What type of patients benefit from an Air Fluidized Therapy (AFT) bed?
Typically patients with large refractory pressure wounds, posterior skin flaps or burn patients benefit from this therapy. In particular, patients who are unable to routinely turn themselves (parapeligics) will find this therapy beneficial in reducing and healing their pressure wounds. The HydroAire AFT bed is capable of taking on patients weighing up to 300 lbs. and typically patients as tall as 6’ 5” in heigth.
How does the bed work?
The tub of the bed is filled with glass ceramic beads called microspheres and the beads actually compose the majority of the weight of the HydroAire AFT bed weighing approximately 900 lbs (bed weight without the beads is 221 lbs). The beads lie on top of a diffuser board. Blowers within the beds pedestals force air across the board and cause the beads to react like a liquid. This act is called fluidization.
What are other advantages of AFT beds?
Because AFT beds have such an effective way of reducing interface pressure, one of the side benefits of the bed is helping patients significantly reduce pain associated with pressure ulcers.
A study by Günes ¹ in 2008, showed that 94.6% of patients with chronic pressure wounds experience significant pain attributed to their ulcers.” Then reference the study at the bottom of the page with the following:¹ A descriptive study of pressure ulcer pain. Günes UY. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2008 Feb;54(2):56-61.
Many patients/caregivers have expressed that patients on the Hydroaire AFT experienced much better sleep while in the bed. Better sleep can reduce a patient’s requirement for pain medication and thereby helping their mental alertness.
Why do AFT beds work better than conventional therapy surfaces? Traditional air mattresses are not capable of keeping patients consistently below 32 mmHg or capillary closure. Improving capillary blood flow to the skin is the major advantage of air-fluidized therapy. This speeds growth of granulated tissue. In addition, secretions and exudates drain through the filter sheet, keeping the patient’s skin dry. The HydroAire AFT bed is able to keep patients at the lowest interface pressure which allows them the best environment for their wounds to heal.
Features and Benefits of the HydroAire AFT bed by Aurora MFG
- Better blower technology
– State-of-the-art blowers that are electrically efficient – Less noise ›50 Dba (about the equivalent noise of a window ac unit – Less power consumption ($25-$29/monthly rate) – Less room heat build-up (raises ambient temp about 7-9 degrees)
- Blower redundancy – If a blower fails, the other is able to maintain fluidization until service can be rendered
- Remote control pendant control
– Temperature and Fluidization levels are managed by caregiver/patient – Temperature managed from 80˚ to 95˚ – Lock-out feature prevents unwanted parameter selections
- GoreTex® Sheets are used as a cover sheet which helps to promote air flow, reduce maceration, and friction.
- Slant Wedge pillows that can provide angles of 10˚, 15˚, 25˚ or 35˚.
- 8 heavy duty casters
- Service friendly – easy access to all electrical components; ac box, blowers, heater box.
- Side rails for extra patient safety
HydroAire AFT bed works in conjunction with trapeze bar and base HydroAire AFT bed works in conjunction with a patient lifter
