Best products from r/ALS
We found 16 comments on r/ALS discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 15 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Brondell Bidet - Thinline SimpleSpa SS-150 Fresh Water Spray Non-Electric Bidet Toilet Attachment in White with Self Cleaning Nozzle
- THIN AND SIMPLE: no toilet seat gap, at 0. 2 inches the Thinline SimpleSpa is slimmer and thinner than other bidet attachments
- CLEAN AND REFRESHING: fresh water spray bidet with nozzle guard and self-cleaning retractable nozzle
- TRUE PRESSURE CONTROL: smooth turning controls make pressure adjustment easy and give you ultimate control unlike stepping pressure systems that have preset pressure levels
- QUALITY COMPONENTS – EASY TO INSTALL: very slim and strong with metal braided hose and t-valve with SafeCore Internal Valve, no plumber or tools needed for installation
- PREMIUM BRAND YOU CAN TRUST: from the leader in bidet products - Brondell
Features:
2. Filexec Products File-A-Flash 2 x 3 inches Binder Ring Easy Flip Flash Cards, 75 Unruled Colored Pages, 4 Pack, Clear (50294-20000)
- Durable Poly Cover, Tuck-in Closure
- Easy Flip Flash Cards
- 2 x 3 inches with Binder Ring Flip Mechanism
- 75 Unruled 130 gram Colored Pages
- Great for Notes and Studying
Features:
3. Carex Upeasy Seat Assist - Chair Lift And Sofa Stand Assist - Portable Lifting Seat With Support Up to 200 Pounds, Provides 70% Assistance
- INCREASE YOUR MOBILITY. Contains (1) Carex Upeasy Seat Assist portable lifting seat and chair assist. For increased mobility in the home or anywhere. This portable seat lift is lightweight (only 9 pounds) and has a built-in carry handle.
- WORKS ON MOST HARD CHAIRS AND FIRM SOFAS. Use on many chairs and sofas with a firm or hard backing. The standing aid is portable so you can take it on the go. Upeasy not recommended for wheelchairs, automobiles, reclining chairs, soft sofas, soft chairs
- SELF POWERED. A lift assistance device for elderly, handicap, or disabled that is also self-powered. The hydro-pneumatic gas spring in the chair lift releases slowly as the user begins to stand, no batteries needed.
- COMFORTABLE SEAT. The lift seat is very comfortable. The 100% polyester cover is machine washable & the polyurethane foam cushion is easy to care for. Cleaning is quick by wiping with a damp, soapy cloth.
- PATENTED TECHNOLOGY. Consider a leader in elderly assistance products, Carex is also a leader with chair risers. Our patented LeveLift Technology ensures a gentle & safe lift without pushing forward. The affordable alternative to a Lift Chair.
- Care: coated foam cushion cleaned with mild detergent
- Helps keep people active and independent
- The Affordable Alternative to a Lift Chair
- It's Portable, Affordable and It Works
- Lifts only as needed, allowing users to maintain muscular strength
- No electricity is required for operation
- When flexing the seat, right-handed people can use their left forearm and body weight to arch the seat on a stable surface and engage the piston with their right hand.
Features:
4. Ubiquiti mPower mFi 3-port Power Wifi (US)
- 3-Port Power Outlet, Dimensions 241.3 x 116.9 x 41.27 mm, Weight 790 g, Mounting Wall-Mount Bracket (Kit Included)
- WiFi Standards 802.11b/g/n, Memory 16 MB RAM, 8 MB Flash
- Operating Temperature -10 to 45° C, Humidity 95% RH Max.
Features:
5. QUINEAR Air Compression Leg Massager for Circulation Calf Wraps Massage for Muscle Relaxation with Handheld Controller 2 Modes 3 Intensities
WRAPS MASSAGE STRESS RELIEVER: This Leg Massager has 2 x 2 airbags inside, so it can provide more massage methods to release stress, relief fatigue and pain for daily use and help for circulation improvement, swollen leg.SELECTABLE MASSAGRE MODES & INTENSITY: The handheld controller has 3 Intensity ...
6. Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Unrefined Hemp Oil, 24 Ounce
- Nutiva Organic, Cold-Pressed, Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil contains the ideal 3:1 ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and is rich in antioxidants and great for skin care
- All-natural cold press extraction process yields a 100% pure, nutty-tasting, nutrient-rich oil that's high in fatty acids and antioxidants without the use of dangerous and harmful chemicals, hexane, or heat
- Ideal source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants for vegetarian, vegan, raw, whole food, paleo, ketogenic, gluten-free diets and is a great substitute for other oils in recipes or adding to dressings, sauces, and dips
- Nutiva partners with Canadian farmers to source the world’s finest organic, non-GMO, sustainably grown hemp seeds and stringently adheres to USDA certified organic and non-GMO guidelines to deliver superfood that is good for you and good for the planet
Features:
7. Healthline Recliner Folding Wheelchair Lightweight Full Arm Detachable Padded Flip Back with Swing Away Elevating Legrests Lightweight Carbon Steel Folding Wheelchair, 18 Inch Seat
RECLINER BACK - lightweight wheelchair with full arm detachable padded flip back. Comes with padded aluminum swing-away elevating leg rests footplate, rear anti-tippers.RECLINING FOLDING WHEELCHAIR Hydraulic reclining mechanism allows for infinite adjustments up to 180 degrees and you can recline th...
9. Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal To Share His Life & His Love
- St. Gregory's Prayer Book
Features:
10. Toilevator
When life dictates the need for an elevated toilet seat and you want to keep your existing toilet, the Toilevator provides the best alternative. The Toilevator is a spacer that is installed under the base of your toilet, adding 3.5 inches of additional height to any 14 or 15 inch toilet while still ...
11. Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, Dark Blue
- The Best Pillow For Travel: unlike anything on the market, this patented, newly released and improved version has a built-in removable insert so you can adjust the thickness of the pillow based on your personal preference and sitting positions, preventing your head from being pushed forward. You now can sleep soundly even if you are sitting up on an airline seat with the help of this pillow! U.S. Patented.
- Made of high quality, soft memory foam which molds perfectly to your neck (Size: 11 x 12 x 3.8 inches)
- Zippered, machine-washable plush velour cover (Color: Dark Blue). Please note, we have never offered free or discounted products in exchange for an "honest and unbiased" review.
- The built-in elastic strap makes it easy to attach the pillow to a carry-on luggage without taking up extra space. Great for travel or use for neck support anywhere you like.
Features:
12. 6-Pack of Foam Grip Tubing/Foam Tubing - Pefect for Utensils, Tools and More - BPA/Phthalate/Latex-Free
COMFORTABLE TO HOLD: Our foam padding is soft enough for comfort but firm enough for consistent use. By building up handles on every day items, our foam provides greater strength, control and a wider gripCOMPATIBLE WITH AN ARRAY OF ITEMS: Perfect for use with utensils, tools, pens, pencils, toothbru...
13. Insteon 2242-222 Hub - Discontinued
Control your entire INSTEON networkReceive cloud-based email and/or push notifications (leak, door, etc.)Setup scenesNo monthly feesDo this all from your mobile device (iOS or Android)
14. Insteon Smart On/Off Plug-in Module, 2635-222 - Insteon Hub required for voice control with Alexa & Google Assistant
- Control a non-dimming fluorescent light or appliance, turning it on and off remotely
- Integrated relay lets you remotely control up to 15 Amp appliances or 1800-Watt of lighting
- Unique RF and powerline communication doesn't rely on spotty wifi for communication
- Outdoor on/off version available (2634-222)
- Works with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant for voice control via required Insteon Hub (2245-222) + Doubles as Access Point for Insteon systems
Features:
15. Vive Alternating Pressure Pad - Includes Mattress Pad and Electric Pump System - Quiet, Inflatable Bed Air Topper for Pressure Ulcer Sore Treatment - Fits Standard Hospital Bed for Bedridden Patients
- Alleviates Bed Sores and Ulcers: Providing relief from bed sores and ulcers caused by extended bedrest, the alternating pressure mattress promotes increased circulation and helps manage skin maceration. The variable pressure mattress evenly distributes weight to relieve pressure spots for exceptional support and comfort. Perfect for immobilized or weak patients who cannot shift their weight frequently.
- Designed With 130 Air Cells: Each of the 130 air cells alternately inflate and deflate to create a mattress surface that evenly distributes a patient or loved one’s weight and eliminates pressure spots. Each air cell is heat sealed to ensure it will not leak for exceptional durability.
- Quiet Variable Pressure Pump: Variable pressure pump is ultra quiet for restful sleep. Producing constant air flow, the variable pump offers multiple levels of pressure for a customizable experience. Each pressure cycle is approximately six minutes long.
- Durable Construction Supports Up To 300 LBS: Premium vinyl mattress supports up to 300 pounds.The waterproof mattress pad easily fits on an existing mattress or frame. The included air hoses are flexible and non-binding for easy installation.
- Vive Guarantee: 1 year on pump. 60 days on mattress pad. The vive guarantee is here so you can purchase now with confidence.
Features:
Hi OP, I'm sorry to hear about your dad - i know how difficult and awful this is. Here is something I did when my dad was sick.
Towards the end when my dad got really unable to communicate it got really painful to watch him struggle to speak, and really painful for us to try and understand him. I wanted to make it less stressful for everyone involved so I created these Index Cards for him, my family, and the nurses who helped us. They ended up being extremely extremely helpful!
I attached a link to a picture for an example - I'm wishing now I would have taken a better quality one when I finished them but this is the best I have. http://imgur.com/a/4MujI
Essentially I thought up general categories.. BPAP, Head, Feet, Bathroom, Other, Nurse, Family, etc. (or really any other broad category you can think of.. like Food or Drink or something would work too). Once I had those broad categories I created more cards for the more in-depth things.. so like within Head there might be a card for itchy, or scratch. Within Family there were cards for each family member and then things like I love you, How was your Day.. or other small things like this. And so forth with all of the other categories. I had cards for Left or Right - I maybe went a little overboard on it because it got a little difficult to organize.
But anyways, once I created all of those on the index cards i punched holes in the top corner and organized them by category, with the general category on top and all the more in depth cards beneath it. Each category got its own hoop ring (similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Filexec-Products-Unruled-Colored-50294-20000/dp/B006NVLUEA).
From then on when we knew my dad wanted something but it was too difficult to speak or we couldn't understand him we would use the index cards to figure out what he wanted. I think it helped ease the burden a bit on everyone.
Sometimes when my mom walked in to my dad after a long day at work and she grabbed the card she would end up at the Family card, and under Mom was a card for I love you. Even though he couldn't say it out loud, he still was able to say it this way and I think that meant a lot to everyone.
My last suggestion, which is something my dad and i did until the day he passed was to play games on our phones together (we lived on opposite ends of the country). We played Words with Friends and Settlers of Catan online - 2 of his favorite games. And even though we weren't communicating through spoken word I know it meant a lot to both of us that we could do this. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, want someone to chat with, or need more explanation on the cards!
And stay strong :)
So sorry to hear about your step father. Good for you for being proactive and reaching out. This illness is so difficult. Hobbies will change and evolve but I understand the fear that with a loss of hobbies comes of loss of will. My father was an avid golfer, biker, hiker etc. Two years into this illness he now watches a lot of shows, takes road trips, etc. It changes but it’s absolutely a struggle. All I can say is I never thought he’d be okay with this stage, but I feel like it’s a matter of them learning they can still enjoy life, although it’s very different now.
I would recommend reaching out to your local ALSA asap. I regret not doing that sooner. They will be able to coordinate loaner equipment, help answer questions and be a great support system.
This item helped my dad get up independently for a long time:
Carex Upeasy Seat Assist, Portable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000095ZMP?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf.
I purchases it, set it on his chair without discussion and he continued to use it so I knew it was helpful. We started bringing it with us to appointments etc to get him up. He’s 6’7 so chairs were a real issue for us. There’s tons of useful equipment out there that can help. You’re already doing the right thing reaching out to a community like this for help. Hang in there.
Good on you for taking such good care of your mom.
I have this Wi-Fi enabled powerbar, which lets you control the outlets via a web interface or a Windows/Mac app.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CXWS848/ref=pd_aw_sims_3?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1
I've had clients who have had good success with DVT prevention devices...like this
QUINEAR Air Compression Leg Massager for Foot Calf Arm Wrap Massage for Muscle Circulation with Handheld Controller 2 Modes 3 Intensities https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q7JTPBT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nCDXDbQVRQWJ9
Well it is "legal" just can't but it at brick and mortar stores unless it's a private seller. You could possibly check out e-cig, vape stores, or head shops for local CBD retailers. I found something on Amazon that might work. I have never used, but the reviews seem good. Nutiva Organic Hemp Oil, 24 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GAO91K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZLBSzbW73CZBJ
https://www.amazon.com/Brondell-Bidet-SimpleSpa-Non-Electric-Attachment/dp/B075MMHQX7/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=bidet&qid=1565788043&s=gateway&sr=8-5
\^The one I have at home. Easy installation, simple concept, no buttons, just a push handle. Works great.
They can see to it you get a prescription for a power wheelchair such that you have it and are ready by the time you need it. If you wait until you need it then it will be months and months before you get it. Remember the power wheelchair isn't just for you, its also for your caregiver. My late wife wouldn't use any bed, she stayed in the wheelchair 24x7 because it was more comfortable and gave her a little control over her environment.
Remember this... In all your lifetime medicare will pay for a regular wheelchair, or a scooter, or a power wheelchair. For ALS the power wheelchair is the ONLY correct request, all the others will just be taking up space in your house in a few months.
With ALS ALWAYS plan for two-three months down the road, not where you are now.
As for a manual wheelchair... We paid on our own for this one for my fiancé's mother.
Hey man I think I found a solution I ordered the eye tracker and I'm messing with the software. My plan is to get a Windows 10 tablet, mount the sensor on top, and build a small mount that will be in front of his recliner for him to use!
Here's the thread where I talk to the creator of the software. It's called Optikey:
https://www.reddit.com/r/UpliftingNews/comments/68lvwy/remember_optikey_the_free_and_open_source/
And here's the sensor i'm purchasing, it should be in the mail tomorrow so i'll let you know how it works. The sensor is made for "gaming" but its made by the same guys who make ALS eye trackers and the guy who made the typing software recommends it for his software.
https://www.amazon.com/Tobii-LYSB01G3RAJI6-CMPTRACCS-EyeX-Gaming-Peripheral/dp/B01G3RAJI6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493651621&sr=8-1&keywords=Eye+tracker
To add to that advice, I wish I had done a guided father journal with my dad.
It was so difficult to find something that did this trick for my mom. In the end the thing that has helped the most, even now as she's progressed into a fully locked-in lifestyle are those airplane travel pillows (the ones shaped like a big U). We wound up getting like 10 different types, textures, and materials from different manufacturers depending on where she was sitting, and even use one now in her wheelchair -- even though the damn wheelchair headrest was $1k by itself, this $20 neck pillow is ironically what makes it bearable: https://www.amazon.com/Travelmate-Memory-Foam-Neck-Pillow/dp/B004UB056E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1481137770&sr=8-4&keywords=travel+pillow
On amazon you can find "Foam Grip Tubing", specifically designed to slip over everyday items such as toothbrushes and razors. We used them for a while before dad lost all of his ability to hold anything. Not sure if I can insert a link here but search for the quote above and you'll find lots of different options.
Check this out at Amazon.com
6-Pack of Foam Grip Tubing / Foam Tubing - Pefect For Utensils, Tools and More - BPA / Phthalate / Latex-Free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTLQ95N/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_H9fLDbHD8Y0W6
Insteon outlet & hub