Neonatal Incubators

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 A closed incubator provides a controlled environment around the baby using a transparent enclosure. 

Typical features:

• Air temperature control 
• Skin/servo temperature control 
• Humidity control 
• Air circulation 
• Temperature monitoring 
• Audible and visual alarms 
• Access doors and hand ports 
• Oxygen provision on some models 

Closed incubators are commonly used for premature and low-birth-weight infants who require a stable thermal environment.

An open care system, commonly called a radiant warmer, provides heat from above rather than surrounding the baby with an enclosed air environment.

It allows healthcare professionals much easier access to the infant.

Radiant warmers are particularly useful during:

• Resuscitation 
• Procedures 
• Initial stabilisation 
• Intensive care 
• Situations requiring frequent access to the baby 

Unlike a closed incubator, a radiant warmer primarily uses infrared radiant heat rather than heated circulating air.

A transport incubator is designed to maintain a controlled environment while a newborn is being transported between locations.

It may be used for transportation:

• Within a hospital 
• Between hospitals 
• In an ambulance 
• By helicopter or aircraft 

Transport incubators generally incorporate:

• Battery operation 
• AC/DC power input 
• Temperature control 
• Oxygen supply connection 
• Patient monitoring interfaces 
• Transport mounting systems 

Because they operate away from normal mains power, battery condition and electrical safety are particularly important.

A hybrid system combines features of an enclosed incubator and an open radiant warmer.

The enclosure can often be opened or converted into an open-care configuration while maintaining thermal support.

This type of equipment provides flexibility when the infant's clinical requirements change.