Wearable Devices DFree®

Published by Daniel at April 1, 2022

DFree® is a wearable device that predicts urination timing for people with urinary incontinence and therefore enables independence...

With the increasing size of the geriatric population, it has become imperative to focus on developing solutions for the health problems specific to this susceptible group. Urinary incontinence is one of the greatest threats to the quality of life of the elderly and one of the most cumbersome burdens to caregivers. DFree®, short for “diaper-free,” is the first wearable device that targets urinary incontinence. DFree® was developed by Triple W©, an innovator of connected health devices. Triple W© was founded in 2015 and, under the leadership of Atsushi Nakanishi, has grown to have offices in Tokyo, Paris, and San Diego. The company’s vision is to empower people to live independently without bladder worries.⁽¹⁾ People with incontinence and their caretakers have relied on DFree® in more than 500 facilities. In 2018, DFree® became available for the first time in the United States.

About

DFree® uses non-invasive ultrasound technology to monitor bladder fullness on a scale of 0 to 10. The device contains a sensor that detects bladder fullness. It should be appropriately placed about 0.5” above the pubis using any over-the-counter medical tape. A LED light changes color when the sensor is positioned correctly for ease of use. Data collected by the sensor is analyzed to predict times of impending urination (micturition threshold volume) and alerts the patient by sending a notification to their smartphone. The patient can set the alert to the threshold volume deemed appropriate, offering patients greater independence and caregivers more convenience. Timing prediction also gives users some insight into the average time between bathroom visits and how often they need to go for optimal planning of their time at home or outside.(2)

Advantages and disadvantages

DFree® is an easy-to-use, comfortable, and hygienic wearable device that supports people afflicted by incontinence. It allows these patients to achieve confidence and independence by eliminating the need for diapers. A single charge conveniently powers the device for 24 hours for hassle-free use. Another paramount advantage of this device is that it allows remote monitoring, allowing nurses and caregivers to manage multiple patients.
However, the device is not without limitations. The ultrasound sensor may not accurately collect data from the bladders of people who have excessive fat on their lower abdomen, scars from previous surgery or injury, or pregnant women. Another disadvantage to keep in mind is the possibility of adverse skin reactions to medical tape or ultrasound gel, especially in those prone to developing rashes.

Modern Solutions

DFree is a modern solution for an old problem. It increases the autonomy of the ever-growing elderly population, dramatically increasing their quality of life. Progressively we have witnessed technology finding its way into geriatric care and elderly assistance; this device, however, is the first of its kind. Incontinence has long been a limiting problem, restricting mobility, creating social anxiety, and causing depression in the elderly. This device can revolutionize the way incontinence is routinely managed in the elderly.