The Mölnlycke Z-Flo Fluidized Positioner Adult 28 × 56 cm, REF 1401007 is a professional patient positioning aid developed for adult and adolescent patients in hospital and healthcare environments.
The positioner contains a fluidized medium made from viscous fluid, microspheres and polyethylene beads, encapsulated within a polyurethane film exterior. This construction allows the positioner to be gently molded around the patient’s anatomy and to maintain the required supporting shape for a range of clinical positioning needs.
Z-Flo is designed to assist with patient positioning, turning and repositioning, pressure redistribution and off-loading. It may be used to reduce loading around areas such as the heel, sacrum, occiput and other bony prominences and can also support contracture-management strategies.
During use, the positioner can be gently molded toward the patient or anatomical area to support and maintain the desired position while redistributing pressure and minimizing excessive forces on the skin. It can also be shaped to accommodate medical equipment or airway-clearance requirements and can be remolded when clinical needs change.
The Mölnlycke Z-Flo Fluidized Positioner is MR Safe and may also be used during CT examinations. However, X-rays should not be taken through the positioner because it may distort the resulting image.
A positioner cover or linen must always be placed between the patient’s skin and the positioner during use. Appropriate patient supervision and healthcare-facility positioning protocols should also be followed.
The IFU confirms that the product is for single-patient use, is supplied non-sterile, should not be sterilized and should be stored below 40°C / 104°F.
Indications for Use of Z-Flo Fluidized Positioner
The Mölnlycke Z-Flo Fluidized Positioner is intended for adult and adolescent patients requiring:
- Patient positioning, turning and repositioning
- Pressure redistribution
- Off-loading of anatomical sites
- Off-loading of the heel, sacrum, occiput and other bony prominences
- Contracture management
- Positioning support as part of a pressure-ulcer prevention strategy
How to Use Z-Flo Fluidized Positioner
- Remove the positioner from the transparent plastic bag.
- Place a suitable positioner cover or linen between the patient’s skin and the positioner.
- Position the Z-Flo appropriately underneath the patient.
- Gently mold it toward the patient or anatomical area until the required support and position are achieved.
- Shape the positioner as necessary to accommodate medical equipment or airway-clearance requirements.
- Remold it whenever the patient’s clinical positioning requirements change.
- Replace the product if deterioration prevents it from maintaining the required position.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean using a hospital-approved disinfectant or an appropriate antimicrobial cleaner/disinfectant according to the product label instructions.
Avoid cleaning agents containing bleach. Extended use of alcohol-based disinfectants may reduce the life of the positioner. If the fluidized medium begins to feel non-homogeneous, repeated molding and shaping may help restore its consistency.
Important Precautions
- Replace the positioner promptly if it becomes punctured or damaged.
- If punctured, place it inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent leakage and potential slip or fall hazards.
- Do not autoclave.
- Do not microwave.
- Do not X-ray through the positioner.
- Avoid sharp objects near the product.
- Avoid using fingernails or rings with raised or sharp edges when molding the positioner.
Important Warnings
Patients using the positioner in healthcare facilities must be appropriately supervised and monitored. Patients should not be allowed to lie face down in the positioner unless closely monitored because of the risk of suffocation.