
8
Directions for Use
1. Place the Panacea Air APL alternating pressure and low air loss mattress on the
bed frame with the hoses exiting at the foot of the bed.
2. Secure the mattress to the bed deck using the black straps attached to the
bottom of the mattress. Be sure to only attach the straps to the parts of the bed
that articulate and not any stationary parts of the frame.
3. Hang the control unit on the end of the bed using the hangers, or place on a
stable horizontal surface.
4. Ensure the air lines are not “kinked” or “twisted”. Connect the mattress to the
control unit by pushing the connector into the air ports located on the side of the
pump until you hear it “click” securely into place. The mattress operation will not
be affected by the hose/connector orientation.
5. Ensure at the electrical power source, if switched, is in an OFF position, then
plug in the power cord and switch to ON. The POWER ON lamp is now illumi-
nated.
6. Set the firmness level to the lowest setting and allow approximately 40 minutes
for the mattress to fully inflate. A green light next to the Alarm Silence button
will indicate when it is fully inflated.
7. After preparing the mattress surface with appropriate linens (not included), place
the resident on the mattress.
LINEN NOTE:
Deep-pocketed sheets are recommended (not included). Multiple
layering of linens or under pads beneath the resident can negatively affect the
mattress’s pressure management capabilities and should be avoided unless
recommended by a caregiver.
8. Increase firmness if necessary for resident comfort, support, and immersion into
the mattress for optimal pressure redistribution.
a) A common method for sizing an air mattress is to check to see if suitable pres-
sure is selected by sliding one hand between the air mattress and the air/foam
base under the resident’s buttocks. Users should be able to feel the space
between their hand and the resident’s buttocks with the acceptable range
being 25 to 40mm
(1” to 1½”). This hand check procedure is issued by AHCPR (Agency for
Health Care Policy and Research).
b) Adjust the firmness by turning the dial; Counter clockwise for more immer-
sion (if too much space during hand check, too firm) or clockwise for less
immersion (not enough space during hand check, too soft)
9. An audio-visual alarm is sounded in the event of low pressure.
a) Audio alarm can be muted using alarm silence key
1. Place the mattress on the bed deck with the external manifold at the foot
of the bed.
2. Hang the pump unit on the end of the bed using the hangers, or place on a
stable horizontal surface.
3. Locate the red and blue connectors halfway down the external manifold.
Match each red connector to each blue connector for rotational therapy.
Directions for Use