The Squirrel Diamond
The Diamond Independence is a full replacement air flow mattress, that has been specifically
designed in partnership with several prominent physiotherapists, tissue viability nurses and OTs,
on the understanding that self positioning, physiotherapy and independence are sometimes of equal
importance as the traditional pressure relieving qualities of a dynamic airflow mattress.
All dynamic air mattresses create motion and movement which means greater pressure relief. Large-size air
cells can cause too much movement and tissue distortion that some users will find uncomfortable - and
those with muscular and skeletal conditions can find painful. The Squirrel Diamond™ has our FACC™
(patent pending) mattress design; The mattress construction allows the subtle movement of numerous smaller
cells, giving the user greater support with less movement; it therefore provides more comfort whilst still
providing the clinical benefits of cell alternation.
There is a video overview of the Diamond Independence air flow mattress you can watch on the
Squirrel
Medical website
(it will open in a new window)
For more information, freephone 0800 0787248 or visit the site, where you can view videos, download PDFs and sign up
for the newsletter.
Travelflow
Most hotels offer disabled accommodation but will normally only provide a standard divan bed complete with
pocket sprung mattress. This is questionable, as travel places additional stress upon our bodies, which
should be relieved during our sleep. This could be diminishment of aches and pains through to the prevention
of pressure ulcers (formerly known as bed sores).
You can read more about the development of the Travelflow mattress overlay here.
The Travelflow™ overlay is designed to improve the pressure relieving qualities of the source mattress.
It works by way of providing a subtle stimulation to the capillaries, which in turn reduces occlusion. This
gentle massage will normally improve blood flow, remove waste toxins and help sensitive skin tissue recover
from the stresses that travel and wheelchair use can cause. It can make sleep more pleasurable, comfortable
and medically effective.
The Travelflow is portable and rolls up into a small travel bag. The entire system is just 3” in
depth and can fit under bedding and so allow for discreet use in partner / double beds.
As with all Squirrel products, the Travelflow must be used with sound judgment, bearing in mind the unique
needs and wishes of the individual. This means that some wheelchair users will use it as a therapeutic aid
independently - to be used without interference for comfort, relaxation and pressure relief during travel,
where as others will require managed clinical intervention.
With regards to those at higher risk of pressure ulcers, this is a low profile air mattress and has been
used effectively, in conjunction with good clinical care to treat grade 1 and 2 pressure ulcers.
The Travelflow really is a ground breaking concept and has already facilitated numerous, otherwise impossible
vacations, business trips and weddings and even cruises*.
Please call 0845 003 7979 now for a free no quibble trial.
For more information, freephone 0800 0787248 or visit the Squirrel Medical site, where you can view videos, download PDFs and sign up for the newsletter (it will open in a new window)
Pressure Care
The Squirrel Diamond is a full replacement, alternating air mattress, which has been specifically designed in partnership with physiotherapists, tissue viability nurses and Occupational Therapists to meet the needs of carers and the most vulnerable patients.
The system offers outstanding performance in pressure ulcer prevention and as an aid to the treatment of established pressure ulcers.
This full replacement airflow mattress is made up of 58 air cells which gently support the user and with our proven alternating cycle redistribute body mass, simulating natural body movements, and prevent the starvation of oxygen to tissues and the build-up of cellular waste. The gentle movement also facilitates increased permeability of blood capillaries within the area, increasing blood flow. All of this is achieved in a mattress which is only 12.5 cm or 5 inches deep enabling its safe use on virtually all nursing and hospital beds, even when standard height bedrails are used, and ensures compliance with HSE regulations.
Low cell depth also has other important benefits for care providers. By limiting tissue distortion, a common feature of large cell air mattress systems, it's possible to reduce shear forces, (a key component in pressure ulcer formation) and improve comfort, providing a significant benefit for clients with muscular and skeletal conditions.
For more information, freephone 0800 0787248 or visit the Squirrel Medical site, where you can view videos, download PDFs and sign up for the newsletter (it will open in a new window)
Safe Transfers
Independent transfer from a bed is essential to help rehabilitation and to aid nursing staff. The key for this to work is for
the mattress to be firm, stable and at the right height. Regular mattresses tend to be too high and can cause the patient to fall,
which is where the Squirrel Diamond being only 12.5 cm thick is a great advantage. It has been designed in conjunction with the
UK's most prominent clinicians who seek to promote confidence, self-movement and self-transfer to a chair, walker or commode.
The following short online video is designed to stimulate debate with regards safe wheelchair transfer. Please leave your feedback
on the Squirrel Forum, Facebook or Twitter.
Click here to watch
Squirrel Medical's online video on safe wheelchair transfers
For more information, freephone 0800 0787248 or visit the Squirrel Medical site, where you can view videos, download PDFs and sign up for the newsletter (it will open in a new window)
Bed Falls & Entrapment
This issue affects all of us (at least 44,000 people fall from bed
each year). Please debate this video, criticize, share it comment on it and propose your suggestions either on the Squirrel Medical
Forum, Facebook or Twitter.
Click here to watch
online video "Stop Bed Falls And Entrapments" (it will open in a new window). This can be used as a pre training
tool to indicate some of the risks posed to patients when bed rails are used or not used.
For more information, freephone 0800 0787248 or visit the site, where you can view videos, download PDFs and sign up
for the newsletter.
Infection Control
Some critically ill patients are still placed on alternating air mattresses that have been "cleaned" rather than professionally decontaminated. This is extremely dangerous. Urine and most detergents will soon remove the invisible waterproof laminates of most waterproof mattress covers. This means that the mattress covers become quite porous - the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
A near sterile surface in terms of both bedding and mattress cover are required in order to prevent cross infection. Instances where this process has been transgressed have lead to serious cross infection of C-diff, Norwalk and MRSA and can now lead to charges of criminal negligence.
The most sensible solution is to use the dual cover option. This allows for the entire air mattress cover to be replaced with each new patient and for the old cover to be laundered ready for the next patient.
The Squirrel Diamond comes with a dual cover option. This means that the entire cover is replaced in-between patients with a fresh one. These covers, although termed consumable can last the life time of the mattress but can be replaced as a consumable at nominal cost.
For more information, freephone 0800 0787248 or visit the Squirrel Medical site, where you can view videos, download PDFs and sign up for the newsletter (it will open in a new window)
Pressure relieving mattresses and seating, including a
low profile dynamic full replacement air mattress.
