Invacare Corporation Introduces Innovative New Seating System for Clients With Simple to Complex Needs.

ELYRIA, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 1999--

The Invacare Infinity Seating Technology is a State-of-the-Art

System Featuring a Modular Design That Allows Many Options With

Few Components

Invacare Corporation (Nasdaq/NMS:IVCR), the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of health care products for the non-acute care market, is introducing a new state-of-the-art seating system which features a modular design that allows many options to be created using only a few components.

The Invacare(R) Infinity(TM) Seating Technology is designed for clients with simple to moderately complex seating needs.

At the heart of Infinity is a new and innovative concept called Personal Product Matching (PPM). It suggests that a seating system should be flexible enough to cater to an individual's lifestyle, not just individual clinical needs. "In other words, what people need most are options," says Lauren Boulware, director of marketing, seating and positioning products. "With a wide range of cushion and back choices, Infinity delivers."

Invacare Infinity Cushions have three distinct layers that come together to form one cushion. These layers include the Postural Support Layer, Pelvic Support Layer, and Ischial Relief Insert, which work together as a unit to provide the utmost in support, positioning and pressure reduction to meet individual needs.

The Postural Support Layer is available in three contour options and can be chosen based on individual needs. The Lo Contour features a non-contoured front-end for very active users. The Gentle Contour is designed with abductor/adductor contouring that helps provide neutral leg positioning. The Max Contour allows for aggressive leg positioning and enhanced pressure redistribution.

All contour options are constructed of durable, high-density polyurethane foam. Plus, they all feature reinforced lateral bevels which provide firm adductor support and allow the cushion to be used on a drop base with no carving required. Removable leg wedges can be ordered to accommodate hip-flexion limitations or to facilitate foot propulsion.

The Pelvic Support Layer is made from molded, high-density viscoelastic foam and is deigned with client comfort and stability in mind. The trochanteric shelf helps support the pelvis while at the same time distributes forces away from critical areas. It can be ordered with an adjustable pelvic obliquity option. This allows for the raising of one side while lowering the other to correct or accommodate pelvic asymmetries.

The Ischial Relief Insert is available in either a ViscoFoam or FloGel option. The soft ViscoFoam provides excellent conformity to bony prominences and is extremely light-weight. The FloGel also provides exceptional flow and conformity, and provides dynamic shear reduction.

Cushion Covers for all Infinity Seating products, both internal and external, are waterproof and easy-to-clean, making them virtually maintenance free.

Invacare Infinity Back Supports can be configured in an infinite number of ways to provide support, stability, and a precise fit for a wide range of body sizes and types. Each back easily adapts to growth and change with a minimal number of components allowing for total versatility.

The DualFlex Back allows ultimate support. A biangular "flex" hinge between individual thoracic and sacral support panels provides precise adjustment of the back support shape to accommodate a range of postures. This allows for natural thoracic extension and balancing of the trunk for users who need a higher level of back support. The dynamic "flex" feature provides ease of upper-body mobility as well as support and pelvic stability, facilitating wheelchair propulsion and helping to prevent the user from sliding out. Pelvic stabilizers and thoracic laterals come in mild or maxcontour and are independently width-and angle-adjustable to easily accommodate a range of body shapes, as well as growth or change.

The UniBack and UniBack Foam-In-Place are single panel back supports that offer an economical and versatile choice. Width- and angle-adjustable pelvic stabilizers and lateral supports are also featured with these backs.

The Infinity line also includes a full line of accessories, including an adjustable drop base, foam-in-place kit, headrest adapter, interfacing hardware, and cushion rigidizer.

Invacare Corporation (Nasdaq/NMS:IVCR) is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of health care products to the non-acute care market. The company markets its products through more than 25,000 providers. Invacare had 1998 revenues of $797 million. The company goes to market in the following channels of distribution: home care, mass retail and institutional, and participates in the following product segments: Home Care, which includes rehab products, respiratory products, manual wheelchairs, home care beds, therapeutic support surfaces and personal care products; Soft Goods and Supplies, which includes ostomy, incontinence, wound care and diabetic supplies; and Institutional, which includes nursing home beds, patient lifts and slings, nursing home furniture and bathing systems. The company's headquarters are in Elyria, Ohio, and the firm has manufacturing plants in the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.