10
Patient Care Functions
Placing the Patient on the Mattress Surface
Place the patient on the mattress surface from a bed or stretcher with a transfer device. The
mattress should be set in the Auto Firm mode.
1.
Once fully inflated, position the patient in the center of the mattress with an equal distance
between the head and the top of the mattress and the feet and the foot of the mattress.
2.
Set the control unit to the desired operational mode.
3.
Make sure the patient has not “bottomed-out” on the foam pad in the base of the mattress.
4.
The patient should be slightly immersed into the mattress but not “bottomed-out”. Use the
Soft/Firm button to make adjustments to the default settings if the patient needs firmer or
softer settings.
5.
Observe the patient for a short time to make sure the patient is stable on the mattress
surface and is not slowly sinking further into the mattress. Increase the firmness setting if
the patient continues to sink into the mattress surface.
Positioning the Patient
When moving a patient the control unit should be in the Auto firm Mode.
To reposition the patient, change the control unit to Auto Firm Mode. This makes the mattress
surface firm and facilitates the repositioning of the patient with less strain on the care provider.
When the patient has been repositioned, press auto firm to return to the previous setting.
NOTE:
DO NOT leave a patient unattended on the mattress surface with the safety side rails in
the down position. When leaving a patient, secure the safety side rails in the up position. Make
sure the safety side rails are high enough to properly protect the patient when the mattress is fully
inflated, while continuing to be mindful of the FDA guidelines on bed rail entrapment.
Backrest Up or Fowler Position
When the patient’s backrest is elevated, it may be necessary to manually increase the mattress
firmness to compensate for the additional weight placed in the center portion of the mattress.
Observe the patient for a short time after raising the backrest to make sure the buttocks and thigh
areas are not “bottomed-out”.
Prone Position
DO NOT leave a prone patient on the mattress surface. If the patient is unable to move without
help, the patient’s airway may be compromised. If the patient is to be kept prone for an extended
period of time, consult a Sizewise representative for assistance.
Bedpan Placement & Removal
Position the patient’s hips over the center of the mattress. Using Static Mode, lower the pressure
setting with the Firm/Soft button. Turn the patient into the side-lying position and place the
bedpan.
