New Repose Companion

A unique New device which moves with the patient, combining effective pressure redistribution and safer lateral transfers

'A logical solution to lateral transfer' - Rather than move the patient from one surface to another, move them together. A patient is likely to experience a wide variety of support surfaces throughout the journey from admission to discharge - some may provide adequate pressure redistribution but typically, most will not. In addition, the transfers between surfaces may cause pressure damage due to the friction and shear forces exerted in many lateral transfer procedures.

New Repose Companion has been developed to overcome both these issues by Frontier Medical Group with technical advice and support from the UK's leading experts in the fields of healthcare ergonomics at the Healthcare Ergonomics and Patient Safety Research Unit (HEPSU) at Loughborough University. (1)

This is achieved by integrating the NHS's most popular pressure redistribution mattress overlay into a unique transfer device. The device moves with the patient from admission to ambulation or discharge, ensuring that effective pressure relief is always available.

Repose Companion has been received with real enthusiasm at NHS evaluation sites in England, Scotland and Wales confirming the validity of this innovative concept:

• Effective pressure redistribution from the Repose Mattress Overlay
• Easy and safe lateral transfers
• Fits securely to hospital trolleys and beds
• Reduces time taken for transfers providing opportunities for significant savings
• Improved comfort during transfers

In a recent in-vitro comparative study, New Repose Companion was shown to be "very successful in reducing time, effort and potential error for users whilst giving high scores for comfort and security for the 'patients'".(1)

Repose products provide effective pressure redistribution for all people at risk of developing pressure ulcers, including those assessed as very high risk. Repose is also appropriate for users with pressure related tissue damage - clinical supervision is advised where the damage is severe.*

Specification - Companion

• Contents: 1 X Companion Cover
• Inflated dimensions: L 2050mm x W 880mm
• Order code: 6990002
• Max patient weight 139kg
• Inflation, deflation and repacking instructions: Please see download tab for instructions.
• Cleaning instructions: Please see download tab for cleaning guidance.

NOTE: Repose Companion is to be used with the Repose Mattress Overlay only.

*Repose Companion utilises the pressure redistribution of the Repose Mattress Overlay, but as the Repose is encased in a multi-stretch cotton backed MVP fabric Repose Companion should not be expected to deliver the same degree of efficacy when compared to a 'stand alone' Repose.

Clinically effective

• The patient is always protected by an effective pressure redistributing surface
• Reduces shear and friction forces associated with lateral transfer
• Repose Companion is radiolucent

Cost effective

• Saves time and effort during the lateral transfer process
• Avoids expenditure on transfer products such as slide sheets

Comfortable

• The top cotton-backed water resistant cover is vapour-permeable
• Companion integrates the NHS's most popular Repose Mattress Overlay demonstrable comfort (5)
• All combined to improve a patient's sense of comfort and security throughout their journey

Lightweight

• A simple non-powered pump, lightweight mattress overlay and cover ensure that Repose Companion is easy to store and safe to use during transfer and transportation

Durable and maintenance

• The slide sheet base material is manufactured from polyurethane infused with nylon and is welded to a multi-stretch cover
  
• Welded seams and zips provide for added security and durability
• The absence of an e lectrical pump reduces clutter and negates problems of breakdown and expensive maintenance

Safe

• An in-vitro comparative study demonstrated that Repose Companion "was very successful in reducing time, effort and potential error for the users whilst giving high scores for comfort and security for the 'patients'"(1)
•  Corner retaining straps fit securely to any support surface
• The zip has an integral cover flap for added protection against fluid ingress
• The cover can be wiped down or machine washed at 60˚C

Easy to use

• Quick 'fool proof' inflation ensures that Repose Companion is easy to set-up ready for use
• Patented 'smart valve' technology inside the pump ensures the device is set to effective pressure levels

Clinical Paper Bibliography

1. The Evaluation of a Prototype Handling Device to assist with Horizontal Lateral Transfers. Mike Fray and Sue Hignett Healthcare Ergonomics and Patient Safety Unit, Loughborough University, Awaiting Publication, 2009
2. NHS Supply Chain 2008
3. Bale. S. Interim results of randomised controlled trial of two pressure - relieving systems in the prevention of pressure sores in patients with fractured neck of femur. Presented at the 7th European Conference on Advances in Wound Management, Harrogate, 1997.
4. Price. P. et al. 1999. Challenging the pressure sore paradigm. Journal of Wound Care, April, Vol 8, No 4.
5. Price P. et al. 2003 The use of a new overlay mattress in patients with chronic pain: impact on sleep and self-reported pain Clinical Rehabilitation 2003:17.