http://type2diabetestreatment.net/diabetes-mellitus/a-comparative-look-at-medical-sports-id-bands-with-big-giveaway/
You"re heading out for a workout... and of course, diabetes is going with you. Aside from the essential planning around glucose levels and insulin on board, probably the most important thing to remember is to have some form of visible medical ID on your body -- because you just never know when an expected Low or an accident may hit, and that bracelet on your wrist just might save your life!
I was pretty upset when I recently lost the very simple velcro-strapped med ID wristband I"ve been using for years. When I went to replace it, I realized there was now an array of choices of these products that I had never even considered. They now come in multitudes of designs and sizes, and several have connected data capabilities so you can literally wear your entire medical record.
We were fortunate to get samples recently from five manufacturers, and I had an interesting time playing with them for evaluation. This comparative look is of course quite subjective -- just one T1D"s lady"s viewpoint -- but hopefully it provides some insight and details to help you all choose in case you"re in the market for a new medical ID sports band.
Reviewing these products, I focused on:
- ease of use (can I get this thing on myself?)
- comfort
- aesthetics
- additional safety features
- cost
We also have a WHOLE BUNCH OF GIFT VOUCHERS to give away on these products, so be sure to read through to the end!
Road ID
This Kentucky-based company was founded in 1999 by a father and son, out of concern for the son"s safety while running his first marathon. Among their top 10 reasons you should wear sports ID are:
- If you can"t speak for yourself, Road ID will speak for you.
- Road ID enables First Responders to immediately contact family members and friends.
- Road ID enables family members to provide additional details about your health or give consent for potentially life saving procedures.
They offer wristbands made of silicone or leather, with an engraved watch-style buckle. I got samples of their two silcone band versions, which come in 10 different colors, so you can multiple colors and easily swap out the ID plate for different looks.
The "Wrist ID Slim" is a simple, thin silicone bracelet, while the "Wrist ID Elite" is a thicker band that you cut to your ideal wrist size, that features a heavy-duty clasp. You can add a little metal badge to either version that boasts "5K" or states "bike" or "run" or a selection of icons, or you can even create a custom design if you like.
Here"s my rundown on Road ID:
Ease of Use - the Slim silicone band was a no-brainer of course, but the Elite version was a bit confusing. It came with instructions in the box that were so small I was making googly-eyes to see it even with my best reading glasses on. Once I managed to customize the size, I also had some trouble getting the clamp down to secure the band to that big clasp. I tried using my teeth and even standing on it. Once secured, though, it actually was very easy to take on and off myself with one hand.
Comfort - Silicone bands often make me feel uncomfortably sweaty, so I know I"m biased, but these had a nice smooth high-quality feel to them.
Aesthetics - They look sleek, but I only got black samples so they seemed kind of plain. I had to chuckle at the description that the Elite is the "sexiest" of sports ID bands. Maybe on Jay Hewitt. Yeah...
Safety Features - What surprised me is that these bands fit a full six lines of text on the plate; the sample I had included the patient"s name, city of residence and medical condition along with the first names and phone numbers of three emergency contacts.
Cost - These run $19.99 to $39.99, plus $4.99 each for additional "badge" -- and if you buy two badges, you get a third one free. btw, Road ID also offers an Ankle ID with a velcro closure for $1.99 that some folks may really like.
SportsTagID
This company was founded in 2010 by former Canadian World Cup freestyle skier Bryan Spiegel and his partner Chris Papas. They boast that their high-quality, ergonomic sports ID bracelets are now worn by Olympic and professional athletes and sold in over 72 countries.
What"s special about them is the materials they use: "Eco tube is the INCREDIBLE FEEL in our special ULTRA SILICONE super light band. Designed to match skin temperature in minutes making it feel virtually invisible and SUPER comfortable to wear. The ID Tag and closure are high-grade surgical stainless steel."
And the unique lifetime warranty: "Should your SportsTagID band or Clasp ever fail in any way -- send it back for a No Hassle FREE replacement. (Minimal shipping charge to your area)."
They sent me three samples of their ID, in black, pink and red.
Ease of Use - This bracelet also needs to be cut to size and secured in the clasp, but came with no instructions whatsoever. I then discovered they offer detailed instructions including a how-to video on their website. And it turned out the task was way easier to complete than with competing products because the gripper wasn"t nearly so stubborn to close (no teeth or feet required), and once I got the newly clipped end locked in, it stayed in place very nicely. The clasp is similar but simpler to operate than the other heavy-duty silicone bracelets reviewed here.
Comfort - I don"t know exactly what they mean with "ultra silicone" that they apparently developed themselves over a period of three years (!), but it really does feel "butter soft" and smooth on the skin! The bracelet also feels incredibly light despite the substantial clasp.
Aesthetics - Nice packaging! The tube makes the product feel futuristic and high-end. In addition to seven solid colors (including two shades of blue) these IDs come in an Olympic circles design and a colorful striped version. They are attractive but still say, "Serious Athlete."
Safety Features - Their strong point is durability and they claim the bracelets will last over 3-1/2 years even if you wear it day-in and day-out. These IDs can also accommodate up to six lines of text in small typeface. If you ever need to change your information, you can order a new "tag only" to place on your high-quality ultra silicone band.
Cost - The bands run from $34.95 to $36.95, or you can take advantage of their special two-fer offer for $49.95. A replacement tag, or band, costs $19.95 each.
Sticky Jewelry
Sticky Jewelry (affectionately nicknamed by some as StickyJ) was founded in 2000 by Lori Torman, who set out to make personalized photo pins that could hold a sticky-back photo. Sixteen years later the company is a leader in personalized and medical ID jewelry. Apparently, Lori still runs the Saint Petersburg, FL-based company with the help of her husband Barry and son-in-law Chris.
For sports purposes, Sticky Jewelry makes a wide selection of silicone bands and sports strap bracelets with velcro and buckles. I got a bright green silicone band, a black buckle-strap bracelet, a thick blue velcro bracelet (that actually comes in six colors), and two of the kids" bands, adorned with flowers and trucks.
Ease of Use - The buckle strap seemed like a really bad idea, as it was nearly impossible to put on and take off by myself. (My husband had a good laugh watching me jump up and down as I tried.) The kids bands have a plastic snap-lock that in theory is easier to use, but boy, let me tell you: you need some strong hands to close that sucker. I again needed some assistance to click it shut, and I don"t think any kid on the planet other than young Superman would ever be able to get that thing open or shut. The good news is: the ID isn"t going to fall off! Finally, the thick velcro band has a fold-over style that lets you loosen, adjust for size, and stick on. Just my speed!
Comfort - I only really spent any time wearing the velcro band, which is made of a smooth nylon that felt nice on the skin. However, the bracelet is a full-inch thick, which made it feel kind of chunky, especially since it"s marketed for both adults and kids (?)
Aesthetics - StickyJ"s products were very attractive and well-made, no doubt. I loved that the designs on the children"s bands looked almost like custom embroidery.
Safety Features - This company offers engraving on both the front and back of its name plates, so you can add additional information. All the bracelets are designed so the plate is easily loosened to see the back -- although you have to wonder if any First Responders would ever think to look there.
Cost - The silicon bracelets run from $7.99-$19.99, the velcro bands $12.99-$19.99, and the kids bands from $9.09- $19.99. If you want to order an additional plate for your band, those run from $5.99-$13.99.
MedicAlert Foundation
This is actually a non-profit organization founded way back in 1956 in a California farming community after a doctor"s daughter nearly died of anaphylactic shock. The family came up the concept of a silver bracelet with “Allergic to Tetanus Antitoxin” engraved on the back, and then added the words “MEDIC ALERT" and the caduceus symbol of the medical profession, and the design was sent to a local San Francisco jeweler -- thus the first-ever med ID alert bracelet was born!
Today, the ID jewelry is linked to the foundation"s team of MedicAlert call centers, where live operators answer the phones with access to emergency medical records for their millions of members throughout the United States and worldwide affiliates.
You"d probably recognize the basic MedicAlert bracelets from those traditional cardboard displays in doctor"s offices and clinics, but they"ve got a lot more going on design-wise these days. Their "Sporty IDs" collection includes silicone bands, elastic stretch bands, nylon velcro bands, and braided nylon bands in a variety of colors and widths. I got a sampling of no less than seven styles.
Ease of Use - All of the stretchy and velcro bands were of course easy to get on and off. The braided Paracord band, however, has a small side-release buckle like you see on many backpacks that was somewhat difficult to operate with a single hand, at the angle required to reach your own wrist. Their thicker "Compete Silicone Bracelet" has a clasp pretty much identical to the Elite from Road ID. Again, I found the process of re-securing the band after that initial adjustment to be quite the chore.
Comfort - I found the Paracord band too thick and in-the-way, although it may do better on larger, male wrists than my little Minnie Mouse versions. Medic Alert"s velcro band was even wider than that from StickyJ, at 1.5” -- which again made it kind of huge for my delicate little wrists. I do wish they would offer a thinner version. The stretchy elastic band was hekka comfortable, if not particularly pretty; I thought there was something clinicy/dorky about the way it looks on my arm.
Aesthetics - Their "Premiere Sport Silicone" bracelet offered something unique: a quilted texture that makes it look more elegant than most. Unfortunately this one only seems to come in black with a gold-tone ID plate, which is not my style at all. This was especially disappointing given that nearly every other style they make comes in a choice of 4-6 colors. The "Compete" wide silicone bracelet mentioned above seemed to be slightly lower quality than its Road ID competitor.
Safety Features - Every ID is engraved not only with your condition, but a unique ID number for you and 1-800 number for responders to reach the Medic Alert call center. You really can"t argue with their 60-year history of emergency response and physician/provider notification. You can also purchase add-on services for things like medical document storage, global travel protection, and "Kid Smart" with 24/7 family notification. This link explains how their emergency services work, from wrist to treatment, FYI.
Cost - The Sporty IDs range from $24.99 to $34.99. The product purchase includes one free year of My MedicAlert service. That basic service includes 24/7 emergency response, physician notification and contact center support. After a year, you can renew the basic service for $24.99, or pay $49.99 to upgrade to the Advantage service, which includes all of that plus document storage, family notification and discounts on products.
ENDEVR
Founded by entrepreneur (and father of nine) Steve Schone in 2010, this Utah-based outfit says they picked the name "ENDEVR" because they believe "the journey is more important than the destination." They"re all about inspiration, and are big in social media, with blogs and communities around different health conditions including diabetes, asthma, autism, epilepsy.
Their MyID silicone bracelets -- sold in RiteAID stores and at private pharmacies nationwide -- are connected to the GetMyID.com secure portal, where customers can log their medical history, including conditions, physicians, and emergency contacts. The idea is that with the bracelet on, your emergency information is "just a call, click or scan away" for responders to access. The promo video shows a man passed out on the ground, and the voice-over says "most medical ID bracelets hold very little information," whereas ENDEVR offers access to the person"s full medical profile.
I got samples of their minimal MyID Sport and larger MyID Sleek bracelet styles. Note that these bracelets come with a lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects.
Ease of Use - The Sport version is simply a silicon bracelet you pop on your wrist, which comes in six different sizes, from Child to XL. The Sleek version is yet another adjustable band that you cut to your size and then secure in the stainless steel clasp. In this case, the company included a little paper "sizing strip" in the package with instructions on the back side for how to size your wrist band just right. Nice touch.
Comfort - I found the silicone on these bracelets definitely more rubbery-feeling and therefore less comfortable while sweating than several others. That said, versus competitors with similar styles, I really liked the thinner .58-inch width of the Sleek band, which made it feel less bulky on my wrist.
Aesthetics - I"m personally not a fan of the perforated and logo-adorned look of the Sport bracelet; I felt like I was supporting their cause a la Stephen Colbert. But as the name suggests, the Sleek band has a more subtle, sophisticated look with an attractive face plate.
Safety Features - These bands are NOT engravable with the name of your medical condition or any personal information at all. They simply display, on the inside of the bracelet, a GetMyID phone number, patient ID number and PIN on the back, for emergency call-in purposes. If you want your ailment to show, you can purchase additional "Condition Sliders," little plastic plates that clamp onto the bracelet. However, I noticed that for our community, the only text choices available are: "Diabetes 1" and "Diabetes 2." Let"s be honest, lots of folks don"t know the difference, including Emergency Medical Techs (EMTs)! There"s no way to indicate that you are insulin-dependent right on the bracelet.
And, let"s be honest again, as we noted in this review of EPID-id bracelets, EMTs and others may likely not realize there"s a call-in number on your bracelet, nor do they have time for gathering any info in the field "beyond what you can see right in front of your face," they tell us. So perhaps this is good idea that"s a lot less practical than it seems...?
Cost - The Sport model sells for $19.95, and the Sleek for $29.95. The Condition Sliders run $4.95 each. Access to the MyID online profile is free, or you can update to their "Plus" version for $4.99 per month, that offers profile sharing (like with your doctor), a Quick Alert family notification service, document upload and storage (like for living wills and x-rays), and an annual $25 product credit.
What I"m Wearing
There was no clear "winner" here for me, but I definitely found some of these more comfortable and appealing than others. The three I seem to be wearing most so far are the bright blue velcro bracelet from StickyJ, the SportsTagID band in red, and the ENDEVR Sleek model -- although that one really makes no sense to wear if you haven"t created an online profile in their system. Guess I need to get on that...
If I had to pick which was the best bargain, I"d say it"s probably the MedicAlert for $24.99 with a full year of free MedicAlert service. And if I were shopping for my kids, I would definitely be all over the StickyJ styles, assuming we could lube the clamps a little to make them easier to get on and off.
And now, here"s your chance to win a voucher and try out some of these medical sports ID bands for yourself!
A DBMine Products Giveaway
At the gracious generosity of the vendors above, we"re giving away:
TWO StickyJ $25 gift vouchers
THREE SportsTag ID $34.95 gift vouchers
THREE MedicAlert $50 gift vouchers
THREE ENDEVR $50 gift vouchers
FOUR RoadID $15 gift vouchers
>> That"s 15 prizes in all!!! <<
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below including the keyword "DMProducts" so we know you"re interested in the goods.
Or you can email us at info@diabetesmine.com with the subject header "SportsBands."
You have until Friday, June 3, at 5pm PST to enter. A valid email address is required to win.
The winners will be chosen using Random.org and announced via Facebook and Twitter the week of June 6, so make sure you"re following us.
Good luck, Sports Fans!
This contest is now closed. Congratulations to our winners:
Michael Stubblefield, Mark Gutman, Jeffrey Wiggs, Kimberly Kradolfer, Jeff Joan, Susan Chenoweth, Rachel Mayover, Shelley Robbins, Rebecca Simmons, Brett Lamport, Phyllis Kaplan, Rich Hidalgo, John Highet, Shari Holm Navetta and Gary Rind.
Disclaimer
This content is created for Diabetes Mine, a consumer health blog focused on the diabetes community. The content is not medically reviewed and doesn"t adhere to Healthline"s editorial guidelines. For more information about Healthline"s partnership with Diabetes Mine, please click here.
Type 2 Diabetes TreatmentType 2 Diabetes Diet
Diabetes Destroyer Reviews
Original Article
#DiabetesMellitus
No comments:
Post a Comment