Aspen ComforTrac Cervical User manual

ComforTrac Cervical™
Instruction Manual
Home Cervical Traction Device

How the Device Works 1
System Components 2
Features & Controls 3
Notes on Device 4
Getting Started 5
Using the Device 6
Care of your Device 7
Warranty Information 8
Please read this instruction manual carefully before using your ComforTrac Cervical device. The clear and concise
instructions on the following pages will show you how to use and care for your ComforTrac Cervical device.
NOTE: Please read the information and precautions in this manual before using the ComforTrac Cervical device.
Always consult your physician or therapist if you have specific questions or problems regarding the use of your
ComforTrac Cervical device.
Your physician or therapist possesses technical knowledge about the ComforTrac Cervical device and is
familiar with your specific condition and requirements. Always follow the instructions of your physician or therapist
to gain the most benefit from your ComforTrac Cervical device.
Table of Contents
Important - Read First

How the Device Works
Your ComforTrac Cervical is a traction device that provides home cervical traction in an eective,
comfortable, and proper way. It is designed to replicate traction treatment you may receive from a
physical therapist or clinician. The ComforTrac Cervical is designed to use traction to relieve chronic
or acute pain. It is important that the treatment recommendation from your clinician be based on a
trial of the ComforTrac Cervical, and not another traction device. This will ensure that your clinician’s
recommendations are precise with regard to treatment force (shown on the gauge as ‘pounds/kgs of
force’), usage, position, andtreatment duration.
Your practitioner or therapist may provide you with directions on the proper mode of ComforTrac
Cervical operation for your condition. Do not deviate from his/her directions.
It is important to understand that pain is a symptom of an underlying condition, and the ComforTrac
Cervical has no curative eect on the cause of your pain. Therefore, home cervical traction is not a
substitute for proper medical evaluation and treatment.
1
A slight stretching sensation and/or some mild discomfort may occur during the use of this traction device.
However, at no time should you feel any pain. If pain is increased in your neck, arms, upper back, or if you
experience nausea, dizziness, or any other type of pain or discomfort, immediately discontinue the use of this
traction device and seek the counsel of a medical professional and/or your healthcare provider. Do not begin to
reuse this traction device until you have consulted your healthcare provider.
The application of excessive force or the improper application of traction may result in additional injury or may
aggravate a pre-existing medical condition.
Caution:

System Components
The ComforTrac CervicalTM System is provided with:
1 ComforTrac Cervical Device
1 Hand Pump with Gauge
1 Instruction Manual
1 Neck Cushion
Use ONLY ComforTrac Cervical replacement parts.
2

Features & Controls
Release Button
Hand Pump Gauge
Hand Pump & Gauge
The supplied pneumatic hand pump adjusts the force of the traction delivered. As you pump air into the chamber of
the diaphragm, the gauge indicates the amount of force being applied to your cervical area in ‘pounds/kgs of force.’
Your clinician or therapist will determine the proper amount of force. Do not deviate from your clinician’s
recommendations. Doing so may be hazardous to you and your medical condition.
The numeric values on the hand pump gauge correspond to the force being applied to your cervical area, by way
of the traction slide.
The hand pump includes a release button that releases the head carriage into neutral position. The release button
may also be used to assist in intermittent traction.
Note: In an emergency, fully depress and hold the release button until traction device is in neutral position.
Hand Pump & Gauge
The head carriage provides comfortable head and neck support and travels along the traction rail.
Forehead Strap
The forehead strap adjusts to fit over your forehead to help ensure proper head positioning.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm moves the head carriage along the traction rail.
Neck Wedges
The neck wedges manually adjust (5 positions) to comfortably fit the back of the head and neck. Your clinician or
therapist will determine the proper neck wedge setting. The wedge cap (included) can be used for a more custom fit.
Do not deviate from your clinician’s recommendations.
Adjustable Slide Stand
The slide stand eortlessly adjusts to provide traction at 100, 150, and 200. 3

Notes
The ComforTrac Cervical Traction Device is intended to treat a musculoskeletal or neurological
impairment of the cervical spine to relieve pain, relax muscle spasms, and decompress spinal structures.
Cervical traction should be avoided in any condition of the cervical spine where movement can
aggravate the condition or result in spinal instability, spinal injury and/or nerve root injury at risk for
causing paralysis or ischemia.
Spinal stenosis
Curvature of the spine
Pregnancy
Contraindicated for fractures
Direct trauma to spine
Disc fragmentation
Pelvic trauma
For centuries, neck and upper back pain have been eectively treated using cervical traction.
New medical innovations, particularly the development of the ComforTrac Cervical, have helped bring
cervical traction technology into the 21st Century by utilizing ecient product design and quality
material components.
Today, patients can receive cervical traction (stretching) in a safe, comfortable, and eective manner
from the convenience of their own home, workplace, or on the road. While lying on their backs,
patients can receive an easy-to-use and relaxing treatment for their neck and upper back pain.
Recommended for Use
Not Recommended for Use
Modern Advancements
DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
4

Getting Started
Carefully read and familiarize yourself with the directions enclosed. Pay particular attention to
the following items:
• Recommended traction force (remember, traction should never cause you pain)
• Recommended traction duration for each treatment
• Recommended hold and relax times for intermittent traction application (if prescribed)
Prior to use, remember to have a watch readily accessible to time your treatment
• Recommended number of trac-tion treatments daily or weekly
• Recommended neck wedge positioning (Settings 1 - 5)
• Device should be returned to ambient temperature if stored over 1000F or below 500F
Set-up (No assembly required)
Place the ComforTrac Cervical on a firm, flat, non-slippery surface (a carpeted floor will provide
the most comfort). Make sure you have enough space to lie down in a fully extended position
and that the device is not resting on top of the pump hose.
Make sure the neck wedges are positioned according to the recommendations of your clinician
or therapist. (Settings 1 - 5)
Loosen adjustable forehead strap.
Prior to Use
5

Using the Device
1. Lie down on your back, placing your neck between the neck wedges. Ensure that the head carriage
is in the starting position by pressing and holding the release button and applying gentle downward
pressure to the head carriage with your hand.
2. The neck wedges should comfortably cradle your neck. Adjust the neck wedges according to the
recommendations of your clinician or therapist.
3. Place forehead strap around your forehead and adjust for a snug fit.
4. Reposition your body so that the base of your head fits firmly between the neck wedges, such that
there is no gap between your head and the neck wedges. Ensure that the head carriage is in the
starting position by pressing and holding the release button.
5. Begin gradually pumping until the recommended amount of traction force has been reached. Monitor
the hand pump gauge, making sure never to exceed the amount of traction force prescribed by your
healthcare professional.
6. Stop pumping when the recommended amount of traction force has been attained. The hand pump will
hold the pressure automatically.
Note: If traction force reading drops, it was probably caused by head movement, head repositioning, or
unit movement. To rectify, slowly pump back to the desired traction force reading, then relax.
Note: Should you pump beyond your recommended traction force, depress and hold the release button
immediately.
7. After you have reached your recommended traction force, begin timing your traction treatment as
prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Note: In an emergency, fully depress and hold the release button until traction is in neutral position.
8. After the traction treatment iscomplete, press the release button to release the traction.
9. Release the forehead strap. Relax for a couple of minutes before removing your head from
the ComforTrac.
6

Care for your Device
Cleaning
Use only mild detergents to clean the ComforTrac Cervical. The ComforTrac Cervical is designed to give
you years of safe and eective traction treatment.
Troubleshooting
The ComforTrac Cervical features a high quality gauge designed to be extremely accurate.
If traction force reading drops, it was most likely caused by head movement or repositioning. To rectify,
slowly pump back to the desired traction force reading.
Storage
Store your Cervical Device in a cool, dry place. Should the temperature of the unit exceed over 1000° F or
below 500° F, return to ambient temperature before operating.
7

Warranty Information
ComforTrac, Inc. warrants your ComforTrac Cervical Device to be free from defects in workmanship and
materials for a period of three (3) years from the date of shipment from the factory. ComforTrac, Inc. will
repair or replace, at its factory, any devices found to have become defective within the warranty period.
This warranty does not apply to accessories nor does it apply to units that have been damaged due to
misuse, or repaired or altered other than by ComforTrac, Inc. at its factory.
This warranty is in lieu of any other warranties expressed or implied. No person or entity is authorized to
bind ComforTrac, Inc. to any representation of warranty other than those specifically set forth herein.
LB0078 - ComforTrac Cervical 8