GE Giraffe OmniBed

GE Giraffe OmniBed

Incubator and Infant Warmer

The GE Giraffe OmniBed has two control modes when used as either an incubator or an infant warmer. When the compartment is closed, the Giraffe OmniBed controls the inside temperature. This can compare air temperatures from the probe in the compartment wall to a setting you enter using the control panel. Clinicians can also use this machine to compare the temperature of the baby’s skin instead of the wall inside the compartment. With the canopy of the OmniBed open, this unit transforms into an infant warmer using a radiant heater. You can control the temperature of the GE OmniBed, when set up as an infant warmer, with either manual mode, or baby mode. Baby mode controls the temperature of the warmer using a probe attached to the baby’s skin.

Controls and Displays

The display and controls are located at the top of the upright at the head of the incubator/infant warmer. The display and control panel can be divided into two areas: on the left are the buttons and numeric temperature displays that control the temperature regulation of the infant. On the right are the graphics display screen and a control knob that control all accessory options attached to this unit. Temperatures can be shown in Celsius or Fahrenheit, but the default is Celsius.

Temperature Regulation

When the clinician starts up the system, the OmniBed prompts you to select the control modes. The unit has a 2-hour memory for the last used settings, so if it was used in the last 2 hours, it will ask you if you would like to retain the settings you previously used. If you are using the Giraffe OmniBed as an incubator, you have to select either baby or air mode. If you are using the OmniBed as a warmer, you have to select either baby or manual mode. If you start the warmer with the canopy open, or open the compartment during the first ten minutes after startup, and do not select a control mode, the graphics screen will show the “Warm Up Mode” message and the radiant heater will run at 100% power. When 10 minutes have elapsed, and you still have not selected a control mode, the graphics display will show the “Preheat Zone” message and the radiant heater will run at the preheat level which is set at 25% power.

Incubator Operation

Air Control Mode

When Air Control Mode is active, the Air Mode indicator will light up. This is in the shape of a fan. Two temperature values are shown in the lower third of the display: temperature measure by the compartment probe, and the value shown in smaller numerals in the air set temperature. The set temperature can be adjusted using the temperature/power buttons located on the left of the mode buttons. The temperature can be set from 68 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Baby Control Mode

When Baby Control Mode is active, the Baby Mode indicator will light up. This is in the shape of a gingerbread man. Two temperature values are shown in the upper third of the display: the value shown in larger numerals at the top is the temperature measured by the probe on the infant’s skin, the value shown below in smaller numerals is the baby set temperature, which can be adjusted by using the temperature/power buttons located at the left of the mode buttons. Temperature settings can be set from 95 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Boost Air Curtain

If the Giraffe OmniBed is being operated as an incubator, and the doors will be open for an extended length of time; pushing the boost air curtain button increases the fan speed and improves the open door thermal performance. A light will be indicated on the button when this mode is active. Remember, running the ran at a higher speed will raise the noise level in the infant compartment. To deactivate the Boost Air Curtain mode, push the button again to resume Whisper Quiet mode. This mode will automatically shut off after twenty minutes and the indicator light will go out.

Warmer Operation

Manual Control Mode

The Manual Mode Indicator light activates when the manual mode is selected. This button looks like a warmer radiating heat. The power setting is indicated by a bar graph LED in the middle third of the display. The percentage of power can be adjusted in 5% increments using the temperature/power buttons located to the left of the mode buttons.

Baby Control Mode

The Baby Mode indicator light will light up when Baby Mode is selected. Two temperature values are shown in the upper third of the display: the value shown in larger numerals at the top is the temperature measured by the probe on the infant’s skin, the value shown below in smaller numerals is the baby set temperature. The set temperature can be adjusted using the temperature/power buttons located to the left of the mode buttons.

Final Thoughts

Have you ever used this infant warmer? Are there features you enjoy using or some you would change? Comment below!