As if older people didn’t already have enough to monitor with their health and wellness, bladder and bowel incontinence are also associated with age-related physiological factors and interactions with other chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and cognitive and mobility impairment, according to the CDC. In 2016 we wrote about the ChangeAlert adult continence pad sensor system. San Diego-based Triple W’s DFree wearable device for urinary incontinence (DFree stands for “diaper-free”) is available today to buy or rent-to-own on the company’s website. The DFree system is a noninvasive sensor that monitors bladder activity 24/7.
Winner of a “Best of CES 2019” award in the Digital Health last year for the DFree bladder sensor, this year Triple W showed a prototype of the first wearable designed to sense bowel incontinence. Like the company’s bladder sensor, the DFree bowel sensor uses ultrasound to monitor bowel and intestinal movements. The DFree unit transmits an alert via smartphone or tablet to the wearer and/or to caregivers when the sensors determine the time to get to a bathroom is imminent.
Triple W hasn’t announced a date when the DFree bowel sensor will be available for purchase on its website. The company plans a trial release in senior care communities later in 2020.
When will this bowel sensor be available? My husband has T 12 damage with S 4 & 5 involvement. Has no idea when his bowels are ready for evacuation. We have worked with Paraplegic regimes, but it would be helpful to have this device as he also has a healing sacral decub–which was originally classed as a Stage 4 with bone involvement.
Frederica, I am sorry to hear about your husband’s difficulties. This article was published a year ago and I do not have any additional information. There’s a link in the article for the company; I recommend that you contact them directly for the latest information.
All the best,
Alfred Poor, Editor
Health Tech Insider