New Fountainhead VibrAcoustic(TM) Bath Offers Unprecedented, Technology-Based Relaxation

NEW MULTI-SENSORY BATH INTEGRATES WATER, LIGHT AND VIBRATION WITH FOUR INDIVIDUALLY CHOREOGRAPHED, RELAXING MUSIC EXPERIENCES

KOHLER, Wis., April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Vibroacoustics is a technology-based sound therapy defined as hearing and feeling sound vibrations through the body. Proven to promote relaxation, it is an ideal feature to add to a bathtub that is designed and engineered to instinctively ease tension and stress — as shown in the newly launched Fountainhead(TM) VibrAcoustic bath by Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath design and technology.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080402/AQW015)

“The science of sound vibration and the art of ergonomic design come together in this bath to provide an unprecedented level of relaxation,” said Ann Roever, business director for KOHLER bathing products. “Four expert-designed sound and vibration experiences are designed to help the bather achieve consistent, slow, and deep breathing, or the phenomena of ‘Entrainment’ — the connection of internal body rhythms with external influences.

“The four experiences are original compositions that integrate music, vibration and lighting in order to encourage the bather’s breathing rate to align with the beats or chord structures. The bather cannot help but relax physically because the mind is able to shift into a focus on internal, physical feelings.”

Fountainhead VibrAcoustic Experience

Four VibrAcoustic experiences envelop the bather in a multi-sensory environment that synchronizes music, vibration and light with water. These original compositions were created in collaboration with a renowned sound therapist and are choreographed uniquely for this bath to optimize the vibroacoustic effect, in which the body is led into a state of complete relaxation. Two massaging beat experiences add even more physical vibration that can be adjusted to the desired level of intensity to personalize the bath experience.

Transducers producing music/vibrations are strategically placed on the backside of the bath allowing the bather to not only hear but also feel the music streaming in from one of the four preset Fountainhead experiences. The sound waves travel through the water and gently resound in the body. The transducers are located both below the water for the vibration experience and above the water for the audio. A user-friendly, conveniently located DTV Bath interface controls all features and affords bathers the option of listening to a favorite play list from a MP3 player or a radio station from a home computer.

Synchronized lighting is another relaxing element that completes the well-rounded bathing experience with a sweeping wave of color in the bath. The four lights in the bath can create eight different colors and myriad color combinations and patterns. A color dial even allows bathers to choose a particular hue of each color. The lights are synchronized with the four preset Fountainhead experiences and will also align themselves with the rhythm of outside music.

Fountainhead Bath Design

The newest addition to the recently launched contemporary Fountainhead suite, the VibrAcoustic bath maintains the collection’s fundamental design lines of flowing curves and organic minimalism. It is available in two installation options, drop-in or an exposed deck installation with a unique, raised look to highlight the bath’s fluid design that almost makes the tub appear to be a hovering basin of water.

The bath is made of acrylic and available in two sizes — 88m x 48 x 24 inches and 72 x 42 x 26 inches, which allow bathers of different heights to be submerged completely. The 88-inch bath is only available as an exposed deck installation, but offers a large transition area built into the rim for easy access. Both sizes offer two reclined positions. The first position features a head pocket designed to give the bather the choice of resting his or her head while floating in the bath or lowering the head so the ears are under water. This enhances the sound quality of the music, making the sound even clearer than above water. The second position is for bathers who prefer to have their ears above water. For maximum comfort, a soft, pliable pillow is included with the 88-inch models that will support bathers at the nape of their neck as they float in the large bathing well. The pillow is available as an optional accessory for the smaller bath.

For more information on the Fountainhead VibrAcoustic bath or other KOHLER products, individuals may visit the Kohler Co. Web site at KOHLER.com or call toll-free at 1-800-4-KOHLER.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and an international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

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Source: Kohler Co.

CONTACT: Mirjam Lippuner Konsek, +1-920-457-4441, ext. 71125,
mirjam.lippuner@kohler.com, or Todd Weber, +1-920-457-4441, ext. 72707,
todd.weber@kohler.com, both of Kohler Co.

Web site: http://www.kohlerco.com/