FAQ

When there is a power shortage, the alarm will be triggered to notify the caregiver. Some of Apex mattresses are facilitated with transport cap to hold air inside the mattress to support the patient for a short period of time in case of power failure.

When there is a power shortage, the alarm will be triggered to notify the caregiver. Some of Apex mattresses are facilitated with transport cap to hold air inside the mattress to support the patient for a short period of time in case of power failure. Also, if the system has a cell-on-cell design, the bottom chamber of the cells will stay inflated for hours depending on patients’ weights.

The mattress inflation time depends on the compressor's flow rate and the mattress’s dimension. In general, bubble pad will take about 20 mins, 4”/5” overlay mattress will need 25~35 mins and 8” replacement mattress needs 30~40 min. to inflate. The blower based system (such as Serene) can be inflated within 2 minutes.

After inflating the product, place the patient on the product, and then perform a hand check* (explained in next question).
In fact, Apex has been thoughtful for our customers and relieved our customer’s pressure from this issue. From Domus 3 to Domus Auto, a complete set of Pro-care, and Serene, during the inflation period, the system will go to “Maxfirm” or shown as “Low pressure” on Domus 3 and Pro-care 2. However, once when the mattress is properly inflated, the system will go into alternating mode automatically (static mode for Serene) and so the caregiver can be sure that the system is properly inflated.

First make sure the CPR plugs are secure and in place. Then double check if the air hose connection between pump and mattress is tightly secured.

Normal mattress cover may be used on all mattresses.
All of Apex mattress covers have passed ISO-10993 Bio-compatibility test (Sensitization and Skin irritation Cytotoxicity).
Also, all the covers have passed the flammability test of Cal TB116/117. They are designed for low friction, water proof and vapor permeable; hence, should be easier to use and better for pressure prevention.

The purpose of the mattress is to redistribute the pressure from patients and also prevent the patient from bottoming-out.
The higher cell allows the system to provide lower pressure range. On the other side, the lower cell system need to support more pressure in order to prevent the patient from bottoming out, that is why overlay systems need higher pressure.

Alternating mattress is designed for Pressure Relief. It’ll periodically remove the pressure to allow reperfusion of the capillary bed. The pressure relief allows blood flow to return to normal and re-perfuse tissue that has been starved of blood due to the pressure being exerted on it. By changing position we naturally allow this to happen. Pressure relieving mattress actively encourage tissue perfusion by inflating and deflating alternative air cells over a certain period of time in a cycle, so pressure over any one part of the body in contact with the surface changes regularly.

True low-air-loss mattress is a static pressure system designed for Pressure Reduction. Pressure reduction is achieved by reducing contact pressure at the skin /mattress interface through increasing surface area over the patient.

Each system has its advantages, so it really depends on therapist or patient’s preference.

If your mattress system is with interchangeable air cells, each air cell can be taken out individually and replaced with a new one if needed.

Apex provides a wide range of products for patient's different needs. Choosing a right mattress system depends on the treatment level of pressure ulcer, the weight of patient, purpose of treatment (prevention or pain management?) and price.

It mainly depends on the environment the system is operating. Normally, check the filter every 3 months will be a good maintenance exercise.

Digital system has microprocessors so the system can be designed with additional functions controlled by computer, such as Cycle Time, Seat Inflation, Panel Lock, etc. Also, the pressure level can be consistent and clearly defined by programming the software.

In analogue system, the functions are operated based on mechanism design. The pressure level indicated on regulator knob is not linear. Therefore, the benefit is limited compared to digital system.

You can simply adjust the setting according to the weight reference shown on the pump first, and then ask the patient (if possible) for comfort degree. Further to perform a hand check by placing palm up and feeling for a cushion of air under the heaviest areas of the body. There should be at least 1 inch of support between the pressure point of the body and your hand. If there is an incident of bottoming-out, simply adjust the pressure a little higher.

Usually it means there is a problem on the motor assembly. Please contact your local dealer or Apex Medical customer service for further information.

It indicates there is an insufficient pressure in the system. Please check if the tubing is tightly connected to the pump and the CPR valve is closed properly. Also check if any breakage on the air cells.

After inspecting all check-points and low pressure alarm remained, please contact your local dealer or Apex Medical customer service for further information.

According to EPUAP guideline, rapid deflation for CPR by disconnection of air tubes from the mattress at the normal point of attachment deflation for the thorax should be achieved within 15 seconds for an individual of 70kg and normal BMI.

Maybe there is a low-pressure situation, check to see if the air hose connection between pump and mattress is tightly secured, the CPR valve is sealed and if there is any leakage on air cells or air hose connection.

This will depend on the kind of system you're using. Some system are alternating therapy products. That means air alternates between each air outlet; therefore, wait for the complete cycle of the alternating phase. Other system are low-air-loss (static) therapy products, there should be a steady airflow coming out of air outlets unless if the system reaches their preset pressure level or please check if there is any kinked air hoses.

In most of Apex's products, there is a transportation cap for a quick connector so the mattress can keep the air inside for a period of time (Domus 3, 4, Auto and complete Pro-care series)

For a standard single cell with micro low-air-loss mattress, it’ll last for approx. 10~30mins, depending on patient weight. The cell-on-cell mattress can hold the air for about 10 hrs depending on patient weight.

For pump, wipe with a damp cloth and a mild detergent and keep it away from dust.
For mattress, clean the air cells and bottom cover by wiping with a gentle laundry detergent allowing the unit to air dry.
Top cover may follow below direction:

Silver+ Stretch & Stretch
Silver+ Nylon/PU & Nylon/PU

We are satisfied that there is no risk associated with a latex skin contact or inhalation allergy reaction when using any of Apex’s therapeutic support surface system. The products do not come in contact with any Latex products throughout the manufacturing process.