Frequently Asked Questions
About BIOflex®
Magnetic Products
Q.
How
do BIOflex®
Magnets work? A.
BIOflex®
magnets feature a series of concentric circular poles. The
circles are of variable width and alternate between the N and
S poles. According to the Hall Effect, a magnet can optimally
manifest its effects on the current carrying conductors of the
body (e.g. blood vessels and nerves) when the currents cross
the poles at right angles. Studies at major universities have
verified that the BIOflex®
magnetic design of concentric circles of alternating polarity
not only causes an increase in blood flow but it can also
relieve 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 to rebuild
themselves. It also accelerates the clearance of toxic waste
products of the injury. Like electric stimulation which can
block pain signals, BIOflex®
products manifest the principle of Faraday's Law that
describes how a DC electric field is created as blood vessels
pass through properly oriented magnetic fields.
Q.
What makes BIOflex®
Magnets different from others? A.
It
has already been demonstrated at The
Massachusetts Institute of Technology that
the BIOflex®
design is the most efficient magnetic design for causing an
increase of flow in a blood similar solution. Mathematically,
this design is the most efficient with respect to all the
possible angles created by the myriad blood vessels and their
courses through the body. More blood vessels and nerves will
cross the BIOflex®
pattern in the proper orientation than with any other
conventional magnetic design. Therefore, the first advantage
BIOflex®
has over other magnetic patterns is its ability to affect more
blood vessels and nerves within a unit area than any other
magnetic design. The second advantage BIOflex®
represents is its 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. 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 the other magnet, even a small distance away from
the magnet will cause a sudden and dramatic decrease in this
measurement.
Q. Do
any other magnet companies manufacture magnets with the
Concentric Circle Design? A.
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.
Q.
Have
there been any studies done on BIOflex®
Magnets and their effectiveness and safety? A.
There have been several studies done
using BIOflex®
magnets, the most recent being at Baylor
College of Medicine. The results of this study were
extraordinary and the study was published in the Archives of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in November.
Q.
What is Gauss? A.
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.
Q.
Why are BIOflex®
Magnets lower in Gauss than some magnetic products on th
market today? A.
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.
Q.
What do the terms UNIPOLAR and BIPOLAR mean? A. 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.
Q.
Can I use the magnets around my computer and other electronic
equipment? A.
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. Q.
Can I wear the magnets while I bathe and swim? A.
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.
Q.
What polarity are BIOflex®
Magnets? A.
BIOflex®
Magnets feature a series of concentric circles of alternate
magnetic poles that represent the most efficient pattern
conceivable. This pattern ensures that every blood vessel,
except for those perpendicular to the skin, will cross a
series of North-South poles.
Q.
What are BIOflex®
Magnets made of? A.
BIOflex®
magnets are made of the combination of
ferrite powders mixed throughout a polyethylene matrix.
Q.
Do the magnets ever lose their strength? A.
BIOflex®
magnets are designed for multiple applications and experience
no loss of magnetic power over time.
Q.
I have cancer. Will the magnets make my condition worse? A.
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.
Q.
I am pregnant. Will the magnets affect my baby? A.
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. However, we do
advise against using the magnets during the first trimester of
pregnancy.
Q.
I have a pacemaker. Can I use the magnets? A.
Since
the magnetic fields can interfere with the switching mechanism
in a pacemaker, use of any magnetic products near this device
is not recommended.
Q.
My husband/wife/partner has a pacemaker. If I use the magnets,
will it affect him/her? A.
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.
Q.
I use a nicotine/estrogen patch. Can I use the magnets? A.
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.
Q.
I have a metal implant from surgery. Can I use the magnets? A.
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.
Q.
Are magnets safe for children? A.
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.
Q.
Should I wear the magnets while I'm playing sports? A.
As long as you are comfortable, it is perfectly safe to wear
your magnets while playing your favorite sport.
Q.
Is it safe to travel with magnets? A.
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.
Q.
How do I use the individual magnets? A.
The
individual magnets (Maxi, Mini, Card and Flex Pad) Pad) can be
used in a wide variety of ways on different parts of the body.
Q.
How do I apply the individual magnets to my body? A.
The Maxi, 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 Maxi, the Mini and the card.
To
use the specially made adhesives, follow these simple
instructions:
Peel
the paper backing from one side of the adhesive. Since it
is scored, the paper backing will come off in sections.
Once
the paper backing is removed from the adhesive, apply the
sticky side of the adhesive to the underside (black) of
the magnet.
Before
removing remaining paper backing, bend, flex or mold the
pad to fit the shape of the body where it will be applied.
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.
Try
to avoid touching the adhesive with your fingers, as the
oils from your skin will affect the adhesive's ability to
stick.
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.
Q.
How long should I wear the magnets? A.
We
recommend that you wear the magnets as long or as little as
you like, according to the level of your discomfort.
Q.
How long before I should expect fesults from my magnets? A.
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 , the discomfort might
diminish in as little as 20 minutes. If you are using a Knee
Support 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!
Q.
What if the magnets don't work for me? A.
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, we stand
behind our products with a 60-day, money-back guarantee on
most of our products. Plus a 10% restocking fee.
Q.
How do I care for my magnets? A.
Your
individual magnets and insoles can be cleaned with a mild soap
and water and placed out of direct sunlight to dry. Supports
can also be cleaned by hand washing, 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 box it came to
you in. Do not use rubbing or denatured alcohol to clean the
Face Mask. Before using, be sure that your face is clean and
free of any creams, oils, etc. Do not freeze or place in the
microwave.
Q.
Will my insurance cover BIOflex Medical Magnets? A.
Many do if ordered by a physician. Check with your own company
for their policy. Many Worker's Compensation carriers cover
Bioflex Medical Magnets when ordered by a physician.
Q.
The gold foil is coming off my individual magnet. Will it
still be effective? A.
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.
Q.
How long has magnet therapy been around? A.
Magnet Therapy has been around for hundreds of years. However,
it has never been effective treatment because of the pattern
traditional magnets utilize. Our patented concentric circle
design finally allows a medical magnet to work as effective
treatment. We have numerous medical studies posted on our
website which substantiates the effectiveness of our patented
magnets.
Q.
Why are BIOflex®
Magnets superior to other magnets? A.
BIOflex®
magnets have a patented concentric circle design with
alternate north and south poles. The blood flow crosses the
concentric circle magnets at 90 degrees from all directions
thus allowing the ions in the magnets to attract and repel the
ions in the blood, dilating the blood vessels thus increasing
the blood circulation.
Q.
How do I know which model is right for my condition? A.
A
good place to start is at our Point were it hurts page. If you
still are not sure you should always check with your
healthcare provider.
Q.
Under what conditions should magnets NOT be used? A.
pregnancy
with
metal implants such as a pacemaker
insulin
pumps
open
wounds
drug
patches
with
watches or credit cards
Q.
Is it true the higher the Gauss rating the more effective the
magnet? A.
Absolutely NOT. Because of BIOflex®'s
concentric circle pattern, Gauss rating is not of importance.
Q.
How long do I wear the magnet? A.
You wear a BIOflex®
concentric circle magnet for one week after the pain has
disappeared.
Q.
How soon will I feel the pain relief? A.
That depends on the medical problem you have, how long you
have had it and how intense the pain is. Some people feel
immediate pain relief, some people within a few days and for
some it takes several weeks.
Q.
How do I wash my magnets and supports? A.
Always
wash them in warm water using mild soap and then rinse
thoroughly. Air dry at room temperature, do not tumble dry.
Washing frequently removes body salts and minerals that might
cause irritation.
Q.
Are BIOflex®
Magnets bionorth pole or biosouth pole? A.
Bioflex®
Concentric Circle medical magnets have alternating north/south
poles. This unique patented design has been scientifically
test-proven to be the most effective design for pain relief.
Because blood flows in many different directions, it will
always cross the alternating north/south poles of the
concentric circle design. Thus, the blood vessels dilate
increasing circulation. Pain and swelling are reduced.
Q.
Do any other magnet companies manufacture magnets with the
concentric circle design? A.
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.
Q.
If I cut my magnet in half, will it still be effective? A.
If
you tape the two halves together the magnet will be fine, but
we do not recommend cutting the magnets in half.
Q.
Are magnets safe for animals? A.
Yes.
Many people use magnets in treating certain conditions in
their domestic pets. BIOflex®
has developed a pet pad.
