Healthcare Fabrics
Medical Mattress and the Prevention of Bed Sores
In the medical mattress industry, alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs) are used in hospitals to help prevent bed sores.
Herculite fire barrier fabrics form a layer between the exterior mattress tick and the interior support cushion.
The U.S. Congress and CPSC enacted 16 CFR Part 1633, the Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame)of Mattress Sets; Final Rule which took effect July 1, 2007. The statute requires mattress makers to incorporate fire barrier fabrics, which are flame-resistant and self-extinguishing when a flame source is removed, into the manufacture of their bedding products. Designed to be integrated into a mattress by forming a layer between the exterior mattress tick and the interior support cushion, fire barrier fabrics work like this:
of Mattress Sets; Final Rule which took effect July 1, 2007. The statute requires mattress makers to incorporate fire barrier fabrics, which are flame-resistant and self-extinguishing when a flame source is removed, into the manufacture of their bedding products. Designed to be integrated into a mattress by forming a layer between the exterior mattress tick and the interior support cushion, fire barrier fabrics work like this:
When the material comes into contact with a flame, the surface of the barrier fabric is designed to char. This inhibits the spread of the flame. The fire barrier fabric yarns maintain a stable framework for the char layer and restrict airflow depleting the fuel for the flame, thus reducing the flames access to the materials deeper inside the mattress.
Here are 5 tips for choosing a fire barrier fabric:
- Choose a proven, reliable fabric from a trusted supplier.
- Use a fire barrier fabric that is tear resistant, reducing labor time and increasing production throughput.
- Review the fire barrier's durability with use testing, a fire barrier fabric that has fallen apart inside your mattress makes potential repairs or rebuilds impossible.
- Choose a fabric that fabricates easily and is comfortable to work with.
- Consider an all-in-one top tick and fire barrier fabric in order to reduce inventory, labor time, and increase throughput such as Sure-Chek FR Shield, which incorporates Sure-Chek top ticks with a reliable non-woven fire barrier back.
Custom Engineered Healthcare Fabric
When a project requires specific features or attributes such as flame resistance, our experienced development team will customize a product to meet your need. As you develop these new applications Herculite welcomes the opportunity to improve your bottom line.