Heel Up® FIX Short – heel protector for pressure ulcer prevention

Heel Up® FIX Short is a single-patient, inflatable heel protector designed to offload the heel in bed and in a seated position, especially for wheelchair users. The short 18 × 32 × 25 cm version combines pressure relief with a wide FIX retaining strap, helping the heel lifter stay correctly positioned even when the user moves. This CE-marked Levabo medical device supports pressure ulcer prevention and supportive heel wound care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centres and home care. As an authorised Polish distributor based in Łódź, Poland, Mobilex supplies Heel Up® products with product documentation, fitting guidance and local after-sales support for medical facilities, caregivers and individual users.

What is included with Heel Up® FIX Short?

• Heel Up® FIX Short heel lifter – inflatable heel pressure relief protector in the short size: 18 × 32 × 25 cm.
• Wide FIX retaining strap – helps keep the device in place under the lower leg, also in a seated wheelchair position.
• Integrated Stop Up® inflation band – indicates the correct first-inflation level by breaking when sufficient air volume is reached.
• Self-closing valve and inflation adapter/tube – for fast inflation before application.
• Clean, sealed flat packaging – compact storage and hygienic handling in clinical and home care settings.
• Manufacturer bulk packaging: 10 pcs, item no. 70146.

Optional accessory: a manual or electric pump may be used where preferred by staff or caregivers.

Key benefits of Heel Up® FIX Short

• Complete heel offloading – the heel is lifted approximately 25 mm above the support surface, reducing direct pressure on the heel area.
• Stable positioning with FIX strap – the wide strap helps the protector stay in place for wheelchair users and patients who move frequently.
• Protection for the Achilles tendon and ankle bones – the anatomical channel and open heel zone help avoid unnecessary contact pressure.
• Soft, skin-friendly non-woven PE material – absorbs moisture, transports heat and improves patient comfort during prolonged use.
• Supports the forefoot – helps maintain a safer foot position and reduces the tendency toward drop-foot positioning.
• Single-patient use for high hygiene – intended for one patient only, up to 6–8 weeks or until the outer layer is damaged.
• Fast setup – supplied flat and inflated immediately before use; no complex tools are required.
• Compact logistics – flat packaging saves storage space in wards, nursing homes and home care supplies.

Who is Heel Up® FIX Short for?

1. Wheelchair users and seated patients

Heel Up® FIX Short is particularly useful for people who spend long periods in a seated position with their feet resting on a wheelchair footplate. The FIX strap helps maintain the heel protector in the correct position while reducing pressure on the heel.

2. Bedbound patients at risk of heel pressure ulcers

The product is suitable for patients with limited mobility in hospitals, hospices, long-term care units and home care. It can be used in pressure ulcer prevention and as supportive positioning in existing heel pressure ulcer care, according to clinical judgement and local care protocols.

3. Restless or self-positioning users

The wide retaining strap is helpful for patients who tend to change position, move their legs or unintentionally displace standard heel protectors. The device supports stability without fully restricting natural movement.

Size, fit and positioning

Fitting rule: after inflation and application, the heel should be suspended above the support surface. The straps must hold the protector securely but must not compress the calf, foot or skin. Check skin condition and heel clearance daily according to clinical guidelines.

Setup and safety instructions

1. Remove Heel Up® FIX Short from its clean, flat packaging and place it on a flat surface with the valve and Stop Up® band facing you.
2. Open the hook-and-loop closure and insert the inflation adapter/tube into the self-closing valve.
3. Inflate slowly until the Stop Up® paper band breaks. This indicates the intended initial inflation level.
4. Remove the pump or mouth inflation tube, close the valve and secure the valve cover if supplied.
5. Gently open the side walls and place the patient’s foot into the heel lifter.
6. Close the white hook-and-loop strap and fasten the coloured calf strap. The fit should be secure, not tight.
7. Secure the FIX strap so that the device stays correctly positioned under the lower leg.
8. Check by hand that the heel is lifted approximately 25 mm above the mattress or wheelchair footrest.

Important safety information: do not overinflate the product. Heel Up® should remain soft and flexible, never hard. Excessive pressure may create unwanted compression on the calf or lower leg. Do not clean with steam, do not autoclave and do not use caustic, abrasive cleaning agents or sharp objects. If the product loses air or the outer non-woven layer is damaged, it must be replaced. Use with side rails: when using Heel Up® in adjustable beds or beds with side guards, follow local safety procedures to avoid entrapment, pinching and shear forces. Medical device notice: this is a medical device. Use it according to the instructions for use or the product label.  

FAQ – Heel Up® FIX Short heel protector

What is Heel Up® FIX Short used for?

Heel Up® FIX Short is used to offload the heel in patients at risk of heel pressure ulcers or requiring supportive positioning in heel pressure ulcer care.

Does Heel Up® FIX Short fully offload the heel?

Yes. When correctly inflated and fitted, the heel is suspended above the mattress or wheelchair footrest, reducing direct pressure on the heel area.

Can Heel Up® FIX Short be used in a wheelchair?

Yes. The FIX version is especially useful for seated users and wheelchair users because the wide retaining strap helps keep the heel lifter in place on the footrest.

What makes the FIX Short version different?

The FIX Short model has a wide retaining strap for improved stability. It is designed for mobile, seated or restless users where a standard heel lifter may move out of position.

How high should the heel be lifted?

For the Short, Medium and Long Heel Up® models, the heel should be lifted approximately 25 mm above the underlying surface, about 1.5 finger widths.

How long can one patient use Heel Up® FIX Short?

The product is intended for single-patient use for up to 6–8 weeks or until the outer layer becomes damaged or the device starts losing air.

Is Heel Up® FIX Short reusable between different patients?

No. This version is designed for one patient only. It must not be transferred to another patient because single-patient use supports hygiene and reduces cross-contamination risk.

Can Heel Up® FIX Short be washed?

Yes. Before washing, deflate the product. It may be washed by hand or machine at 60–65°C, maximum 65°C. It must dry completely before reuse and must not be tumble dried.

Can the product be disinfected?

Yes. It may be sprayed with a suitable disinfectant or wiped with alcohol/propanol on a damp cloth, according to the instructions for use and local hygiene procedures.

Does it protect the Achilles tendon and ankles?

Yes. The anatomical channel and open heel design help relieve the heel, Achilles tendon and malleoli while supporting the forefoot.

Is Heel Up® FIX Short suitable for home care?

Yes. The product is supplied flat, is simple to inflate and can be fitted quickly by a trained caregiver following the instructions for use.

Is Heel Up® FIX Short a CE-marked medical device?

Yes. Heel Up® FIX Short is a CE-marked medical device produced by Levabo ApS and distributed in Poland by Mobilex Sp. z o.o.

Is Heel Up® FIX Short reimbursed by NFZ in Poland?

No. On the current Mobilex product page, Heel Up® FIX Short is available for direct purchase and is not described as an NFZ-reimbursed product.

What should be checked every day?

Check that the heel is still lifted, the straps are not compressing the limb, the device is not losing air and the skin condition is monitored according to local clinical procedures.

Warranty, documentation and Mobilex service in Łódź

Heel Up® FIX Short is covered by a limited manufacturer warranty for production defects. Normal wear, damage caused by incorrect use, overinflation, incorrect cleaning or use contrary to the instructions is not covered.