SAN DIEGO (October 15, 2018)—Triple W, a provider of connected health devices, today announced the U.S. launch of DFree, a wearable device for incontinence that notifies the user when it’s time to go to the bathroom.
With DFree, seniors, children and disabled people with bladder control issues have a convenient and cost-effective alternative to disposable diapers or pads and medications. DFree has been used in more than 500 senior care facilities in Japan and Europe since 2017, according to the company. Triple W will showcase its new DFree device for consumer use at Medtrade, Georgia World Congress Center (Booth 2252), October 16–17.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, urinary incontinence affects 500 million people worldwide. Urinary incontinence occurs when there is loss of bladder control. It’s common among seniors, especially women. It may be caused by weak or overactive bladder muscles, weak pelvic floor muscles or damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. Other causes of incontinence include blockage from an enlarged prostate in men, injury or damage to nerves and muscles from surgery.
“DFree is designed to help individuals with incontinence improve quality of life and enable independence, as well as help reduce the burden for the caregivers,” said Atsushi Nakanishi, president and CEO for Triple W. “Whether you want to attend a concert, enjoy an afternoon with your grandkids or help a senior parent or loved one who needs extra time to travel from one place to another—you don’t have to worry about finding a bathroom on time.”
How It Works
The lightweight and portable DFree device may be discreetly clipped on the belt or clothing while the non-invasive ultrasound sensor is secured to the lower abdomen with medical tape. The sensor uses nonharmful ultrasound technology to monitor the change in bladder size and predicts urination timing using a patented algorithm. DFree sends a notification via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet via the DFree app—informing the individual or caregiver, when it’s time to go to the bathroom. The user sets the threshold of when they want to be notified such as when their bladder is 65 percent, 70 percent or 85 percent full.
The DFree device weighs approximately 2.5 ounces. The attached wireless ultrasound sensor weighs just over a half ounce and is approximately 2 x 1 x .5 inches. The device is bundled with a USB cable and AC adaptor for charging, ultrasound gel (2 oz.) and a roll of medical tape. DFree has a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery. A battery charge lasts approximately 24 hours under normal usage and can be fully charged in four hours.
Availability
DFree is available now from the DFree website for $499.99 (MSRP). The DFree app may be downloaded for free from the App Store. The app currently supports iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod) running iOS version 10 or later. An Android app will be released later this year.
