Troubleshooting
Alternating Air Mattresses
In the event that the checklist is followed but there is no improvement, telephone Bartrams First Technicare for advice.
1. Should you be unsure as to whether the pump unit is switched on
Check List |
Solution |
Pump is plugged into mains? |
Plug fully into socket. |
Is main plug on or off? |
Turn power on. |
Is switch on the pump unit on or off? |
Turn switch on. |
Check both fuses: in the plug and at the back of the pump (in a black drawer where the mains cable goes) Are the fuses healthy? |
Change fuses. |
How to check the fuse at the back of the pump:
The fuse is located at the back of the pump in a little drawer where the cable plugs in.
- Remove the cable
- Pull the black drawer out
- You will see two compartments inside the drawer:
- One closer to the pump – live fuse
- Second further away from the pump – spare fuse compartment (many pumps have a spare fuse inside)
- Take spare fuse and place it in a live fuse compartment
- Close the drawer and plug the cable in
- Turn the pump on and test whether it works
2. The unit has been given 30 minutes to fully inflate at the maximum pressure setting, but the low-pressure light on the pump is constantly on.
Check List |
Solution |
Are all the hoses connected? |
Connectors ‘click’ into place. |
Is the CPR (if supplied) attachment open? |
Close the CPR attachment and switch the pump off and on again. |
3. The pump unit is switched on but the mattress is not inflating.
Check List |
Solution |
Inflation time. |
Allow 30 minutes at max setting. |
Disconnect pump hoses, check airflow. |
None. Check for kinks. |
Pressure set in suggested weight range? |
Correct the pressure gauge setting. |
Is the CPR (if supplied) attachment open? |
Close the CPR attachment and switch the pump off and on again. |
4. The System does not appear to be alternating.
Check List |
Solution |
Kinks in the black tubing? |
Untwist kinks and recheck. |
Tubes tucked in with the bed sheet? |
Straighten hose and recheck. |
Pressure set in suggested weight range? |
Correct the pressure gauge setting. |
5. The pump is operating with a noise.
Check List |
Solution |
Is the pump resting on solid surface? |
Resite the pump to avoid resonance. |
Recommended procedure to test for leaks:
Although your alternating air mattress is robustly manufactured, leaks can be caused by accidental abuse such as sewing while in bed, knitting needles, syringes, scissors, cats exercising their claws, orthopaedic apparatus, side rails, rough handling, maintenance by unauthorised personnel etc.
To test location of any possible air leak in the mattress, Turn pump up to No. 10 setting. Kink the black tubes two feet from the pump unit and listen for leaks at the junction with the power unit. Push the hose sockets onto the pump firmly and retest. Now, block air supply to most tubes by applying a tight string tourniquet effect to black tubing at a point, after the first six air tubes from the foot end of the mattress.
Allow the mattress to operate with pump for 15 minutes, and then check the existence of good pressure in one set of inflated cells. Repeat inspection 15 minutes later. If successful then move tourniquet 6 cells up the line and test again 7 – 15 minutes later, ensuring tourniquet is absolutely tight. Repeat every 6 cells until any fault is isolated.
Other tips for checking for leaks:
- Using either washing up frothy liquid or shaving foam.
- ‘Wet finger in wind’ technique.
- Moist lips, eyeball or the ear.
- ENSURE THAT THE ENVIRONMENT IS SILENT
- Test segment by segment, beginning with the first four air tubes from the front end. Repeat the procedure by clamping after the last air tube, and so forth.
