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Description
The Hydra+ Milk Level 2 (IDDSI 2) Thickened Beverage 1L (12/Case) provides a ready-to-serve, mildly thickened dairy milk solution for individuals with mild swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) across Canada. This Hydra+ Milk Level 2 product is pre-thickened to IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick), ensuring a smooth, consistent texture that supports safe hydration and nutrient intake.
BEST FOR: Individuals with mild dysphagia, Elderly care facilities, Post-surgery recovery patients, Healthcare facilities, Rehabilitation centres
CLINICAL NOTE: When serving, ensure the Tetra Pak is gently inverted a few times before opening to ensure uniform consistency, especially if it has been stored for an extended period. This helps maintain the IDDSI Level 2 texture throughout the entire litre.
Why It Works
- Consistent IDDSI Level 2: Factory-thickened to a precise 'Mildly Thick' consistency, eliminating variability and reducing aspiration risk associated with manual thickening.
- Nutrient Enriched: Contains essential Calcium, Potassium, and Vitamin C, contributing to patient nutritional needs beyond simple hydration.
- Ready-to-Serve Format: No mixing or preparation required. This saves staff time and ensures immediate, consistent delivery of appropriate texture.
- Familiar Dairy Milk Profile: The natural dairy milk flavour enhances patient compliance, making it easier for individuals with dysphagia to accept and consume.
Clinical Applications
- Routine Hydration: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a primary beverage for individuals requiring IDDSI Level 2 consistency.
- Medication Administration: Use as a vehicle for oral medications, ensuring safe swallowing for patients with mild dysphagia.
- Nutritional Supplementation: Incorporate into daily meal plans to provide additional calcium, potassium, and vitamin C for patients with dietary needs.
- Post-Surgery Recovery: Offer as an initial oral intake option for patients transitioning from NPO status, under clinical guidance.
- Home Care Support: Facilitates safe fluid intake for patients managed by home health aides or caregivers, simplifying preparation.
- Rehabilitation Centre Menus: Integrate into patient meal services, offering a safe and palatable dairy option without requiring on-site thickening.
Revenue Opportunity: For rehabilitation centres, utilizing pre-thickened Hydra+ Milk Level 2 eliminates staff time spent on manual thickening, redirecting labour hours to direct patient care or other revenue-generating activities. This improves operational efficiency and reduces potential waste from inconsistent manual preparation.
Product Specifications
- Brand: HYDRA+
- Flavour/Profile: Dairy milk
- Texture/Format: Mildly Thick (IDDSI Level 2), smooth, consistent
- Key Ingredients/Materials: Milk, enriched with Calcium, Potassium, and Vitamin C
- Allergens: Contains Dairy. Check physical label for specific allergen information.
- Certifications: Kosher-Certified
- IDDSI Level: Level 2 (Mildly Thickened)
- Format: Ready-to-Drink / Pour-and-Serve
- Case Count: 12 x 1L Tetra Paks
- Total Volume: 12L per case
- Recommended Usage: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Pour directly from Tetra Pak. Do not manually thicken further.
Storage & Handling
Hydra+ Milk Level 2 is shelf-stable until opened, allowing for efficient inventory management in clinical settings. Once a Tetra Pak is opened, it must be refrigerated promptly. For optimal freshness and safety, consume the contents within 3-5 days after opening. Always check the 'best before' date on the packaging for unopened cartons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone using Hydra+ Milk Level 2 in their facility? How's the patient compliance?
We've had good patient compliance with Hydra+ Milk Level 2. The mild thickness is generally well-tolerated, and it tastes like regular milk, which helps. It's much easier than trying to get staff to consistently hand-thicken milk for everyone.
For those in home care, how do you manage the 1L Tetra Paks of Hydra+ Milk after opening?
Once opened, we transfer any remaining Hydra+ Milk Level 2 to a sealed pitcher and keep it in the fridge. We usually aim to use it within 3-5 days, just like regular milk, to ensure freshness. The 1L size is convenient for individual patient use over a few days.
Any OTs or PTs have tips for introducing Hydra+ Milk Level 2 to patients resistant to thickened liquids?
Start by explaining it's a 'mildly thick' consistency, not a 'thick liquid.' Sometimes calling it 'smooth' or 'easy to swallow' helps. We also try serving it very cold, as some patients find that more palatable. The milk flavour is familiar, which is a big plus.
We're considering switching to pre-thickened options like Hydra+ Milk Level 2. Does it really save time compared to powder thickeners?
Absolutely. No measuring, no mixing, no waiting for powder to dissolve, and no lumps. You just pour. For a busy ward or rehab centre, the time savings are significant, and you eliminate the inconsistency that often comes with manual preparation.
Is Hydra+ Milk Level 2 suitable for patients who are also on a Kosher diet?
Yes, it is. Hydra+ Milk Level 2 is Kosher-Certified, so it meets those dietary requirements. Always good to double-check the current packaging for the certification symbol, but it's generally a safe option for Kosher patients.
What's the shelf life like for the Hydra+ Milk Level 2 bulk cases before opening?
The Tetra Paks are shelf-stable for quite a while, typically several months, as long as they're unopened and stored properly. This is great for inventory management in facilities, as you can stock up without worrying about immediate spoilage. Check the 'best before' date on each carton.
Can I use Hydra+ Milk Level 2 in recipes, like for a thickened smoothie, or is it just for drinking straight?
It's primarily for drinking straight to maintain the precise IDDSI Level 2 consistency for safety. If you add other ingredients, you risk altering the thickness and potentially compromising the IDDSI level. For therapeutic use, stick to serving it as is.
Any issues with Hydra+ Milk Level 2 separating or getting lumpy if not used quickly after opening?
We haven't experienced issues with separation or lumps as long as it's refrigerated promptly after opening and used within a few days. It's a stable product. Just give it a gentle shake or stir if it's been sitting for a bit in the fridge.
What is the primary benefit of using Hydra+ Milk Level 2 for dysphagia patients?
The primary benefit is safe hydration for individuals with mild swallowing difficulties. Hydra+ Milk Level 2 is pre-thickened to a consistent IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick), which significantly reduces the risk of aspiration compared to unthickened liquids. This ensures patients receive necessary fluids and nutrients securely.
How does Hydra+ Milk Level 2 ensure consistent texture for patients?
Hydra+ Milk Level 2 is factory-thickened to IDDSI Level 2 specifications. This eliminates the variability inherent in manual thickening, providing a consistently safe and appropriate texture with every pour. This consistency is crucial for patient safety and caregiver confidence in clinical settings.