Blanket warming: comfort and safety.
A project was undertaken to establish the safety of hospital blankets warmed at different temperatures in a warming cabinet. Three volunteers were covered with unheated blankets, blankets warmed to 110 degrees F (43 degrees C), and blankets warmed to 150 degrees F (66 degrees C). Evaluators asked the participants to rate their perceived warmth and perceived comfort on a scale of zero to 10 before the blanket was placed and at one, three, and five minutes after blanket exposure. Blanket temperatures decreased to approximately 80 degrees F (27 degrees C) within five minutes regardless of the initial temperature. No participants perceived overheating or burning at any temperature. Perceived warmth and comfort increased with the initial temperature of the blanket.
Licking Memorial Hospital, Newark, OH, USA.
Paul J
PJ
Bujdoso
D000328:Adult; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012449:Safety; D012881:Skin Temperature