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The Evolution of Air Powered Lateral Transfer and Positioning Systems

by sphmedicaladmin

In the dynamic realm of healthcare, technology often takes the limelight. A prime example of this is the Air Powered Lateral Transfer and Positioning System, a groundbreaking tool that has revolutionized patient handling in hospitals. This article delves into the history of these systems, charting their evolution over the last 25 years with an emphasis on the transformative products of SPH Medical.

The Early Innovations of Air Powered Lateral Transfer

The initial manufacturers of air powered lateral transfer systems ventured into this unexplored territory with innovative thinking and determination. Their pioneering products filled a significant void in patient safety and hospital efficiency, creating a new standard for patient care.

The Evolution of Positioning Systems

Over the past quarter-century, these systems have seen significant advancements. The initial manufacturers continually refined their products to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. As a result, these systems have played a crucial role in reducing patient handling injuries, with a remarkable 30% decrease in related incidents, underscoring their indispensable contribution to the healthcare industry.

The Benefits of Air Powered Transfer and Positioning Systems: A Preferred Choice

Air Powered Transfer and Positioning systems have become the favored choice over mobile lift equipment in many healthcare settings, and for good reason. These systems significantly reduce the risk of injury to nurses by alleviating the physical strain associated with patient handling tasks. Each shift, nurses face a multitude of patient care tasks, including repositioning patients up in bed, transferring them from bed to gurney, and aiding transfers on and off CT or OR tables.

These tasks, when performed manually, not only pose a risk of injury to healthcare professionals but can also compromise patient comfort and safety. The introduction of air powered transfer and positioning systems has revolutionized these everyday tasks. They provide a safer, more efficient method of patient handling, reducing the physical burden on nursing staff while ensuring optimal patient comfort and safety. This is why these systems are not just a choice, but a necessity in today’s healthcare environment. They represent the epitome of innovation in patient care, combining efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in one powerful package.

The Rise of Single-Patient-Use Air Transfer Mats: A Game Changer in Healthcare

In the realm of air powered transfer and positioning systems, a significant evolution has been the advent of single-patient-use Air Transfer Mats. This innovation has had a profound impact on hospitals, contributing to an unprecedented reduction in nursing injuries, and consequently saving millions in medical expenses and lost workdays.

Single-patient-use mats address one of the most critical challenges in healthcare: infection prevention. By ensuring each patient has a dedicated mat, the risk of cross-contamination is drastically reduced. This singular feature has made them an indispensable tool in maintaining stringent hygiene standards, further enhancing their value in the healthcare setting.

These mats have not only proven to be cost-effective but also remarkably efficient in reducing the physical strain on nurses, substantially lowering the incidence of injuries. Statistics show a significant drop in nursing injuries related to patient handling tasks since the introduction of these mats – a testament to their effectiveness.

In essence, single-patient-use Air Transfer Mats have emerged as a vital solution in today’s healthcare industry. They encapsulate efficiency, safety, and infection control – all in one innovative product. The benefits are clear: they enhance patient safety, protect nursing staff, and save hospitals millions. So, it’s time to embrace this evolution in patient handling technology. Because when it comes to the well-being of your patients and staff, every measure counts.

The Revolutionary Impact of SPH Medical

SPH Medical, although a newer player in the field, has made a ground-breaking impact. The company has redefined the concept of the air powered transfer mat, delivering a product that is not only more cost-effective but also highly efficient. By reducing costs by 10-20% compared to other solutions in the market, SPH Medical is proving to be a trailblazer in the industry.

Transitioning to SPH Medical: Compatibility and Ease

One of the standout features of the SPH Medical Air Transfer Mat is its extensive compatibility. The mat integrates smoothly with most other air supplies/motors already in use in hospitals, enabling a swift and seamless transition to SPH Medical’s system. Hospitals adopting this solution report immediate benefits in terms of cost savings and patient safety.

The journey of Air Powered Lateral Transfer and Positioning Systems over the past 25 years is a testament to the power of innovation. The initial manufacturers laid the groundwork, but it is the transformative products of SPH Medical that are currently leading the pack. Their affordable solution, combined with compatibility with existing hospital equipment, makes them an appealing choice for healthcare institutions. For those aiming to enhance patient safety while also improving efficiency, SPH Medical offers a proven solution.

Step into the future of patient handling with SPH Medical. Your patients deserve nothing less.

Reduce nursing injuries and achieve cost savings with Air Transfer Mats
Categoriesair transfer systems,  Patient Handling

Air Transfer System Equals Cost Savings

by sphmedicaladmin

Over the past decade, an air transfer system has become increasingly popular in healthcare settings as an effective solution for reducing nursing injuries. These innovative systems have been credited with significantly lowering the number of nurse-related injuries and workers’ compensation claims, while increasing patient safety and comfort. By utilizing advanced technologies and ergonomic design, air transfer systems provide a safe, easy, and efficient means of patient transfer that surpasses traditional methods. In this article, we will take a closer look at the many benefits of air transfer systems and why they have been so successful in revolutionizing patient care.

Safe Patient Transfer

An air transfer system provide a safe solution for patient transfer, minimizing the risk of injury to both patients and healthcare workers. Traditional methods of patient transfer often involve physical lifting and maneuvering, which can result in back injuries, muscle strains, and other debilitating conditions. By contrast, air transfer systems utilize a cushion of air to lift and move patients smoothly and effortlessly, reducing the likelihood of injury to both the patient and the caregiver. These systems are also designed with safety features such as locking brakes and adjustable height settings, ensuring optimal positioning and stability during transfer.

Easy to Use and Efficient

Air transfer systems are incredibly easy to use, requiring minimal physical effort on the part of the caregiver. With just the push of a button, patients can be effortlessly moved from one location to another, minimizing discomfort and maximizing efficiency. This streamlined approach to patient transfer not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors or accidents during the transfer process. Additionally, air transfer systems are designed to fit a wide range of patients and care settings, making them a versatile tool for any healthcare environment.

Improved Patient Comfort

Another key benefit of air transfer systems is the improved comfort they provide for patients during transfer. Unlike traditional methods that can be uncomfortable and even painful, air transfer systems offer a gentle, smooth transfer that minimizes jarring movements and reduces the risk of pressure sores or other injuries. Patients can remain in a comfortable seated or lying position throughout the transfer, ensuring their safety and well-being. With air transfer systems, patients can experience a higher level of comfort and care, improving their overall satisfaction with the healthcare experience.

Cost Effective Solution

Not only are air transfer systems highly effective in preventing nursing injuries, but they also represent a cost-effective solution for healthcare providers. The direct cost of nursing injuries can be substantial, with workers’ compensation claims, lost productivity, and medical expenses all contributing to the financial burden. However, by employing air transfer systems, healthcare organizations can significantly reduce these costs by minimizing the risk of injury and improving patient outcomes. Perhaps even more importantly, air transfer systems can have a significant impact on the indirect costs of nursing injuries, which are estimated at 5-10 times the direct cost. By investing in air transfer systems, healthcare providers can save money while providing safer, more efficient care to their patients.

SPH Medical’s Disposable Air Transfer System

SPH Medical’s single patient use air transfer mats provide a cost-effective and convenient solution for patient transfer while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination between patients. These disposable mats are compatible with all major blowers or pumps, and can be quickly and easily be deployed as a supply item, and disposed of when no longer needed, reducing the need for time-consuming cleaning and disinfection procedures. By using disposable air transfer mats, healthcare providers can save money on cleaning supplies and labor costs, while also reducing the risk of infection transmission between patients. Additionally, SPH Medical’s air transfer mats are designed to be both durable and comfortable for patients, ensuring a smooth transfer experience that promotes safety and well-being.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, air transfer mats are a highly effective solution for improving patient safety and reducing the risk of nursing injuries. SPH Medical’s single patient use air transfer mats offer a range of benefits that can save healthcare providers time and money while improving patient outcomes. These disposable mats are cost-effective, compatible with all major blowers or pumps, and can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination between patients. By working with SPH Medical to switch to single patient use air transfer mats, hospitals can realize significant cost savings while providing safer, more efficient care to their patients. With these innovative products, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes, minimize the risk of injury, and promote a culture of safety in their organizations. Contact SPH Medical today to learn more about how their air transfer mats can benefit your healthcare organization.

Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress
Categoriesair transfer systems,  Patient Handling

Air Transfer Systems Make a Difference

by sphmedicaladmin

For Nurses, their top priority is to provide the best care possible to their patients. One of the most critical aspects of patient care is caring for a patient that is bed bound.  Dealing with all the positioning issues for a patient that is considered moderately dependent to one that is total care can be challenging.  A total care patient means that the patient is unable to turn or move by themselves. One of the most dangerous tasks that nurses perform is repositioning them up in bed. Patients are always sliding down in bed so boosting them up is always happening.  Patient transfers out of bed, as in transferring them from bed to stretcher, can also frequent and can be risky both for patients and healthcare workers. This is why air transfer systems have become one of the most successful methods for transferring patients and reducing injury risks for nurses. In this blog post, we will discuss how air transfer systems can make a difference in patient care and injury prevention.

Air Transfer Systems are used in almost every hospital department to help nurses transfer, boost, and reposition patients. The typical Air Transfer Mattress can support up to 1000lbs. A motor, or blower, inflates the air mattress. Blower or Air Supply for the Air Transfer MattressThe patient is supported on a bed of air that acts like a floatation device, floating the patient either up in bed, or over to a stretcher, OR table, or CT table. The air transfer system offers a smooth transition for patients, as they move with ease between surfaces, improving patient comfort.  Patient satisfaction can be measurably improved using the air transfer system over manual transfers using sheets and old those fashioned slider boards.

Today, the SPH Medical Air Transfer System is being used in surgery departments to transfer patients on and off the OR table with ease.  After surgery, 100% of patients are considered total care, or unable to assist, so the Air Transfer System makes these predictable transfers over to a bed or gurney safe and efficient.  The surgery department may apply the Air Transfer Mattress in the pre-op area so that the patient can be transferred over to the OR table.  If  patients are able to transfer to the OR table by themselves, the staff will place the Air Transfer Mattress on the OR table before the patient comes in so that it can be simply inflated after surgery to transfer the patient off the table.

The single patient use disposable mattress is the most common air transfer mattress used today because it reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Reusable mattresses are disinfected/laundered before being used for another patient. This practice ensures that each patient is given the highest of standards for infection prevention. Inpatient units like the ICU and anywhere moderately dependent to totally dependent patients are found can benefit by making all the beds with the single patient use air mattress. Having the housekeeping staff make the beds with the air mattress means that the nurse can always reposition, turn, or transfer a patient with the assistance of air.

Air Transfer Systems can also help reposition patients up in bed which is one of the highest frequency tasks a nurse has to perform.  And it eliminates the manual pulling or lifting of patients. Nurses face multiple risks when moving patients up in bed manually, ranging from severe back injuries to strains and sprains.  The high frequency of this task increases risk of injury for nurses.  The air transfer system’s smooth transfer allows patients to be repositioned comfortably, reducing the chances of injury to both nurses and the patient.

Injuries in the workplace are one of the leading causes of nurse attrition. Air transfer systems have been developed to reduce the risk of these injuries.  With a measurable reduction in physical exertion and over-exertion, nurses can be safer and happier at work to focus on giving the best care possible to their patients.

Air transfer systems are a worthy investment for hospitals in terms of costs and benefits. Aside from saving employee time and effort, it reduces workers compensation claims and the direct cost of injuries that occur due to improper manual handling. Hospitals who invest in this innovative technology will benefit from reduced costs and and increase in employee retention.  Insurance and Risk Managers agree that this is a win for both nurses and patients.

Air Transfer Systems have become an essential component of Safe Patient Handling programs in hospitals to address patient transfers and repositioning, and the reduction of injury risks to healthcare workers. The system offers improved safety, and more efficient methods of patient handling, making it an essential tool for organizations that prioritize employee safety and the best possible patient care.  Investing in air transfer systems is a smart choice for hospitals that are committed to continuous quality improvement in patient care and reducing the risk of injuries to all nursing and caregiving staff.

Contact SPH Medical today to discuss reducing hospital supply costs with their affordable single patient use Air Transfer Mattress.  SPH Medical offers Safe Patient Handling solutions to hospitals nationwide. And SPH Medical offers hospital mattress replacements including mattresses for Hill Rom Versacare bed frames and Stryker bed frames to effectively redistribute and reduce pressure.

SPH Medical Air Transfer System
CategoriesPatient Handling

Air Transfer Systems Improve Patient Care

by sphmedicaladmin

Air Transfer Systems were first introduced 30 years ago, and today they continue to be one of the safest and most trusted methods of transferring patients from bed to stretcher. Every nurse knows that lifting and repositioning patients can be a challenging and risky task, but with the help of air transfer systems, these tasks can become more manageable, safer, and more efficient. In this Article, we will discuss everything you need to know about air transfer systems, including how they work, their benefits, and the types of air transfer mattresses available.

Why Use An Air Transfer System For Hospital Patients

Air transfer systems are commonly used in almost every hospital department, from the emergency room to the intensive care unit. One of the main advantages of air transfer systems is their ability to reduce the risk of back injuries to nurses and other caregivers.

Air Supply for Air Transfer System by SPH Medical

These systems work by inflating an air mattress using an air supply or blower which connects to the mattress via a hose. The inflated mattress allows air to be released through tiny pinholes on the underside. This virtually eliminates any friction, making it much easier to transfer patients.

The air transfer mattress is available in two different types, reusable and disposable. The reusable mattress needs to be thoroughly decontaminatedLaunderable Air Transfer Mattress between patients or sent to the laundry. On the other hand, the disposable version is meant for a single patient. And after being used throughout the patients’ entire length of stay, or after being soiled, they can be disposed of safely. While the reusable air mattress may seem more cost-effective, it is essential to note that cleaning them requires a considerable amount of time and resources, which is why many hospitals prefer to use disposable air mattresses.

One of the significant advantages of air transfer systems is their ability to support heavy patients.  SPH Medical’s mattresses supporting up to 1000lbs. This means that the system can significantly reduce the strain on nurses’ and caregivers’ bodies when transferring or positioning bariatric patients.  In addition, the air transfer system enables them to transfer patients with more ease, ess force and fewer people. As a result, the chances of injuries to both the patient and the caregiver is significantly reduced.

Improve Patient Comfort

Another advantage of air transfer systems is their ability to improve patient comfort. Since the mattress is composed of air, the patient’s body is cushioned and supported through the transfer process. Additionally, the design eliminates any pressure points, ensuring that patients with fragile skin, such as those with pressure ulcers, do not experience any discomfort.

In conclusion, air transfer systems have been essential in the healthcare industry since their introduction 30 years ago. They offer several benefits, including reducing the risk of back injuries, supporting heavy patients, and improving patient comfort. While reusable air mattresses may seem more cost-effective, it is essential to consider the time and resources they require for sanitization. The disposable air mattress, on the other hand, offers a convenient and safe solution while also eliminating the chances of cross-infection between patients. These systems have revolutionized patient transfer processes and continue to play a significant role in improving healthcare.

Nurse injury prevention and the well being of all our nurses is a top concern for Chief Nursing Officers across the country. For more information about the benefit of Air Transfer Systems and how they can benefit your healthcare facility contact SPH Medical.

Two caregivers can easily reposition or transfer a patient
CategoriesPatient Handling

The Benefits of Air Transfer Systems

by sphmedicaladmin

Nurses and caregivers are often faced with the challenge of transferring patients from a bed to a stretcher without risking injury to themselves or the patient. Fortunately, the invention and the benefits of Air Transfer Systems has revolutionized patient care and provided a safer and more efficient way to transfer patients. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Air Transfer Systems, how they work, and why they are one of the most successful methods of transferring patients without injury.

Air Transfer Systems work by using a mattress that inflates with air, lifting the patient and eliminating friction. This makes it much easier for nurses to transfer and reposition patients, reducing the risk of injury to both the patient and the caregiver. The air mattress is supported by tiny pinholes on the underside of theAir reduces friction to reduce the force required to transfer and reposition mattress, which help regulate air flow and provide a comfortable and safe surface for the patient.

Counting the Benefits of Air Transfer Systems

There are two types of Air Transfer Mattresses: reusable and disposable. Reusable mattresses are cleaned and disinfected between patients, while disposable mattresses are used only once and then thrown away. Both types have their advantages and are commonly used in hospitals around the world.Air Transfer Mats reduce injuries and reduce hospital expenses

One of the biggest benefits of Air Transfer Systems is the reduced risk of injury. Lifting and transferring patients can be dangerous for both the patient and caregiver. Using an Air Transfer System eliminates the need for lifting, reducing the risk of injury for both parties. This has a positive impact on patient care and staff efficiency.

Another benefit of Air Transfer Systems is the reduced use of manual labor. Transferring patients manually can take a lot of time and strength from caregivers, which leads to fatigue,  overexertion, and injuries. With an Air Transfer System, the patient is easily and quickly moved without much effort from the caregiver. This saves time, energy, and reduces the need for additional staff members in the transfer process.

Air Transfer Systems are also cost-effective. Considering the coverage and utility of a single air transfer system, they may be considerably more cost effective than mobile patient lifts and slings.  While the initial investment for purchasing the system for an entire hospital may seem high, the long-term savings are significant. Switching to Air Transfer Systems can reduce the number of work-related injuries, which can save money on workers compensation costs, medical expenses, and insurance premiums.  And experts have said that the indirect cost of workplace injuries may be 6-10 times the cost of the direct medical expenses.

In conclusion, Air Transfer Systems have become an essential tool for patient care and staff efficiency. They are safe, efficient, cost-effective, and have revolutionized how patients are moved and transferred in hospitals around the world. By reducing the risks of injury, the use of manual labor, and providing a comfortable and safe surface for patients, Air Transfer Systems have significantly improved patient care and staff working conditions. If you are a hospital purchasing director or a nurse, consider investing in Air Transfer Systems to protect your staff and patients and provide top-quality care.

For more information about the single patient use Air Transfer Mattress and the cost savings of using these with your existing blowers and how they can benefit your healthcare facility please contact SPH Medical today.

Categoriesair transfer systems

Air Assisted Transfer System Makes an Immediate Impact on Injury Rates

by sphmedicaladmin

Obesity rates are increasing at an alarming rate, with over 42% of adults in the morbidly obese spectrum. This increase in weight nationally causes a direct strain in healthcare industry, where healthcare workers’ risk of injury while at work increases significantly. An air assisted transfer system makes an immediate impact on injury rates and accidents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurses, attendants, orderlies, and nursing attendants call for more sick days due to occupational injury, especially during in bed repositioning of patients in the ICU.

Dangers to caregivers

Nurses have highlighted the challenges of caring for morbidly obese patients but the problem does not lie with just the larger patients.  The old fashioned manual lifting, moving, pushing, pulling and supporting patients is taking a the toll on nurses back, hips, and shoulders.  Many have expressed the need to implement a safe patient handling program to reduce injuries.  A survey conducted showed that in 12 months, 21% of all reported injuries were directly linked to caring for a patient of size. Most of the survey respondents were quick to complain about shoulder discomfort, strain and pain in their back area for up to 24 hours after transferring patients to bariatric beds. Serious injuries have resulted in up to 12 % of nurses to leaving the workforce yearly, many are older experienced nurses that we can’t afford to have leave.  With a nursing shortage continuing to plague the healthcare sector and injury rates persisting, many states took action and began enacting healthcare worker protection laws.

The National Institute of Health reports that healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience injuries than in other occupations.  Today, state and national legislation is driving the adoption of Safe Patient Handling principles into everyday patient care.  Organizations like the ANA American Nurses Association, AORN, Mobility Matters, ASPHP and others all support the integration of Safe Patient Handling and an air assisted transfer system into nursing and physical therapy practices.

Patient safety

Patients of all sizes also risk injury when being moved or mobilized. as data shows there are countless near misses that always place both health care workers and patients on edge. Worse still, traditional systems to move the patients usually need two or more staff members to transfer the patients. The high rates of injuries reported by nurses increase the need for the recruitment of nurses at all times. Other patients feel the gap as more staff attend to one patient, leaving other areas lacking, making the patient-to-nurse gap even larger. Still, morbidly obese harnessing equipment for patients after surgery can cause harm leaving nurses feeling the situation is out of control.

The movement in itself may tear stitches, or the equipment may fail, causing injury to the patient, elongating the healing period, which may further increase when moving them again. Still, nurses cannot determine the right positioning of the patient due to the large mass, making it harder to safely secure them, leaving them to judge if the patient’s body is adequately resting. Unfortunately for the patients, no blame is on the nurses if an accident occurs. Although the patient’s care is on them, they cannot satisfactorily handle their duties due to the lack of technology.

Facilities and equipment

The first step to minimizing injury rates in nurses has been recognizing and monitoring near-miss situations. It has led to medical facilities devising safety measures to aid nurses, leading to purchasing specialized equipment for better repositioning up in bed. The good news is that those safe patient handling programs work. New hospitals are at the forefront of installing ceiling lifts for easy access and use of safety equipment. Older hospitals work to have the equipment fitted into the facilities. The problem arising is that they cannot be installed in many hospital areas.

Affordability is also an issue in many facilities. The special equipment for a standard bariatric room costs above $55,000, which is extremely high than a standard bed constant of $12,000 for a ceiling lift. Early investment is recommended. Still, mobile lifts are often ignored in most facilities, and the most preferred option is the Air Transfer system. It works to get morbid obese patients from the bed to the CT table, the OR table, and the gurney. Its portability ensures that it moves with the patient and nurses, reducing the risk of injury to both parties, especially when repositioning a patient in bed. Its popularity peaks as its breathable material makes it possible to stay under the patient for their entire length of stay, allowing nurses to reposition, boost, turn or transfer to a stretcher for a test or  surgery. Infection prevention is enhanced as the Single Patient use air transfer mattress is disposable and used only per patient.

The challenge

Nurses have a new challenge of using specialized equipment. Some nurses say they have no time to use the equipment due to the patient care workload they face on certain inpatient units.  Typical excuses are looking for the equipment takes too long, the lifts needing setting up, we’re always missing slings due to laundry, or it takes up to three or more caregivers to perform a certain task which takes too long.  Nurses agree that they prefer simple equipment that takes time to set up, like the air transfer mattress. Still, in many facilities, there are storage issues and the mobile lifts take up too much space.  Nurses find that the Air Transfer System is much easier to store and make available on the unit.  When the appropriate equipment is not available or accessible to nurses they are forced to continue to lift patients manually.  and have no place to complain as the equipment is already within the hospital facility; it is just inaccessible.  Hospital administrators are seeing the benefits of reduced workers compensation costs, a reduction in lost and modified duty days and an overall improvement in staff safety and morale when the appropriate safety equipment is made available on each and every nursing unit.  The conclusion from hospitals across the country is that nurses are safer using the air assisted transfer system when caring for morbidly obese patients.

Categoriesair transfer systems

Nurses Select Air Transfer Systems to Improve Safety and Patient Care

by sphmedicaladmin

Nurses Are Becoming Increasingly At Risk For Workplace Injuries

Now more than ever, there is a shortage of nurses. Many older nurses are hitting retirement age, and the COVID virus Pandemic has not been kind to these figures either. More nurses are needed, and fewer are available. This issue is correlating unfortunately well with other directly related topics. Patients are getting much heavier, and States are legislating to mandate safety programs in hospitals. These programs are not a negative factor, but in regards to fewer nurses and more serious patients, more and more injuries are occurring for nurses in the workplace. Nurses are in the top three professions at risk for receiving Musculoskeletal Injuries that are potentially career-ending. The overall objective is safe patient handling while simultaneously minimizing workplace injuries. If nurses could move larger patients without risking injury, it would benefit the nursing shortage as well. Also, if a larger patient is coding, time is a crucial resource. If a nurse doesn’t have to struggle to reposition or transfer a patient, it can potentially be life-saving. This is where the SPH Medical Air Transfer Systems can help save time and resources in a critical situation.

Other Technologies Have Been Used But Remain Limited

There have been other systems and technologies in place. Ceiling lifts were installed in newer hospitals and were retrofitted in several older hospitals. The main concern with this system is mobility. Ceiling lifts are attached to a permanently mounted track that positions a patient inside of a sling. Mobile lifts solve that issue with wheels. They can be very cost-effective, but typically two careers are required when hoisting a patient.

Air Assisted Transfer System

The Air Assisted Transfer System or sometimes referred to as an Air Powered Transfer System, is the preferred technology with nurses. Minimal effort is needed when using these systems to move patients. From bed to gurney, a bed to OR Tables, a bed to x-ray or CT table, the Air-Powered Transfer System is a multifaceted solution. They are highly portable and can be moved with a patient as they are relocated on a stretcher or bed.

How Air Transfer Systems WorksSPH Medical Air Transfer Mat reduces friction

After the patient is securely placed on the mattress, low-pressure air pushed from an air supply will inflate the breathable transfer mattress. The air supply supports the patient comfortably and air escapes perforations in the bottom of the mattress supporting the mattress on a mobile bed of air. This reduces friction and facilitates near-effortless patient transfers. This, in turn, results in caregivers using a significant decrease in physical effort. The air patient transfer system decreases exertion and meets workplace safety guidelines.

The Benefits Push Beyond Mobility And Required Exertion

With a Single Patient Use Transfer Mattress System, there are benefits beyond eliminating injuries within the workspace. Air-assisted technology moves patients with more stability. This, in turn, reduces skin shearing and bruising during transfers. Single Patient Use Air Transfer System also eliminates costs and logistical issues that are associated with reprocessing. During typical situations, this reduces the risk of cross-contamination. During a pandemic like COVID, the benefits exceed even greater. The air-assisted technologies are also MRI compatible and vary style and width, and can accommodate patients that weigh 1000lbs.

Air Transfer Systems Can Be used Anywhere

These systems can be used in any hospital department. This is extremely useful where transfers are common and are a daily occurrence. There are also particular departments where ceiling lifts are too challenging to install. The ICU, MedSurgery, OR, Imaging Department, Transport, and Emergency Rooms are all sectors that could yield massive results from implementing these technologies. Essentially, ANYWHERE lateral patient transfers are made from one surface to another, or frequent repositions are made can benefit from their usage.

SPH Medical Air Transfer System 2021

The Multifaceted Benefits from Using Air Assisted Transfer Systems are Too Great

The results speak for themselves. Right now, this is the premier equipment in safe patient handling. These technologies are an extra pair of hands for our quickly dwindling nurse workforce, allowing more effective utilization of human resources within the bounds of the hospitals. It is also an extra measure of safety, assuring the crew isn’t taking unnecessary risks and potentially receiving musculoskeletal injuries furthering the nursing shortage. This also reduces the direct and indirect cost of these injuries, freeing up hospital budgets thousands to millions of dollars.

They also coincide with the new safety programs being required for hospitals

Other technologies like overhead lifts, mobile lifts, slider boards, and rollerboards have seen their usage, and it is time to move past these outdated technologies. They are particular and are less of an across-the-board solution. The Single Patient Use Transfer Mattress is the best solution for the nurse, the patient, and the hospital for safety, cost-effectiveness. It could make an immediate impact on the various issues surrounding the health care scene.

Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mat
CategoriesPatient Handling

Air Transfer Systems in the Hospital Setting

by sphmedicaladmin

Anyone working in healthcare is already well aware of the countless hazards that nurses and other professionals have to expose themselves to so they can provide quality care to their patients. From physical injuries to the risk of disease and infection, medical workers truly put themselves in the front lines for the good of the general public. Every piece of equipment that makes healthcare professionals’ jobs safer and easier is a valuable asset. SPH Medical’s Air Transfer Systems are an innovative transfer mat that’s making the lives of nurses and other physicians’ lives easier, allowing them to go home at the end of the day without dealing with pain or injuries.

Of all the patient handling tasks that are performed in hospitals, lateral transfers are among the riskiest maneuvers. For inpatients, transfers from surface to surface happen multiple times every day. Each additional transfer increases the likelihood of something going wrong and a nursing injury occurring.

To make matters worse, manual transfers often don’t involve enough caregivers to safely move the patient from A to B. What ends up happening in many cases is the use of improper tools like a draw sheet, sliding the patient from bed to gurney with a plastic board underneath. It doesn’t take an expert to understand that this method doesn’t eliminate nearly enough friction to create a comfortable – or safe – experience for anyone involved.

Single Patient Use transfer mats are a simple yet highly effective way of modifying the lateral transfer process to eliminate safety hazards in myriad hospital departments. This includes the ICU, the ER, Surgery, Medical units, Imaging, and countless others.

There were an estimated 294,000 nonfatal work-related illnesses and injuries experienced by hospital workers in 2014. These injuries and illnesses come with a steep price tag for hospitals, putting all the more pressure on administrators to take every possible action to avoid them and protect their employees.

Fortunately, the trend for hospital workers being injured or getting sick on the job has been steadily declining amongst all healthcare industries for the past several years. This good news is likely due to the increased adoption of innovative new equipment like these Single Patient Use transfer mats.

Still, protecting healthcare workers’ safety is crucial because a federal safe patient handling law has yet to be enacted. The only states that have enacted safe patient handling laws or related rules and regulations are California, New York, Ohio, Texas, Washington, Maryland, New Jersey, Minnesota, Illinois, Rhode Island, and Missouri.

A Company Committed to Safety

The main focus of SPH Medical as a company is minimizing the risks that caregivers are exposed to. Their product lines provide innovative new ways to reshape medical practices in a variety of areas and create a safer environment for the professionals working in this field. It’s imperative that the safety of healthcare workers is protected to enabled them to better carry out their jobs of caring for everybody else.

Why Single Patient Use Air Transfer Systems?

The Single Patient Use transfer mat is disposable and thus removes the risk of infections being transmitted in the hospital setting. This includes infections spreading both patient-to-patient and patient-to-physician.

Using a new transfer mat every time also eliminates the risk of a mat wearing down over time and becoming defective. All it takes is one faulty transfer mat to result in a serious repositioning injury, so these Single Patient Use mats eliminate this possibility altogether.

Benefits to Patients

The most important benefit to patients is one that they might not appreciate in the moment unless they’re in the unfortunate situation of things going wrong: safety. When used properly, these types of transfer mats make things go so safely and smoothly that patients are often not even thinking about the potential risks that they’re avoiding.

Those who are on the receiving end of these transfer mats will be able to feel the difference as well. With a design that has the patient in mind and quality materials that are up for the job, Single Patient Use lateral transfer mats make a world of difference in the comfort level of their experience.

The New Air Transfer Systems

Air Transfer Systems are the most innovative and safe method of transferring patients from surface to surface. Using an inflatable mattress, a thin air cushion is created beneath the patient to reduce the amount of friction and smoothly transfer them into a bed or gurney. The result is a weightless experience for the patient, so much so that they’re said to be “floated” from one surface to the other.

Air Assisted Transfer Systems have various applications; from lateral transfers to repositioning bedridden patients. With patients who are unable to move on their own, it’s crucial that they’re repositioned regularly to avoid sores and other health problems. With the help of these new technological innovations, nurses are able to stay as safe as possible while doing these daily work tasks.

SPU Breathable Air Transfer Mattress reduces nurse injuries
Categoriesair transfer systems

Reduce Nurse Injuries from Repositioning with Air Transfer Systems

by sphmedicaladmin

Are you a healthcare facility or hospital caring for patients that are total care or dependent patients that require extensive boosting turning and transferring? Are nursing and hospital staff workers continuing to be injured from patient handling tasks with no end in sight? Now is the time to make a change to dramatically reduce nurse injuries risks using the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System. SPH Medical, a global leader in the area of Safe Patient Handling offers the current gold standard of Air Powered Transfer and Positioning Systems. This SPH Air Transfer Mat uses a cushion of air that flows through the Air Mattress and out through tiny holes on the underside of mattress to virtually eliminate friction on the surface below, resulting in an effortless ability to boost, turn, or transfer a patient.

The SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning device is the latest industry leading technology that reduces patient-caregiver risk of injury and improves efficiency. With multiple material types and sizes in a variety of widths and lengths, the SPH Medical Air Transfer Systems is used throughout Medical Centers to address a variety of patient handling tasks.

How it Works

The air-powered Lateral Transfer Device is the manufacturer’s design to address traditional challenges of patient handling posed by existing devices in the market. Its functionality is bent towards reducing injuries to patients and caregivers.

A powered air supply accompanies the SPH Medical Air Transfer Mat and Positioning Systems via a hose. The motor injects air into the mattress from the bottom, which holds the patient gently and delicately. The perforated Mat with tiny air holes that let out air effectively creates air cushioning. This cushion reduces the pressure needed to transfer patients.

With your force cut down by 90%, your typical strain reduces for the caregiver attending numerous patients. Unlike the familiar four caregivers or more needed for some procedures, your patient needs one or two nurses.

Transfer Mattress Materials and Specifications

Air Powered Lateral Transfer Device is made of a nylon twill material with a four-way flex fabric. This durable material comes with an antibacterial coating on the patient’s side.

The standard length of a Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress is 78″ with widths of 24″, 28″ 34″, 39″, and 50″. Other features include:

  • The SPH Air Transfer mat is compatible with most air supply or motors already in place
  • A safe working load of 450kg/1000lbs.
  • Enables compliance with Safe Patient Handling policies and programs.
  • Bariatric patients from 700-1000lbs can utilize two motors for maximum friction reduction and airflow.

Benefits of Friction Reducing Devices

  • They are easy to use.
  • Fewer Caregivers Required – You need two caregivers to complete the transfer rather than 3-4.
  • Easy to implement and train staff.
  • Reduction injuries to patients and caregivers, including reduction in severity.
  • Documented reduction in workers compensation costs.
  • It is an efficient tool in managing the caregiver’s time.
  • It is the most comfortable and safest transfer method for all patients.
  • Its material is machine washable and dry-able.
  • Economical and cost-effective
  • Significant improvement in staff efficiency and morale.
  • SPU Air Transfer and Positioning offers enhanced infection control.

A Consideration for success:

The SPH Medical Air Transfer System Air Supply and Mattress must be accessible and available. Ensure that the system components are stored locally on the unit so that staff have ready access to them. Include Housekeeping and Environmental Services in your Safe Patient Handling program to ensure that beds are made with the Single Patient Use transfer Mattress so it is available for immediate use. This removes a major step in the process so nurses don’t have to turn a patient to get the Air Transfer Mattress underneath the patient!

Who Should Buy a Single Patient Use Air Transfer Systems

Whether you are a Nurse Leader, Rehab Director, Surgeon, or Imaging Tech, you want to see Safe Patient Handling best practices being used throughout your facility especially on the total care patients that can’t move themselves. For this reason, we recommend that the following areas should consider having access to the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System.

  • Hospitals with Medical Units and Intensive Care Units
  • Any inpatient unit that has dependent bed-bound patients
  • Health care facilities with MRI, CT, and Radiology departments
  • Surgery Departments
  • Nursing facilities and palliative caregivers
  • Spinal Centers
  • Ambulance service providers

Varieties of Air Powered Lateral Transfer Devices

The SPH Medical Air Transfer Mat is available in two material types:

Single Patient Use Transfer Mats. This Single Patient Use version is designed to be used during a patients’ entire length of stay and is then disposed of. Assigning a Mat to a single patient ensures that there is no cross-contamination between patients. The Single Patient Use version is similar in design and performance to the launderable or reusable version except that it will not be laundered.

A few key benefits of the Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mat version are breathability and inventory management. The material and construction of the Air Transfer Mat allow moisture to be transmitted through the Mat so that the Mat can remain under patients for prolonged periods. Breathability is a key advantage for the SPH Medical Air Transfer Mat which makes this technology readily accessible to nurses when boosting, turning, or transferring is required. When ordering the Single Patient Use version the inventory and availability of the SPU Air Transfer Mat is easily managed. Weekly and Monthly ordering follows and therefore tracks actual usage which documents that risk avoidance has occurred.

Reusable Transfer Mats. The reusable Air Transfer Mats are washable and include a one-year warranty and will generally be used for many years. Hospitals must consider the cleaning and disinfection of the the SPH Medical Air Transfer Mat between patients to reduce the risk of infections. The laundry process should be evaluated to determine how many reusable Air Transfer Mat’s you will need to meet all the daily patient repositioning and transfer tasks that will take place. Laundry system turnaround plays a key factor in determining inventory needs.

Other Repositioning Alternatives

You will find other devices in the market such as:

  1. Repositioning Sheets
  2. Slide Sheets
  3. Tube Style Slide Sheets
  4. Draw Sheet
  5. RollerSlide
  6. EasyGlide Ovals

While these alternatives have their share of use in the Patient Handling procedures, SPH Medical’s Air-Assisted Transfer and Positioning System is highly preferred by caregivers. This preference is due to the myriad of ergonomic advantages listed earlier. SPH Medical offers this proven technology to boost, turn, or transfer patients safely and efficiently improving patient throughput in busy hospital departments like surgery and imaging.

How to buy the Air Transfer and Positioning System

At SPH Medical, we offer you the latest Air Transfer and Positioning System to maximize safety for both the patient and the caregiver. The Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress is your go to solution for rapid reduction in workplace injuries and offers you measurable benefits in patient comfort, staff and patient safety, time management, and ease of use.
For more information about the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System and to discuss the cost savings impact to your organization, please contact us.

AORN recommends using an Air Powered Lateral Transfer System for supine transfers in Perioperative care areas
CategoriesPatient Handling

Reduce Risk of Injury and Infections with Air Transfer Technology

by sphmedicaladmin

Implementing Air Transfer Technology Reduces the Risk of Infections and Staff Injury in Hospitals

Hospitals are typically viewed as place where state of the art healthcare services are provided.  However hospitals today are still not the safest places to work. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic nurses and healthcare workers have been exposed to workplace injuries from manually lifting, moving and transferring patients. Infection prevention was always a top concern as well for both staff and patients. Hospitals and their infection prevention team has had their hands full preventing cross contamination and transmission of deadly viruses within the hospital. Some of these pathogens include C. difficile, MRSA, VRE, H1N1 and many more. The risks abound for patients and staff. According to the CDC, “On any given day, about one in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection.” One way to reduce both the risk of injury and Hospital Associated Infections is to streamline transfer and positioning processes with the Air Transfer Technology from SPH Medical.

The Air Transfer System is a multifaceted approach to solving the issues associated with lateral transfer. Lateral transfers are quite common in the hospital setting, and they are also one of the most dangerous patient-handling tasks. During a global pandemic, lateral transfers can be especially unnerving. When moving patients from one surface to another, there is a risk of contamination. As patients are moved around the hospital, they can leave a trail of germs that allows pathogens to spread. Healthcare associated infections are incredibly problematic. By the best estimates, one in every 31 patients will be infected each day.

The Air Transfer System can minimize the risk of HAI’s within a facility. These systems are designed for single-patient use. In other words, they are not shared from patient to patient. This is more important than ever. With increased concern over the spread of germs within hospitals, infection prevention protocols have become more stringent. Using single patient use devices is a further advancement in minimizing the risk of infection.

The injury risk to nursing staff associated with patient positioning and transfers may even be of greater concern. Compared to other work settings, hospitals are among the most dangerous places to work. The risk of injury is 5.9 per 100 workers. This compares to a risk of 2.6 per 100 workers in other industries. Much of this risk comes from pushing, pulling, boosting, holding, and transferring patients. Patients are moved all the time.

For example, an ICU nurse caring for four patients over a 12 hour shift performs an estimated 48 repositioning tasks that include boosting and turning every two hours! Now consider that patients are getting heavier and typically average 250-300lbs and the nurse is considerably smaller having to manually move these patients. Nurses are the coordinators of care often the ones responsible for repositioning, turning and transfers. It is not surprising, therefore, that 80 percent of nurses endure some injury on the job.

Manual Patient Handling

When a patient is moved in bed or is transferred from one surface to another, it is often a manual process. In other words, the patient must be lifted or pulled up in bed or slid over from a bed to a gurney. In some cases, a draw sheet may be used or some other type of friction reducing device may be used like the old fashioned plastic slider board that always hangs at the end of the hall. However, the draw sheets actually cause nurses to lift, and the plastic boards do not reduce friction sufficiently to reduce risk. The cumulative trauma from the predictable and repetitive patient positioning and transferring tasks have been documented as leading causes of injury to nurses.

This does not mean that injury is inevitable. Thanks to proven technology, it is possible to make transfers safer and reduce the risk of nursing injury and repositioning injury. Just consider the SPH Medical Air Transfer System. The single patient use Air Transfer Mats are part of this system from SPH Medical. The technology dramatically improves the efficiency of patient positioning and transferring while reducing risk of risk.

The New Standard of Care

The Air Transfer System utilizes the power of air to inflate the mattress and safely cradle the patient while releasing air through the bottom of the mattress to virtually eliminate friction. Nurses can easily reposition patients or float them from one surface to another. Air transfer technology is fast becoming the standard of care for surgery departments and the OR within Labor and Delivery Units. The Association of Peri-Operative Nurses, AORN, recently released their updated Safe Patient Handling tool kit and recommends its usage for all patients greater than 157 lbs that require lateral transfers.

Air Powered systems make repositioning a patient up in bed safer for nurses. Patients who are confined to bed, or bed bound, and unable to turn and move on their own must be turned and repositioned every two hours for wound prevention. In-bed repositioning poses risks similar to lateral transfers. In the past, two nurses would simply grab the bedsheet to boost the patient and lift or drag the patient up in bed. When repeated all throughout the day, the risk of injury is prevalent. The single patient use Air Transfer Mat stays underneath the patient to enable safe repositioning. With a simple flip of the switch the mat will inflate and nurses can boost a patient with ease, even heavy patients.

These are just a few examples of how Air Powered systems are so important to nursing safety. Patients who require total care put a real strain on a nurse’s physical health. While it is imperative to provide critical care for these patients, it is equally important to keep nurses safe in the process. Fortunately, the SPH Medical Air Transfer Technology can serve both purposes. Total care patients will be safer and more comfortable throughout their stay, and nurses and other hospital staff will be at a reduced risk of injury.

These risks are not overstated. In fact, if anything, there is not nearly enough attention given to the problems associated with a patient transfer process in the hospital. There are entire legislative solutions that have been passed to address the issue, and the CDC has taken a proactive approach to set infection prevention guidelines for both patient and staff safety.

The risks are real. Fortunately, it is possible to significantly impact the challenges of Healthcare Associated Infections and patient positioning with single patient use Air Transfer Mats from SPH Medical.

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