Following invasive surgical procedures in the chest and abdomen, recovering patients must perform several respiratory exercises to avoid or identify post-operative complications. Realizing that this post-operative respiratory therapy is quite painful, two cardiovascular surgeons developed several patient-friendly devices to help ease their patients’ pain. These devices, or “splints” take the shape of pillows and stuffed animals that provide a soft, easy to hold cushion front, with a firm, seamless back. The splints are branded with the medical care provider’s logo, can contain a caring message, and in some cases display instructional information, printed on the device.

Sir Koff-A-Lot™

Following invasive surgical procedures, recovering patients must cough and perform deep breathing exercises to avoid respiratory complications, such as pneumonia. Realizing that this post-operative respiratory therapy is quite painful, two cardiovascular surgeons developed Sir Koff-A-Lot in the mid-1980’s to ease their patients’ pain. The bear’s firm, flat, seamless back is held against the patient’s incision, thereby providing support and exerting a counterforce that minimizes the pain of therapy. Sir Koff-A-Lot also provides psychotherapeutic benefits by becoming a “friend” during the frightening period following surgery. Even the most masculine, grizzled men hang on to Sir Koff-A-Lot once they realize the benefits of the pain-relieving bear.

Sir Koff-A-Lot wears a t-shirt that is silk-screened with the client’s logo to serve as a marketing tool. The back of the shirt can be screened with the design of an anatomical heart to serve as a teaching aid. The bear also has a booklet attached, titled “The Care and Feeding of Sir Koff-A-Lot”, which illustrates how the bears are to be used. Stuffed firmly with hypoallergenic polyester filling, Sir Koff-A-Lot is machine washable and dryable, and exceeds all state and Federal safety guidelines.

Providing Sir Koff-A-Lot not only benefits patients by aiding with their recovery; it also illustrates the high level of commitment that the institution and its caregivers have for the well being of their patients. Contact Muffin Enterprises, Inc. to learn more about Sir Koff-A-Lot and have a sample sent for evaluation by you and your associates.

Koff Kushion™

The Koff Kushion meets the healthcare industry’s need for a cost efficient yet effective post-operative splint. Muffin Enterprises designed the Koff Kushion to provide firm, even and effective sternal support for patients in order to minimize post-operative respiratory complications.

Made in the USA, the Koff Kushion can be used as an educational tool. The attached marker allows the surgical staff to illustrate details of the patient’s recent surgical procedure on the printed anatomical heart. The staff can also autograph the splint.

The splint is made with red poly/cotton poplin fabric shell and filled with a hypoallergenic blend of polyester/styrene stuffing. A handle is added in order to allow weakened patients to grasp and carry the Koff Kushion with one hand. It is silk screened in white on one side with an anatomical heart and personalized logo, although different silk screen designs can be used for non-cardiac surgery patients.

Koff Heart™

Muffin Enterprises designed the Koff Heart to provide firm, even and effective sternal support for recovering patients in order to minimize post-operative respiratory complications. The Koff Heart’s shape conveys warmth and caring, while its pricing structure meets the healthcare industry’s need for cost efficiency.

Made in the USA, the Koff Heart can be used as an educational tool. The attached marker allows the surgical staff to illustrate details of the patient’s recent surgical procedure on the printed anatomical heart. The staff can also autograph the splint.

The Koff Heart is made with a red poly/cotton poplin fabric shell and filled with a hypoallergenic blend of polyester/styrene stuffing. A handle is added in order to allow weakened patients to grasp and carry the Koff Heart with one hand. The splint is silk-screened in white with the client’s personalized logo.

Tummy Teddy™ & Bariatric Kushion™

Coughing, breathing deeply and using the abdominal muscles after bariatric surgery is painful, but imperative to begin the patient’s journey to recovery. The Tummy Teddy and Koff Kushion post-operative splints have been designed to ease this pain by providing firm, even, and effective support to the abdominal area. The splints also promote the good will of the surgical institution and staff, and remind the patient of the caregivers’ commitment to the patient’s successful attainment of their goals. Providing support at the incision area is important to minimize pain, reduce post-operative respiratory complications, and encourage prompt recovery.

According to Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies (Kurian, Thompson, Davis; Wiley Publishing, Inc.; 2005), getting the right pillow is important: “Clutch your pillow to your abdomen and hold it firmly against your stomach. This will give support for your abdomen and will help with the pain. Specially designed pillows are available just for this purpose. Some are shaped like teddy bears but have a hard back for added support. They combine the psychological comfort of a bear and the therapeutic support of a pillow. They’re also great to hold when you cough. Remember: You have to get that air moving and open up all the air pockets in your lungs.”

In addition to providing valuable therapeutic aid, the Tummy Teddy and Koff Kushion post-operative splints help patients heal emotionally after the traumatic experience of surgery. Also, the anatomical diagrams silk-screened on the Tummy Teddy shirt and the Koff Kushion serve as an important educational tools. Additional and/or customized anatomical designs are available upon request.