 Perhaps the most unique technology in the BariKare system is the AtmosAir MRS mattress. Using "Self Adjusting Technology" (SAT), the AtmosAir maximizes body weight displacement automatically and continuously to minimize tissue interface pressures. The SAT air cylinders also provide dynamic, non-powered pressure relief. But besides being highly effective, the SAT technology is also highly and easily adjustable. Use a simple weight dial to optimize pressure relief therapy for patients >500 lbs.
To help reduce tissue interface pressures even more a sloped heel section with visco-elastic foam off-loads the heel and helps protect the general heel section. To increase and caregiver safety the Atmos Air systems include a firm perimeter, which also provides extra stability. A fluid resistant and anti-bacterial cover protects the mattress and allows for wipe down cleaning. These features make the AtmosAir a perfect fit for the BariKare system.Other Great BariKare System Features: - Built-in scale display provides instant readings at the touch of a button, located on both side rails
- Easy-to-use bed controls facilitate flexible patient positiong with conveniently placed controls, allowing caregivers to raise and lower the bed and tilt the chair position as needed.
- Sturdy frame accommodates patients up to 850 lbs. and handles traction and IV poles
- Front exit facilitates patient ambulation and egress.
- Side rails accommodate wider patients by extending 5 3/4" on each side of the seat section and allows easier patient transport through doors by rotating down and tucking against frame.
- Cardiac chair positioning facilitates up-in-chair orders, which enhance pulmonary positioning.
- X-ray cassette holder eliminates unnecessary patient transfers.
 Back to the Top
Self Adjusting Technology (SAT)
KCI's AtmosAir family of non-powered, dynamic, pressure relieving mattresses uses this innovative SAT technology in combination with high strength bariatric beds.
How does Self-Adjusting Technology (SAT) work?
What is Boyle's Law?
Illustrations
Principles of Immersion
Case Studies
AtmosAir with SAT Educational Video Resources
How does Self-Adjusting Technology (SAT) work?
 Self Adjusting Technology uses ambient pressure and gravity as its energy source through a unique system of dynamically reactive air chambers, one-way air intake and pressure-activated relief valves. These SAT valves monitor the internal pressure of the system and, when a patient lies on the mattress, release a sufficient amount of air into the atmosphere for maximum body weight displacement and pressure relief. After a volume of air has exited the system and the internal pressure has reached the characteristic level, the SAT valve automatically closes, maximizing patient immersion and body weight displacement without the risk of bottoming out. As a patient moves off an air chamber, special non-weight bearing, open-cell foam in each chamber acts as a reforming agent and causes the chamber to return to its original shape. This action creates a vacuum inside the chamber that draws air back inside, refilling the chamber with air and readying it for the next load. The reforming agent’s low load-deflection, high-density construction will not support body weight – it simply helps create a vacuum in the air chamber, which in turn triggers the one-way intake valve to draw air back inside and re-equalize the pressure-to-volume ratio. The result is a dynamic, non-powered, self-adjusting cushion of air that provides consistent pressure relief. The internal cutoff pressure of the SAT valve is monitored based on the principles of the physics gas law known as “Boyle’s Law”.
Back to beginning
What is Boyle's Law?
P1/V1=P2/V2
Simply stated, Boyle’s Law says that in a container with the temperature constant, pressure is inversely proportional to volume. This means that as internal pressure increases, internal air volume decreases so that the pressure/volume ratio is maintained.
The SAT valve monitors the internal pressure of the system and allows the release of a sufficient amount of air for the system to attain the optimal internal pressure/volume ratio. Boyle’s Law is universal, so the SAT valve will automatically adjust the system properly regardless of patient size or weight.
Back to beginning
Illustrations
 |
The SAT dynamic valves react to internal pressure within the air chamber, controlling the flow of air within the SAT system. |
 |
Self Adjusting Technology™ (SAT™) compensates for patient weight by allowing air to escape through the valve until it closes automatically, reducing internal air pressure and creating a softer cushion of air. |
Back to beginning
Immersion Principles
This is the same principle of immersion achieved when using powered airbeds and air mattresses. Generally, the deeper a patient sinks into the surface, the lower the interface pressures on any given body site. On an airbed, the air blower controls the amount of air in the mattress, i.e. the more air blown into the mattress, the firmer the mattress; the less air blown in, the softer the mattress. Self Adjusting Technology doesn’t blow air into the mattress. Instead, it controls the amount of air released from the mattress. The immersion effect and weight displacement works the same in both cases. The key to SAT is this ratio of pressure to volume, not individual patient weight, so SAT works with patients of varying sizes and weights. It is possible to scientifically determine the pressure/volume ratio that will maximize immersion without bottoming out, and the same ratio will apply to a 100-pound or a 500-pound person. The SAT valve is designed to control the pressure/volume ratio in our AtmosAir mattress. Click here for a more in-depth look at the SAT technology that drives our AtmosAir family of products.
Back to beginning
Case Studies
Click any of the links below to read case studies from several leading medical facilities regarding the AtmosAir system.
The Lutheran Medical Center reported a 53% reduction in nosocomial pressure ulcers and a 95% reduction in rental of Therapeutic overlays and Mattress Replacement Systems.
The Beth Israel Medical Center showed a 100% reduction in rental of Therapeutic overlays and Mattress Replacement Systems.
The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington study presented results of an 86% reduction in nosocomial pressure ulcers and a 74% decrease in costs associated with the purchase of heel relief products.
The Wishard Memorial Hospital Case Study reported a 53% reductions in nosocomial pressure ulcers and a 97% reduction in rental of Therapeutic overlays and Mattress Replacement Systems.
The Community Medical Center's study reported a 100% reduction in nosocomial pressure ulcers and a 77% reduction in rental of Therapeutic overlays and Mattress Replacement Systems.
Back to beginning
AtmosAir with SAT Educational Video Resources
Provided by KCI
Back to beginning
Data and system details taken from KCI's website: www.kci1.com
|
