Forced-Air Warming

Forced-air warming blankets and gowns warm by blowing warm air across the surface of the skin. Due to the properties of convection and radiation, effective heat transfer occurs at a relatively low temperature. The benefits of forced-air warming for maintaining normothermia have been documented in more than 100 scientific papers.

In one study, forced-air warming provided effective warming therapy, even when less than 50% of the patient’s body surface was covered.1

Patient Core Temperature (°C)1

Graph of Patient Core Temperature

Forced-air warming blankets are available in styles to meet virtually every patient and surgical situation. For unrestricted patient access, underbody forced-air blankets may be an appropriate warming choice.

Types of Warming

"One study concluded that forced-air warming provided effective warming therapy, even when less that 50% of the patient's body surface was covered."

Camus Y, Delva E, Just B, et al. Leg warming minimizes core hypothermia during abdominal surgery. Anesthesia & Analgesia. 1993; 77(5): pp. 995-9.