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Joerns® Support Surfaces
DermaFloat® APL
© 2013 Joerns Healthcare • 6110062 RevE • 13-2625
Introduction
The DermaFloat
®
APL, provided by Joerns Healthcare,
is a unique therapy system that provides pressure
redistribution by alternating pressure between adjacent
(A-B) air cells. The alternating pressure in the therapy
cells automatically alternates on a regular basis to
maximize wound healing. Alternating pressure can aid
the healing process by increasing circulation to the
resident’s wounds.
The DermaFloat APL also offers low air loss therapy
through an integrated air delivery system beneath
the therapy pad. Alternating pressure and low air loss
therapy have been demonstrated to be valuable aids
in the treatment of those identified as being at risk of
developing pressure ulcers.
Warning:
The risk of entrapment can arise when
equipment is placed on bed frames that leave gaps of
even a few inches between the mattress and the head
panel, foot panel, and bed or side rails. The equipment
is NOT to be used when such gaps are present. See
“Important Precautions” section of this manual.
The DermaFloat APL mattress replacement system
is suitable for both the treatment of existing pressure
ulcers Stage I through Stage IV, as well as for
those who have been assessed at risk from the
complications of immobility. The DermaFloat APL
is quiet, comfortable and simple enough for single
caregiver installation, featuring rapid inflation in just
15 minutes or less. The user-friendly controls allow for
easy adjustment of resident comfort.
Additionally, low friction and low shear materials,
together with average interface pressures well below
capillary closure levels, means that the DermaFloat
APL meets the comfort and clinical requirements of
your residents up to 350 lbs.
We have ensured that the DermaFloat APL addresses
the four key areas in the treatment of compromised
skin: pressure redistribution, moisture control, and
reduction in both friction and shearing forces.
Moisture Control
Residents are at risk for skin maceration if excess
moisture is permitted to accumulate beneath the
resident. This may be due to perspiration, incontinence
or wound drainage.
On the DermaFloat APL, moisture is controlled via
the specially treated breathable, fluid-proof, urethane
coated nylon therapy pad. The moisture vapor
permeable fabric of the therapy pad allows a sufficient
amount of air to circulate beneath the pad and wicks
away excess moisture.
Shear and Friction Reduction
Shearing occurs when the skin is stationary in relation
to the support surface, while the underlying tissues
and vessels are stretched and damaged. When a
resident’s skin rubs against another surface, the result
is friction. The top surface of the DermaFloat APL
therapy pad is constructed from a very smooth nylon
fabric with low friction and low shear properties to
protect the resident’s skin from these damaging forces.
Indications for Use
Note:
The selection of a pressure-redistributing
surface needs to be based on each individual
resident’s clinical condition, diagnosis and/or co-
morbidities. The choice and use of a support surface
is one factor in a holistic program of wound care and
treatment.
Spinal Cord Injury
The DermaFloat APL is not recommended for use by
residents with unstable spinal fractures. Advice should
be obtained from the appropriate physician before
using the DermaFloat APL system for these residents.
Pressure Redistribution
Pressure Ulcers
Rehabilitation
Neurology
Dermatology
Burns
Amputations
Pain Management
AIDS
Arthritis
Oncology
