How To Complete a Basic Inspection of an Airflow/Alternating Pressure Mattress

We were recently asked by a customer to provide training to their Maintenance Manager to enable them to learn more about the workings of and carry out?basic inspections of, their?airflow/alternating mattresses.

So, our Servicing Superheroes Lee and Phil decided to shoot some on the job instructional videos so we could share these with our wider community of servicing customers and customers. Great idea we thought! ??

Why not?Download our Complete Mattress Decontamination Guide here?to help keep you compliant with best practice infection prevention guidance on mattress decontamination.

To keep them short and sweet, they shot 4 videos lasting no longer than 6 minutes covering the following topics:

• Video 1: Completing an initial inspection of an airflow mattress and pump
• Video 2: Completing a physical inspection of an airflow/alternating pressure mattress and?pump
• Video 3: Checks on the alternating air pressure bladders
• Video 4: Completing documentation and conclusion

For your convenience, we have also documented the main points which are covered in each video

1)?Completing an initial inspection of?an airflow/alternating pressure mattress and?pump

• Record the details of the pump including the serial number
• Obtain and document the serial number of the mattress (if it has one). This can be located either on the inside of the cover at the foot end of the mattress, or written on the CPR valve.?This number should correspond with the pump.
• Have a quick inspection of the pump and check the 240v cable for any heat distortion or kinks.
• Check the condition of the plug for safety.
• Check?the air filter of the pump

2)?Completing a physical inspection of an airflow/alternating pressure mattress and?pump

• Check the top and bottom covers of the mattress for any delamination or cracks which can cause cross-infection issues.
• Check the base of the mattress and inspect the securing straps and that the zips are in good condition.
• Check the internals of the mattress and inspect the alternating bladders, paying close attention to ensure that the retention straps are not dislodged from the base cover and that the air tubes are correctly connected.

3)?Checks on the alternating air pressure bladders

• Allow the pump to run through its full alternating cycle and check that it inflates the internal bladders.
• Check that the CPR valve functions correctly and deflates the mattress fully.

4)?Completing documentation and conclusion

• Once the inspection of the mattress and pump is complete, document the details of the inspection, record any findings or advisories and action accordingly.

We hope you find these videos helpful and valuable, we always aim to answer our customers' questions fully.

Here at Hcsuk, we provide a range of services to help keep your airflow mattresses in tip-top working condition including:

• 16 Point Safety Check Mattress Pump and Service
• Fully Immersed Mattress Decontamination Service with Certificate
• Airflow Mattress and Pump Fault Diagnosis and Repair Service

You can also download our Industry Essential Requirements and Best Practice Servicing Guide here.

For more information, you can contact Lee at?[email protected]?or call him on his direct line?01773 532588.