalation port and lightweight tubing with 360-degree swivel. Go to www.respironics.com.

Team DME!/Spectrum Software/Software --

Designed for home medical equipment providers, Team DME!/99 runs on Windows 95, 98 and NT, and can be used to create orders, run payroll and process electronic claims, according to the company. Circle 380. Go to www.teamdme.com.

Transtracheal Systems/Oxygen Conserver --

The DOC-3000 oxygen conserving device is powered by two AA batteries, weighs 6.6 ounces and is designed to work with compressed gas as well as portable liquid oxygen. It comes with a carrying bag, connecting tubing, batteries and a preset aluminum regulator with brass insert. Go to www.transtracheal.com.

Western Medica/Conserving Regulator --

The OPC regulator weighs only 22 ounces and features a pneumatic design that requires no battery. The regulator more than doubles the duration of the cylinder and delivers the prescribed liter flow on every inhalation, according to the manufacturer. Go to www.westernmedica.com.

Uplift Technologies/Lifting Cushion --

Designed to lift up to 80 percent of a user's weight, the Uplift Seat Assist can support 80 to 350 pounds. It can help relieve pressure and pain from knee and hip joints when getting up from a seated position, according to the manufacturer. Go to www.up-lift.com.