Logan Reid
Hospitals can be very cold places, especially operating rooms, as bacteria thrive in warmer temperatures. This can be a problem for patients, who are at risk of hypothermia, and for medical staff, who need to be comfortable to do their jobs effectively. There are a number of ways to stay warm in a hospital, including wearing extra layers, using forced-air warming devices, and turning up the room temperature. In emergency situations, hospitals must also have plans in place to keep patients safe from hazardous weather conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wear a turtleneck | It helps to keep the neck and chest warm |
| Wear a collar | It helps to keep the neck warm |
| Use a Bair Hugger | A Bair Hugger is a type of forced-air warming blanket that can be used to keep patients warm |
| Use a heating pad | A large heating pad can be placed on a chair to create a heated seat |
| Use electric hand warmers | These can help to keep hands warm |
| Wear marino wool | A marino wool t-shirt can help to keep the chill off |
| Wear ULTRA LITE™ socks | These socks are designed to keep feet warm while allowing for a full range of motion |
| Wear ULTRA LITE™ base layers | These base layers retain heat while being lightweight and comfortable |
| Wear a hat | A hat can help to maximize heat retention, especially when combined with odor and moisture-wicking technology |
| Preheat the patient | Using active warming techniques before surgery can help to reduce the average temperature drop |
| Warm the OR table | Warming the table can slow the rate of conductive heat loss |
| Cover the head and feet | Most heat is lost through the head, so covering the head and feet can help to reduce heat loss |
| Use a humid-moisture exchanger (HME) | An HME can help to reduce patient heat loss during general anesthesia |
| Layer clothing | Wearing thin thermals under scrubs can help to keep warm |
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Wear thermal socks
If you're planning to stay in a hospital, it's important to prepare for the cold indoor environment. One way to do this is to wear thermal socks.
Thermal socks are an effective way to maintain core body temperature and prevent shivering. They are especially useful for patients undergoing spinal surgery, as they can help maintain perioperative core temperature. For example, the use of warmed socks during the operation and recovery period of spinal surgery patients has proven to be a cost-effective way to maintain core body temperature, prevent shivering, and provide subjective thermal comfort.
In general, socks are a great way to keep warm, and thermal socks are even better as they are designed to retain heat. For instance, Heat Holders® offers thermal socks that are three times warmer than the average cotton sock. These socks are comfortable, even in formal shoes, and will keep your feet warm even if you're standing for long periods.
If you're a patient, consider the Kayhoma hospital socks, which are made from long-staple cotton, a high-quality material known for its durability and comfort. These socks are taller than ordinary hospital socks, reaching close to the calf, which provides added warmth and protection. They're also compatible with pants and leg warmers, giving you the flexibility to dress comfortably while staying warm.
Additionally, wearing two pairs of socks can help prevent hypothermia, especially when paired with a head cover, as most heat is lost through the head. So, whether you're a patient or a medical professional, don't underestimate the power of thermal socks to keep you warm during your time in the hospital.
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Use a Bair Hugger
Bair Hugger is a convective temperature management system used in hospitals and surgery centres to maintain a patient's core body temperature. It is a forced-air warming (FAW) system that helps prevent hypothermia and keeps patients at a normal body temperature during all three phases of orthopedic surgery – preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.
The Bair Hugger system was invented by Dr. Scott D. Augustine in 1987 and has been used on more than 200 million patients since. It is currently manufactured by 3M, with over 50,000 units installed in 80% of hospitals in the US that use FAW therapy. The system includes a reusable warming unit and single-use disposable warming blankets. The warming unit is connected by a flexible hose to the blanket, and warm air passes through the hose into the blanket. The warmed air then exits through micro-perforations on the underside of the blanket, warming the patient's skin.
Bair Hugger blankets are disposable, reducing the risk of infection transmission between patients. However, there have been concerns about the potential for the Bair Hugger to spread infections due to contaminated air or a dirty filter. To mitigate this, it is recommended to change the HEPA filter in Bair Hugger units every 12 months or 500 hours of use.
The Bair Hugger system is designed to provide thermal comfort and improve patient outcomes. It can be used to prewarm patients before surgery, maintain normothermia during surgery, and continue warming throughout the recovery process. By proactively managing a patient's temperature, the Bair Hugger system helps prevent the complications associated with unintended perioperative hypothermia, including increased risk of surgical site infection, prolonged recovery time, and elevated mortality rates.
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Layer clothing
Layering clothing is a great way to stay warm in a hospital. This is because each layer creates an insulating pocket of air, trapping heat more efficiently than a single thick coat. This also helps to move sweat and moisture away from your skin, preventing you from becoming chilled.
The key to successful layering is to wear multiple thin layers, which are more comfortable than bulky ones. A good place to start is with a fitted, flexible base layer, which sits close to the body. This layer should be made from a fabric that wicks sweat away from your skin, such as synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, or natural fibres like merino wool or silk. Silk long underwear is a good option, as it is temperature-regulating and comfortable.
On top of your base layer, you can add a middle insulating layer to retain body heat. Generally, thicker or puffier middle layers are warmer, and it is important to consider the efficiency of the insulating material. Polyester fleece is a good option, as it stays warm when damp and dries quickly. Wool and wool-blend tops are other middle layer options.
Finally, you will need an outer layer or shell layer to shield you from wind and rain. This layer should be waterproof, to keep your lower layers dry. It is also a good idea to choose an outer layer that can be easily removed if you get too warm.
In addition to these layers, you may also want to consider wearing long underwear pants, a tank-top camisole, wool socks, and fingerless gloves to keep your extremities warm. If you are particularly concerned about keeping your feet warm, there are thermal socks available that are designed to be three times warmer than average cotton socks, while still being comfortable in formal shoes.
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Cover your head
Covering your head is an effective way to retain body heat, as most heat is lost through the head. For patients, covering the head with a foil cap or clear plastic (if the patient is intubated) can significantly reduce heat loss.
If you are a healthcare worker, you can keep your head warm by wearing a beanie or a hat. The Dean hat by Heat Holders®, for example, is designed to stretch over the curvatures of your head to maximize heat retention. It is lightweight, and its super soft brushed lining and moisture-wicking technology will keep your head snug and dry.
If you are a patient, you can ask your nurse or doctor for a suitable head covering option. If you are in a hospital bed for an extended period, your head covering can be switched out for a fresh one to ensure comfort and dryness.
Additionally, if you are a patient who is particularly susceptible to cold sensations or has circulation issues, you may benefit from wearing a hat or head covering during your hospital stay. This will help keep you warm and comfortable as you move around the hospital for appointments or procedures.
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Use a heating pad
If you're looking to stay warm in a hospital, using a heating pad can be a great option. Hospitals can be very chilly, especially operating rooms, as bacteria thrive in warmer temperatures.
Firstly, you can check with the hospital staff if they provide heated blankets and heating pads. Some hospitals do offer these to their patients, so it's worth inquiring. If you are a patient, your care team may provide heat treatment at the hospital, but always ask for instructions first.
If you want to bring your own heating pad, it's best to check with the hospital beforehand. Some hospitals may not allow outside heat sources for safety reasons, and electric blankets have been banned in hospital settings since 2005 due to fire risks. However, some people have suggested sneaking in their own heating pads and ensuring they are plugged into dedicated outlets.
If you are a medical professional, you can consider keeping a large heating pad in your bag to use on your chair when you need to warm up. This can be a discreet way to stay warm without affecting others in the room.
Disposable heat packs are another option for short-term warmth. These can be used on small areas and are filled with warm water, with a pump to maintain the temperature. However, these should not be used on areas with broken skin, poor blood flow, swelling, or numbness, and should always be covered with a pillowcase or towel to prevent burns.
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Frequently asked questions
Heat Holders® offers a range of products designed to keep hospital workers warm, including ULTRA LITE™ thermal socks, base layers, and beanies.
Hospital staff can stay warm by wearing thin thermals under scrubs, using Bair Huggers, wrapping themselves in warm blankets, or warming their hands on a desflurane vaporizer.
Hospitals can use portable forced air devices, electric or warm water blankets, or heating pads to keep patients warm. Patients can also take proactive measures by wearing warm clothing, such as socks and a hat.
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