SPAN AMERICA PRESSUREGUARD SPAN-CARE CONVERTIBLE MATTRESS

The Span America PressureGuard Span-Care Convertible is a therapeutic mattress that works two ways. On its own it is a non-powered reactive air surface. Add the control unit and the same mattress delivers alternating pressure and powered flotation. Westin Healthcare supplies it across Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area and will size it to the bed frame before you order.

That is what convertible means here, and it is the reason facilities buy this model. You are not committing today to the therapy the person will need in three months. The surface goes on the bed now, and the control unit connects later if the clinical picture changes.

Who the Span-Care Convertible is for

Span America lists this surface for the treatment of stage 1 to 4 pressure injuries and for prevention in high risk patients. The manufacturer names these situations in particular:

• The person cannot or will not reposition frequently.
• The person can be positioned off the pressure injury in at least two positions.
• A high risk of skin breakdown that a standard foam mattress will not carry.

Inside the foam shell is a self-adjusting system of synchronized air cylinders and pressure relief valves. Span America states that this gives the correct level of immersion and envelopment for any user, without anyone setting a dial.

Without the control unit, and with it

Note that the weight limit comes down in powered mode. That is normal for a convertible surface and it is the figure people most often miss. Check it against the person before you order, and call us if the number is close.

How this differs from the Custom Care Convertible

The two models look alike and the names are close, so this is worth stating plainly. Both convert from non-powered to powered with an add-on control unit. The difference is what the powered mode does.

• Span-Care Convertible adds alternating pressure and powered flotation. Its add-on control unit is item 5900.
• Custom Care Convertible adds alternating pressure, powered flotation and continuous lateral rotation. Its add-on control unit is item 6500.

If the care plan calls for turning the person on the surface, that is lateral rotation and it is the Custom Care. If it calls for alternating pressure, the Span-Care carries a higher powered-mode weight limit.

Stability and shear

• Safety Edge bolster design. A two-part bolster runs down each side. Span America states it reduces the risk of falls and bed entrapment, and it is what lets someone sit on the edge to transfer without the surface collapsing under them.
• Geo-Matt top surface. More than 800 individually articulating cells in head, torso and foot zones, which is where the anti-shearing performance comes from.
• Shear Transfer Zone cover. The bi-directional stretch cover carries silicone-coated fabric bands so the cover moves with the person rather than dragging on the skin.
• Heel Slope. A taper at the foot end that shifts load onto the lower legs and calves.

Sizes

Use the selector to pick the size on your quote. Ten are listed: nine flat-deck sizes and one built for recessed deck frames.

• 36 in wide: 75 x 36 in (SC753629), 80 x 36 in (SC803629), 84 x 36 in (SC843629)
• 39 in wide: 80 x 39 in (SC803929), 84 x 39 in (SC843929)
• 42 in wide, and rated to 700 lb: 80 x 42 in (SC804229), 84 x 42 in (SC844229)
• Wider: 80 x 48 in (SC804829), 80 x 54 in (SC805429)
• Recessed deck frames: SC85V29

If the bed has a recessed deck, order SC85V29 rather than a flat-deck size. Span America builds that version with the Safety Edge bolster adapted to the recess and a compressible section that accommodates multiple lengths and foot positions. Send us the bed model and we will confirm which one you need.

Span-Care Convertible specifications

These figures are printed by Span America and Savaria Patient Care for this model. Stay inside the rated weight limit for the mode you are running.

Funding help for a therapeutic mattress in Ontario

Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (ADP) does not cover hospital beds or mattresses, so plan around other routes. Funding that may help instead: March of Dimes Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and community programs. Westin Healthcare's staff work with these programs every week and will point you to the right route for your situation. Visit our funding page or call (905) 451-7743 to talk it through before you buy.

Delivery and setup in Brampton and the GTA

Westin's own team delivers across Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area. We have three stores in the Brampton and Toronto area if you would rather see a therapeutic surface before you commit. Call (905) 451-7743 or use the contact page and tell us the bed model, the deck type and whether you want the control unit now or later. Shipping terms are described on the shipping policy page, and any charge is confirmed on your order.

Service and warranty

Span America warrants the mattress core for 5 years non-prorated and the cover and coverlet for 2 years. The add-on control unit carries 18 months, non-prorated. Westin Healthcare has a service and repairs department for the beds and lifts these surfaces work alongside. Ask us for the Savaria terms that ship with your order.

Frequently asked questions

What does convertible mean on this mattress?

The mattress works as a non-powered reactive air surface on its own. Adding the 5900 control unit turns the same mattress into a powered surface with alternating pressure and powered flotation. You do not buy a different mattress to change therapy.

How much weight can the Span-Care Convertible take?

500 lb non-powered and 400 lb in powered mode. The 42 in wide models are rated higher: 700 lb non-powered and 600 lb in powered mode. Span America prints the uprating for the 42 in models specifically, so do not assume it carries over to the 48 in and 54 in sizes; ask us and we will confirm with Savaria.

What is the difference between Span-Care and Custom Care?

Lateral rotation. The Custom Care Convertible adds continuous lateral rotation in powered mode and the Span-Care does not. The Span-Care carries the higher powered-mode weight limit of the two.

Does it need to be plugged in?

Not as supplied. It is a non-powered surface until you add the control unit, and even then the foam shell and air cylinders keep working through a power interruption.

Which size fits a bed with a recessed deck?

SC85V29. Span America builds it specifically for recessed deck frames, with the Safety Edge bolster adapted to the recess. A flat-deck size will not sit correctly in a recessed frame.

Can the cover handle bleach?

Savaria states the LifeSpan cover fabric is made to resist chemical breakdown from bleach and harsh disinfectants. Follow the cleaning instructions that ship with the mattress and the infection control policy in your setting.

How heavy is the mattress?

Approximately 25 lb, with the control unit adding 6.3 lb when fitted. That matters if one person will be handling it during a bed change.

Is the mattress fire rated?

Yes. All models are certified by an independent testing organization for conformance to NFPA 101 (ASTM E1590), California Technical Bulletin 117, and 16 CFR parts 1632 and 1633. The unit is also UL listed.

What if I need microclimate management instead?

That is low air loss, and it is a different surface. Ask us about the PressureGuard Protocol or the Easy Air range, and tell us what the skin assessment says so we can match the surface to it.