Mattress Function - Invacare SoftAir EXCELLENCE User Manual

Mattress Function

Establishing Pressure
(supine/ face up position)
Once the patient is in place, use the Pressure button
to select the best setting for effective pressure relief
and support, based on the patients weight and comfort
requirements.
Assess whether the patient is comfortable and the
system is functioning correctly by performing a
'bottoming out' test.
Bottoming Out Test
When altering the pressure setting, ensure the patient
is not 'bottoming out' (insufficiently supported by the
air cells and therefore coming in contact with the bed
base).
1. Ensure system is in alternation mode but is not
undergoing an alternation.
2. With the patient lying in a supine position, unzip the
top cover, just past the sacral (bottom) region.
3. Slide your hand along a deflated cell under the
patients sacral area (bottom). The inner static
cell will remain inflated but your hand should slide
easily between the patient and the base.
4. If your hand can pass under the patient, the patient
is adequately suspended and pressure can be
lowered.
5. Repeat the Bottoming Out test after pressure has
been lowered.
In the event of a system malfunction, the alarm will
activate and pressure LEDs will flash.
Establishing Pressure
(inclined position)
When moving the patient to a more upright position,
pressure may need to be increased (by approximately
20%) to provide added support and to avoid 'bottoming
out'.
It is important to return to the original pressure
setting when the patient returns to the supine
position, and perform a Bottoming Out test.
Wait a minimum of 10-12 minutes between
pressure adjustment and patient assessment,
as it may take a full cycle for the system to
adjust to any new setting.
CPR Function
Rapid deflation of the mattress may be required
for emergency procedures or to decommission the
system. Firmly pull the rapid release CPR tag from the
side of the mattress to deflate the whole system.
To re-inflate the system after the CPR tag has been
removed, replace the CPR tag ensuring both sealing
connectors are firmly attached and restart the Control
Unit. Wait for the mattress system to gain optimal
pressure.
Perform a Bottoming Out test after inflating the
mattress following rapid deflation.
Operation
9