etac ESSC0909-1 StabilAir and Star Standard Air Cushion User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- Etac
Table of Contents
etac ESSC0909-1 StabilAir and Star Standard Air Cushion
How to Use
Etac / Star Standard Air/StabilAir /www.etac.com
General
In order to avoid injury during handling and use, please read through this
manual first. In the manual, the user is the person sitting on the cushion.
The carer is the person help-ing the user. Information on how people with
impaired vision can get access to the manual can be found in our pre-sales
information guide in www.etac.com
Etac is continuously improving its products. We therefore reserve the right to
change the products without prior notice. The dimensions given in the drawings
or other materials are only indicative.We will not be responsible for printing
errors and incompleteness.
Product Description
Star cushions (hereafter also referred to as ‘the product’) are vertical air cell cushions, which are manually adjustable to suit an individual’s weight, body shape, and their pressure redistribution, postural and offload-ing requirements.
Intended Use
The product is intended to be used as a pressure injury prevention cushion
in a wheelchair.
Intended User
Individual’s at risk of pressure injuries. There is no minimum age or
minimum/maximum weight limit on the product.
Limitations of Use
The product must be properly sized for the user buttocks and thighs, and the
wheelchair seat size. It must not be used as a seat in aero plane.
Contraindications
There are no known contraindications.
Special Considerations
The assessment for and set up of the product should be carried out by a
suitably qualified and experienced professional (e.g. physical/occupational
therapist), including the appro-priate adjustment of air to suit the
individual’s pressure and postural needs. Training is avail-able from Etac
upon demand.
CE-Marking, Tests
The product conforms to the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulation
(EU) 2017/745.
Delivery Content, Description ………Figure A
- Seat cushion with air cells
- Hand inflation pump
- Inflation valve
- Cover
- Standard
- Incontinence Cover
- User manual
- Repair kit
Maintenance and Security …………..Figure B
Cleaning the Cover:
Remove the cover and close the zipper. Turn inside out and machine wash in
warm water (maximum 60°C/140°F standard cover, maximum 80°/176°F incontinence
cover). Do not bleach. Rinse in cold water and machine dry on low temperature
or line dry.
To Disinfect the Cover
The cover can be machine washed in hot water (80°C/176°F) to disinfect.
Tumble dry on low temperature.
Cleaning the Cushion
Before cleaning/disinfecting, remove the cover and wash separately (see step
1, ‘Cleaning the cover’). Close the inflation valve. Clean the cushion by hand
with soap, bicarbonate or vinegar. Or, machine wash (only Standard Air) in
40°/104°F (or 60°/140°F for 10 min.) Rinse and dry. N.B. The cushion must be
filled with some air when washing in machine.
- To disinfect the cushion, use a 70% alco-hol-based disinfectant solution only.
- A defective product must not be used (see also section ‘Troubleshooting’).
Guarantee, Lifetime
2-years guarantee (cushion) and 6-months guarantee (cover) against material
and manufacturing defects. For terms and conditions, see
www.etac.com.
Service life 5 years. For complete information regarding the service life of
the product, see www.etac.com.
Caution
Check inflation of the seat cushion:
At least once per day.
Check Skin:
Check skin frequently, at least once per day. Skin and soft tissue
breakdown can occur due to many reasons, which may vary by individual.
Redness, bruising, or discolored skin may indicate the beginning of soft
tissue or skin breakdown. If this occurs, consult with a clinician
immediately.
Cushion and Cover Matching
The cushion and cover must be compatible sizes and must be used as directed
in this manual (Instructions for Use). If they are not, the benefits provided
by the cushion may be decreased or eliminated, which increases risk to the
skin and/or soft tissue. Further, it may increase the risk of instability and
falling. Never use the cushion without a cover.
Cushion and Cover Orientation:
A Star Cushion must be used with the air cells facing up according to this
manual. If the cushion is not facing up, or the cover is not used correctly,
it may reduce or eliminate the cushions’ benefits and could increase risk to
the skin and other soft tissue.
Under-inflation
DO NOT USE an under-inflated product. Ensure the user is not resting on
the base or bot-tom of the cushion, as it can result in peak pressure areas.
Prolonged exposure to peak pressures could increase risk of breakdown to the
skin and other soft tissue. Over-inflation: DO NOT USE an over-inflated
product. If the cushion remains over-inflated for daily use, the body will not
immerse into the air cells, which may reduce or eliminate the product’s
benefits, and increase risk of break down to the skin and other soft tissue.
Climate
If a cushion has been in temperatures less than 32°F / 0°C and exhibits unusual stiffness, allow the cushion to warm to room temperature. Then, knead the cushion with your hands, or roll up the cushion and then unroll it (with the valve open) until the neoprene is soft and pliable again. Repeat proper adjustment instructions before using. Avoid extreme heat and keep away from heat sources, hot ashes, open flames or direct sunlight.
Pressure
Changes in altitude may require you to readjust your cushion for proper
inflation. Check inflation each time you change altitude. Never use the
cushion on an aeroplane seat.
Puncture
In order to prevent your cushion from being punctured, keep your cushion
away from sharp objects and clawed pets.
Handling
DO NOT attempt to carry your cushion by the valve or bulb pump or pull your
cushion by the valve. Carry your cushion by the cover’s handle, or lift
underneath the base of the cushion to carry.
Instability/Fall Hazard
DO NOT use your cushion in conjunction with, or place on top of any other
products or materials, except as listed in the Intended Use section. This may
result in instability and/or falls.
In case of an adverse event occurred in relation to use of the device, it should be reported to the organization that supplied you the cushion, e.g. dealer and the national competent authority in a timely manner. The local dealer will forward information to the manufacturer.
Positioning of the cushion …………..Figure C
Set up and assess ……………………….Figure D
- Inflate the cushion by opening the inflation valve (counterclockwise) and pump up the cushion using the hand inflation pump. Lock the valve (turn clockwise).
- Transfer the user on to the cushion.
- Open the inflation valve and let the user immerse into the cushion by letting air out. Close the valve.
- Perform a hand check to ensure 2–3 cm distance between the base of the cushion and the user’s lowest bony prominence. If needed, let more air out. And if too much air has been let out, it can easily be topped up using the hand inflation pump.
Accessories………………………………… Figure E
- Incontinence cover.
Label placement………………………….. Figure F
- Product label (warnings, CE-marking ser. no., manufacturing date)
- Positioning label
Attach/remove cover:…………………….Figure G
Technical data……………………………..Figure H
Troubleshooting
Not holding air:
- Open the inflation valve by turning counterclockwise and add air to the cushion using your black hand inflation pump.
- Close the valve tightly by turning clockwise. If still not holding air:
- Visibly check to see if there are any holes. If no holes are visible, immerse cushion (with the valve tightly closed) in sink or tub of water and look for air bubbles.
- If pin-hole-sized holes are found, use the repair kit that came with your product and follow the repair kit instructions.
- If large holes or other leaks are found, see ‘Guarantee, lifetime section’.
Uncomfortable/Unstable
- Make sure the cushion is not over-inflated. (see section ‘Positioning of the user’).
- Make sure the air cells and the cover’s stretch top are facing “UP”.
- Make sure the cushion is not too big or too small for the wheelchair. Allow the user to sit on the cushion for a minimum of one hour to get use to the texture of the product’s surface and immersion into the air cells. Basic repair instructions Small puncture holes can be patched.
- Moderately inflate cushion.
- Place cushion under water and watch for stream of air bubbles flowing from the cushion (this is the hole you need to patch).
- Circle the area with a permanent marker or ink pen.
- Allow area to thoroughly dry.
- Roughen area around hole with abrasive pad.
- Remove all loose particles and make sure area presents roughened appearance.
- IMPORTANT! Be sure area is clean and dry before proceeding to next step.
- Peel off backing from patch.
- Apply patch, pressing firmly, especially around edges.
- Wait for ten minutes for patches to cure.