Handle Grip Engineering: What Procurement Teams Need to Know

Procurement professionals in healthcare and mobility sectors are now expected to evaluate products beyond pricing and delivery timelines. One critical feature that can significantly influence user satisfaction and safety is the grip. Understanding how handle grip material affect comfort and control gives buyers and designers a distinct edge in selecting or creating better mobility solutions.

When reviewing rollator specifications, focus on these performance indicators:

• Shock absorption: critical for users with hand pain or arthritis

• Friction coefficient: affects grip security under sweaty or humid conditions

• Thermal neutrality: important for seasonal usage and user sensitivity

• Anti-microbial surface: crucial for clinical use and multi-patient settings

Each of these is directly tied to how handle grip material affect comfort and control across different use environments.

Here’s a snapshot of commonly used materials and their procurement value:

• Silicone: Best in class for hygiene and grip, suited for high-end clinical environments.

• TPR: Mid-range comfort, ideal for balance between comfort and cost.

• Foam: Softest feel but low hygiene, best for single-user, short-term usage.

• Rubber: Durable and high-friction, though can retain odor or sweat.

• Plastic: Cost-effective but slippery and uncomfortable for long-term use.

Poor grip design increases liability. Slips, user fatigue, and compliance drop-offs are common outcomes when procurement teams undervalue how handle grip material affect comfort and control. Prioritizing ergonomic and clinically tested grips can directly reduce complaints and return rates.

When issuing RFPs or product audits, ensure the following:

• Request third-party material testing certificates

• Ask for antimicrobial and wear-resistance documentation

• Include grip feel in your usability benchmarks

Long-term supplier partnerships should include grip updates and compliance checks as part of product lifecycle evaluations.

Smart procurement begins with informed specification. Understanding how handle grip material affect comfort and control not only meets user expectations but also reinforces your facility’s brand promise. It’s a low-cost, high-impact element in mobility product design that every procurement professional should prioritize.