Invacare Corporation Redefines Bath Safety With Cutting Edge Microban

    Business Editors

    ELYRIA, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 2005--Invacare Corporation (NYSE:IVC) announces the signing of an exclusive agreement with Microban International, Ltd., allowing the company to introduce Microban(R) antimicrobial technology into its standard products line, starting with bath safety products. Microban Intl., a global leader in built-in antimicrobial product protection, produces technology that protects products from stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew, making them easier to clean and keeping them cleaner between cleanings.
    Microban technology is built-in to products to provide continuous antimicrobial cleaning action. Active ingredients are incorporated into the polymer structure during the manufacturing process of the product. The technology provides continuous antimicrobial product protection that will not wash off or wear away, and lasts for the estimated lifetime of the product.
    "Invacare is excited to be the first home medical products manufacturer to have an exclusive, international HME agreement with Microban Intl. that extends into international markets," said Joe Hosey, category vice president of Invacare's Standard Products Group. "This technology will make life easier for the home caregiver by requiring less cleaning time on their part. It also will give them peace of mind. It makes Invacare products the obvious choice for standard care equipment."
    Invacare will apply this technology to select Invacare(R) bath safety products, including shower chairs, commodes and tub grab bars. Bath safety products are especially susceptible to the growth of microbes due to their prolonged exposure to moisture. Under the right conditions, such as those commonly found in the bathroom, the number of bacteria on an untreated surface can double every twenty minutes.
    Microban protection continuously fights the growth of stain and odor causing microbes and is effective against the most common bacteria, yeast, molds and fungi that cause stains, odors and product degradation.
    "This is a tremendous opportunity for Invacare providers to provide the best possible solutions in the bath safety area to their customers. It demonstrates Invacare's continued commitment to innovation in the HME field," said Hosey.
    The Microban brand is the consumer-preferred brand for antimicrobial product protection. In recent studies, the company discovered that 32% of consumers in the United States have an aided awareness of the Microban brand. Microban technology can be engineered into a breadth of materials including: polymers, textiles, coatings, paper and adhesives. Currently, it is found in brands like Craftsman, Johnson & Johnson, DuPont, Fellowes and Silestone. For more information, visit www.microban.com
    Invacare Corporation (NYSE:IVC), headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative home and long-term care medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles. The company has 6,100 associates and markets its products in 80 countries around the world. For more information about the company and its products, visit Invacare's website at www.invacare.com.

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CONTACT: Invacare Corporation Lara Mahoney, 440-329-6393 OR Microban Kathy Hall, 704-766-1040

KEYWORD: OHIO INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL DEVICES MEDICAL CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL PRODUCT MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Invacare Corporation

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