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Air-fluidized
beds have been available since the late 1960's and were originally developed for use with
burn patients. These products consist of ~ 2,000 lbs. of silicon (glass) beads (75-150 m m) encased in a polyester or Gore-Tex (R) sheet. The beads take on
the characteristics of a fluid when warm pressurized air is forced up through them. In
some models (FluidAir (TM), KCI) the fluidization feature is variable which permits
individualization based on needs and aids in the reduction of evaporative water loss.
Feces and other body fluids flow freely through the sheet. In order to prevent
bacteriologic contamination, the bed must be pressurized at all times and the sheet must
be properly disinfected after use by each patient and at least once per week with
long-term use by a single patient . |