Why Dialysis Couches Are Important For Patient Comfort

Jun 19th, 2024
Patient sitting on Dialysis couch

When undergoing dialysis treatment, the comfort of patients comes first. Dialysis takes over the role of the kidneys in cleansing the blood. As these sessions can take several hours, a dialysis couch is an essential piece of equipment supporting patients’ and providers’ health and safety.

Whether you’re a healthcare provider, patient, or caregiver, dialysis couches provide physical comfort throughout the procedure.

This blog will explore how using high-quality dialysis couches improves the quality of nursing care.

What is Dialysis?

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a chronic kidney disease where kidney function falls to 15% or less than normal. This means that the kidneys are no longer able to filter toxins out of the blood effectively. This can result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, swelling and fatigue. Dialysis is the most common treatment course for removing toxins from the blood.

Dialysis is a medical treatment and a procedure that replicates the role of the kidney, filtering and purifying the blood through a machine. This allows the body to maintain a balance of electrolytes and fluids. There are two types of dialysis treatments: Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.

Haemodialysis uses a machine and filter, where the blood is cleaned, circulated through a machine, stripped of waste and excess water, and returned to the body. This process can take up to four hours and is performed three times a week at a dialysis centre.

Peritoneal dialysis makes use of the peritoneal membrane to filter the blood. A cleansing fluid is injected into the patient’s abdomen through a catheter, which absorbs waste products through the blood that passes through the abdomen lining. The waste-filled fluid is then drained from the patient’s body.

Dialysis can often be unsettling for the patient due to its invasive nature, and a dialysis couch can reduce stress and provide relief.

Benefits of Dialysis Couches

When undergoing dialysis, specialised dialysis couches can improve the experience of patients undergoing dialysis in medical facilities. Let’s explore some of the benefits for both patients and healthcare providers.

1. Ergonomic design

An ergonomic design ensures the patient’s body is aligned correctly and supported for a dialysis medical procedure. This reduces the risk of discomfort and musculoskeletal issues during or after the procedure.  

Additionally, the adjustable height and armrests allow the provider to place the patient’s access point at the correct height to avoid bending or reaching. These motions increase the risk of injury to providers, so it is important to limit these where possible.

2. Comfort during treatment

As undergoing dialysis is challenging for patients, an appropriate medical chair improves the quality of life by creating a comfortable environment and ease during treatment. With easy height adjustments, reclining options, and supportive armrests, this improves patient well-being and the treatment process.

3. Versatile

Accessible, customisable, high-quality dialysis chairs serve dual purposes, such as accommodating healthcare professionals needing a working station. It is essential to facilities that need to multitask.

4. Easy to clean

Many dialysis couches are designed with materials that are easy to maintain, such as vinyl, leather, or antimicrobial fabrics. This creates a hygienic environment in healthcare settings.

5. Customisation options

Dialysis couches are customisable so that every healthcare professional can appeal to patients with specific health needs. This offers patients personalised care and support when they need it.

Types of Dialysis Couches

Dialysis couches differ in materials, stability, adjustability, and ease of cleaning, but perhaps the most important factor to consider is patient comfort. There are several options, so let’s explore the different types to help you decide.

Manual height adjustment chairs

Height adjustment is critical to the comfort and effectiveness of dialysis procedures. A manual height option allows health professionals to adjust the height to patient and provider needs. Although a manual chair isn’t automated, this is a cost-effective option for healthcare settings.

Electric height adjustment chairs

Compared to manual options, electric height-adjusting chairs can adjust height at the touch of a button! Convenient for patients and carers, this dialysis couch proves beneficial with advanced, automated features.

Improving Comfort With Dialysis Chairs

What are some special considerations that can be made for dialysis patients?

  • Support pillows. Placed to provide added support, particularly for the neck and lower back. A light blanket can provide warmth, as dialysis can make patients feel colder. 
  • Dietary needs. A strict diet is needed to manage fluid and electrolyte balance. Consider creative, delicious meals high in potassium and low in sodium.
  • Mobility. If a patient has other health conditions, they may have limited mobility. Prioritise adjustable couches and easy-to-wear clothing to prevent physical strain.
  • Emotional well-being. Provide emotional support and a positive environment for patient comfort.
  • Comfortable clothing. Loose-fitted clothing, such as button-down shirts for chest access or loose pants for leg access, can make the patient feel more comfortable with less physical strain.
  • Engaging in calming activities. Reading a book or listening to music can be an excellent distraction from the procedure and reduce anxiety.

Choosing Dialysis Treatment Couches

Dialysis Couch

When choosing a dialysis couch, what should you consider purchasing for patients needing comfortable, reliable treatment?

Plinth Medical Platinum Range – 94DY Mobile Dialysis Chair With Column Lift

This dialysis chair is developed for busy renal units and features vertical lifting to minimise space. It features a simple push button for electric operation, including a profile of height, backrest and foot section angles, foot support board position, Trendelenburg tilt, and an auto CPR recovery position.

It is perfect for handling high-risk patients for dialysis procedures, is fully motorised, and is ideal for comfort, safety, and practicality.

Plinth Medical – 93DY Deluxe Motorised Dialysis Couch

Fully motorised for support, this dialysis couch includes a manual footboard, wider upholstery, an IV pole and bracket, an oxygen bottle holder, adjustable arm supports, patient and clinician hand control, and more.

It is the perfect medical furniture for high-risk patients needing peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, or plasmapheresis diagnosis in medical facilities.

Access Health – Reliable Rehabilitation Suppliers

At Access Health, we understand the healthcare industry’s need for quality medical equipment, especially dialysis couches. As a trustworthy supplier of medical aids, our treatment chairs are built to last.

Whether you’re looking for daily living and mobility, electrotherapy, practice supplies, or treatment tables and couches, we can help.

Contact us today for reliable brands for your rehabilitation program. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to locate your desired product.

Disclaimer: Access Health is not qualified to agree or deny whether this content is correct. For accurate information, consult your medical professional or provider.

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