Blanket Warmer Operating Manual
15
Blanket Recommendations
Many hospitals and surgery centers have been switching to low cost
“ether blankets” made
outside the USA.
We Do Not Recommend Woven Ether Blankets
1. These low-cost
“ether blankets” are constructed of poorly processed materials that are not
tightly woven.
2. They shrink and deteriorate very quickly via necessarily harsh hospital launderings.
3. Because of their poor insulating quality they do not provide a sustained
“patient warmth
factor
” and therefore nurses use more than one blanket or increase the blanket warmer
temperature higher than recommended by safety experts. According to clinicians in the
hospital workplace this increase in temperatures above 110F creates a potentially unsafe and
dangerous environment for some patients.
We Do Recommend Knitted Warming Blankets
1. Knitted blankets made of a cotton / polyester blend.
2. They do not shrink or deteriorate as rapidly. (Usually last 5 to 6 times longer than cheap
woven imports)
3. They are thermal and have a far superior insulating capability and will sustain a
“patient
warmth factor
” much longer.
4. Eliminates the utilization of two cheaper blankets or having the nurse to go back to the
warmer for another blanket.
Placement of Blankets in Cabinet
1. For best results, there should be at least 1
” of space between the blanket and the sides,
top and back of the blanket warming compartment. The blankets should be loosely rolled or
stacked as well. This will allow for maximum air circulation and more rapid heating of the
blankets to the set point temperature.
