Blanket warmers

[biker momma]

I am doing some research on blanket warmer temperatures. Specifically I am looking for feedback on the following:

1. What temperature is your department's blanket warmer set at?

2. Who's decision is it as to the setting?

3. Any research articles that pertain to the set temperature you might be able to refer me to.

Thanks, diane

[billythekid, CRNA]

our warmers for fresh open hearts have 3 settings... 43C, 39C, and 37C... we set at 43C and then turn off when the patient's temp reaches 36.5C.

Haven't really researched the optimal temps though.. just anecdotal and our floor policy...

[mom4josh]

We just got blanket warmers for our department. They are set at about 116 degrees F. Not really warm enough (about 125 is better), but temp range set by engineering department.

[SpaceCoastRN]

IIRC ours are set at 130. They have to bet set by engineering also for ours. All I know is that patients are quite fond of them as they are synergistic with the dilaudid and turkey sandwiches.

[justiceforjoy]

Judging from the responses, you might want to clarify if you mean a warming cupboard or an electric blanket.

[SpaceCoastRN]

Ours is a big metal cupboard holding about 75 bath blankets (In Florida, tend to not need real blankets).

[Altra, BSN, RN]

All I know is that patients are quite fond of them as they are synergistic with the dilaudid and turkey sandwiches.

Thanks, you made my day!

[LilgirlRN, ADN, RN]

120 degrees farenheit.

[mcknis]

most will have 110-130 degrees as their set temp. some a little less, but I cant imagine going any higher since the risk of burning/hyperthermia is elevated. we just had all of our blanket warmers (not warming blankets) pulled from all nursing units except for ER/OR, and not sure about ICU, though.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Ours are at 120-ish.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

43 C...ummmm 110F?

[joyk]

I was doing some searching on blanket warmer temps in preparation for a meeting at a large academic hospital where I work in oncology. We often have patients with chills that crave the warmth of a heated blanket, and they complain ever since we had to lower the temp of the warmer to 110. At the meeting, I plan to argue for a higher temp than the current 110 degree hospital policy, which stemmed from a 2005 recommendation from ECRI. Just discovered that ECRI haas retracted - they know recommend a max temp of 130 degrees for blanket warmers, but remind us not to put fluids in such warmers. Thank you ECRI! see http://policy.cdha.nshealth.ca/default.aspx?page=53&class285.Id.0=13453&class286.Id.0=13453