What is KidCap and it's differences from other Plagiocephaly Treatments?

KidCap is an FDA approved helmet to treat infants with plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome. We suggest the use of KidCap when positional and pillow plagiocephaly therapies have not proven successful for a child older than 3 months of age. The advantages of the KidCap helmet over band style devices in treatments for plagiocephaly, post-operative craniosynorstosis and VP shunts and are discussed below.

Safety First

The KidCap's transparent Co-polyester material allows parents and caregivers to easily spot any skin abrasion or excessive pressure in need of attention. It is quite simple to relieve an affected area if this occurs (we simply ask our parents to give us a call for assistance). However, if an irritation goes unnoticed, it can likely form into an ulcer in need of much greater attention. With the "Band" style orthoses problems are much more likely to occur because the material of the "Band" shields your view of many parts of your baby's head; thus concealing these problems areas under your child or infant's KidCap helmet.

Durable Material

The Kidcap helmet is fabricated fromPETG, commonly known as Durr Plex, which is a co-polyester (polycyclohexylene-methylene-terephthalate). As a thermoplastic, PETG possess a high rigidity and resistance to deformation. Analysis of material data reveals trends regarding a plastic’s tolerance when exposed to mechanical, thermal, and moisture influences, and their effectiveness as molding devices.

A plagiocephaly helmet's material must be strong enough to withstand the force acted upon it by the skull over a period of time, and deliver a consistent counterforce to overpower the bone’s load bearing property. The material of a molding helmet must be biocompatible and hypoallergenic as an infant’s skin lacks many of the defenses possessed by mature skin. The material of choice must also resist forces from two directions. The thermoplastic should possess strength and rigidity to provide adequate force at the sites of contact without deflecting. Any deflection will allow the prominences to advance and retard the normalization of your child or infant's skull.

Full Head Coverage

KidCap's fully enclosed design provides a complete mold to direct the growth of your infant or child's head at all angles and dynamically adjusts the corrective pressure as needed. Band style devices cannot come close to this level of control due to the wide openings and soft design. Further, the KidCap plagiocephaly helmet eliminates the risk of a cone-shaped head.

Board Certified Orthotists

Each orthotist is certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics and has undergone graduate training specifically in orthotics. This is the highest level of education available in orthotics which includes training in plagiocephaly therapy and treaments. At your initial consultation, you will receive the most comprehensive craniofacial assessment in the O & P profession. Your orthotist will take a complete set of Anthropometric measurements and conduct a customized 3-dimensional cranial assessment. Each follow up will consist of detailed measurements and a comparative 3-dimensional cranial assessment when treating your child or infant for plagiocephaly, post-operative craniosyntosis or other cranial orthotic disoders.

Conversely, the "Band" helmets are most often fit by physical and occupational therapists who have received rudimentary education in the field of orthotics and using cranial molding as a secondary revenue stream.

Most Economical

The KidCap is the least expensive cranial molding orthosis for plagiocephaly and in the United States. Most Band helmets for plagiocephaly therapy cost between $300-$900 more than the KidCap. Additionally, Infinite Technologies holds the record for "Single Orthosis for Correction." Roughly 3% of KidCap users have needed a second orthotic device whereas 25-30% of "Band" users need a second or third device.