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See answers to some of our commonly asked questions below. If your question isn't answered, please reach out to us!
Why Smart Hip Guardian
What is the Smart Hip Guardian?
The Smart Hip Guardian is a patented, premium wellness product that detects falls in motion, deploys airbags before impact, and automatically sends alerts to caregivers and emergency services, enabling users to remain independent at home. It uses intelligent sensors and proprietary algorithms to distinguish between everyday movement and a fall occurring, triggering airbags to inflate in approximately 0.2 seconds.
Who is the Smart Hip Guardian intended for?
It is designed primarily for older people who, due to mobility difficulties, are statistically more predisposed to falling.
Nonetheless, even young people who are particularly at risk of falling can benefit from the Smart Hip Guardian.
In addition to responsive padding and automatic alerts, the Smart Hip Guardian™ features the Quick Alert Slide™, a manual alert system designed for medical and non-medical emergencies other than falls. With a simple pull, it enables rapid emergency dispatch and immediately notifies caregivers and loved ones that assistance is needed.
Functionality
How does the Smart Hip Guardian work?
The Smart Hip Guardian Belt uses intelligent sensors and proprietary algorithms to distinguish between everyday movement and a fall occurring.
- Smart sensors distinguish falls from everyday activity
- Automatically inflates airbags while falling
- Sends immediate alerts to caregivers and first responders after a fall
- Continuously tracks movement once worn and activated
- Offers a manual emergency alert to alert caregivers and first-responder services to medical and non-medical emergencies other than falls
How do I turn the Smart Hip Guardian on and off?
The Smart Hip Guardian must be charged and buckled to activate. There is an LED light alert system in the buckle that lets you know the status of the belt.
To turn on, simply buckle the charged Smart Hip Guardian. To turn off, simply unbuckle the Smart Hip Guardian.
Can the airbags deploy if the Smart Hip Guardian is not being worn?
The Smart Hip Guardian is only activated and able to deploy when the belt is buckled. Keeping the belt unbuckled when not wearing it will prevent unwanted airbag deployments.
Can the Smart Hip Guardian be used for sports or other activities?
The Smart Hip Guardian is designed for older adults during everyday activities. It is not intended for use with sport-type or fast-moving activities.
The Smart Hip Guardian can be worn while engaging in low-impact exercises, such as yoga, but it is not recommended for higher-impact exercises such as aerobics.
Is the Smart Hip Guardian reusable?
The Smart Hip Guardian is usable at all times until its airbag padding has been deployed. Once deployed, the Smart Hip Guardian is no longer operable.
Our product intentionally includes a second, back-up Smart Hip Guardian in the initial package so that you always have an operable product to wear.
Please contact our customer service after a deployment occurs for disposal and replacement information.
What happens after the belt deploys?
When the Smart Hip Guardian deploys the airbag, it automatically contacts up to three (3) designated caregivers. Our response team will attempt to contact the belt wearer to determine if emergency services are required. If they are, or if our team is unable to reach the wearer, emergency services will be contacted.
Once there has been a deployment, the Smart Hip Guardian is no longer operable. Please contact our customer service after a deployment occurs for disposal and replacement information.
How can I travel with the Smart Hip Guardian?
The Smart Hip Guardian can go anywhere and be worn anywhere. It is important that if not being worn, it be left unbuckled so that it is not active, avoiding false deployments.
Is it necessary to use the Smart Hip Guardian app?
The Smart Hip Guardian app is an additional feature that allows for communication and performance details of the product for the user and caregiver. The app will provide details such as charge level, activation time, and geo location. Additionally, the user will be able to build and update their account profile on the app. However, having the app is not essential to the function of the belt.
Wearing the Smart Hip Guardian
How do you wear the Smart Hip Guardian correctly?
The Smart Hip Guardian should be worn at hip height with the buckle facing forward; tight enough to stay securely in place, loose enough not to be comfortable.
There are large icons built into the Smart Hip Guardian to make wear instructions easy to follow. Additionally, the correct position is shown in the instruction manual, on the Smart Hip Guardian website and app, and through the online video tutorial.
Is the belt comfortable to wear?
The Smart Hip Guardian has been through numerous human factor and daily activity reviews to ensure the most comfortable fit and form. It can be worn 24/7, even while sleeping. Every effort has been made to make sure the Smart Hip Guardian is as comfortable as possible.
Can I move freely when I wear the Smart Hip Guardian?
The Smart Hip Guardian is equipped with an algorithm that can distinguish normal daily movements such as sitting, crouching, lying down, going up and down stairs, etc., from a potential fall. However, to avoid unwanted activations, it is not recommended to shake the belt once it is being worn or to make particularly sudden movements (such as jumping, running, or dancing). The Smart Hip Guardian has been reviewed in various daily activities, and the likelihood of false deployments is uncommon when used properly.
Why are the airbags positioned toward the back?
You may notice the airbags are positioned more toward the back than the front. This positioning allows the airbags to deploy in a way that maximizes the areas being padded.
Can I use the restroom while wearing the Smart Hip Guardian?
Yes. As many falls happen during a trip to the bathroom, we designed the Smart Hip Guardian to be comfortable for continuous use.
Can I shower or bathe wearing my Smart Hip Guardian?
No, the Smart Hip Guardian should not be submerged in water. The product is water-resistant, not waterproof. Specific user instructions are available in the Smart Hip Guardian User's Manual on how to handle bathing.
Can I sleep wearing my Smart Hip Guardian?
Absolutely! The Smart Hip Guardian has been designed to be worn 24/7, including while you sleep.
Can I wear the Smart Hip Guardian with other clothing?
The Smart Hip Guardian can be worn with any form of clothing as long as the belt is over your clothing and has been adjusted to sit correctly above the hips.
Effectiveness
Will the belt work if am in an area without cell coverage?
The Smart Hip Guardian utilizes cellular networks to communicate information with the belt. When outside of a cellular network, the belt will still monitor for falls and deploy if one is detected. However, caregivers and emergency services cannot be notified.
What test did the Smart Hip Guardian go through?
The Smart Hip Guardian was robustly tested prior to launch, with 25,000+ tests conducted, including university-led studies.
Product Details
What does the Smart Hip Guardian weigh?
The Smart Hip Guardian weighs less than 2lbs.
Does the Smart Hip Guardian come in different sizes?
Yes, the Smart Hip Guardian is available in 6 sizes measured in waist-circumference inches. See the product detail page for more information on sizing.
Each belt can be easily adjusted to fit the individual comfortably.
What does the LED light system on the Smart Hip Guardian indicate?
Each Smart Hip Guardian has an LED light system built into the buckle. This system has the ability to indicate belt activation, battery charge level, and emergency alert/deployment status.
Specific details and levels of LED alert are available in the Smart Hip Guardian instruction manual.
How long does the Smart Hip Guardian battery last?
The Smart Hip Guardian battery lasts most users approximately 4 days between charges with normal use. Most find it practical to charge the belt two to three times per week for 4 hours, or as needed.
An LED light system in the buckle will indicate charge level of the product per the product instruction and usage manual. The Smart Hip Guardian website and app also have the ability to indicate charge level of the specific product.
How do I charge the Smart Hip Guardian battery?
A charging cord will be supplied with your Smart Hip Guardian. Simply connect the cord to the belt, as you would a cell phone. Plug the other end into a power source using the USB-A connection.
It takes about 4 hours to fully charge a completely dead battery, and the charge will last almost 4 days. The battery will not overcharge, as the device will automatically stop charging when the battery is full.
How do I clean my Smart Hip Guardian?
The Smart Hip Guardian should be cleaned using a moist antimicrobial wipe. It should not be sprayed or submerged into water. The Smart Hip Guardian is water-resistant, not water-proof. The Smart Hip Guardian should not be cleaned in a washer or dryer.
Purchases and Returns
Can I get this reimbursed by or billed to insurance?
The Smart Hip Guardian currently cannot be billed to or reimbursed by health insurers.
Can I return the belt?
We can accept returns of unused Smart Hip Guardians within 60 days of purchase. Please note you will be responsible for the cost of return shipping and a 15% restocking fee. Monitoring services will continue until the belt is received, and refunds will be pro-rated for the unused time.
Contact our customer service to start the return process.
If the product has been used, you can return the product, but we are unable to provide a refund.
Is there a warranty?
The Smart Hip Guardian offers a limited manufacturer's warranty for any defects or failures, starting at the date of purchase. For information on the timing of coverage, please contact us.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Please contact our customer service to initiate a warranty claim.
Where do you ship to?
Currently, our product can only be shipped within the United States.
Troubleshooting
My Smart Hip Guardian deployed without me falling. What happened?
The Smart Hip Guardian is built with a sensor system that monitors the body's movement in space and an algorithm that recognizes fall events. If the Smart Hip Guardian has been activated inadvertently, it can typically be for 3 reasons:
- The Smart Hip Guardian has been charged and buckled when not being worn. Remember to never buckle the Smart Hip Guardian when it is not being worn, as the system switches on when closed and rapid movements would be recognized as a fall by the algorithm.
- The device, once worn, has been shaken vigorously. Remember to not shake the Smart Hip Guardian abruptly after it has been closed, even if it is being worn, as the algorithm could interpret sudden movements as a fall.
- The user has made movements that could potentially be identified as a fall. The Smart Hip Guardian algorithm is the result of research into a delicate balance between activating suddenly in the event of a fall and not activating during normal daily activities. It may be that, in the case of particularly ambiguous movements the algorithm identifies a dangerous situation and activates itself as a precaution. This is necessary to ensure protection in case of real need.
If there are any questions following the product deployment, the user can always contact the Smart Hip Guardian customer support line.
I tried wearing the Smart Hip Guardian but it doesn't turn on. What can I do?
To activate the Smart Hip Guardian must be charged and buckled. Please ensure the belt is fully charged and buckled. If you still do not get positive LED lights indicated activation, please contact the Smart Hip Guardian customer service support line.
I downloaded the Smart Hip Guardian app but I can't sync my Smart Hip Guardian products. What can I do?
Should you properly download the Smart Hip Guardian app and not be able to sync your products, please reach out directly to the Smart Hip Guardian customer service support line.
I don't think my Smart Hip Guardian is working. What should I do?
If you suspect anything is wrong with your Smart Hip Guardian device, do not use it or attempt to fix it. Use your spare Smart Hip Guardian belt and contact our customer service for additional support.
Account Information
Do I need to have an account?
The information used to send alerts to emergency contacts and dispatch emergency services are based on the information provided in your account. Additionally, subscriptions are directly connected to an account. The belt will still deploy properly without an account, but other services will be limited.
How do I updated the account or contact information?
You can update your account information, contact information, or subscription details online through the Smart Hip Guardian website, within the Smart Hip Guardian mobile app, or by calling our customer service center.
Quick Alert Slide
How does the Quick Alert work?
Activating the Quick Alert will send a message to your caregivers and emergency services to indicate you require assistance.
What happens after I pull the Quick Alert Slide?
The response process is the same as during a fall.
Up to three (3) designated caregivers will be automatically notified. Our response team will attempt to contact the belt wearer to determine if emergency services are required, and which services. If services are required or if our team is unable to reach the wearer, emergency services will be contacted.
What can I use the Quick Alert Slide for?
The alert button can be used in any situation you would generally call 911 - medical emergencies, house fire, etc.
Please note - if you are able to contact 911 directly yourself, we recommend doing so. Our qualified monitoring service will quickly respond to the alert button being activated, and serves as a beneficial supplement, particularly in situations where a phone may not be readily available, but should not replace calling 911 yourself if you are able.
Can I use the Quick Alert Slide anywhere?
Our monitoring services cover the entire US! As long as you are in an area with cellular coverage, you will be able to request support using the alert button. It will use the GPS in the belt to dispatch responders to your current location.