Product Highlight: Invacare RPS350-1 & RPS350-2 Reliant Stand-Up Lift

It seems like stand-up patient lifts just keep getting better – easier to use, more stable and secure, and more maneuverable. The Invacare Reliant RPS350 stand aids shown here are all that, plus they're fully adjustable and will provide comfortable transfers and support for patients of any size and shape all the way up to 350 pounds.

Racecar Maneuverability
There's a reason racecars are built so low to the ground; the Invacare RPS350-1 and RPS350-2 have low centers of gravity for maximum stability and can roll under most beds, with a need for just 4.5 inches of clearance. The primary difference between the two units is that the -1 has a manual leg spreader, and the -2's spreader is motorized, utilizing rechargeable batteries included with the lift. The spreader is what moves the base legs apart for easy patient access. This is especially desirable when moving your patient to or from a chair, wheelchair or toilet seat.

Both units have a motorized patient lifting feature. The motorized spreader on the RPS350-2 has its own separate motor that's powered by the same batteries that operate the lifter. Batteries are easily removable for convenient charging via the included charger.

Multifunctional Operation
The units function as a means of standing support, in which the easy-to-attach standing sling is used, or for patient transfer, where a transfer sling is used. Your new lift will come equipped with a standing sling at no additional cost. You'll have the option of selecting a standard or XL-sized sling. Additional slings can be purchased separately. They're easy to affix and feature numerous adjustments for maximum patient comfort.

Not Exactly for Everyone
The only caveat with using this Invacare patient lift is that patients must be able to bear a portion of their own body weight. If incapable of bearing a load, they will simply dangle, with no control. These units are also excellent for rehab patients requiring standing support.

Features that make the RPS350 series the best choice include:

• Ideal for a variety of transfers, including bed to wheelchair, toilet to tub, and basic room-to-room movement
• Leg supports are soft and adjustable, with three positions and optional security leg straps
• Wide, non-slip footrests
• Comfortable slings with built-in back support for maximum comfort and significantly reduced under-arm pressure

The Invacare RPS350 stand-up lifts are, hands down, an invaluable health aid for both homes and care facilities. They're ideal for use in day-to-day patient handling.

Best Type of Mattress System for Pressure Reduction

Oftentimes, when patients are bedridden, they can develop damaging pressure ulcers on their skin and body tissue that can be very painful and uncomfortable. These ulcers can be prevented, however, with different types of therapeutic mattresses such as alternating-pressure systems and other pressure-relief mattresses. The key to ensuring these ulcers do not develop is obtaining a mattress that can mold closely to the body in order to redistribute weight.

Below you will find some of the best mattresses for pressure reduction.

1. Invacare CareGuard Alternating Pressure System #CG9701
This is an air-alternating mattress pressure system that can easily adapt into a mattress with simple adjusting corner straps. It’s incredibly easy to install and clean, is capable of accommodating up to 250 pounds and is equipped with four large, 2” thick bladders inside the reversible polyurethane foam mattress core. It works by using advanced pump technology that alternately inflates and deflates air cells, which is great for helping to prevent pressure ulcers. It features a variable pressure setting, allowing you to adjust the pressure of the pump to provide maximum effectiveness and pressure relief. The pump cycles every 5 minutes, inflating and deflating the two air chambers, and can be mounted on the bed with a built-in bracket.

This is truly one of the best alternating-pressure systems on the market today, and it is the perfect economical and effective way to treat and prevent pressure ulcers!

2. MasonAir LS9000, LS9000B True Low Air Loss Mattress
Low-air-loss mattresses function by floating the patient on air-filled cells while circulating air across the skin to reduce moisture and maintain constant skin interface pressure. This is a “True Air Loss” mattress, meaning it utilizes 1000-1300 liters of air per minute to maintain normal skin temperature and moisture levels, yet it will not dry out therapeutic dressings. This easy-to-set-up system offers 10 comfort settings and an auto-firm feature that allows for a one-minute fill rate. The Pulsate Mode reduces air flow every 30 seconds to 50 percent of the comfort setting, intermittently reducing pressure and increasing blood flow. It also possesses Pressure Sensing Technology that equalizes pressure and maximizes comfort by continuously monitoring surface pressure for optimal relief.
3. Invacare microAIR Lateral Rotation MA95Z

Like any good lateral rotation mattress, you are able to program the interval to rotate the patient from side to side to cyclically change pressure points. The main advantage of this particular system is the elimination of the caregiver needing to turn or rotate the patient every few hours and the taking away of the use of pillows and wedges to reposition the patient. This therapeutic mattress is also perfect for Stage III and IV as well as multiple Stage II pressure ulcers, and has also been shown to be helpful for patients with pulmonary disorders. The MA95Z is equipped with a high-powered 1275 LPM blower to provide true low-air-loss therapy and comes in both a standard 36”X80” size with a 350-pound weight capacity as well as a Bariatric 48”X80” with a 1000-pound weight capacity. This all-in-one mattress provides the benefits of true low air loss, alternating pressure and lateral rotation. This easy-to-understand, caregiver-friendly system is portable, readily attached to most hospital and nursing beds and replaces the mattress on standard medical beds.

What truly sets this system apart is that it provides continuous flotation in all turning modes, assuring patients do not “bottom out” on a hard bed surface, easily making this system worthy of being mentioned in the discussion of the best mattress systems for pressure reduction.

Obtaining mattress systems designed for pressure relief provides countless benefits, so make sure you check out the selection PHC Online has to offer!