Thermal comfort and safety of cotton blankets warmed at 130°F and 200°F

Patricia A. Kelly, Susan K. Cooper, Mary L. Krogh, Elizabeth C. Morse, Craig G. Crandall, Elizabeth H. Winslow, Julie P. Balluck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: In 2009, the ECRI Institute recommended warming cotton blankets in cabinets set at 130°F or less. However, there is limited research to support the use of this cabinet temperature. Purpose: To measure skin temperatures and thermal comfort in healthy volunteers before and after application of blankets warmed in cabinets set at 130 and 200°F, respectively, and to determine the time-dependent cooling of cotton blankets after removal from warming cabinets set at the two temperatures. Design: Prospective, comparative, descriptive. Methods: Participants (n = 20) received one or two blankets warmed in 130 or 200°F cabinets. First, skin temperatures were measured, and thermal comfort reports were obtained at fixed timed intervals. Second, blanket temperatures (n = 10) were measured at fixed intervals after removal from the cabinets. Finding: No skin temperatures approached levels reported in the literature that cause epidermal damage. Thermal comfort reports supported using blankets from the 200°F cabinet, and blankets lost heat quickly over time. Conclusions: We recommend warming cotton blankets in cabinets set at 200°F or less to improve thermal comfort without compromising patient safety.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)337-346
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Perianesthesia Nursing
Volume28
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2013

Keywords

  • Blanket warmer cabinet
  • Cabinet temperatures
  • PACU
  • Thermal comfort
  • Warmed blankets

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medical–Surgical

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