Spencer vacuum mattresses and splints

The principal of vacuum immobilization has been known for many years in the emergency medicine and first aid fields. A rich bibliography and many prestigious clients testify to this important technological innovation. Further studies and experiments carried out on the chemical formulation of vinyl, the phenomenon of micro porosity and resistance of the polystyrene spheres have enabled Spencer to produce its own vacuum immobilization systems. The production of every single element has been tested by technicians from quality control to guarantee the exceptional characteristics of this unique product in terms of quality, functionality and durability. Spencer vacuum mattresses offer many advantages:

safety and comfort of the patient
support and protection for the whole body regardless of dimensions or age
easy to prepare and use (it takes less than one minute to loosen them)
light, compact, easy to transport, clean and put away
made with robust materials to be used in any condition and designed to last a long time
the valve can easily be replaced
used in all kinds of ambulances, ski patrols, water rescue, mountain rescue, sports therapy or industrial safety

Thermal excursion: from –20 to +50 °C [from -4 to +122 °F]. Spencer vacuum mattresses are designed to immobilize the patient’s body, but they can also be used as floatation devices in water. The outer material is vinyl-coated nylon, watertight, resistant to disinfectants, fuel oils, blood and various acids. It is easy to wash with normal detergents or alcohol. On/off ball valve made in chromed brass, easy to replace.

The system

All of the polystyrene spheres, that are suspended in the air displace as soon as the pressure inside the vinyl shell changes. The surface of the mattress (or splints) is distributed in proportion to the weight supported. The mattress hence allows for effective and correct fitting. The patient, lying inside, moulded by his/her own body, can be further immobilized by creating a protective shell around the patient, winding the lateral edges of the mattress around him/her. The mattress can then be deflated using a manual or electric vacuum pump to evacuate the air. In doing this, the spheres press against one another locking themselves in. After closing the valve the form taken remains fixed in the position it was moulded into for the time required.

Phoretex and thermal isolation

The high level of technology used in the production of the expanded synthesized closedcell self-extinguishing polystyrene Phoretex guarantees the homogeneity of the physical and mechanical characteristics, primarily due to the isotropy of the material. Defining a product as isotropic means that it will not undergo tension, deformation and breakage during its use and life, it will therefore have a stabile physical and mechanical balance. The isotropy consequently guarantees repetition of the characteristics of the Phoretex in every point of the mattress (or splint), and at the same time assures the density of the micro spheres that have been optimised in order to guarantee good thermal isolation and to reduce the loss of heat from the patient.

Weight distribution

The perfect adhesion of the vacuum mattress and splints to the body of the immobilized patient creates a total distribution of the weight, which is one of the many benefits of vacuum mattresses. Spencer vacuum mattresses and splints not only to avoid knocks and bangs but also to distribute effects evenly during transportation.