How SmartCells Mats are different than traditional foam mats |
“We really enjoy the product. It is easy to roll wheel chairs on them, making transfers easier. The aids and rehab staff really like them. Because they are more stable, they don't slide away when a fall occurs; we have more non-injuries.” “We love them! We have had no injuries at all on any of the mats. They are absolutely wonderful.” |
SmartCells Cushioned Flooring
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: With all the cells on the underside, doesn’t this create infection control issues?
Answer: While it is appropriate to be concerned with the surface area that is potentially exposed to pathogens, infection control issues relating to SmartCells have been put to bed for some time. Here are some responses:
1. As you can imagine, this is a consideration for every one of our clients, so it is always one of the first items of discussion. Every infection control team that has evaluated the SmartCells product has given it the green light, so we are not breaking any new ground with this conversation. Infection control personnel DO allow SmartCells mats and flooring into their hospitals.
2. While the structure of the SmartCells surfaces present potential for exposure, the material itself is non-porous and is incapable of absorbing liquid, unlike typical foam or sponge based products that are made of cellular structures (like bubble-bath) that contain many, many more times the structural surface area for contamination than SmartCells, especially once they rupture (which is a certainty) or if the coating or cover is ruptured or torn. This is why these mats almost always reek of urine, and why they are often discarded after only months (or a year or so) of use (remember, SmartCells has an 8 year warranty). If organizations have approved that type of fall protection, they will have no challenge approving SmartCells.
3. The idea of a sealed bottom has been discussed and tried in many industrial marketplaces, and while it holds some logic on paper, the real world application is not practical. Here is what we have found: First, it adds significantly to the price. Second, if the membrane appropriate for sealing is breached, (even by a single pin hole) the ability to then disinfect the bottom surface is almost entirely restricted, since it has been sealed off.
4. The seams where the mat segments are joined can be sealed, so that mats can be in one piece, if desired, eliminating seams.
5. If the desired solution is flooring, instead of matting, then the issue of infection control goes away, since the entire SmartCells structure is sealed off entirely, under an additional flooring surface (CoatnSeal) that is installed on top of the SmartCells. The only flooring surface that is exposed is identical or similar to whatever flooring they currently have, and is cleaned and maintained for infection control purposes in precisely that same way as is currently being done.
6. The very best process to put these questions to rest is to do an in-house test, with infection control personnel who can inspect and test on their own. SATECH, Inc. will, of course, be pleased to provide for this.
7. The following Infection control results were provided as part of Canadian based clinical flooring trials that have been under way since 2005, and are available as a separate Infection Control document.
Question: How are the mats cleaned?
Answer:
1. General Guidelines: Clean up any spills right away. Fruit juice, vinegar, alcoholic drinks or other similar drinks/foods may discolor grey, blue, green, or brown mats if they are allowed to sit on the mat surface. Disinfect the SmartCells surface as you would normally disinfect the floor, following chemical compatibility guidelines for the SmartCells material.
For “disinfectant cleaning” use an appropriate dilution of TASKI NDC, a concentrated pH neutral detergent/disinfectant cleaner formulated to provide one-step, no-rinse cleaning. It provides exceptional cleaning performance; and is an EPA registered hospital grade disinfectant that provides protection against bacteria/virus/fungus/mildew. It is also okay to use a dilute bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) solution or an alcohol-based solution. Autoclaving is also okay, provided it is limited to 1 hour or less and no more than 250 degrees F.
2. Method: Since SmartCells bedside mats are designed to be stable and to stay in place for caregiver activities like standing, walking, wheeling, transferring, etc., they are, by definition heavier than typical unstable, foam-based mats, and generally do not need to be moved. For regular cleaning, we recommend that one end of the mat should be “rolled” toward the middle of the mat, providing access to the floor and the underside of ½ of the mat. Then, rolled back into place after cleaning and drying. Repeat from the other end.
If there is ergonomic concern about the “rolling” method of cleaning, the mats can be configured into smaller, lighter pieces.
3. Flooring: Since the entire SmartCells structure is sealed off entirely, under an application of CoatnSeal, it can be cleaned and maintained for infection control purposes in essentially that same way as is currently being done.
Question: Are there any special cleaning considerations for maintenance / environmental services personnel or methods?
Answer: SmartCells bedside injury prevention mats are designed to have a high coefficient of friction to reduce the likelihood of a slip when fluids are present. However, some cleaning / infection control procedures employ the use of easily detachable (micro fiber) mop heads which are intended to be used on slippery-when-wet surfaces (like standard non-cushioned floors). When dragged across the standard increased-traction SmartCells surface they can detach. By altering SmartCells surface with a special surface treatment (SATECH’s silk finish), which reduces the “grip”, the surface will allow for easier cleaning with this type of mop.
Question: The mats are heavy, how do we move them?
Answer: If to clean, see answers to cleaning questions.
The mats are intended to be so user friendly that they can stay in place. Research indicates that the surface is very stable for balance impaired persons and statistically indistinguishable from a standard rigid floor.
The mats will accommodate most typical caregiver activities like standing, walking, wheeling and transferring, without having to move the mats.
Question: How is SmartCells affected by rolling loads?
Answer: The force required to roll objects on SmartCells is dependent on the size of the wheels and the weight of the object.
According to research conducted by Frasier Health Authority, BC, Canada, in February, 2009:
The maximum acceptable limit for pushing the equipment as determined using the Snook tables was 24 kg for initial forces and 15 kg for sustained forces. All forces measured to push the Arjo Sara Lift, Arjo Tempo lift and the wheelchair over both surfaces fell within ergonomics guidelines and is considered a low risk of injury (Snook, 1991).
Pushing the equipment on the responsive flooring required a higher push force than pushing on the regular flooring in all conditions with all equipment. However, the responsive flooring push forces still fall within ergonomics guidelines and would be considered an acceptable implementation by the Workplace Health Ergonomics team.
Question: How slippery is the mat in the presence of liquid?
Answer: SmartCells has a high coefficient of friction. Friction test results can be supplied, upon request.
Question: How much do they cost?
Answer: They range from around $200 - $400, depending on fall height required, and present the best value in the marketplace with their 8 year warranty, positive impact on infection control and dual functionality (appropriate for the caregiver as well as the at-risk person).
Here is a typical value comparison:
It is also appropriate to place the Price of SmartCells in the context of the Cost.
The SmartCells injury prevention Value Calculator is an Interactive spreadsheet to assist in determining the cost of injury prevention vs. the cost of SmartCells investment, and is available as an electronic document to be used with your customers.
Question: How do SmartCells compare with other fall protection mats?
Answer: SmartCells are generationally different than other matting.
• Made of rubber, not foam
• Becomes softer on impact, not harder like foam / sponge
• Incapable of absorbing liquid
• Fewer infection control issues
• Stable surface for standing, walking, wheeling and transferring
• Also available as flooring
• 8 year warranty
Question: If SmartCells is covered by another surface, how does that effect cushioning?
Answer: When covered by CoatnSeal, the cushioning may be reduced by up to 4%.
Question: How is SmartCells fire rated?
Answer: SmartCells with CoatnSeal comply with NFPA and UBC Class 1 Fire Ratings
Question: Are there any chemicals that should not be used on SmartCells beside mats?
Answer:
DO NOT USE Quaternary ammonium compounds.
DO NOT USE HYDROCARBON SOLVENTS SUCH AS PAINT THINNER.
DO NOT USE OIL-BASED CLEANING SOLUTIONS SUCH AS MURPHY’s OIL SOAP or PINESOL.
DO NOT USE PASTE WAX.
DO NOT USE VINYL CLEANERS SUCH AS ARMORALL.
Question: Does SmartCells contain latex?
Answer: No.
SmartCells is made from synthetic rubber not natural rubber laytex
Latex is technically a generic term meaning milky liquid. It can apply to the natural rubber tree sap from which is coagulated an isoprene polymer commonly referred to as natural rubber. It can also apply to the pre-coagulant phase of synthetic polymer manufacture. Since the polymerization occurs in an aqueous phase the milky liquid that occurs prior to coagulation of the polymer is called latex.
The term latex is most generally used to refer specifically to natural rubber.
However, the type I allergy that can occur with skin contact with a latex product always refers to natural rubber latex. The allergic reaction is a response to proteins that occur in natural rubber latex. They simply do not exist in synthetic rubber latex.
The following link to choice of latex gloves may be useful.
http://www.immune.com/rubber/nr3.html#latex
Question: Does SmartCells have an odor?
Answer: New rubber has a slight odor that usually dissipates within a few days or weeks. If there is circulating air it is usually unnoticeable. The odor can be blocked if a covering or coating is placed on the mat. Alternatively, good air circulation works well to dissipate the new rubber smell.
Question: Does SmartCells come in different colors?
Answer: Yes you can order, black, blue, green, brown or grey colors, as well as a variety of patterns / textures.