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Disposable Slings and Repositioning Sheets and Air Transfer Mattress
CategoriesPatient Handling

The Rising Trend of Single Patient Use Slings, Repositioning Sheets, and Air Transfer Mats in Hospitals

by sphmedicaladmin

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, hospitals are increasingly adopting single patient use slings, repositioning sheets, and air transfer mats. This burgeoning trend is driven by the pressing need to reduce risks of injury to nursing staff and bolster patient care.

The Importance of the Trend

The growing shift towards disposable patient handling aids is a critical development in modern healthcare. These aids not only enhance patient comfort but also significantly reduce staff injuries, an often overlooked aspect of hospital care. Moreover, they play a vital role in supporting robust infection control protocols, a key consideration in the post-COVID-19 world.

How This Trend Supports Infection Control Protocols

Single-use products are a game-changer in mitigating cross-contamination within hospitals. As highlighted in “Patient Handling and Movement Assessments: A White Paper,” these products reduce tissue viability risk and cross-contamination, thereby supporting stringent infection control protocols.Disposable HighBackSling by SPH Medical Single Patient Use Slings

Why Hospital Safety and Infection Prevention Staff Prefer Single Patient Use Products

Hospital safety and infection prevention staff prefer single patient use products for several reasons. First, these products are easy to order from monthly supply budgets, bypassing cumbersome capital budgeting processes. Second, their ease of stocking makes them readily accessible on the hospital floor. Lastly, many hospitals do not trust their laundry systems to return crucial slings/sheets or transfer mats promptly. Nor do nurses have the time to disinfect every sling/sheet or mat, further underscoring the appeal of single-use products.

Evidence Supporting the Use of Single Patient Use Slings/Sheets and Air Transfer Mats

Evidence underscores the benefits of single-use patient handling aids. The study “Effect of Repositioning Aids and Patient Weight on Biomechanical Stress in Caregivers during Bed Bathing Patients” highlights the injury risk when repositioning patients with commonly used aids. Furthermore, “Patient Handling Equipment Market Trends, Drivers, and Challenges” reports a market trend towards single-patient use air assisted mattresses.Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress

Cost Savings from Injury Prevention, Infection Prevention, and Other Factors

Hospitals realize significant cost savings when using Single Patient Use Slings/sheets/Air transfer mats. These savings stem from injury prevention, infection prevention, and other factors, highlighting the financial viability of these products.

The Importance of Universal Sling Compatibility from Sling Manufacturers

Universal sling compatibility is another critical aspect of patient care. Cross-compatibility between different manufacturers enhances flexibility and choice for end users. However, some manufacturers’ reluctance to authorize cross-compatibility limits customer choice45. SPH Medical is leading the charge in this space, offering patient lifts that are compatible with slings from various manufacturers. Their extensive portfolio of universally compatible slings, sheets, and air transfer mats underscores their commitment to patient care and choice.

SPH Medical: Leading the Industry with Innovative Single Patient Use Products

In the face of limited cross-compatibility authorized by some manufacturers, SPH Medical continues to stand out as a leader in patient care innovation. The company has developed three specific categories of products that are leading the industry, each designed to enhance patient safety and comfort, while also promoting ease of use for healthcare professionals.

  • 1. The Breathable Repositioning Sheet: This revolutionary product is designed for repositioning patients in bed and turning patients with utmost ease. The single patient use repositioning sheet boasts an impressive 1000 lb capacity, demonstrating its robustness and reliability. Remarkably, it connects to any hook and loop patient lift, including both mobile lifts and overhead lifts. This universal compatibility ensures seamless integration into existing patient lift systems, thereby providing unparalleled convenience for healthcare providers.Single Patient Use Breathable Sheet for Repositioning
  • 2. The Highback Sling: Available in several styles and sizes, the single patient use Highback Sling is another testament to SPH Medical’s commitment to meeting diverse patient care needs. The variety of styles and sizes ensures that every patient can benefit from a sling that is tailored to their specific requirements, enhancing comfort and safety during patient handling procedures.Disposable Slings in different styles and sizes by SPH Medical
  • 3. The Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mats: SPH Medical offers these mats in multiple sizes, catering to the diverse needs of hospitals. Notably, these mats are compatible with the most common motors currently being used in hospitals. This cross-compatibility underscores SPH Medical’s dedication to facilitating easy and efficient patient transfers.Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mat

SPH Medical’s innovative product range is not just about offering universally compatible aids; it’s about revolutionizing patient care. Each product is meticulously designed with the end user in mind, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible, and healthcare providers can perform their duties efficiently and safely. With such industry-leading products, SPH Medical is indeed setting new standards in patient care and choice.

Conclusion

The trend towards single patient use slings, repositioning sheets, and air transfer mats is a significant evolution in hospital safety, infection control, and cost savings. As we move forward, it’s clear that this trend will continue to shape the future of healthcare, promising safer, more efficient, and cost-effective patient care.

Contact SPH Medical today to move towards a safer and more cost effective single patient use breathable repositioning sheet, sling or Air Transfer Mat.

Single Patient Use Slings are a cost effective way to reduce risk of injury to nurses.
CategoriesSlings and Lifts

Single Patient Use Slings Reduce Injuries

by sphmedicaladmin

Single Patient Use Slings and Repositioning Sheets in Hospitals

Repositioning sheets are specialized slings that are used to reposition patients in their beds. They are especially beneficial in hospital units that have total care patients (patients who are bed bound and are unable to turn themselves in bed and need full nursing assistance). Since the patient can’t move or position themselves, it’s the nurse’s duty to reposition them every two hours to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. However, patient repositioning is one of the major causes of nursing injuries. Thankfully, SPH Medical solves this problem by providing hospitals and healthcare facilities with a broad range of single patient use slings and repositioning sheets. They also equip facilities with overhead ceiling lifts and mobile lifts, which are essential for the effective use of the sheets.  The goal of using patient lift equipment is to reduce the risk of injury to nursing staff by eliminating manual patient handling.  OSHA safe lifting guidelines state that nurses shouldn’t be lifting more than 35 pounds, and yet most patients are 180- 250 pounds on average, and many are much heavier.

The benefit of having a breathable repositioning sheet is that it can remain under the patient, and since it connects to the overhead or mobile lift, boosting or turning patients is safe and easier for nursing staff. They can also hold the patient in a side-lying position for cleaning or wound dressing changes. These sheets are also used to transfer patients from bed to a stretcher or to assist with linen changes.

What are Single Patient Use Repositioning Sheets?

A single patient use slings and repositioning sheets (SPU) are a sheet that’s used by a single patient. These are considered disposable but they can be used multiple times with the same patient until they are either soiled, no longer needed due to changing patient conditions or upon patient discharge.  Caregivers often use these sheets in hospitals and nursing homes to improve safety and patient care. The purpose of the sheet is primarily to eliminate the manual lifting that typically occurs with the high frequency task of repositioning and turning patients in bed.  However, given that it enables more efficient boosting and turning one could say that patients are more likely to repositioned which protects patients’ skin.

There are various types of slings including the highback disposable sling and the universal sling, even amputee slings and commode slings. The highback sling is the most common type of seated style lifting sling as it offers extra support to the head in case the patient doesn’t have good head or neck control. This type of sling is often the standard of care in hospitals because it accommodates all patients. Seated position slings are designed to assist with lifting and transferring patients from bed to chair, and back, or over to a wheelchair or toilet.

Single patient use repositioning sheets are made of a safe breathable material for the patient and are comfortable to lie on. Since the sheet is made of a soft cotton/poly blend material, it’s does not cause any irritation to the patients’ skin. Moreover, it’s designed to be used by only one patient and this ensures that the there is reduced risk that the patient is exposed to cross contamination from other slings or sheets that are used with other patients.

Comparison between Launderable and Single Patient Use Slings

Disposable slings, or SPU slings, are more cost effective than launderable slings when considering all of the benefits that they offer in terms of risk reduction and injury prevention.  For starters, ordering these slings is generally easier as they become a standard supply item.  Once on hand you can easily track the available stock and therefore their usage. What’s more, unlike their counterparts, you don’t have to deal with long laundry processes or slings getting lost in the laundry system.

There are many reasons why the disposable options are better for patient care. One of the primary benefits of disposable slings and repositioning sheets is that they reduce the risk of Healthcare Associated Infections or HAI’s.  Remember, when using launderable slings, they are often reused between multiple patients without properly being disinfected.  How does a nurse properly disinfect a fabric sling at the hospital instead of sending it to the laundry?  It’s not an easy task because fabric slings are porous and pathogens can hide in the nooks and crannies of the sling.  Fabric slings should go to the laundry so the concern about infection prevention can properly be addressed.  The laundry system whether inhouse our through an outside service provider generally takes 3-5 days to return specialty items, in this case slings, back to the hospital for distribution.  This turn around time can be a major contributor to staff injuries if slings are not available.  On the other hand, the disposable slings are easily ordered, pulled from the shelf, and are only used by one patient. Therefore, in the long run, single patient use slings and repositioning slings are safer from an infection prevention and injury prevention perspective.

The Benefits of Single Patient Use Slings and Repositioning Sheets

SPH Medical's Repositioning Sheets improve patient care and reduce risk of injury. Patients in the ICU or critical care units within a hospital can benefit from using disposable repositioning sheets. These sheets are designed for single-patient use and help make the formerly manual process of repositioning and turning more comfortable and efficient. Some of the benefits of using a disposable repositioning sheet include the following:

  • Increased Patient Comfort

    Disposable repositioning sheets can help increase patients’ comfort during in bed repositioning and turning as well as transfers from bed to gurney or bed to CT table.

  • Improved efficiency

    Using a disposable repositioning sheet improves the efficiency of medical procedures. By using mechanical assistance like an overhead lift during repositioning tasks nurses can easily boost a patient alone or with a second nurse where in the past they would need at least two to four nurses to perform the same task.

  • Reduced Risk of Infection

    One of the main benefits of using a disposable sheet or disposable sling is that it reduces the risk of cross-contamination since each patient is assigned their own sheet or sling.  Some laundry systems don’t use the appropriate temperature to kill pathogens and this can lead to Healthcare Associated Infections.

  • Protects Nurses from Injuries

    The predictable high frequency of lifting and transferring patients has been well documented to be dangerous to the nurse. Therefore, appropriate lifting equipment is absolutely essential to prevent a nursing injury. A single-patient use sling’s design allows ease-use by the nurse, preventing overexertion, strains and sprains, and career ending back injuries,

  • Easy to Order and Keep Inventory

    Lastly, ordering and managing single-patient use sling stock is simple. You can easily track and record what’s available within the facility. This contrasts with launderable slings, which need to be properly cleaned and disinfected. Unfortunately these expensive slings have been known to get lost in the laundry.

SPH Medical Disposable Sheets

SPH Medical prioritizes patient care, and that’s why they have a wide range of disposable repositioning sheets. Using disposable repositioning sheets is the new trend in hospitals and healthcare centers. They offer many cost effective, safe solutions for lifting, moving, and transferring patients. Most importantly, they reduce the risk of cross-infection and injuries while improving patient care.

The sheets available here are suitable for all mobile and overhead lifts. They come in various sizes and styles to meet every patient’s needs and care settings. Repositioning sheets from SPH Medical are made of a breathable material, so they can remain under the patient for an extended period of time and are considered just as safe as hospital bed linen. Visit the official SPH medical website to check the complete portfolio of single patient use slings and single patient use air transfer and positioning mattresses.

CategoriesPatient Handling

The Benefit of SPU Slings and Repositioning Sheets

by sphmedicaladmin

Single Patient Use (SPU) Slings and Repositioning Sheets offer hospitals and nursing homes an effective and safe way to lift, move, transfer and reposition patients. These SPU slings and sheets from SPH Medical are designed with patient safety in mind, preventing cross-contamination and disease transmission between patients and healthcare workers while enabling the safe lifting, transferring, and mobility needed to improve patient outcomes. The disposable nature of SPU slings and sheets means they are designed to be assigned to one patient and used as long as they are needed and then disposed of when the patient no longer needs them or they become soiled.  These items are considered disposable and are never laundered, saving both time and money, and perhaps more importantly they are also easier to order, keep track of, and store.

Slings and Repositioning Sheets for Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Patients at all types of healthcare facilities including hospitals and extended care facilities have unique mobility needs relating to their specific condition and functional ability or deficit. Unfortunately when caregivers use manual techniques to lift, transfer, or mobilize patients, the caregiver is at risk of injury due to overexertion, complicated by handling increasingly heavier patients, and potential awkward body postures.Universal Disposable Sling with Head Support

In addition to the traditional SPU highback sling for seated position lifting, an advanced Breathable Repositioning Sheet is available from SPH Medical that can be left beneath the patient for extended periods of time. When nurses are faced with repositioning patients in bed, Single Patient Use (SPU) repositioning sheets and slings are the best option for reducing the risk of nursing injuries and cross-contamination.

The repositioning sheet was designed to turn and boost the patient up in bed,Breathable Repositioning Sheets improve patient care and can remain under patients the two most common in-bed repositioning tasks.  Another great benefit of sheet is being able to hold a patient in side-lying position for skin assessments and cleaning.

The SPH Medical breathable repositioning sheet has been tested and documented to confirm that there is no increase in pressure or heat as compared to a standard hospital bed sheet.  This testing ensures that the hospital wound care and pressure ulcer team will support the use of the repositioning sheet and will allow it to remain under patients to support boosting and turning.  The repositioning sheet provides support and comfort for the patient during repositioning tasks.

When considering using Single Patient Use slings versus investing capital budget dollars in launderable slings, the availability and accessibility of SPU slings is one of the key benefits.  However, in addition, SPU slings also reduce the risk of spreading life threatening pathogens from patient to patient.  For these reasons, SPU slings and sheets are the ideal solutions to provide safe patient handling and transfers.

The selection of SPU slings available from SPH Medical is comprehensive and designed to provide maximum comfort, stability, and support while lifting or repositioning the patient.

Slings and Mobile Lifts

All SPH Medical SPU slings are mobile lift and overhead lift friendly (ceiling-mounted) comply with industry standards including ISO 10535.  These slings are considered to be universal slings that can be used with traditional hook and loop sling bar or carry bar lift systems.

SPU slings and sheets are designed with patient safety and comfort in mind. A broad range of styles and sizes are offered to ensure the appropriate fit.

SPU slings and sheets are disposable, eliminating the need for costly laundering and reducing the hazard of cross-contamination between patients, nurses, and environmental surfaces. Furthermore, their disposable nature makes them easier to track and keep in stock as a supply item.

SPH Medical SPU slings and repositioning sheets offer hospitals and nursing facilities the opportunity to greatly reduce injury risk to healthcare workers and cross-contamination while providing a comfortable and supportive transfer experience. These universal SPU slings and sheets supplied by SPH Medical are cost-effective when compared to other manufacturers and because they are disposable they eliminate the need for costly laundering.  Of course when using SPU slings and sheets, hospitals and nursing facilities also benefit from improved inventory control and supply management.  Loosing slings in the laundry system or having no slings available becomes a thing of the past.

Durable, Breathable, and Designed to Enhance Patient Mobility

These SPU slings and sheets are highly durable, breathable, and designed to enhance patient mobility, and minimize injury to nurses and caregiving staff. In addition, SPU slings and sheets reduce cross-contamination risk and can help reduce healthcare associated infections. SPU slings and sheets are cost-effective, reducing the need for costly laundering, and can be easily tracked and stored. All in all, SPH Medical’s single-patient use slings and repositioning sheets are outstanding products for hospitals and nursing facilities.  With supply chain issues affecting many other manufacturers and suppliers, SPH Medical stands ready to supply these critical supplies to hospitals nationwide to support daily patient care.

SPH Medical’s single-patient use slings and repositioning sheets are essential items for hospitals and nursing facilities to support safe patient handling programs, nurse injury prevention, and the lifting, transferring, repositioning, and mobility of patients.

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