On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot air surface inflation failures, pressure loss, or unstable support zones caused by power, hoses, connections, positioning, or surface damage.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient From Loss of Support
An air surface that does not maintain pressure may compromise pressure redistribution and patient positioning.
- Assess whether the patient remains adequately supported.
- Coordinate transfer to an appropriate verified surface if support is compromised.
- Do not continue using a deflated or unstable surface.
- Protect the patient from contact with rigid bed components.
- Keep the bed stable during evaluation.
Expected outcome: The patient receives reliable support while the affected surface is removed from clinical use for troubleshooting.
2. Confirm the Inflation Problem
Determine whether the entire surface or an individual zone is affected.
- Ask when the problem began.
- Identify whether inflation never starts or pressure decreases after inflation.
- Record displayed alarms or messages.
- Determine whether the problem follows a mattress change or transport event.
- Note whether pressure loss occurs continuously or intermittently.
Expected outcome: The affected zone and failure pattern are identified.
3. Verify Electrical Power
Inspect the bed and applicable surface-control power connections.
- Confirm AC power is available.
- Inspect external cords and connectors.
- Check relevant power indicators.
- Determine whether the surface controller responds to normal commands.
- Observe whether other bed functions operate correctly.
Expected outcome: The surface system receives stable power and responds to authorized controls.
4. Inspect Surface Hoses and Connections
Examine accessible pneumatic connections.
- Confirm that hoses are connected to the correct designated ports.
- Inspect for disconnected or partially seated fittings.
- Look for kinks, compression, twisting, or trapped tubing.
- Check for visible cuts, tears, or damaged connectors.
- Verify that hoses are not pinched by bed articulation or width expansion.
Expected outcome: Air connections are secure and unobstructed.
If reconnecting an approved hose restores inflation, continue with pressure-retention verification.
5. Inspect Mattress Positioning and External Damage
Examine the surface without opening internal components.
- Confirm the mattress is positioned correctly on the deck.
- Check that the surface is compatible with the bed configuration.
- Inspect accessible seams and covers for damage.
- Look for sharp objects or equipment pressing against the surface.
- Check whether bedding or accessories restrict expansion.
Expected outcome: The surface is correctly positioned and has no obvious external damage or restriction.
6. Verify Surface Controls and Therapy Selection
Check the intended operating configuration.
- Confirm that the appropriate surface mode is selected.
- Review displayed zone or pressure status.
- Check for an active transport, standby, or other mode affecting inflation, if applicable.
- Verify that controls respond normally.
- Do not change protected settings or enter unauthorized service menus.
Expected outcome: The surface is configured for the intended support function.
7. Observe Inflation and Pressure Retention
With the bed unoccupied, follow the approved functional test procedure.
- Start the appropriate inflation function.
- Observe whether affected zones begin inflating.
- Listen for unusual air leakage or compressor noise.
- Monitor displayed pressure or surface status.
- Allow the manufacturer-required stabilization period.
- Observe whether the surface maintains the expected condition.
Expected outcome: The surface inflates correctly and maintains its intended pressure or support state.
8. Verify Surface Performance
After correcting an external issue:
- Confirm inflation across the required zones.
- Verify pressure retention according to the manufacturer procedure.
- Check that hoses remain connected during permitted bed articulation.
- Confirm that alarms and indicators respond correctly.
- Complete required surface return-to-service testing.
Expected outcome: The surface provides stable support and passes all applicable functional checks.
Troubleshooting can stop when inflation, pressure retention, and alarm functions are verified.
If the Problem Persists
If power, hoses, connections, positioning, surface condition, and controls have been checked, common external causes have been ruled out.
Possible service-level causes include pneumatic leakage, air delivery, pressure sensing, valve control, or surface electronics.
The affected bed or surface should be:
- Removed from service and labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for qualified repair or bench evaluation.
- Evaluated using Hillrom documentation and approved test equipment.
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel.
- Returned to service only after successful inflation, pressure-retention, and applicable alarm testing.
Do not return a surface that cannot reliably maintain patient support.
Clinical Use Tip
A partially inflated bariatric surface may appear usable while providing inadequate pressure redistribution. Verify all required zones before patient placement.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Nursing reported that the Compella air surface repeatedly lost inflation in one support zone."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found a partially disconnected external air hose at the surface connection."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Secured the hose and verified normal zone inflation, pressure retention, and surface alarm operation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Affected surface zone
- Inflation or pressure-loss behavior
- Displayed alarm or message
- Power status
- Hose and connector condition
- Mattress positioning
- Surface mode
- Visible damage or leakage
- Pressure-retention test result
- Final equipment status
Final Thought
Patient support must remain the priority when evaluating air surface failures. Check power, connections, hoses, positioning, and controls before assuming an internal pneumatic fault. Verify pressure retention, escalate unresolved problems, and document the corrective action.
That is successful troubleshooting.