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6
GENERAL USE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Check whether the mattress is a replacement or an overlay.
- If it is a replacement mattress it should be placed directly on to the bed frame
- If it is a mattress overlay it should be placed on top of the existing mattress.
Check that the safe working load of the mattress is suitable for the intended user.
Do not exceed the max patient weight of the mattress
(
see page
5
).
Ensure that the Risk Factor is suitable for the intended user. To help prevent pressure damage
it is important that patients reposition themselves, or are repositioned regularly.
Mattresses are delivered in plastic covers for protection; these covers must be removed
before use.
With the exception of bed sheets avoid using any additional covers/padding between the
patient and the support surface, as this may affect its pressure reducing qualities.
INTENDED PURPOSE
Harvest Healthcare static mattresses are designed for patients at risk of pressure injury,
or who have already developed pressure injuries. The foam surface redistributes pressure,
aiming to reduce capillary closure in high risk areas such as the heels and sacrum. The
mattress range overview (see page 3) supports identifying the most appropriate Harvest
Healthcare static mattress for an individual patient, giving ranges for patient risk levels and
maximum patient weights. These are provided as a guide to support appropriate mattress
choice, but all individuals should be risk assessed by a trained professional as individual
circumstances may alter mattress choices.
Never use a mattress with a lower risk category than that assigned to the service user by a
trained professional.
Never exceed the maximum patient weight for a mattress.
Misuse of the mattress could lead to the development of pressure injury.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
/
MATTRESS INSPECTION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Mattresses should be checked regularly to ensure they remain ‘fit for purpose’, clinically
effective and pose no risk of infection to either the patient or the carer.
Harvest Healthcare Ltd recommend that a thorough inspection of both the interior (foamcore)
and exterior (cover) of the mattress is carried out weekly, or each time a new patient is placed
on the mattress. Visual checks should be carried out daily to identify any significant signs of
damage or infection risk.
If any signs of contamination are identified on the cover, the mattress should be withdrawn
from use immediately and the cover replaced. If the foam and/or the cover are showing signs
of contamination or excessive wear the mattress should be removed from use immediately
and the entire mattress replaced. Signs of excessive wear may include, but are not restricted
to, thinning, discolouration, tearing, fraying, misshaping and fluid ingress.
Facial contact with any covering material such as that used on this
product can cause suffocation and a Risk Assessment should be
done prior to the use of this product.
