Patients Warm To Innovative Hospital Gown (NAPSA)—There mayfinally be a solution to problems patients have faced for decades—feeling cold and exposed in ordinary hospital gowns. An innovative garment has been created to tackle these issues by fully covering patients and channeling warm air through the gownitself, helping keep people comfortable. Traditional hospital gowns often gap in the back and may even show signsof previous wear. Gownsthat cover better are a simple but important step toward enhancingpatient dignity. The latest innovation in gowns is single-use and is fresh and clean for every patient. Improved coverage comes from the gown’s soft, thick material and generous cut—it wraps around like a robe and ties on the sides, covering patients fully. Perhaps the best feature, however, is that temperatureadjustable air flows through the gown to help keep patients comfortable. Patients put on the gown, whichis then connected to a warming unit that delivers a gentle flow of air into the gown. Using a handheld controller, patients adjust the temperature of the airflow either warmer or cooler, depending on their personal preference. A Minneapolis company with extensive experience in warming surgical patients, Arizant Healthcare Inc., created this Bair Paws patient-adjustable warming system. Nurse Karen Neugeberger says patients appreciate the warmth the system provides. “You’re warm. You’re cozy. That’s how I Dignified and comfortable is how patients say theyfeel in an innovative hospital gown that doesn’t leave the back exposed—and comeswith its own warming system. think of the Bair Paws system and I think that’s how many of our patients feel because we’ve had nothing but good reports. They just loveit.” The gown also can help reduce hospitals’ use of linens such as cotton gowns and blankets. Traditionally, nurses offer their patients warmed cotton blankets to keep them warm. Unfortunately, the warmth disappears quickly. One study showed that an average of nine cotton blankets are used with each surgical patient as one blanket cools and is replaced by another. Because the Bair Paws system warms continu- ously, facilities do not have to cycle through multiple blankets to keep patients comfortable. To learn more, visit www.bair paws.com.
