Care Product Insights

How the Hug Stand-Assist Robot Supports Standing Up

Standing up is one of the most demanding movements in transfer care — not only for the person receiving support but also for the caregiver providing it. In my previous article, I discussed physical load during transfers from an ergonomics perspective, focusing on posture, center of gravity, and the base of support. → Ergonomic Perspectives on Transfer Assistance and Low Back Pain In this article, I take a closer look at Hug, a stand-assist robot that has been gaining attention in recent years. I will explain what Hug is, how it assists the standing motion, and how its mechanism relates to the concepts described in its patent. Please note that this article reflects my personal understanding based on my own research. It is not intended to guarantee accuracy, and any decision to purchase or use the product should be made at your own discretion.
2025.12.06
Care Product Insights
Nursing Science Basics

Ergonomic Perspectives on Transfer Assistance and Low Back Pain

Many people associate caregiving work with physically demanding labor. One major reason is the significant strain placed on the body—especially the lower back. Low back pain is reported to affect nearly 90% of care workers in Japan. At the welfare equipment exhibition I attended last month, I noticed a clear increase in transfer robots and sit-to-stand assistive devices compared to previous years. This reflects the growing recognition of the benefits of mechanizing transfer-related tasks. In this article, I explain the current situation and challenges of transfer assistance, and why these movements place substantial physical burden on both caregivers and care recipients.
2025.11.25
Nursing Science Basics
Care Product Insights

“K-Spoon” for Dysphagia

Eating is more than just taking in nutrients. For many people, it is a joy, and sharing food or drinks is a natural way to connect with others. When illness or aging makes swallowing difficult, that joy can fade. If this happens to ourselves or our loved ones, most of us still hope to “eat by mouth if possible” and to help our family do the same. To make that possible, appropriate support is essential. In addition to selecting food that is easy to swallow, the type of spoon also plays an important role. In this article, I introduce the K-Spoon, a care spoon designed with dysphagia in mind, drawing on insights from its patent specification and my own experience. Note: This article is based on the author’s personal views and independent research. It does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. Product purchases or use should always be at your own judgment and responsibility. Some product links in this article may be affiliate links (PR).
2025.10.04
Care Product Insights
Medical Device Insights

Why Calimate May Cause Constipation？

This article presents a case involving a patient who was taking calcium polystyrene sulfonate (generic name, hereafter referred to as Ca-type ion exchange resin), marketed in Japan under the brand name Kalimate, for the treatment of hyperkalemia. The patient was in a nearly bedridden condition, and after starting oral administration of the drug, developed extremely hard stools and severe difficulty with defecation. Constipation has been reported as a side effect of this medication, but in this case the symptoms were particularly severe. (This is an individual example, and the severity of symptoms varies among patients.) Using this case as a starting point, I would like to review the mechanism of action of the drug and organize the possible factors that may influence stool consistency.
2025.10.03
Medical Device Insights
Medical Device Insights

Understanding Edema and the Role of Compression: Insights from Nursing Practice and Patents

Have you ever experienced swelling in your legs after a long day of work? Edema, commonly known as swelling, is not only uncomfortable in daily life but also an important issue in nursing and elder care settings. Recently, I joined a training session that covered lymphatic drainage techniques and compression bandaging. It gave me an opportunity to revisit the mechanisms behind edema and the innovations being developed to address it. In this article, I will walk you through what edema is and why it happens, how blood and lymphatic circulation are involved, and what impact edema can have on health and daily life. I will then explain the mechanisms by which compression helps improve edema and finally introduce a Japanese patent that proposes an innovative design for compression stockings.
2025.09.28
Medical Device Insights
Medical Device Insights

Urethral Catheter Design for Smooth Urinary Drainage

Disclaimer: This article is based on my own research and professional perspective. It does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Decisions regarding purchase or use of products should be made at your own responsibility. Some links in this article may contain affiliate programs (PR).
2025.09.28
Medical Device Insights
Medical Device Insights

Protecting the Skin with Vaseline and Film Dressings

Explore how Vaseline and film dressings protect skin, their chemical properties, and innovations from patents. Insights for healthcare and care product fields.
2025.09.27
Medical Device Insights
Medical Device Insights

Semisolid Enteral Nutrition②: How Intragastric Gelation Works

In my previous article, “Semisolid Enteral Nutrition,” I explained formulations that are already semisolid before administration. This time, I’ll take a closer look at formulations that are delivered in liquid form but may turn into a gel once they reach the stomach. On August 10, 2025, the Silver Industry Newspaper reported that Morinaga Milk Industry launched a new intragastric gelling product called “Wanoka.” Although this type of product has existed before, the release of a new one suggests that there still seems to be steady demand for enteral nutrition products. In this article, I’ll explain the possible mechanism of intragastric gelation, referencing related patent documents. Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links (PR). It is based on the author’s personal research and perspective, and does not guarantee medical accuracy. Product purchase or use should always be at your own discretion and responsibility.
2025.09.25
Medical Device Insights
Care Product Insights

Semisolid Enteral Nutrition

Explore semisolid enteral nutrition formulas: their benefits, common challenges, and patent-based innovations for safer, more comfortable tube feeding.
2025.09.11
Care Product Insights
Care Product Insights

Convenient for Repositioning: Bedsore Nurse Repositioning Pad

Discover the Bedsore Nurse Repositioning Pad, designed with Fusion® 3D fabric to reduce caregiver burden and improve comfort.
2025.08.24
Care Product Insights
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