Medwarm Neonatal Warming Mattress FAQs
Here you will find all of the FAQ's regarding the Medwarm Neonatal Warming Mattress.
General Information
Can the mattress be used for adults or paediatric patients?
Operation
What is the temperature range of the mattress?
How long does it take for the mattress to reach the set temperature?
How long can I use the mattress on battery power?
Can I fold the mattress during use?
Safety
Is the mattress sterile?
What happens if the temperature exceeds safe limits?
Alarms
What alarms are available on the system?
How do I silence an alarm?
Maintenance & Cleaning
How should the pads and control units be disinfected between patients?
How often should the system undergo maintenance?
What is the product lifespan?
Are the materials biocompatible and resistant to hospital disinfectants?
Can the mattress be machine washed or autoclaved?
How is infection risk managed between patients?
What is the cleaning protocol for fluid contamination of the mattress?
Is the system compliant with NHS electrical and hygiene standards?
Storage
How should the mattress be stored when not in use?
Troubleshooting
What should I do if the display does not turn on?
What does the “NO PAD” alarm mean?
General Information
Can the mattress be used for adults or paediatric patients?
No. The Medwarm Neonatal Warming Mattress is specifically designed for newborns and should not be used for other patient groups.
Operation
What is the temperature range of the mattress?
The mattress has an operating range of 30°C - 39°C, controllable in 0.1°C increments.
How long does it take for the mattress to reach the set temperature?
It typically takes the mattress 5-7 minutes to reach 37°C from room temperature.
How long can I use the mattress on battery power?
Mobile heating on battery power can be provided for up to 3 hours. The battery must be fully charged for at least 3 hours prior to use.
Can I fold the mattress during use?
No. Folding or crumpling during operation can cause overheating and alarms.
Safety
Is the mattress sterile?
No. The mattress is non-sterile. Use disposable or reusable covers as recommended where aseptic conditions are required.
What happens if the temperature exceeds safe limits?
The system triggers a High Temperature Alarm at 40.1°C - 41°C for neonatal pads. If the temperature continues to rise, it will automatically stop heating.
Alarms
What alarms are available on the system?
- High Temperature Alarm
- Pad/Sensor Alarm
- Temperature Deviation Alarm
- INOP Alarm (inoperative)
- Low Battery Alarm
How do I silence an alarm?
Press the Alarm Silence Button; sound stops for 10 minutes, but visual warnings remain.

Maintenance & Cleaning
How should the pads and control units be disinfected between patients?
Wipe with approved disinfectants (compatible disinfectants include 70% ethanol, Fugaten spray derivatives, and chlorine-based solutions with concentration of <10,000ppm).
- Control Unit: Wipe with a cloth, moistened with suitable disinfectant - do not spray directly onto the control unit. Then wipe with a cloth dampened with water before drying to remove any residue.
- Mattress: Moisten a cloth with suitable disinfectant and clean all surfaces. After disinfection, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with water to remove residues and then pat dry. Failure to rinse and dry may affect the longevity of the mattress cover and invalidate the warranty.
How often should the system undergo maintenance?
After 2 years of initial use, then annually by authorised service provider.
What is the product lifespan?
- Mattress: 6 years (with reusable covers)
- Control unit: 10 years
- Battery: 2 years
Are the materials biocompatible and resistant to hospital disinfectants?
Yes. Polyurethane-coated polyester with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties; resistant to alcohol-based and standard hospital disinfectants.
Can the mattress be machine washed or autoclaved?
No. Only reusable covers may be machine washed; pads must be manually disinfected.
How is infection risk managed between patients?
Each patient must use a clean disposable or disinfected reusable cover. Pads and cables should be wiped between uses.
What is the cleaning protocol for fluid contamination of the mattress?
Disconnect power, remove mattress cover, disinfect surfaces, and contact EBME/Engineering for referral to Distributor/OEM.
Is the system compliant with NHS electrical and hygiene standards?
Yes. Devices comply with EN 60601-1(electrical safety), EN 60601-1-2 (EMC), and NHS reusable device cleaning standards.
Storage
How should the mattress be stored when not in use?
Store flat in its box away from sunlight, humidity and sharp objects. If folding is necessary, fold only once lengthways.
Troubleshooting
What should I do if the display does not turn on?
Check power connection and fuse, and ensure the power switch at the back of the device is ON.

What does the “NO PAD” alarm mean?
The mattress pad or sensors are disconnected or faulty. Check connections and restart the system.