When it comes to neonatal care, thermal regulation is critical - particularly for preterm or low birth weight infants. As such, neonatal warming mattresses play a key role in supporting thermal regulation for newborn infants that require external warming solutions.
Two of the most popular neonatal patient warming mattresses that are available include the Medwarm and the Aquatherm systems. Both offer safe, efficient warming solutions and are compatible with Croyde cots, but they also present distinct features that cater to different clinical needs.
Here's a balanced look at both systems to help you understand their unique qualities and slight differences, so you can make an informed choice when it comes to choosing one for your healthcare facility.
Power and Portability
A significant advantage of the Medwarm mattress is its capability to be battery-operated - a unique feature that allows for continuous warming without reliance on mains power. This feature supports uninterrupted care and adds a layer of operational flexibility; for example, the battery-backup capability:
- Facilitates Transfers - critical thermal support for neonates is maintained during intra-hospital transfers, emergency transport or in environments where reliable access to electricity is temporarily unavailable.
- Offers Cordless Solution for Theatres - clutter is reduced and safety improved in spaces such as obstetric theatres and recovery areas where plug access is limited and trailing wires are a safety risk.
- Enhances Parent Experiences - parents in specialist care baby units (SCBU) can move their baby in a warm cot to calmer, non-clinical spaces to promote bonding and emotional well-being during hospital stays.
Alternatively, the Aquatherm mattress is designed for plug-in operation only. Despite this, it does compensate with heat-retentive Aquagel technology, which not only ensures that warmth is distributed evenly throughout the mattress, but helps the mattress to retain heat - thus maintaining its warmth for longer if and when temporarily disconnected from the mains power supply.
Temperature Precision and Control
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A standout feature of both Medwarm and Aquatherm is that both offer the ability to control the mattress temperature in 0.1°C increments, offering a high degree of precision. When it comes to neonatal care, it's important that a newborn's temperature doesn't drop below 36.5°C and doesn't exceed 37.5°C, so having this level of control is highly valuable. This can be particularly beneficial in NICU settings where minute temperature adjustments can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.
Speaking of the control unit, both feature a clear and simple control face. There are minimal buttons, making them incredibly user-friendly to operate and easy for health professionals to familiarise themselves with. The key difference in the displays between each unit is that the Aquatherm unit offers slightly more visual information when it comes to alarm notifications, which we'll discuss in more detail later.
Design and Configuration
Weight
In terms of physical handling, there isn't a massive difference between the weight of each mattress; the Medwarm mattress weighs 1.25kg whilst the Aquatherm mattress weighs 1.8kg, meaning both are easy to transport and reposition. Both systems are designed with clinical use in mind, so weight considerations should also be balanced alongside other factors such as durability, thermal retention or comfort preferences.
Comfort
It could be argued that the thickness and firmness of the Aqautherm more closely resemble that of a standard cot mattress, which may enhance comfort for newborns - particularly during extended periods of use. This is heightened by the internal Aquagel technology, which provides a comfortable, contoured surface. However, both mattresses are suitable for safe sleep.
Versatility
As mentioned, both mattresses are suitable for safe sleep, thus have the potential to double as a standard mattress when warming is not required - which can simplify equipment use in busy units.
An additional benefit to the Medwarm mattress is its carbon fibre technology, which is X-ray compatible. This is a practical advantage that reduces the need to remove neonates from their cots for imaging - enhancing both safety and efficiency.
It also offers multiple mounting options for the control unit (freestanding, angled or bracket-mounted), arguably offering slightly more flexibility in positioning than the Aquatherm’s control unit, which is bracket-mounted only. However, both mattresses and their respective control units are compatible for safe use with both the Croyde Height Adjustable Overbed Cot and the Croyde Height Adjustable Storage Cot.
Appearance
Design-wise, both mattresses are similar in appearance, featuring an appealing blue exterior. The Medwarm's control unit then boasts a modern white aesthetic that could be perceived as more clinical and clean, complementing contemporary NICU environments. The Aquatherm control unit has slightly more colour in its design, but remains inoffensive to look at.
Safety and Reliability
Both systems include comparable safety features, such as temperature cut-offs, overheat alarms and key-lock functions to prevent unintentional changes. The Aquatherm system's alarms are slightly more detailed, offering more in-depth troubleshooting guidance, including the following visual alarms:
- High temperature (activates when the temperature of the mattress is 1°C higher than the set temperature)
- Low temperature (activates when the temperature of the mattress is 1°C lower than the set temperature)
- Maximum temperature (activates when the temperature of the mattress reaches 40°C)
- Power failure (activates if there is failure of the mains power supply)
- Probe 1 (activates if there is failure of the servo control probe)
- Probe 2 (activates if there is failure of the safety temperature probe)
- 'Generic notice' (activates the presence of an alarm - flashing yellow for medium priority alarms and red for high priority alarms)
Whilst the Medwarm control unit doesn't feature quite as in-depth visual indicators as this, it still maintains strong, reliable alert functionality if the mattress gets too hot or in case of malfunction, disconnection or short-circuit.
The Aquatherm system also boasts a lifespan of up to 10 years, offering long-term value - particularly in budget-conscious environments. Meanwhile, Medwarm’s premium pricing reflects its advanced portability and contemporary appeal.
Choosing the Right Neonatal Warming Mattress for Your Needs
Both the MedWarm and Aquatherm neonatal warming mattresses provide safe, effective thermal support for vulnerable newborns. When it comes to deciding which is mores suitable for your needs, this is very much dependent on personal priorities and preferences.
For example, if you prioritise portability, X-ray compatibility and have the budget to take a sleek, modern design into your buying considerations, then the Medwarm is likely to be the solution you opt for. Alternatively, if you're in need of a slightly more budget-conscious option that you can be confident offers reliable durability and enhanced alarm details, then the Aquatherm would be a perfectly ideal solution.
Each system brings strengths that can equally support various clinical environments and workflows. The best choice ultimately depends on your specific operational needs, care priorities and budget considerations.
If you would like to learn more about each system or require further support from us, then please don't hesitate to get in touch with us today. Our knowledgeable experts will be more than happy to speak with you!