transfer mattress Archives

SPH Medical 34 inch SPU Air Transfer Mattress with SPH-039VS Air Supply improves nursing and patient safety

In the demanding environment of labor and delivery units, the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals are paramount. One of the most effective interventions to enhance staff safety is the implementation of air transfer mats. These specialized devices facilitate safer patient transfers, thereby reducing the physical strain on nurses and leading to better patient care outcomes.

The Case for Air Transfer Mats

Research has shown that back injuries are among the most common occupational hazards in nursing, particularly in high-pressure areas such as labor and delivery. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare workers experience injury rates that are significantly higher than those in other industries, with a substantial number resulting from lifting and transferring patients (OSHA, 2021). By integrating air transfer mats into routine practice, hospitals can dramatically reduce the biomechanical stress on nurses during patient handling.

Cost Savings from Reducing Back Injuries, Strains, and Sprains

Implementing air transfer mats can yield significant cost savings for healthcare facilities through the reduction of back injuries, strains, and sprains among nursing staff. These common workplace injuries not only lead to substantial medical expenses but also result in lost work hours, increased turnover, and the cost of temporary staffing. By incorporating air transfer technology, hospitals can minimize the risk associated with manual patient handling, thereby protecting their workforce and ultimately reducing workers’ compensation cards improving patient care and facility resources. This proactive approach not only enhances employee well-being but also translates into financial savings that can be redirected tow

Benefits for Staff Safety

Air transfer mats promote safer handling practices by using a cushion of air to assist in moving patients, thereby minimizing the physical workload on nurses. A study published in the Journal of Healthcare Engineering found that the use of such equipment reduced back strain among nursing staff by up to 60% during patient transfers (Hignett et al., 2018). This reduction in strain not only mitigates the risk of injury but also enhances job satisfaction and retention rates among nursing staff, cultivating a more stable healthcare workforce.

Enhancing Patient Care Outcomes

When nurses are afforded the support they need to perform their duties safely, the positive ripple effects on patient care are evident. With diminished risk of injury, nurses can devote more attention to meeting their patients’ needs instead of focusing on pain management or recovery from injuries. Furthermore, research in the American Journal of Nursing illustrates that improved staff safety correlates with better patient outcomes, including lower rates of adverse events and higher patient satisfaction scores (American Nurses Association, 2020).

Advocating for Safer Working Environments

Given the compelling evidence supporting the use of air transfer mats, it is essential for nurses to take an active role in advocating for the resources and equipment that can safeguard their welfare. Education around potential risks and the importance of proper handling techniques is invaluable. Nurses should engage in discussions with hospital administrators about the necessity of these mats and other safety measures.

Cost Savings with SPH Medical’s SPU Air Transfer Mattress

Switching to SPH Medical’s SPU Air Transfer Mattress has demonstrated remarkable cost-saving potential for hospitals, with some facilities reporting savings in excess of $200,000 a year. These cost savings are attributed to a significant reduction in back injuries, strains, and sprains among nursing staff due to the use of this innovative transfer technology. The effectiveness of the SPU Air Transfer Mattress has been proven through numerous studies and real-world applications, making it a reliable and cost-effective solution for healthcare facilities looking to enhance their patient handling processes while also reducing costs associated with workplace injuries.

Investing in air transfer mats is not merely a financial decision; it is a commitment to the health of employees and an enhancement of the care provided to patients. By prioritizing staff safety through the adoption of air transfer mats, hospitals position themselves as leaders in the healthcare sector, fostering environments where both nurses and patients thrive. Therefore, let us champion the implementation of such critical innovations in labor and delivery units to fortify our healthcare system’s foundation.

Reduce Injuries and Infections with SPH Medials Air Transfer Mat

Patient Handling

The Benefits of Air Transfer Mattress Technology

by sphmedicaladmin August 10, 2021August 12, 2021

In the United States, hospitals and nursing homes have become deadly businesses. Hospital injury rates, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are approximately double those in all other private enterprises, that is, all non-governmental organizations. For example, in 2016, hospitals reported a rate of 5.9 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers, compared to 2.9 non-fatal workplace injuries per 100 full-time workers across all industries in the United States. In addition, hospitals have a greater rate of injuries that need time off work than the construction and manufacturing industries. Safety features in friction-reducing devices such as the SPH Medical Air Transfer Mattress reduce the risk of injury to the patient and nursing staff.

Materials and Methods of Safe Patient Handling

The implementation of safe patient handling programs has helped hospitals reduce patient positioning injuries. Because of these efforts, numerous hospitals and hospital systems have witnessed considerable reductions in patient handling injuries. For example, lateral transfer is one of the most common patient-handling tasks. A lateral transfer occurs when a patient is moved from one surface to another, from a bed to another bed or from a bed to a medical cart. Historically, this movement has been done with a small number of staff members, and much of the force is often exerted by caregivers dragging across the surface to which the patient is being transported; hence putting the caregiver at risk of injury, which is most often to the shoulders and lower back. In addition, caregivers perform lateral transfers without knowing how much force is required, putting them at risk of harm. Some of the ways of handling lateral transfers include:

Draw sheet
Simplification of transfer across horizontal surfaces for lateral transfers was traditionally performed with a draw sheet underneath the patient. However, previous biomechanical studies have shown that utilizing a draw sheet to execute lateral transfers exposes caregivers to high spine pressures and necessitates a significant amount of external force. In addition, when employing a draw sheet, the disc’s compression force can surpass the maximum acceptable threshold of 3,400 Newtons, as defined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

Friction-reducing devices
Using a friction-reducing transfer significantly reduces the amount of force required while performing transfers. Therefore, some recommended devices include sliding sheets, sliding boards, slip sheets or roller sheets. Although friction-reducing devices reduce the amount of effort required to perform lateral transfers, the overall force is still much more than the acceptable pushing and pulling limitations. Therefore, the ability of friction-reduction transfer devices is limited to minimizing pull forces and spinal force compression. Many of these devices do not adequately reduce risk of injury for some hospital programs.

Air-assisted devices
Air-assisted devices are a form of friction-reducing devices recommended for safe patient handling. AirPal invented this device, but other companies have created their versions of it. HoverMatt, for example, makes air-assisted devices, and since introducing the disposable or single patient use transfer mattress, their business has grown enormously. Air-assisted systems were developed to improve the safety, efficiency, and security of lateral transfers. As a result, air-assisted devices are rated substantially higher by caregivers than any other helpful equipment. Air-assisted systems not only minimize friction but also give support and comfort. As a result, nurses may more easily boost, reposition, and transfer patients, reducing the risk of strains, sprains, and career-ending back injuries for everyone.

Why Is the Air Transfer Mattress Recommended Over Other Friction-Reducing Devices?

With so many lateral patient transfer devices on the market, deciding one is the best fit for you and your institution can be difficult. The air transfer mattress is one of the most popular transfer devices. Air assist technology’s advantages have been thoroughly documented and proved. When the air blower unit is turned on, the air is blown out via the perforated holes in the bottom of the mattress. Friction between the mattress and the adjacent surface is reduced by the force of air passing through these tiny openings. Because there is less friction, the mattress may be moved more easily.

Safety features in friction-reducing devices such as the SPH Medical Air Transfer Mattress reduce the risk of injury to the patient and nursing staff. To improve patient security during transfer, two safety straps are connected over the patient. Disposable protective covers are available for the mattress which helps keep the transfer mattress clean between procedures. The launderable versions of Air Transfer Mattresses are typically water-resistant and free of latex. Another noteworthy safety aspect is that the mattress first inflates around the perimeter before moving on to the center to inflate and lift the patient safely. Thus, it acts as a cradle for the patient and helps to prevent tipping.

Some of the benefits of using an air transfer system include:
Safety and comfort
During transfers, air-assisted technology increases patient and caregiver safety and comfort. With less skin shear and bruising, lateral air transfer provides the patient with improved comfort and safety. The action of intra-hole communication redistributes the pull/push forces uniformly for a safe and easy transmission.
Stable positioning
The patient is moved into a more secure position by the inflated mattress, which reduces skin shear and bruising. Caregivers may securely move patients without lifting or straining since the mattress and the patient float on a cushion of air. By practically reducing lateral transfers and repositioning-related accidents.
Compatibility
It’s designed to withstand repeated applications and the toughest transfers for a wide range of patient characteristics. For artifact-free imaging, it’s radiolucent and MRI compatible.
Availability
Available in a variety of shapes and widths, with a weight restriction of 1200 pounds to fit most patients. The proprietary technology profiles and self-adjusts to each patient automatically. This allows for a balanced redistribution of the patient’s body weight, resulting in the safest and simplest patient transfer possible.
Significant cost savings
Previously, a significant amount of money was spent on various lateral transfers mechanisms, which were expensive and difficult to keep the appropriate supply on hand. The SPH Medical Lateral Transfer Mattress is a more cost effective option allowing the necessary inventory to be kept on hand to help reduce staff injuries.

Additionally, when you use an air transfer system, the additional expenditures of bearing direct cost of injury are considerably reduced. While satisfying statutory criteria for safe patient care, the Air Transfer System considerably aids in staff retention, improvement in staff morale, and improvement in overall efficiency of patient care and patient throughput for busy surgical departments.
Infection protection
SPH Medical offers a full range of single patient use, launderable and reusable Air Transfer Mattresses in various shapes and sizes that are all compatible with the most common air supplies on the market. The complete Air Transfer System includes the Air Transfer Mattress, an air supply with hose and power cord, and an optional transport stand. For Hospitals that are focused on reducing hospital acquired infections, the single patient use Air Transfer Mattresses have been the most common version implemented. Reducing infections and workplace injuries together is a win-win for everyone.

Contact SPH Medical to discuss reducing risk of injury to staff and patients in your facility.

Patient Handling

Lateral Transfer Matt: The Dignity and Dangers Of Lateral Transfers

by sphmedicaladmin July 8, 2021July 9, 2021

The gold standard of Safe Patient Handling today is the single patient use Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer Matt. This article will provide some background about the daily risks faced by nursing staff when handling patients and the growing trend to implement Safe Patient Handling programs that include the SPH Medical Lateral Transfer Matt.

Medical Professionals Carry Out Dozens of Lateral Transfers Per Day

Though caregivers and medical professionals carry out dozens of lateral transfers per day, this procedure is still far from perfect. In other words, while this practice is commonplace in hospitals, it poses serious risks and challenges. Simply put, lateral transfers involve moving a patient from one surface to another. Since several departments are tasked with performing lateral transfers, countless professionals are susceptible to a nursing injury or repositioning injury. Patients are equally vulnerable to these injuries, which is why lateral transfers are notoriously precarious.

When performing a traditional lateral transfer, nurses reposition patients using the sheet that’s underneath them. However, if there’s limited personnel, this isn’t a viable option. To compensate for insufficient manpower, a plastic board is used to streamline the process. Unfortunately, this approach leaves a lot of room for error, making it inefficient and unpredictable. In essence, if there isn’t enough manpower or resources available, affairs become exceedingly dangerous. After all, patients and caregivers shouldn’t have to rely on their physical abilities to oversee successful lateral transfers.

Lateral transfers are so unsafe that medical professionals are 31 percent more likely to experience musculoskeletal pain. Pain is often a sign of some injury that has occurred and should not be ignored. With the repetitive nature of lateral transfers and the fact that patients are continuing to get heavier, nurses, techs, CNA’s and transporters are all at risk of a severe back, neck or shoulder injury which may be career ending. Additionally, these handling injuries are emotionally and financially draining, causing both medical professionals and hospitals distress. If a patient or caregiver has been seriously injured, hospitals could pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover medical expenses. Sound like motivation? To prevent caregiver injuries, physical discomfort, and to avoid significant financial losses, laws have been passed to improve these practices. Yet, additional efforts need to be made to keep nurses and patients out of harm’s way.

To expedite the adoption of Safe Patient Handling practices, the Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted a study surrounding Safe Patient Handling programs. According to their research, hospitals that employ proven lateral transfer procedures with the appropriate assistive devices, including an Air Assisted Lateral Transfer Matt, are 73 percent less likely to subject patients and nurses to handling injuries. This study served as a catalyst for the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act. The House introduced this bill in 2015, and it requires the Department of Labor to improve patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention standards so that fewer transfer and repositioning injuries occur.

Improving Safety with the Lateral Transfer System

In the hopes of breathing improved safety, efficiency, and security into lateral transfers, air-assisted systems were created. AirPal birthed this invention, but other brands have developed their own versions of this modern device. HoverMatt, for example, manufactures air-assisted systems, and their business has expanded exponentially after developing the disposable or single patient use transfer mattress. Not only do air-assisted systems reduce friction, but they also provide added support and comfort. As a result, it’s easier for nurses to boost, reposition and transfer patients, making everyone less vulnerable to strains, sprains, and career ending back injuries. At SPH Medical, we make this equipment easily accessible so that more hospitals can implement safe patient handling wherever lateral transfers and positioning is occurring. With more than 15 years of experience implementing Air Transfer Systems, the team at SPH Medical offers expertise in this area to its customers. SPH Medical offers a complete line of single patient use Air Transfer Mattress options and reusable Air Transfer Mattress options in all sizes compatible with the most common air supplies on the market.

Assisted Transfer Equipment: Is It Worth It?

Air transfer equipment is preferred for its ability to reduce risk of injury and the fast adoption rate by nursing staff. Luckily, the perks don’t end there. In addition to promoting optimal safety, air-assisted systems also make patients more comfortable. Without air transfer equipment, lateral transfers can cause significant discomfort. For patients of size, they may feel embarrassed that so many people have to be involved in a lateral transfer just to move them. The air-assisted lateral transfer matt gives the patient a sense of dignity. Air-assisted transfer systems do an excellent job of eliminating risks and uncertainty, which is why this equipment is an efficient alternative to old fashioned manual handling practices.

Best of all, patients say that the air transfer matt offers a floating sensation. With that said, it’s evident how much this equipment streamlines the patient transfer process and improves patient throughput in busy departments like the OR and Labor and Delivery. Above all else, when caregivers have the tools they need to ensure patient safety and their own safety, it bodes well for a pleasant experience for all including increased patient satisfaction. Thanks to air-assisted systems, gone are the days of risking a back or shoulder injury while repositioning patients. Instead, you receive a safe and efficient solution to reduce lateral transfer risks.

Contact SPH Medical to get a quote for the Air Assisted Lateral Transfer Matt and realize the benefits of Safe Patient Handling today.

transfer mattress

The Importance of Air Transfer Mats in Labor and Delivery Units