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Frequently Asked Questions - General | Technical | Usage
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How long has BIOflex® been in business? |
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BIOflex® was incorporated in 1986 and is considered to be one of the pioneers in magnetic
therapy.
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Is BIOflex®
a public corporation? |
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At the present time, BIOflex® Medical Magnetics, Inc. is a privately held corporation.
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Do any other magnet companies manufacture magnets with the concentric circle design? |
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By law, no other companies can manufacture or sell magnets with concentric circle design.
BIOflex® is the registered trademark of the magnetic device that is so unique it has been
protected by international patents. Three of the strongest patents, European, U.S. and Japanese,
have been granted to protect this design.
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Have their been any studies done on BIOflex® magnets and their effectiveness and safety? |
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There have been several studies done using BIOflex® magnets, the most recent being at
Baylor College of Medicine. The results of this study were very favorable and the study was
published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in November 1997. If you'd like
to read the studies,
click here.
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Will my insurance cover
magnetic therapy products? |
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Some do, especially if ordered by a physician. Check with your own company for their policy.
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What if the magnets don't work
for me? |
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Contact us and we can talk to you about how you are using the magnets and for what
area of the body. We can help to recommend a product that may work better for your specific
condition. If you are not satisfied after that, BIOflex® stands behind their products with a
90-day, money-back guarantee. Note: 10% restocking fee will apply.
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If BIOflex® magnets were used in the Baylor study, why does the study indicate that the
magnets were supplied by Magnaflex? |
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Magnaflex, Inc., located in Corpus Christi, Texas was an authorized distributor of BIOflex®
magnetic products. Magnaflex was responsible for coordinating the study and supplying Baylor
with BIOflex® magnets.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Technical | General | Usage
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How do BIOflex® magnets work? |
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BIOflex® magnets feature a series of concentric circular poles. The circles are of variable
width and alternate between the N and S poles. This magnetic field configuration is optimal for
modulation of cellular processes related to blood flow and pain reduction.
Studies at major universities have verified that the BIOflex® magnetic
design of concentric circles of alternating polarity can consistantly relieve musculoskeletal pain.
The magnets act like an electric heating pad to bring more blood to an area, increasing the
nutrients and building blocks the damaged tissues need for repair. They also accelerate the
clearance of toxic waste products resulting from the injury. All of this reduces swelling which
irritates nerve endings, one of the major causes of post-injury or overuse musculoskeletal pain.
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What makes BIOflex®
Magnets different from others? |
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BIOflex® magnetic fields penetrate
into the tissues of the body with an effective 3D configuration to a significantly greater depth than other magnet designs.
The feature of alternating poles of variable width ensures that the magnetic
field will “reach” farther from the surface of the magnet
than will the magnetic field of a magnet whose poles are closer together (e.g., "refrigerator" magnets).
In the case of the other magnetic patterns, the poles are immediately adjacent
to one another with no gap between them. Even though the surface measurement
of the magnetic flux density is greater on such magnets, the field will be no different than
background just a few millimeters away from the magnet. Use of such "refrigerator" magnets to
relieve, e.g., lower back pain is doomed to failure since the magnetic field at this deep site of
irritation is no different than that with no magnet.
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What polarity are BIOflex®
magnets? |
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BIOflex® Magnets feature a series of concentric circles of alternate
magnetic poles that represent the most efficient pattern to achieve the proper 3D magnetic
field pattern at the affected site, even as deep as several inches.
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Have there been any studies done on BIOflex® magnets and their effectiveness and
safety? |
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There have been several studies done using BIOflex® magnets, the first at Baylor College
of Medicine. The results of this study were
very favorable and the study was published in the Archives of Physical Medicine
and Rehabilitation in November 1997. The second at the University of Tennessee published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in December 2002. A third study will be presented at the Bioelectromagnetics Society meeting in June 2004.
If you would like to learn more,
click here.
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What are BIOflex® magnets
made of? |
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BIOflex® magnets are made of the combination of ferrite powders mixed throughout a
polyethylene matrix.
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Do the magnets ever lose their
strength? |
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BIOflex® magnets are designed for multiple applications and experience no loss of magnetic
power over time.
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What is Gauss? |
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The "power" of a magnet is usually represented by the term Gauss, which is the
measure of the level of induction of a magnet. Ten thousand Gauss is equal to one Tesla, a
newer term for the same thing.
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Why are BIOflex® magnets lower in Gauss than some magnetic products on the market
today? |
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BIOflex® magnets have the ability to “reach” into the tissues
of the body at a greater depth than other magnetic designs. The feature
of alternating poles of variable width ensures that the magnetic field will
“reach” further away from the surface of the magnet than will
the magnetic field of a magnet whose poles are closer together. BIOflex®
magnets are designed to provide the proper gauss deep within the tissues.
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What do the terms Unipolar
and Bipolar mean? |
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Unipolar is a misleading term when applied to magnets. By definition, every
magnet must have two poles. Companies using this terminology are referring
to a magnetic design more properly called axially magnetized. That is, one
pole on one surface of the magnet with its opposite pole on the opposite
surface. BIOflex® magnets have repeating concentric circles of alternating
north south polarity.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Usage | General | Technical
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How can I clean my BIOflex® product? |
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Wash in warm water using mild soap, rinse thoroughly. Air dry at room temperature, do not tumble dry.
Washing frequently removes body salts and minerals that might cause irritation.
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I have cancer. Will
the magnets make my condition worse? |
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Some members of the medical community will say that using the wrong magnet
causes acceleration of cancerous and microbial growths. This is simply not
true and is not even suggested by the medical literature. However, it is
important enough to digress for a brief explanation of the facts.
The field generated by an electric source, specifically one from alternating
power, produces a field composed of a magnetic field, as well as a separate
electric field. A permanent magnet produces no such electric field. An alternating
electric field (AC) is also different from a field produced by direct current
(DC) power. It is the nature of this alternating electric field that has
caused so much concern because of research that has demonstrated the negative
effects of electric fields, especially on the cellular level. It is well
described that alternating, or pulsating, electric fields are capable of
disrupting the cell wall, interfering with the DNA replication process as
well as influencing other negative effects. The magnetic component, however,
has never been shown to have any negative effects.
A 1987 study commissioned by the World Health Organization confirmed that
in over forty years of research, the magnetic fields produced by permanent
magnets have never been implicated in any mutagenic process. However, we
do recommend that you consult your physician prior to using the magnets
with this or any other medical condition.
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I am pregnant. Will the magnets
affect my baby? |
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The induction of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is usually about two
to three Tesla, about twenty to thirty thousand Gauss. Use of MRI during
pregnancy is considered safe for the developing fetus. This demonstrates
the level of confidence with which one can use BIOflex® products which
range from 300 to 800 Gauss.
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I have a pacemaker. Can I use
the magnets? |
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Since the magnetic fields may interfere with the switching mechanism in a pacemaker, use of any
magnetic products near this device is not recommended.
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My husband/wife/partner has a pacemaker. If I use the magnets, will it affect him/her? |
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As long as the magnets do not come in direct contact with the area that the pacemaker is in, it is
safe to use the magnets with caution. However, use of mattress overlays and/or car seats is not
recommended.
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I use a nicotine/estrogen patch.
Can I use the magnets? |
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Since the use of magnetic products will increase the flow of blood in the area that they are
placed, it is not recommended that you place the magnet on or near a transdermal drug
delivery device (patch). However, magnets can be worn as long as they are not located near
the patch. Click here
for a full explanation.
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I have metal instruments in my
body from surgery. Can I use the magnets? |
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Although it is safe to use the magnets with this condition, magnets will react differently with
different alloys. If you experience any discomfort from using the magnets, it is recommended
that you discontinue use.
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Are magnets safe for children? |
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Permanent magnets are safe according to all respected scientific standards. The World Health
Organization and the FDA consider them non-hazardous risks and they are generally recognized
as safe.
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The gold foil is coming off of my
magnet. Will it still be effective? |
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The gold foil on your individual magnet is for decorative purposes only and has been reported by
some to peel off after prolonged and intensive use. This will have no effect on your magnet.
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If I cut my magnet in half, will it
still be effective? |
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Cutting the magnets in half will disrupt the concentric circle pattern, thus decreasing the
effectiveness of the magnet. Therefore, cutting the magnet in half or in sections is not
recommended.
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Can I use the magnets around
my computer and other electronic equipment? |
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The magnets can be used around the computer and other electronic office equipment with care.
Do not place magnets directly on computer. Do not let magnets come in contact with credit cards
or other cards that utilize a magnetic strip for scanning, video tapes, or computer diskettes, etc.
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Should I wear the magnets
when I play sports? |
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As long as you are comfortable, it is perfectly safe to wear your magnets while playing your
favorite sports.
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Are magnets safe for animals? |
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Yes. Many people use magnets in treating certain conditions in their domestic pets. BIOflex®
has developed a pet pad.
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Is it safe to travel with magnets? |
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It is safe to travel with a reasonable quantity of magnets. Magnets will not set off alarms or
detectors, or interfere with on-board navigation systems.
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How do I use the individual
magnets? |
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The individual magnets (Max Circle Pad, Mini Circle Pad, Multi Card Pad, Flex Pad) can be used in
a wide variety of ways on different parts of the body. Please see the products page for
suggested usage.
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How do I apply the individual
magnets to my body?
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The Max, Mini and Card can be applied to the body using any adhesive tape
found at your local pharmacy. Alternately, a small "dot" of male
Velcro® can be affixed to the gold side of the magnet and the magnet
placed in an elastic bandage or other wrap and wrapped around the area.
We also sell specially made, hypoallergenic, double-faced adhesives made
specifically for the Max and the Mini. At this time, we do not make adhesives
to fit the Multi Card Pad.
To use the specially made adhesives, follow these simple instructions:
1. Peel the paper backing from one side of the adhesive. Since it is scored,
the paper backing will come off in sections.
2. Once the paper backing is removed from the adhesive, apply the sticky
side of the adhesive to the underside (black) of the magnet.
3. Before removing remaining paper backing, bend, flex or mold
the pad to fit the shape of the body where it will be applied.
4. Once you have decided where on your body you would like to place the
magnet, peel the remaining paper backing from the adhesive, which is now
affixed to the magnet.
5. Try to avoid touching the adhesive with your fingers, as the oils from
your skin will affect the adhesive's ability to stick.
6. Firmly place the magnet on the affected area.
The adhesives will allow the magnet to stay firmly in place for many hours,
even days. For hygiene purposes, it is recommended that you change the adhesives
periodically. Once the magnet is removed from your body, and the adhesive
has made contact with oils from the skin, the magnet will not stay firmly
in place again. In this case, we recommend that you apply a fresh adhesive
to avoid losing your magnet.
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How long should I wear the
magnets? |
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We recommend that you wear the magnets as long or as little as you like, according to the level
of your discomfort.
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How do I care for my magnets? |
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Your individual magnets and insoles can be cleaned with a mild soap and
water and placed in a plastic bag, out of direct sunlight. Braces and Splints
can also be cleaned by hand, using a mild detergent, then laying
flat to dry. Do not machine wash or machine dry! Although it is safe to
hand wash the Mattress Overlay and Universal Therapy Pad with a mild detergent,
these products are relatively large and thick and will take quite some time
to dry completely. Therefore, it is recommended that you use a mild, foaming,
furniture/upholstery cleaner that can be brushed off once it is dry. Care
for the facemask using a mild soap and cold water. Dry off and store in
the special pouch or a plastic bag. Do not use rubbing or denatured alcohol
to clean. Before using, be sure that your face is clean and free of any
creams, oils, etc. Do not freeze or place in the microwave.
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How long before I can expect
results from my magnets? |
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Everyone is different. And their levels of discomfort are different too.
If you are experiencing discomfort in a small, more localized area, and
you apply a Mini Circle Pad, the discomfort might diminish in as little
as 20 minutes. If you are using a Knee Stabilizer to treat an injury, you
might not experience results for a day or so. If you do not experience any
results by the third week, please contact
us. We are here to help!
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Can I wear the magnets while
I bathe and swim? |
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Water will have no effect on the magnet, however, it is recommended that
you remove the magnet prior to prolonged aquatic activity, to avoid losing
it. Swimming or bathing while wearing a brace or support is not recommended.
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