Connected Hydration

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should I change out my PATCH?

• The PATCH is single-use and disposable. You'll apply a new PATCH before each work shift and will remove and dispose of the PATCH afterwards.
• The MODULE is multi-use and should not be disposed of. See System Components for clarification on the PATCH and MODULE distinction.

Where should I store my DEVICE?

• The MODULE has sensitive electronics and should be stored in a cool, dry place. If storing in a car, keep out of direct sunlight.
• Likewise the PATCH is best to keep sealed inside the packaging until you are ready to use it. Keep in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Should I put the DEVICE on the same arm everyday?

• The DEVICE can be worn on either left or right biceps. If you are wearing the PATCH on back-to-back days, it is recommended to alternate arms or apply the PATCH to a different bicep location.

The app is showing that I should drink a lot more than I am used to. Do I follow the recommendations in the app?

• The app will recommend you replenish the amount of fluid you've lost through sweat. However, it is best to space out rehydration over a period of time instead of consuming all your recommended fluid in one sitting. OSHA guidelines recommend not drinking more than 6 cups of water per hour.

Do I turn the DEVICE off everyday after I am done working?

• It is recommended to turn off the MODULE after your work shift by holding the power button down for 5 seconds, however the MODULE will automatically turn off after 16 hours if forgotten.

Do I have to clean my arm with an alcohol wipe prior to using the DEVICE?

• Yes. The PATCH adheres best to clean, dry skin. Using an alcohol wipe and allowing the skin to dry completely before applying the PATCH leads to best results. See Applying the Patch for more information.

Why is my PATCH not adhering properly or falling off?

• Your skin may be moist due to sweat or skincare products (lotions or soaps with high moisturizing content) and causing the PATCH to delaminate. If you are using these skin care products or have wet skin, please ensure to wash away with hand soap or alcohol skin wipe and dry your skin completely in the bicep region prior to PATCH application. You should NOT be actively sweating when trying to apply the PATCH. Dry clean skin will help ensure strong adherence during the workday.

Who sees the information I put into the app?

• Your data is de-identified (does not contain any identifiable information, but there is a way to link the information back to identifiable information) by Epicore Biosystems and shared only if you allow for it. If allowed, your employer will have access to anonymized (does not contain any identifiable information and there is no way to link the information back to identifiable information) group statistics. They will not be able to view individual user data.
• Epicore Biosystems has access to de-identified data for product improvement purposes.

I no longer want to share my data on the cloud, what should I do?

• You can opt out of sharing your data with your employer on the cloud at any time. To opt out navigate to the settings page in the app.

I forgot my phone today, what should I do?

• The DEVICE is able to operate as a stand alone system after it has been assigned to a user. If the MODULE is already assigned to you, you'll be able to use it during your work shift. If it is not, you won't be able to use the DEVICE without a phone.
• If your MODULE is assigned to you, once powered on, the DEVICE will record sweat losses and provide alerts (short vibration) for every bottle of fluid lost (16.9 oz) and alarms (longer, pulsing vibration) if sweat loss equates to 2% of body weight loss. The DEVICE will upload data to the app the next time both the phone and powered-on MODULE are nearby to each other.

Why are my sweat loss numbers different from my co-workers?

• Sweat loss and hydration needs are unique to you. Every person sweats differently. The DEVICE picks up on the individuality of sweat and recommends hydration needs suited to you. Even when performing the same work in the same environment, no two individuals will have the exact same needs.

I received a longer, pulsing vibration alarm on my DEVICE, what do I do?

• Alarms are long, pulsing vibrations (1 second on, 1 second off vibration for 20 seconds) on the DEVICE to indicate that you have lost at least 2% of your body weight in sweat without logging your rehydration in the app. At 2% body weight sweat loss, dehydration can become dangerous if you are not hydrating. The alarm will repeat every 10 minutes until it has been acknowledged.
• To acknowledge and stop the alarm on the DEVICE, press the larger alarm button on the MODULE while the alarm is going off. The design of the button is such that you may be able to press it through clothing or PPE.

Can I wear this PATCH over my tattoo?

• Absolutely. Tattoos do not have any effect on the PATCH's function. Remember to apply the PATCH to clean, dry skin for best results.

I have hairy arms, can I still wear the PATCH?

• It will depend. The PATCH relies on good adhesion to the skin and your sweat pores. Try shifting around where you apply the PATCH on your arm to find the least hairy areas.
• If hair is impacting adhesion of the PATCH to the skin, shaving or trimming arm hair is recommended for use of the PATCH.

I've been sweating for 30 minutes, should I see a recommendation?

• The MODULE has been designed to capture sweat over a 12-hour work shift. Everyone sweats differently. When wearing PPE, at high humidity and working at moderate workloads, it may take an hour for some to sweat enough to begin seeing sweat measurements. Temperature under PPE and motion will be available before a rehydration recommendation.

How do I clean the MODULE?

• Use a damp cloth with soap and water or isopropyl alcohol. Do not submerge. Do not use benzene or acetone.
• The MODULE can be cleaned on an as-needed basis.

Can Connected Hydration be submerged in water?

• No. The Connected Hydration MODULE is designed to withstand sweat and moisture under PPE, but it may not function after full submersion in water.
• If the MODULE gets wet, you do not need to replace it. It can withstand being splashed.

Can Connected Hydration be touched while being worn?

• Try to avoid touching the Connected Hydration MODULE unless you need to push the large alarm button or for removal. While touching the Connected Hydration MODULE will not hurt you or damage the DEVICE, it may affect the sensitive measurements being collected and thereby excessive touching could impact the accuracy of the hydration measurements.

The PATCH caused mild redness after wearing. What should I do?

• Skin sensitivity to adhesives could cause mild redness for some wearers. This should go away within a few hours. To reduce irritation from daily use, you may alternate between left and right biceps or shift the PATCH to new regions on the same bicep. If you experience significant redness or irritation, discontinue use of Connected Hydration.

After PATCH removal, there appears to be adhesive residue on my skin that does not come off with soap and water easily. How do I remove the residue?

• Most skin adhesives and band-aid products leave residues on dry skin. To remove these residues, please blot the area with an oil droplet (such as baby oil, vegetable, or olive oil) and gently rub the adhesive residue with a cloth or towel. The oil will break down the polymers in the adhesive residue without being harsh on your skin.