QualiBreath sternum and thorax support compared to other devices

When reviewing the literature of complications after heart surgery and the positive effects of external sternum supports, a set of requirements for an ideal sternum support can be established. We have listed these requirements and put QualiBreath next to other devices used as sternum supports.

Requirements for external sternum supports	QualiBreath	Heart pillow	Heart Hugger™ or similar single function cough support	Posthorax™ or similar single function rigid support
Dual functionality (Constant stabilisation & additional cough support)	Yes	No	No	No
Passive and constant support to sore ribs, muscles and sternum	Yes	No	No	Yes
Passive and constant lateral stabilisation of the sternum	Yes	No	No	Yes
Free lower lung lobes and upper abdominal area	Yes	N/A - Depends where it is positioned	N/A - May depend on position which is not fixed	Yes
Handles for additional, patient activated, support during coughing, sneezing, straining, laughing and pain	Yes	N/A	Yes - not “additional” since the patient activated handles are the only function possible	No
Additional support without inward pressure on the sternum bone	Yes	No, gives inward pressure against sternum when used	Yes - not “additional” since the patient activated handles are the only function possible	No
Shoulder straps without buckles	Yes	N/A	No	No
Correct position at all times	Yes	No	No	May depend on tightness since it's rigid
Comfortable to wear directly on the skin	Yes	N/A	No	No
Possible to wear discreetly under clothes	Yes	No	No	No
Comfortable to sleep with	Yes	Yes - as any pillow	No	No
Functions during sleep	Yes	No	No	Yes
Quick to open in emergency	Yes	N/A	Yes	Yes
Ventilated (breathable material)	Yes	N/A	No	No
Latex-free*	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Washable	Yes	Unknown	Soak only	Yes, but no hospital wash
Accessories: pouch for tele monitoring	Yes	N/A	Yes	No
Accessories: perspiration pads	Yes	N/A	No	No
Accessories: seat belt pad	Yes	N/A	No	No
Accessories: washing net	Yes	N/A	No	No

*Does not contain Natural Rubber Latex (no NRL)

Disclaimer:

This chart is for informational purposes only. The trademark Posthorax™ is property of Posthorax; any product information was found on their company website on the date of creation of this page and may not be up to date. The trademark Heart Hugger™ is property of General Cardiac Technology; any product information was found on their company website on the date of creation of this page and may not be up to date.