16th Aug 2016
Pull String vs. Pressure Pad Patient Monitors
Is One Better Than Another?
Don't let at-risk-for-fall patients be the victims a bad fall. Knowing some Fall Monitors basics can greatly minimize risk. Mobility monitors are typically, pressure pads or pull string. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of both systems.
How It Works: A thin pad is placed under the patient in their bed or chair. When the patient attempts to stand up the monitor sets off an alarm, triggered when their weight is removed from the pressure pad.
Advantages: The pressure pad can be moved to the precise location so that the resident has maximum freedom to move around in their chair or bed. For example, by placing the pad under the patient's buttock in bed the patients can sit up and lean forward without triggering the alarm. Pressure pads allow the resident more freedom of movement when they roll in their sleep.
Disadvantages: Pads wear out quickly. Some pressure pad systems are not moisture proof and can be rendered useless should they come in contact with urine or spills. NursingHomeAids.com recommends and provides and FDA approved moisture-proof vinyl pad by Smart Caregiver, guaranteed for 1 years for most applications.
How it works: This monitor system typically uses a magnet tied to a light cord. The other end of the cord is clipped to the resident's garment. When the resident attempts to get out of their chair or bed, they pull the cord, yanking the magnet from position and triggering the alarm.
Advantages: Unlike pressure pads, a resident can be in bed or in their chair at the time of monitor setup. Pull String monitors are typically less expensive and usually last longer than pressure pads. Pull String Monitors can be used anywhere, anytime because they install easily and quickly.
Disadvantages: The correct cord length adjustment between the resident and the monitor is critical to the proper operation of a Pull String Monitor. If the cord is adjusted too short, the resident can't move without triggering the alarm. If the cord is adjusted too loosely, the patient and surrounding equipment can become entangled. When the patient rolls in their sleep. Also, a resident can easily defeat this system simply by unclipping themselves from the monitor.
Conclusion: Both Pull String and Pressure Pad Systems work best when used correctly in the right application.
NursingHomeAids.com is committed to providing affordable and well-built patient monitoring systems so that Caregivers can afford to keep their residents safe. Our products are designed and made or assembled in the U.S.A by Smart Caregiver.