Foam is known to be a versatile material, used in a wide range of personal and commercial environments. However, foam plays an important role in the medical environment - from hospital examination rooms to GP surgeries. As is the case in other commercial environments, one type of foam does not 'fit' all applications - using various grades, types, thicknesses and densities to achieve the desired effect.
A large proportion of us will have broken a bone at least once in our lives. For evaluation purposes, we may have had an X-ray to identify a fracture or a complete break. However, it is neither comfortable nor appropriate to place the arm or leg on an unsupported X-ray table. Patients with certain fractures may find it difficult to hold their body in the right position to take accurate, high-quality X-rays. For this reason, foam cut to size and shape is often used for comfort and support.
Polyurethane Foam Tray
Closed cell foam is the most common type of foam used in X-ray setups. Recognised as a non-porous foam type that is easy to clean (does not absorb liquids), it is ideal for continuous use. Closed cell foam also has a non-slip surface, ideal for keeping the body in place. Another popular foam-based material is coated foam, which is a plain foam sprayed with a sealant that can be easily wiped clean. However, the sprayed layer is radiopaque, which means that its use in certain X-ray scenarios is inappropriate. Foams for X-ray setups come in a variety of shapes and uses, including infant fixator moulds, cranial pads, head rings, lumbar spine supports and lateral knee pads. Boxed backrests with padding are also commonly used for chest examinations to help maintain an upright position.
EVA Open Cell Packing
In a hospital or doctor's surgery, you may remember needing help to get from A to B - whether you are an inpatient or an outpatient. For example, you may have been transferred between facilities in a wheelchair, on a hospital trolley or on a mobile bed. These mobility aids can withstand a lot of use in a medical environment, so the seat padding needs to be of a high quality. The most common foams used for this type of wheelchair are high-density, closed-cell polyethylene or reconstituted sheet foams. Hospital trolleys are subjected to the same heavy use and must be sterilised frequently, making high-density foam the preferred choice for repeated patient use. Due to its durability and high density, it is also suitable for heavier patients.
For example, in A&E and GP surgeries, patients are often asked to be assessed and are often required to sit or lie on an examination bed. Like mobility aids, this equipment can withstand heavy use while being exposed to many injuries and illnesses. For this reason, high-density foam is a popular choice in the healthcare environment due to its high durability and antimicrobial properties.
If you require any further information on how to use foam in hospitals and other medical environments, or would like to enquire about replacement foam components, please contact us.
