How to Choose Equipment Covers That Fit Different Sizes and Shapes of Medical Devices?

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are hotbeds for dust and other pollutants like bacteria and viruses. Protective coverings are vital for loss prevention from incidents such as dropping the devices. Long-term loss from dust contaminating the devices goes unaccounted for. Medical devices serve a variety of functions from simple handheld tools to large stationary devices. This makes it difficult to opt for the best devices. An unmatched covering results in no loss prevention and can actually shorten the devices lifespan by causing wear and tear. Mepro Medical has protective coverings for medical devices of all sizes and shapes. In this article we go over the most important aspects to consider when choosing protective coverings.

Basic Features of Medical Equipment Covers

Before we discuss Protective Equipment Covers, we must first discuss their basic necessary requirements. First of all, protection is the most important feature. Protective covers should be made of materials that block liquids, dust, and microbes to avoid the cross contamination that is so prevalent in health care. Mepro Medical SMS polypropylene non woven fabric block most liquids are water resistant and are still breathable so they should be able to be used to make equipment covers. Second, the cover must be adequate for the use environment of the device. Covers for devices in an Operating Room are going to need higher levels of sterility, while equipment in the general ward is going to be more concerned with the cover's adjustable durability in line with the relatively easy cleaning of the cover. The utmost importance is the safety. The cover for equipment must be made of materials that are non toxic, do not shed any lint, and that do not soften or damage the surface of the device or interfere with how the device is meant to work. For example,  Mepro Medical's hydrophilic non woven fabric is skin friendly, does not shed lint, and is non irritating to support safe contact with medical devices and equipment.

How To Measure Medical Equipment For Covers

Good measuring practices help define the order of fit correct device covers. Measuring practices vary by device type. For small handheld devices like thermometers or blood pressure monitors, measure the length, width and height at the thickest points. Estimate and include an extra 1 2 cm of margin wrap or overlap on the device cover so that the device cover will be easier to be put on or taken off, but not so loose that it will fall off. For medium devices such as infusion pumps or handheld ultrasound machines, measure the main body and any of the cable attachments or knobs or any other loose and protruding displays. Those have to be taken into account as they can be pressure sensitive and need their own cut out areas or flexible portions of the cover. For large stationary devices like MRI machines or hospital beds, measure their overall length width and height and any other irregular shapes to their contours. Mepro Medical usually covers with custom made covers and use these measurement to provide all around protection.

Material Considerations Based on the Shapes and Structures of Devices \n\nThe shape of a medical device determines the cover material choice. In the case of devices of simple and uniform shapes, such as rectangular monitors or cylindrical oxygen tanks, the cover shape can be maintained if one of the stiffer materials is used. In this case, the cover's shape and cover fitting can be guaranteed by using rigid or semi rigid materials. An example of such regular shaped devices is Mepro Medical’s 100% polyester needle punched non woven fabric, which is durable and has good structural stability. For devices with more complex shapes such as those with multiple curves, detachable parts, and moving components, more flexible and elastic materials need to be used. In such devices elastic non woven fabrics or stretch-able fabrics can be used as they can extend to contour to the device, covering every part without restricting movement. An example of this is Mepro Medical’s composite non woven fabrics which adds a structure flexibly and strongly, elements which are perfect for devices with irregular shapes like surgical lamps and dialysis machines. Furthermore, certain devices require frequent access to be made, for such devices like blood glucose meters, covers that can be easily opened such as those with zippers or Velcro are ideal as they permit the device to be use rapidly without removing the cover.

Medical devices come in all shapes and sizes and unfortunately do not always fit with off-the-shelf stock protective equipment. In these scenarios, there is not much alternative other than custom. Bespoke equipment covers are made to the exact dimensions to fit the idiosyncrasies of the device to guarantee proper protection and fit. In these scenarios, it is important to work hand in hand with the cover manufacturer and ensure the submission of comprehensive documentation, accurate measured data, photos of the device from different angles, and notes describing important areas of the device requiring protection (e.g. protective coverings required for sensitive sensors or screens). Mepro Medical has a custom cover design and development team with a wealth of experience, with more than ten designers tasked with custom equipment cover design to fit medical devices. The company has invested in technologies to ensure complete accuracy in custom cutting and sewing procedures, covering complex devices. Moreover, Mepro Medical’s customization service also allows for material selection based on the device’s use scenario, ensuring the cover meets both fit and functional needs.

Assessing Practicality and Durability of Equipment Covers

A good fitting cover should not only fit well but also be practical and durable. Practicality involves ease of use, and maintenance. Covering equipment should be quick and easy for the healthcare staff during busy moments. Covers should be washable or disposable, depending on the usage frequency and hygiene needs. Mepro Medical’s disposable non woven equipment covers are perfect for single use scenarios (e.g. in sterile environments), while reusable woven covers are able to survive many washes and sterilization cycles, saving costs in the long run. Durability is another important aspect. Covering materials should be resistant to wearing, tearing and fading, especially for devices that are moved often or in busy areas. Mepro Medical’s products face strong quality control, with materials being tested for tensile strength and friction or abrasion resistance for high quality durability and longevity. Also, check if the cover has reinforced edges or seams to reduce likelihood of fraying, which gets the most out of covers.

How Mepro Medical Can Help You Protect Your Equipment

Mepro Medical can help you choose the right protective covers for various medical devices and have the qualifications to do this. Mepro Medical has a history in medical textiles, and has a large selection of protective covers designed to meet the varied needs of healthcare organizations. Mepro Medical uses quality materials, such as SMS non woven fabrics, polyester needle punched non woven fabrics and composites, to make both covers for common equipment in standard sizes. Mepro Medical has a multi-level quality assurance and quality control system for all their protective equipment covers. The protective equipment covers leave the facility out of compliance with several international requirements and provide minimal protection and safety. This company does it all. They help with equipment covers selection, provide information for Geolocation measurement, equipment covers, and provide support for equipment covers after the sale. Mepro Medical has effective covers for small hand-held devices to large stationary equipment. Mepro Medical can give you a balance of fit, functionality, and low-price equipment covers.