Q: What is Stabilizing Pressure Input Orthosis (SPIO™)
Q: Who may benefit from wearing a SPIO™ garment?
Q: What are SPIOs made of and what type of systems are available?
Q: Does SPIO™ come in adult sizes?
Q: What is the difference between SPIO™ and other compression garments/systems?
Q: My child receives a sense of calm when he wears a weighted vest or has a weighted blanket on him. I find the weighted vest cumbersome. Would a SPIO™ have the same calming effect?
Q: Is there a break-in period with SPIO™?
Q: My child has reflux. Should I take the SPIO™ off while they are eating and if so, when can I put it back on?
Q: My child has a feeding tube that I need access to. Is the SPIO™ easy to use and will the compression of the SPIO™ harm my child or cause the tube peg to leak?
Q: How long will it last? How long can my child wear the SPIO™ before I need to purchase another one?
Q: How do I know my SPIO™ fits properly after I receive it?
Q: Are there any contraindications with the use of SPIO™? garments?
Q: We live in the warm desert south. Will my child be comfortable in the heat?
Q: What is Stabilizing Pressure Input Orthosis (SPIO™)?
A: Stabilizing Pressure Input Orthosis (SPIO™) assists patients with stability and proprioceptive deficits through deep pressure. Since deep pressure appears to be an important somatic input for balance and movement control, SPIO is designed to provide and enhance deep pressure sensory input around and toward the midline of the body to improve dynamic stability and postural activation.
SPIO™ was developed in the mid-eighties by Cheryl Allen, a seamstress and mother of two children with special needs, with the cooperation of Nancy Hylton, a physical therapist, orthotist, and co-founder of Children’s Therapy Center. To date, SPIO™ has two U.S. patents covering the products and methodology. Patent #5782790 and #5957873. SPIO™ is registered with the FDA as a Class I Medical Device.
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Q: Who may benefit from wearing a SPIO™ garment?
A: SPIO™ has shown to be effective with kids of all ages:
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Sensory Integration/Processing Disorders
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Angelman, Down and other syndromes
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Cerebral Palsy
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Hypotonia, Hypertonus, and spasticity
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Brachial plexus injuries
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Autism, Rett syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD)
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Related developmental delays and disabilities
*Please note that each individual is unique and results may vary.
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Q: What are SPIOs made of and what type of systems are available?
A: SPIO™ is made of a unique lightweight Lycra blend fabric. The multi-directional stretch fabric provides comfort with a strong rebound, aids in compression, is breathable, and comfortable to wear. We offer a variety of systems. If there is a system you would like but don't see listed, please contact us to see how we can meet your needs.
SPIO Vest with neoprene back, attached with hook & loop closure
SPIO Shirt with hook and loop closure at back of neck
SPIO Pants with elastic waistband
SPIO Glove
SPIO Gauntlets, wraps, or adult sizes (custom orders only)
Photos on Product Page
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Q: Does SPIO™ come in adult sizes?
A: SPIO™ does not offer standardized sizing for adults at this time. However, if you are intersted is discussing the possibility of a custom garment, please contact us at info@spioworks.com. We are slowly developing new products to the line.
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Q: What is the difference between SPIO™ and other compression garments/systems?
A: The UP Suit or Second Skin, the GPS Orthosis, the Benik vests, and TheraTogs primarily attempt to improve biomechanical stability by exerting inhibitive and counter-stabilizing forces to manage spasticity, muscle pull, and deformity. The effects of providing deep pressure sensory input through the use of these flexible compression systems are only secondary.
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Q: My child receives a sense of calm when he wears a weighted vest or has a weighted blanket on him. I find the weighted vest cumbersome. Would a SPIO™ have the same calming effect?
A: It should. SPIO™ provides even circumferential deep pressure throughout the area of the body that it covers. Deep pressure has a calming effect on the sensory system.
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Q: Is there a break-in period with SPIO™?
A: No. SPIO™ can be worn immediately for all of the child's waking hours. In fact, it is best for the sensory system to not have the SPIO applied and then removed repetitively throughout the day.
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Q: My child has reflux. Should I take the SPIO™ off while they are eating and if so, when can I put it back on?
A: The SPIO™ can be worn while eating. For a child with reflux, try loosening the SPIO™ for digestion. This will work for vests only. If the child shows signs of reflux despite loosening, remove the SPIO™ for one hour and then reapply.
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Q: My child has a feeding tube that I need access to. Is the SPIO™ easy to use and will the compression of the SPIO™ harm my child or cause the tube peg to leak?
A: As there are a variety of feeding tubes available today, it is difficult to answer for one specific type. Most are not affected by SPIO™ and its compression. Simply loosen the vest for feeding. If the SPIO™ is rubbing on the feeding tube peg, a "donut" of foam or orthopedic felt can be used to decrease localized pressure. If this does not reduce the pressure, a small hole can be cut in the material without the risk of the material fraying. However, we view this as a last resort.
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Q: How long can my child wear the SPIO™ before I need to purchase another one?
A: With proper care (no dryer!), the SPIO™ should last up to a year. Growth can affect fit, so if you notice the outcome of wearing the SPIO™ has changed; it may be time for a new one.
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Q: Are there any contraindications with the use of SPIO™? garments?
A: Anytime a child with special needs is introduced to a new system, take time to monitor their reactions. If you have questions, please contact us at 1-877-997-7746(SPIO). Children with neurological deficits can be at greater risk for temperature regulation impairments and should be monitored carefully.
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Q: We live in the warm desert south. Will my child be comfortable in the heat?
A: Many children in warm environments have worn SPIO™ comfortably due to the increased breathability of the Lycra material. The back of the SPIO™ vest is fabricated from perforated neoprene, which helps reduce sweating.
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If you have any questions or want general information, please contact us on our toll free number at 1-877-997-SPIO (7746), or e-mail us at info@spioworks.com.