THE FLUIDIZED-BED

The process of fluidisation involves blowing warm air through small solid microspheres thus creating a liquid, without wetness. The warmth provides some important properties including reducing the metabolic rate in thermal injury which has a beneficial effect on mortality, modifying catabolism after surgery, providing gradual vasodilation in shock and core temperature stability in illness. The fluidisation ensures prevention and successful treatment of pressure sores, a comfortable and less stressful environment than conventional care, a reduction in pain, ease of wound care, discourages a bacterial persistence and reduces the work of the nurse. The importance of proper fluid balance, bacteriological care and limitations of posture must be appreciated in using the bed.