INVACARE Flo-Tech Contour Visco Cushion User Manual
- June 3, 2024
- INVACARE
Table of Contents
NVACARE Flo-Tech Contour Visco Cushion
General
General information
The first prevention of pressure ulcers in a sitting position is to rise up
regularly whenever it‘s possible to limit prolonged compression of vessels
next to the bony prominences and to allow tissues perfusion. Essential nursing
care is pivotal in pressure ulcer prevention. This cushion is intended to the
pressure ulcers‘ prevention score < 14 on the Norton scale or the equivalent
on another scale. Education, clinical judgement and action-based planning
based on vulne- rability are fundamental factors in prevention of pressure
ulcers. A range of assessment scales can be used as a formal method of
assessing risk from pressure ulcer development and should be used in
conjunction with an informal assessment (informed nursing judge- ment).
Informal assessment is considered to be of greater importance and clinical
value. This user manual contains important information about the handling of
the product. In order to ensure safety when using the product, read the user
manual carefully and follow the safety instructions. For further information
contact Invacare® in your country (addresses see back page of this manual).
Symbols
Symbols in this manual
In this User Manual warnings are indicated by symbols. The warning symbols are
accompanied by a heading that indicates the severity of the danger.
WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in serious
injury or death if it is not avoided.
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in minor or
slight injury if it is not avoided.
IMPORTANT Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in damage to
property if it is not avoided.
Warranty
We provide a manufacturer’s warranty for the product in accordance with our
General Terms and Conditions of Business. Warranty claims can only be made
through the relevant specialist dealer.
Standard Invacare Terms
- This is to certify that your Invacare Flotech®product is warranted by
- Invacare Ltd for a period stated in the Table “Technical Data” of this user guide.
- The Warranty of your Invacare product is valid from time of shipping.
- If a defect or fault is discovered the Invacare dealer or Local Business
- Development Manager from whom the appliance was obtained must be notified immediately.
- The manufacturer will not accept responsibility for damage caused by misuse or non-observance of the instructions set out in this user guide.
- During the period of the warranty any products that have become defective due to faulty workmanship or materials will be renewed without charge.
- The warranty will be forfeited should any unauthorized alteration be made to the equipment.
- Both warranty and fire retardancy certification will become null and void if non-Invacare spares are used on any Invacare Flotech® pro- ducts.
- The purchaser’s statutory rights under the Consumer Protection Act are not affected.
Quality and flame retardancy
- Quality is fundamental to the company’s operation, working within the disciplines of ISO 13485 and ISO 9001.
- The Invacare Flotech®cushions features the CE mark, in compliance with the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC Class 1.
- Invacare is continuously working towards ensuring that the company‘s impact on the environment, locally and globally, is reduced to a minimum. It is Invacare‘s goal to ensure that we, at the widest possible range, use REACH compliant materials and components.
- The foam and cover used to manufacture the Invacare Flotech® range is independently tested and certified in accordance with EN 1021-1 and EN 1021-2.
- For further information please contact Invacare in your country (addresses see back page of this manual).
Intended use
This pressure reducing cushion is intended to be used as part of an overall
pressure ulcer prevention program of care. This product has been designed to
deliver effective pressure reduction and postural support to users, when the
product is in normal use which is defined by Invacare Ltd as when the Flotech
product is placed without additional covers or padding between the user and
the support surface. Replace the cover in case of damage which may reduce the
tightness or elasticity of the protection. Do not use with another cover that
advocated.
Service life
We estimate a life expectancy of three years for these products, provided they
are used in strict accordance with the intended use as set out in this
document and all maintenance and service requirements are met. The estimated
life expectancy can be exceeded if the product is carefully used and properly
maintained, and provided technical and scientific advances do not result in
technical limitations. The life expectancy can also be considerably reduced by
extreme or incorrect usage. The fact that we estimate a life expectancy for
these products does not constitute an additional warranty.
Limitation of Liability
The warranty does not extend to the consequential costs from fault clearance,
in particular freight and travel costs, loss of earnings, expenses, etc.
- Natural wear and tear.
- Inappropriate or incorrect use.
- Defective assembly or setting-up by the purchaser or third parties.
- Defective or neglectful treatment.
- Use of unsuitable spares.
Safety
Safety information
WARNING
- Do not use this product or any available optional equipment without first completely reading and understanding these instructions and any additional instructional material such as user manuals, service manuals or instruction sheets supplied with this product or optional equipment. Invacare product manuals are available on the internet or your local dealer (Addresses are displayed on the back cover of this manual).
- If you are unable to understand the warnings, cautions or instructions, please contact a healthcare professional, dealer or technical personnel before attempting to use this equipment – otherwise, injury or damage may occur.
- Invacare products are specifically designed and manufactured for use in conjunction with Invacare accessories. Accessories designed by other manufacturers have not been tested by
- Invacare and are not recommended for use with Invacare products.
- The introduction of certain third party products between the cushion surface and the user may reduce or impede the clinical effectiveness of this product.
- Third party products’ may include, but are not limited to items including under blankets, plastic sheets and sheepskins, etc.
- Any object between the user and the pressure reducing sur- face may result in the development of pressure ulcers.
- Make sure that the support surface in contact with the user is kept free from crumbs and other food debris.
- Drip cables, stents and other foreign objects must not become entrapped between the user and the pressure-reducing surface of the cushion.
Symbols on the product
Description
Product description
- The Invacare Flo-tech Contour Visco cushion is molded from viscoelastic (memory) foam, which is temperature-sensitive to the body.
- This foam provides a better pressure distribution for the user‘s body area in contact with the cushion.
- The cover is multi-stretch, water-resistant and vapor-permeable.
- The cover features an anti-slip base and carry handle.
Usage
Safety information
WARNING
- Invacare advise that the patient is measured and assessed by a suitably trained healthcare professional to ensure the correct size and seating requirements to achieve the best pressure and postural care and also position for the individual needs are met.
- It is very important for the patient to reposition themselves, or to be repositioned, on a regular basis. This relieves pressure which helps prevent both tissue compression and potential ulcer formation. This must be based on the clinical judgement of a qualified healthcare professional.
- Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using the product.
- Monitor the patient frequently.
CAUTION: Please ensure that the cushion is put in place in co-ordination with the orientation label which is situated on the left hand side of the cushion cover at the end of the zip.
IMPORTANT
- In domestic settings common causes of damage include cigarette burns and the claws of pets that puncture covers, allowing fluid ingress and staining
- To prevent accidental cover damage, please ensure that sharp objects are not placed on the cover. When using patient transfer aids, care should be taken not to damage the Flotech® cover. All transfer aids should be checked for sharp edges or burrs before use.
- It is important to ensure that the Flotech product is not jammed or damaged by sharp edges when used on wheelchairs.
Using the cushion
- Remove all packaging before use.
- Place the Invacare Flotech® product directly on the wheelchair or standard armchair.
Transport
Safety information
IMPORTANT
- Take care when handling the Flotech® product to ensure no damage to the product.
- Avoid contact with jewellery, nails, abrasive surfaces etc.
- Avoid contact with walls, door frames, door catches or locks etc.
- Do not transport in roll cages unless completely protected from the sharp edges of the cage.
Maintenance
Inspection
Check cushion (foam and cover) for strike-through (this may include fluid
ingress, stains, rips or damage) after the release of each patient, after
ending of the period of use or on a minimum monthly basis (depending on which
occurs first) by a suitably qualified and competent person.
Check cushions
- Unzip the cover completely.
- Check for any staining on the interior foam.
- Replace any stained items and dispose of as per local authority procedure.
Cleaning and care
IMPORTANT:
- All cleaning agents and disinfectants used must be effective, compatible with one another and must protect the materials they are used to clean. For further information on decontamination in Healthcare Environments, please refer to ‘The National Institute for Clinical Excellence’ guidelines on Infection Control www.nice.org.uk/CG139 and your local infection control policy.
- The Platilon covers are not washable and need to be replaced in case of heavy soilage.
Cleaning black covers
(Removal of contaminants such as dust and organic matter)
- Remove cover for laundering.
- Launder the cover at the recommended temperature between 60 and 80 °C using a diluted detergent solution (instructions on label).
Drying black covers
Hang cover from a line or bar and drip dry in a clean environment.
IMPORTANT
- Tumble drying only for the ingress residence cover as this ensures that the fluorocarbon finish remains effective.
- Tumble dry setting must not exceed 80 °C.
- Do not tumble dry for longer than 10 minutes.
- Dry covers thoroughly before re-fitting to the Flotech product.
Disinfecting black covers
(Reducing the number of microorganisms) Please contact your hygiene specialist
in the event of contamination.
Light soilage
- Wipe down the cover with a 0.1% Chlorine Solution (1,000 ppm).
- Rinse the cover with clean water using a single use nonabrasive cloth.
- Dry the cover thoroughly.
Heavy soilage
Where the cover is badly soiled, we recommend cleaning with a dilute cleaning
detergent at 80 °C in the washing machine.
Large spillages of blood should be absorbed and removed with paper towels first.
- Clean up all spillages of bodily fluids i.e. blood, urine, faeces, sputum, wound exudater and all other bodily secretions as soon as possible using a 1% Chlorine Solution (10,000 ppm).
- Rinse the cover with clean water using a single use nonabrasive cloth, and dry thoroughly.
- Dry the cover thoroughly.
Replacing covers
- Unzip the cover and remove it carefully from the foam core.
- Place new cover onto the foam core.
- Then close the zipper.
After-use
Storage
IMPORTANT
- Store cushions in a dry environment.
- Store cushions within a protective cover/box.
- Store cushions in a flat state on clean, dry, off-flooring free from sharp edges to avoid any possible damage.
- Never store other items on top of a cushion.
- Do not store cushions next to radiators or other heating devices.
Re-use
The product is suitable for repeated use. The number of times it can be used
depends on how often and in which way the product is used.
- Before reuse, clean the product thoroughly, see chapter 6.2 Cleaning and care, page 8.
Disposal
The disposal and recycling of used devices and packaging must comply with the
applicable legal regulation.
- Ensure that the cushion is cleaned prior to disposal to avoid any risk of contamination.
Technical data
General data
Material
Contour Visco Warranty
Warranty : 3 years
This warranty applies against manufacturing defects under normal use of the
cushion.
CAUTION: The warranty is only valid if the dealer has properly fulfilled
this warranty certificate with date of sale, dealer stamp and cushion number.
France:
Invacare Poirier SAS, Route de St Roch,
F-37230 Fondettes
Tel: (33) (0)2 47 62 64 66
Fax: (33) (0)2 47 42 12 24
[email protected] /
www.invacare.fr
Invacare UK Operations Limited
Pencoed Technology Park, Pencoed
Bridgend CF35-5AQ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)1656 776222,
Fax: +44(0)1656 776220
Email: [email protected]
Orders: [email protected]
Web: www.Invacare.co.uk