Rarely does an innovation comes to the market that you can foresee will have a phenomenal impact on many people’s lives. A scientific breakthrough devised by a passionate individual who strives to create positive change through his experience within the NHS. That is the case with James Leinhardt, postural expert and creator of the newly patented innovation called Levitex, which is set to revolutionise the healthcare, elite sport and domestic sleep market.
What is it? Levitex is a patented innovation in polyurethane foam technology developed at Manchester Science Park. It doesn’t sound revolutionary except for the outstanding results it has already achieved in clinical trials and live studies, giving life-changing results to patients with acute debilitating conditions whose quality of life and recovery is being significantly improved.
Levitex call it ‘the optimum surface for sleep’ as they address three vital factors when choosing a mattress and pillow that contribute to a better night’s sleep – posture, pressure and proprioception, which can vastly improve neck and spine alignment and prevent and ease neck and back pain. The properties are such that the user does not need to apply a large force for it to compress by 25% of its original size making it very soft, comfortable and mouldable. However, at a much greater force, 65% compression of its original size it offers a firmness consistent with high quality products. The user will feel what it is to rise and float in the air without any physical support, a feeling of levitation.
Government statistics for 2017/18 reported by the Health and Safety Executive quote; “6.6 million working days are lost due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2017/18” Labour Force Survey (LFS). “In the UK 30.8 million days off work are caused by musculoskeletal problems, including back pain, neck and upper limb problems according to a 2016 report from the Office for National Statistics.” Sleep experts and clinicians have long evidenced the importance of sleep for mental and physical performance and well-being but to date there is very little research on what you actually sleep on – until now.
Combining a world-renowned specialist in pain medicine, medical device engineering, postural management expertise, specialist chemical engineers and a group of entrepreneurs has resulted in this breakthrough. Furthermore, Levitex has undergone an independent clinical trial with the Directorate of Occupational Therapy at The University of Salford (June 2018) and has an eminent Medical Director in Dr Ilan Lieberman, who works as a Pain Medicine Consultant and Clinician with The University Hospitals of South Manchester (UHSM).
Poor body alignment and posture whilst bed bound can significantly exacerbate a patient’s condition, leading to pressure sores and sleep deprivation resulting in a worsening of the patient’s health condition. Jo-anne Webb, MSc, Dip COT, ROT, FHEA, Senior Lecturer, Directorate of Occupational Therapy at University of Salford reports; “Pressure sores are a common, costly and physically debilitating health problem, affecting people in both acute care and at home. The development of a pressure ulcer can impact on an individual’s rehabilitation process leading to extended hospital stays.” Treating pressure ulcers in the UK is an estimated cost of £1.4 and £2.5 billion annually. The Department of Health has proposed that pressure ulcers could be eliminated in 85% of all NHS patients.
Levitex’ CEO, James Leinhardt has a wealth of knowledge in 24hr Postural care and has designed class one medical devices to manage the posture for clients suffering with complex neurological illness and Injury. His existing business works with NHS and Local Authority throughout the UK and his night-time positioning system has reached clients as far as Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Working with patient groups such as catastrophic brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and Stroke survivors. James feels a social obligation and strong sense of purpose to care and improve the lives of patients in medical difficulty and the wider public. Levitex sleep products will be launched and available to purchase, via kickstarter in early September.
