Infant heater and infant incubator: what are their differences?

An infant warmer is specialized equipment used to provide newborns with a comfortable warming area that maintains their body temperature at 36 to 37 degrees, thus providing a warm and cozy environment that helps them maintain their body temperature.

In this equipment, heat transfer occurs mainly by thermal radiation; since the source of heat energy is separated from the heat receiver and this (heat) is transmitted through the air in the form of electromagnetic waves. The way this heater works and its structure facilitate quick access to the child and even directly observe it, this is one of the differences with infant incubators. At the same time, they provide continuous heat to keep the newborn’s temperature stable.

Monitoring and resuscitation can be easily performed from the open access of an infant warmer, along with the necessary procedures. Infant warmers are also used for critically ill patients who require constant nursing intervention.

In this opportunity in Kalstein we present our children’s radiant heater YR02193, a device that provides the appropriate and comfortable environment for the newborn, this vital equipment has the following characteristics:

  • Preheat, manual control and skin temperature mode.
  • Microprocessor based controlled temperature system with far infrared heater.
  • Temperature deviation can be observed and corrected on the front panel for error measurement.
  • Self-test function for safety reasons.
  • Upper and lower phototherapy units.
  • Folding transparent protector.
  • Skin temperature sensor drop protection function to prevent overheating.
  • Audible and visible alarm indications for multiple faults with 3 priorities.
  • Convenient tray for X-ray cassettes under the child’s bed.

What are infant incubators?

Infant incubators are medical equipment commonly used to provide an environment in which variables are controlled that allow the proper development of newborns, whether premature or full-term, who are not prepared to adapt to the external environment (extrauterine), this is the main difference from children’s heaters.

Infant incubators are perfectly designed to manipulate the newborn without removing it from the incubator, which allows carrying out actions that involve:

  • Isolation: The closed space offered by neonatal incubators protects the newborn and provides insulation similar to that of the interior of the uterus. Newborns have an immature immune system that is not fully capable of fighting infectious microorganisms.
  • Supply oxygen: Incubators allow increasing the concentration of oxygen inside, when this is required, this is very useful in newborns with respiratory problems.
  • Treat jaundice: Through the application of UV light inside the incubator, jaundice in newborns can be treated, since this UV light therapy favors the degradation of bilirubin and thus its decrease in blood and mucous membranes.
  • Keep track of weight: Neonatal incubators have a monitor that allows a continuous record of the newborn’s weight to be kept.
  • Monitor vital parameters: This equipment also allows monitoring vital functions of newborns, such as their breathing and cardiac and brain activity.

In this case, at Kalstein we present the YR02188 infant incubator designed with an advanced thermoregulation system for the neonatal intensive care unit. Who has an ultrasonic humidifier that provides a suitable temperature and a comfortable air flow inside the incubator. Adjustable humidity range from 40% to 80% provides the right incubation environment for patients. Double wall chamber design prevents heat and moisture loss.

For more information, we invite you to take a look at our product catalog: HERE