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INTRODUCTION
DANMAR PRODUCTS manufactures two styles of Cranial Shaping Helmets. The medical professionals, who see the infant, make the decision as to which choice is most beneficial for the baby.
Please contact us to find the Orthotists in your area who are qualified to provide our helmets.
One style, depending on the measurements and degree of Positional Head Deformity (PHD) involves making a cast of the baby’s head and constructing a helmet from that cast. This is the Michigan Cranial Shaping Helmet.
The other style, depending on the measurements and degree of Positional Head Deformity (PHD) has three custom sizes available for immediate fittings by the medical professionals working with the baby. This is the C.A.P. Cranial Shaping Helmet.
The Michigan Cranial Shaping Helmet
The Michigan Cranial Shaping Helmet is an orthotic device used to remodel and shape the skull to prevent or correct Positional Head Deformity (PHD) and to protect the skull. The helmet is constructed of moldable plastic which is formed to each child’s specific shape and need.
The helmet is generally worn both day and night for an average period of four to six months. The baby is monitored for any signs of pressure areas and the helmet will be modified or replaced to accommodate growth as necessary.
Cranial shaping therapy may require more than one helmet as the baby grows. The period of time that a specific size helmet may be used usually depends on when the therapy begins. For example, if therapy is started at 3-months of age, typical helmet life is 2 months; at 5-months of age, helmet usefulness is typically 3 months; and at 7-months of age, a helmet may possibly be used for 4 months. Of course, each baby is different and has its own rate of development.
Precaution: If positional plagiocephaly is associated with torticollis, there may be some additional types of therapy needed as well. If the child is recommended for physical therapy or home neck exercises and stretching programs by your doctor, remove the
helmet during therapy and replace it soon after these exercises.
The Orthotist will supply all the information on breaking in the helmet (so the baby gets used to it) regular wearing instructions, cleaning of the helmet and general care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where can I go for information on Cranial Shaping therapy?
Your pediatrician can explain the basics of positional plagiocephaly. The doctor probably will offer referrals to one of the many type of specialists in this field including plastic surgeons or pediatric neurosurgeons.
What is the best age for this helmet treatment?
While this is the recommended therapy from the age of 3 months up to 18 months of age, the best results are achieved when treatment is started at the early end of this range..As the baby’s head grows, the helmet will be adjusted for proper fit.
How will the helmet be made?
This initial procedure, at the first appointment, only takes about 20 minutes, and is usually done by Orthotists in their clinic. After putting a nylon-type stockinette on the baby, a cast will be taken of the baby’s head using plaster bandages, which sets in just a couple of minutes. Standard casting procedures are used and while the baby will not be very happy about having this done, it does not hurt. There is some liquid that drips off during the process but this is just excess water from the plaster. The cast is then removed and the Orthotist marks the cast showing where the eyes, nose, ears and centerline are located.
At the next appointment, a custom lightweight plastic helmet with an inner soft foam layer will be fitted to the baby’s head.
How long will the baby have to wear this helmet?
Because each baby is unique and because so many variables need to be considered, periodic evaluations will be performed at the Orthotist's office. For example, the timeline is dependent on the age of the baby when the treatment starts, and the degree of reshaping that is necessary. Usually, it is just a matter of a few months before the desired results are obtained.
Does our insurance cover the costs of this therapy?
With the many types of insurance available, the best answer we can give is to call your insurance carrier after you have the prescription from your doctor.
The C.A.P. Cranial Shaping Helmet
A qualified doctor evaluates the infant and makes the determination as to the appropriateness of the C.A.P. Shaping Helmet. Pediatricians, pediatric neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons are then usually
consulted by the families when they first notice the baby’s abnormal head symmetry. Using this transdisciplinary approach, an accurate diagnosis can be reached. Babies from 3- to 14-months of age can usually be successfully treated with this type of helmet therapy.
The color choices available are baby blue and soft pink. We also offer some designs to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the helmet if that is desirable.
After the prescription is issued by the doctor, the clinician fills out a work order that
specifies the size of the helmet needed. There are 2 standard sizes of helmets that can be provided to fit the infant precisely:
Size A 45 cm up to 50 cm circumference
Size B 40 cm up to 44.5 cm circumference
 To decide which helmet is appropriate, the child’s head circumference is measured with a tape measure. This measurement is taken at eyebrow level.
The helmet with the minimum circumference that will fit is then selected. This will allow the maximum room for growth so that there is a possibility that a second fitting may not be necessary.
For example, if the baby's head circumference is measured at 44 cm, the 45 cm to 50 cm. Size A is selected. It is then fitted to the baby's head at 45 cm. This allows the baby 5 more centimeters of potential head growth without the need to replace the helmet.
Your child’s head will continue to increase in size normally as he/she gets older. The C.A.P. can be adjusted to comfortably adapt to this growth. If the helmet leaves depressions or red areas on the forehead or scalp, or if the helmet becomes uncomfortable because of tightness, it may be time to expand it to a larger size.
The fixation (adjustment) side screws are loosened with a screwdriver so that the two halves of the helmet can be moved apart. The helmet should then be placed on your child’s head and the two halves of the helmet are gently pushed together. They should be moved together until they make gentle but solid contact with the head. Both side screws are then tightened snugly so that the two halves of the helmet are fixed together.
If the helmet tips or rocks on the head, foam pads can be placed on the inside of the helmet. These pads loosely fill the space where the helmet does not make contact with the head. Do not overly fill this area between the helmet and head.
The work order must be filled out completely. This gives the manufacturer of the helmet the exact instructions on materials and the necessary fabrication techniques to meet the baby’s individual needs. The size and shape of the baby’s head determines whether or not our standardized size will be used, or if a full custom mold needs to be taken.
If a custom helmet is required, a cast of the baby’s head will be made using established casting procedures, being sure to show the landmark locations (centerline, nose, ears, eyes,and trim lines). The cast can be sent to Danmar as is, and our technicians will mold the positive plaster cast and make the necessary modifications to round out the shape. The Orthotist can also mold the positive cast, make the modifications and send that finished cast to Danmar. We can return the helmet untrimmed if the Orthotist decides to do the final trimming at the time of the fitting. Carefully package the cast or mold for
shipping. They are fragile and can crack or break during shipping. Choose your shipping method (overnight or second day air) depending on your needs. Please allow for an average turn around time of 4 to 6 business days.
The family or primary caregivers must thoroughly review the Use and Care Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions provided at the first fitting appointment. It explains the importance of monitoring the baby’s progress and head growth. Head circumference measurements and evaluations of neurological development will be done at regular intervals to reduce the potential for any impairment of regular growth and development.
The baby’s head will perspire due to wearing the helmet. This is normal and the baby should be kept as comfortable as possible by dressing in lighter clothing and by wiping the baby’s head. Occasionally a thin stocking cap is useful.
The Orthotist will supply all the information on breaking in the helmet (so the baby gets used to it), regular wearing instructions, cleaning of the helmet, and general care.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this helmet include craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, and
unstable skin.
Precautions: If positional plagiocephaly is associated with torticollis, there may be some additional types of therapy needed as well.
Danmar Products, Inc. has trained technicians with many years of experience in making helmets and headgear, and a system that ensures on-time deliveries. We have been in business since 1968, concentrating our energies into creating unique and innovative products to meet the needs of our customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go for information on Cranial Shaping therapy?
Your pediatrician can explain the basics of positional plagiocephaly. The doctor probably will offer referrals to one of the many type of specialists in this field including plastic surgeons or pediatric neurosurgeons.
What is the best age for this helmet treatment?
While this is the recommended therapy from the age of 3 months up to
14 months of age, the best results are achieved when treatment is started early.
As a child gets older, the skull becomes thicker and the molding becomes more difficult.
How will the helmet be fitted?
A circumference measurement will be taken of the baby’s head and the clinician will adjust the sizing of the helmet, then secure it by means of the side fasteners. In the event that a custom helmet is needed, a stockinette will be put on the baby’s head and a cast will be taken using plaster bandages, which set in just a couple of minutes. Standard casting procedures are used, and while the baby will not be very happy about having this done, it does not hurt. There is some water that drips off during the process but this is not harmful. The cast is then removed and the Orthotist marks the cast showing where the eyes, nose, ears and centerline are located. At the next appointment, a custom lightweight plastic helmet with an inner soft foam layer will be fitted to the baby’s head.
How long will the baby have to wear this helmet?
Because each baby is unique and because so many variables need to be considered, periodic evaluations will be performed at the Orthotist's office. For example, the timeline is dependent on the age of the baby when the treatment starts, and the degree of reshaping that is necessary. Usually, it is just a matter of months before the desired results are obtained.
The average treatment time based on our studies is 9.6 months.
Does our insurance cover the costs of this therapy?
With so many types of insurance available, the best answer we can give is to call your insurance carrier after you have the prescription from your doctor. Some insurance companies classify the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly as cosmetic rather than a medical necessity. Be persistent, as some parents have reported after first being turned down they were later approved for payment. |
