HME for Women's Health Marketplace
Products for a Growing Market
The women's health market is poised for substantial growth, and a number of products are available to meet its needs.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Oct 01, 2016
According to Research and Markets, the global women’s health
market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.84 percent during the
years 2016 to 2020. Women’s health refers to the overall well-being experienced
by women, which includes physical, mental, and social well-being. It deals with the
diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and conditions that affect women, such
as HIV/AIDS, endometriosis, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, postmenopausal
osteoporosis, and cancer (primarily ovarian and breast cancer).
This growing niche market can be served well by HME providers, as the industry
offers myriad products for women’s health issues. According to the CDC, 38.5
percent of women 20 years and older are obese, which can lead to a number of
ailments that HME providers can address. Also, breast cancer awareness has caused
increased education and the growth of related markets, such as lymphedema, in
which patients can purchase compression garments at HME retailers.
From breast pumps to sleepwear to fashionable compression hosiery, HME
providers should consider the revenue-generating opportunities of serving this
growing market. Whether you are looking to expand your women’s health inventory
or are looking to break into this product-based business, here is just a sample of
some of the items available that were created with women in mind:
Water-resistant garment protects chest surgery patients
The SHOWER SHIRT is a new, patented, water-resistant garment to protect chest
surgery patients with post-surgical drains, tubes, dialysis catheters and medi-ports
from water while showering. Surgery patients
are routinely instructed by surgeons not to
shower unprotected until surgical drains, catheters,
or ports are removed — which can span
up to three weeks for mastectomy patients,
and many months for dialysis patients.
The SHOWER SHIRT Co. LLC
(321) 784-9363
www.theshowershirt.com
Sleep Apnea Masks Created for Women
Because women and men with sleep apnea exhibit different characteristics
and face different challenges, ResMed has several interfaces
designed for the shape and structure of women’s faces. The AirFit
series of masks include the AirFit P10, which is a quiet, female
friendly size mask, the AirFit F10, which is a full face mask in a
compact design that lets you wear your glasses while wearing
the mask, and the AirFit N10, which has an under-eye frame
that gives the user a clear line of sight.
ResMed
(800) 424-0737
www.resmed.com
Sleepwear Made to Combat Night Sweats
Cool-jams Performance Sleepwear is a collection of moisture wicking sleepwear that
helps combat night sweats. The sleepwear is made of an advanced micro-fiber fabric that
pulls heat and moisture away from the skin
to the outside of the fabric. Once the moisture
is absorbed, it dries rapidly (four times
faster than cotton). The sleepwear keeps
the user’s body cool, dry and temperature
regulated. Cool-jams offers women’s and
men’s styles in sizes small to 3X.
Cool-jams Performance Sleepwear
(858) 566-6165
www.cool-jams.com
ABC Offers Mastectomy Fitter Certification
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc.
(ABC) is a credentialing board for the orthotics and prosthetics profession and has
more than 14,000 certified individuals and over 6,000 accredited facilities. ABC’s
orthotic and mastectomy fitter certification prepares individuals for direct
patient care. ABC’s facility accreditation program is recognized by the
CMS, Veteran’s Administration, major healthcare insurance providers
and HMOs throughout the United States as a leader in orthotics and
prosthetics accreditation.
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics,
Prosthetics and Pedorthics Inc.
(703) 836-7114
www.abcop.org
Become a BOC Mastectomy Fitter
Founded in 1984, the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is a non-profit agency
dedicated to meeting the demands for quality patient care by offering credentials for
professional suppliers of comprehensive orthotic and prothetic care and durable medial
equipment services. Trained and certified mastectomy fitters are integral to the physical
and emotional well-being of patients. BOC Mastectomy Fitter (CMF) certification assures
the public of an enhanced commitment to patient care and compliance. EW members
save 10 percent on Mastectomy Fitter certification.
The Board of Certification/Accreditation
(877) 776-2200
www.bocusa.org/cmf
Belly Support Panty Helps Minimize Discomfort
The Cezara belly support panty has an adjustable stretch band that supports the back
and lifts the belly. It has internal padded cushions and compresses tender abdominal
tissue, including scars and Cesarean scars. The garment was designed to be easy to
wear and adjust to a changing body. The panty helps
relieve pressure and promote healing and can be
supportive during pregnancy, and after regular or
Cesarean delivery. The garment is made from cotton/spandex and is sized the same as regular panties, from
size small through 5X.
Cezara
(212) 280-2725
www.cezarapanty.com
Melinda G Makes Breastfeeding Easy
Melinda G nursing bras come in many styles and sizes to
help users find the most comfortable fit. All bras feature
sizing options, American-made fabrics, easy nursing
access, seamless cups, non-stretch comfort straps and
four-adjustment back closures to accommodate changing
post-natal figures. E to F cups and smaller 30” bands are
available.
Melinda G
(212) 864-1363
www.MelindaG.com
V2 Supporter Helps with Multiple Pregnancy Ailments
The It’s You Baby V2 Supporter helps pregnant women with vulvar
varicosities, which can occur for many reasons, including the
increased weight of the enlarged uterus creating pressure on
veins in the pelvic area and interfering with the flow of blood
returning from the legs. The V2 Supporter provides compression
and pelvic floor therapy. The garment is adjustable for
comfort and support, soft, lightweight and machine washable.
The V2 is also recommended for lymphedema, perineal edema,
incontinence and external prolapsed bladder or uterus.
It’s You Babe LLC
(877) 661-9682
www.ItsYouBabe.com
This article originally appeared in the October 2016 issue of HME Business.