I. The Need: A Real-World Challenge
"This underpad falls apart when it gets wet." The nurse's words were blunt, handing us back the sample from an overseas supplier. "It's just not going to work. We need something better."
The world of long-term care is filled with unique challenges, even with something as seemingly simple as underpads. A pad that's too thin leads to soaked sheets and mattresses. Plastic backing traps moisture, causing painful skin breakdown. And if it's not strong enough, repositioning patients becomes a difficult, even dangerous, task.
What was needed was a high-absorbency, breathable, and strong underpad. The problem? These qualities usually come with a high price tag. Healthcare demands cost-efficiency. Could we create a superior product without breaking the budget? It seemed impossible. After all, don't you get what you pay for?
Yes, quality often comes at a premium. But we believed there could be an exception. We accepted the challenge: to develop an absorbent, breathable, and strong underpad that was also affordable.
II. The Solution: Research and Development
We started by defining our absolute requirements:
- Size: 30" x 36" - matching the width of hospital bed mattresses for complete coverage.
- Breathability: Essential for skin health.
- Strength: Capable of withstanding at least 300 lbs for safe patient repositioning.
- Absorbency: 2-3 times greater than standard underpads.
To keep costs down, we made strategic trade-offs:
- Simplified Packaging: Attractive, yet minimal.
- Direct Factory Partnerships: Working closely with manufacturers to our exact specifications.
- Internal Control: Handling testing, adjustments, quality control, and logistics ourselves to cut out middleman costs.
This extra effort was key to our cost savings. The journey wasn't easy. We faced:
- Communication Barriers: Inconsistent communication with potential partners.
- Language and Cultural Differences: Navigating international business.
- Sample Failures: Most samples fell short of our standards.
- Logistical Hurdles: Planning efficient shipping routes.
- Learning New Skills: Mastering design tools for products and packaging.
Ultimately, the hard work paid off. We created the perfect underpad - Sorbius.
The Sorbius underpad package
III. The Impact: Results and Feedback
We introduced Sorbius with a "soft launch," unsure of customer reaction. We simply presented the product, highlighted its benefits, and stated the price.
The response was remarkable. Customers didn't need convincing; they immediately purchased Sorbius.
Since then, sales have steadily increased, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Users reported:
- Easy Patient Repositioning: Even when wet.
- Dry Surface Feel: Despite high absorbency.
- Optimal Size: Effectively containing leaks.
- Reduced Slipping: Thanks to the cloth-like backing.
IV. The Future: Lessons and Growth
We learned that successful product development requires thorough research and meticulous attention to detail. We developed new workflows and strategies that can be applied to future products.
Meanwhile, Sorbius is gaining recognition in the market, improving the cost-effectiveness of long-term care by reducing expenses and enhancing patient care.
Experience Sorbius for yourself, and let us know what you think!
