Hip Protectors

Pelican has approached this problem from two different angles. We have a wide array of Falls Prevention Products ranging from Bed Rail Protectors to Steps, Wedges and Alarms. These are designed to prevent someone from falling in the first place.  In the event someone cannot be prevented from falling, we have Bed Fall Mats and Hip Protectors to prevent or minimise any injuries sustained. Pelican’s range of Hip Protectors are designed to reduce the impact on the femur during a fall and prevent fractures. They may also provide some comfort and protection after a hip replacement operation.

Our Hip Protectors are made of soft foam, not hard shells. This makes them comfortable enough to wear at night, when many falls occur. The softness of the foam also helps with compliance, which can be an issue with the harder plastics. We are reputed disability equipment suppliers based in Australia!

We have three types of foam pads available: SuperSoft; SuperSoft Washable and SuperSoft Washable T5. The most popular are the SuperSoft Washable Pads. All pads use a unique black foam backing. This black foam lifts the foam protection pads slightly off the skin allowing for air circulation. It also helps to hold the pad in position within the pocket, thereby maintaining its correct position over the greater trochanter.

When developing the Hip Protectors, Pelican commissioned biomechanical impact tests through Edith Cowan University to quantity the effect of wearing Hip Protectors during a fall. Researchers recreated the forces required to fracture the hip of a 71 year old woman falling sideways. The results showed a reduction in impact of between 64% and 74% when a Pelican Hip Protector was used. The research indicates that fewer falls will result in hip fractures.

The two versions of Pelican Hip Protector Pants are Access Pants and Standard Hip Protector Pants. Access Pants are worn underneath an incontinence pad. This means that they can be left on when a person uses the toilet, protecting them at a time where they may be at risk of falls.

Our Standard Hip Protector Pants are identical to the Access Pants, just without the cutouts. They are used instead of regular underpants. Both versions have pockets in each side over the greater trochanter. It is important that the foam pad inserted into the pocket is correctly positioned over the greater trochanter. This system means that one pair of foam pads can be removed from one pair of pants and inserted into a clean pair.

To help reduce the cost for our customers, we supply the Pads separately to the Pants. Generally the Pads do not need cleaning, so you can take them out of one pair of Pants, and put them into a new pair. Alternatively, you can purchase the Pelican Hip Protector as a Value Pack. The Value Packs consist of 5 pairs of Pants and 1 set of SuperSoft Washable Pads.

The Hip Protector Pants come in a wide range of sizes for men and women to help ensure a comfortable fit. Due to the different sizes and the soft impact-resistant Pads, the Pelican Hip Protectors have been widely accepted by many patients with dementia, who in the past have rejected using Hip Protectors.