FAQ’s

  • What type of mattress should be used with the Ekamove?
  • The Ekamove can be used with a foam or hybrid mattress. The better quality foam, the better the contouring will be and the more effective pressure care from Ekamove.

  • Can it be used with an alternating mattress?
  • It can be used with an alternating mattress but it may affect the accuracy of the sensors and the display angle. Healthcare profession should perform a risk assessment if they wish to do this.

  • What type of battery is in the Airflo Plus?
  • The Airflo Plus is powered by two valve regulated sealed lead acid batteries.

  • Are there different sizes of lifting cushions?
  • We have an ELK and a Camel lifting cushion. The ELK will lift 980lbs and the Camel will lift 700lbs. For each cushion, one size fits all and no additional accessories are required. In some circumstances, a slide sheet, transfer board or transfer belt may be required to assist a transfer.

  • How quickly does the lifting cushion inflate and deflate?
  • The speed the lifting cushions inflate will depend on the weight of the person being lifted, but generally it will take less than three minutes. The lifting cushions can deflate in less than a minute.

  • What sort of ground can lifting cushions be used on outside?
  • The lifting cushions can be used on any type of surface but do look out for broken glass or sharp stones which could puncture the cushions. We advise putting a small tarpaulin or mat underneath the lifting cushion in these circumstances.

  • What happens if I get a puncture?
  • The incidences of puncture are rare. If a puncture does occur, then only the section of cushion with the damage would be affected – the remaining three will still operate. The lifting cushion will not burst like a balloon and there is no risk of injury to the patient from a rapid descent. If the puncture is small, then the cushion would still work though there would be an audible leak. Punctures cannot be repaired due to the pressure and load and damaged units have to be replaced.

  • Is the Airflo Plus waterproof?
  • When in a standing position, The Airflo Plus can be placed in a damp bathroom, used in the rain and sustain a splash of water but cannot be submerged in water. It has an IP51 rating.

  • What material is it made from?
  • The lifting is made from a polyurethane coated nylon fabric, which is a hydrophobic material and does not absorb fluids.

  • Is the Airflo Plus CEN tested?
  • Yes. Airflo Plus compressors are CEN tested. They also have TUV and UN accreditation

  • What lifespan does the lifting cushion have?
  • We expect lifting cushions (excluding batteries) will last seven years in a professional setting and 10 years for domestic use.

  • Is there an entrapment risk with the Ekamove?
  • A risk assessment should always be completed by the healthcare professional and it may be recommended that rail protectors are used.

  • How does the Ekamove meet infection control policy?
  • The air chamber cover can be washed to 203° and the rest of the equipment cleaned clinical wipes. From an infection control, perspective touchpoints are key areas for cross-contamination which for the Ekamove is the keypad. This can be wiped as there are no groves which can harbor harmful bacteria.

  • What type of beds are compatible with the Ekamove?
  • The Ekamove performs best when used with a profiling bed and foam mattress. If it is to be used with a divan bed, this must be risk assessed by a healthcare professional.

  • Can it be used with a single handed care system such as the ETAC?
  • Yes, but risk assessments should always be carried out as systems can vary.

  • Is the Ekamove difficult to programme?
  • The Ekamove can be personalized to fit the patient’s needs to achieve clinical outcomes set by the healthcare professional. Once the easy to use settings have been programmed, a carer will only need to press start or stop to operate the system.

  • How do I know what angle and dwell time to set into the Ekamove?
  • The angles and dwell times should be set on the advice of the healthcare professional responsible for the patient’s pressure care. We would recommend a visual check of 86° before setting parameters.

  • What level of pressure care is it recommended for?
  • The Ekamove is suitable for the care of pressure ulcers up to grade 3 and for conditions where pressure ulcers are likely to develop.

  • Do you have clinical evidence to support the Ekamove?
  • Ekamed has done clinical research in Germany and we have a results paper for circulation.

  • Am I eligible for VAT relief?
  • If you are chronically sick or disabled, you may be able to claim VAT relief on the Bathing Cushion. Guidance on eligibility can be found on the HRMC website.

  • Can a patient sit up in bed while using the Ekamove?
  • If the backrest is put into an upright position, an alarm with sound on the Ekamove because the angle will have reached more than 30°.
    To combat this, go into the back system (see question above) and change a parameter. The parameter which needs to be changed is called AY. If you set it to 0 then the system will allow every position of the headrest. Please ask healthcare professionals to risk assess this.

  • Can bath oils and oil-based products be used with my Bathing Cushion?
  • Yes, except products that contain peanut oil.

  • Can I change the dwell time on the Ekamove below 10 minutes?
  • Yes. If you simultaneously press and hold down the prog. & start buttons while switching on at the main switch, you enter the back end of the system. This is where parameters can be changed.
    When the system opens, the first parameter appears in the display along with the current setting. Eg. TFL 006. Selecting the parameter is done by simply pressing the + and – buttons. If you want to change the value of a parameter shown in the display, you hold down the Prog. button and change the value with the +and- buttons. By pressing the Stop button you leave the system and the values are stored. The system will then restart.
    To change the dwell time select THM and the number of minutes you require.

  • Can I have a spare battery?
  • Yes. The battery is detachable from the Airflo Plus and can be charged separately in an accessory called a cradle.

  • Can I leave the battery on charge all the time?
  • Yes, and we recommend you do. The Airflo Plus may remain continuously on charge when not in use as the batteries cannot be overcharged.

  • Can I lift someone supine (lying down) on the lifting cushion?
  • Yes. This lift is performed in conjunction with a scoop or transfer board.

  • Can I over inflate my lifting cushion?
  • No. The Airflo Plus will stop once full pressure is realized.

  • Can the Airflo Plus be charged from a vehicle?
  • Yes. We have an in vehicle charging accessory which enables you to charge the Airflo Plus from your car or ambulance.

  • Can the Airflo Plus be plugged into a mains supply?
  • Yes, but the mains electrical supply is only used to charge the battery and will not power the lifting cushion independently from the battery.

  • Can the Ekamove be rented or leased?
  • Yes, please speak to your sales lead or our customer service department to be able to organize this.

  • Can the Ekamove be used with a patient with unstable fractures?
  • No.

  • Can the Ekamove be used with a single handed care system such as the ETAC?
  • Yes, but risk assessments should always be carried out as systems can vary.

  • Can the Ekamove be used with children sleep system?
  • It is rare children develop pressure sores as their skin is healthier and they generally have more mobility. Where they are using sleep systems, the mattress may not contour sufficiently to make the Ekamove suitable and its use would only be on the advice of the healthcare professional.

  • Can the Ekamove it be used with an alternating mattress?
  • It can be used with an alternating mattress but it may affect the accuracy of the sensors and the display angle. Healthcare profession should perform a risk assessment if they wish to do this.

  • Can you buy spare parts for the Ekamove?
  • Yes. There are two main components of the Ekamove, the air chamber and the control unit. These can be purchased independently.

  • Do you have clinical evidence to support the Ekamove?
  • Ekamed has done clinical research in Germany and we have a results paper for circulation.

  • Do you have pressure mapping for the Ekamove?
  • Pressure mapping has been tested on the Ekamove successfully a number of times. We have a video displaying the pressure mapping for customers to view.

  • Do you need bed rails when using an Ekamove?
  • The Ekamove does not initiative a roll but we would recommend it is used with bedrails.

  • Does the Ekamove come with accessories?
  • There is a range of positioning cushions and wedges to purchase.

  • How do I clean my lifting cushion?
  • The lifting cushions should be cleaned when inflated. Sponge clean with a detergent solution and dry thoroughly before storing in a dry place. The lifting cushions are ultrasonically welded so there is no stitching or gaps when germs can collect. To disinfect use a disinfecting solution or alcohol impregnated wipe.

  • How do I clean the Bathing Cushion?
  • We would recommend that you rinse the Bathing Cushion with clean water after each bath and leave it to dry while still inflated. It can, of course, be dried with a towel before removal from the bath for storing.
    To ensure maximum adhesiveness we would also suggest you remove the Bathing Cushion from the bath at least once a week and clean the bottom of the suction cups as well as the surface of the bath.

  • How long does it take to charge the battery Airflo Plus?
  • We recommend keeping your battery on charge when not in use. The time to recharge after a lift will vary according to the type of lifting cushion used and the conditions of the last lift completed.

  • How long has the Ekamove been in use?
  • The first generation of the Ekamove was launched in Germany in 2008 and is now used across Europe and in Australia.

  • How many baths can I get out of one battery charge?
  • This depends on a number of factors including the weight of the user. Once the Airflo Compressor has gone through the initial charging process we would expect at least 4 baths per charge, however, it is important to maintain your battery and keep the Airflo Compressor on charge when it’s not in use.

  • How many lifts do I get from one charge?
  • Depending on the weight of the person, on average you will be able to complete 4 lifts per charge with the Camel and 5 with the ELK.

  • How much water do I put in the bath?
  • Once you have placed the Bathing Cushion in the bath and inflated it, just fill your bath with water to the level you would normally.

  • How often should a lifting cushion be serviced?
  • We recommend servicing your lifting cushion every 12 months.

  • In the Ekamove will Chlor-Clean affect the foam insulation on the control unit?
  • The foam can be cleaned with chlor-clean but you may see a loss of color in foam. If necessary, the foam can be replaced.

  • What happens if the compressor runs out of charge when you’re in the bath?
  • The Airflo Compressor used to inflate the Bathing Cushion is fitted with a safety feature, which means you will only be lowered into the bath if there is enough battery power to raise you back up again.

  • What happens with the Ekamove in the unlikely event of a power cut?
  • The system emits an alarm if there is a power cut or if the system is disconnected at the mains. The Ekamove returns to a neutral position. The patient should then be assessed and the Ekamove re started manually when the power comes back on.

  • What is the difference between a plate based turning system (Toto) and an air chamber (Ekamove) turning system?
  • The air chambers of the Ekamove contour with the mattress to support the body to the desired angle. This contouring distributes the body weight better to support the body at the desired angle, for the desired amount of time. With the air contouring around the body, to support the body’s weight there is a reduction in the potential for sheer pressures in high risk areas. This in turn spreads the interface pressure over a bigger area reducing point pressure points to aid in prevention and healing of pressure ulcers.
    The plate system causes hammocking of the mattress which reduces the distribution of the body weight which can potentially increase the shear pressures and reduce the amount of contouring around the body. This in turn gives less support at an angle as the body is only supported at the contact areas with the mattress. This limits pressure to high risk areas as well as increasing the shear pressures at these points.

  • What is the highest and lowest outside temperature I can use my lifting cushion in?
  • The maximum temperature is 95F and lowest 41F.

  • What is the warranty on the Ekamove?
  • 2 years. We would also recommend taking an annual service plan.

  • What is the weight limit for the Ekamove?
  • Both the standard Ekamove and the bariatric version lift up to 660lbs. The bariatric version is wider to fit bariatric beds.
    There is also an Ekamove version with 2 extra air chambers, which is ideal for patients with very large legs that require specific pressure care.
    There is a lower weight limit of 33lbs.

  • What level of pressure care is the Ekamove recommended for?
  • The Ekamove is suitable for care of pressure ulcers up to grade lll and for conditions where pressure ulcers are likely to develop.

  • Why are burns a contra-indication?
  • The Ekamove can be used with patient with burns but if you have a patient with a burn on a large space on the body where the skin is especially fragile, a turn could potentially damage the skin further. It would be the decision on the healthcare professional.

  • Why is the Ekamove control unit showing more than 30°?
  • The air chambers will only fill to the required capacity of a 30° tilt. On some bed frames, the sensors may detect a higher lift (31° or 32°) – this is to do with the angle of the bed and not the Ekamove.

  • Will the bathing cushion fit my bath?
  • The bathing cushion inflates to fit most baths, even very narrow ones. Always try the bathing cushion in your bath without water in the first instance and if for some reason it does not fit, call our customer service team for support.