07 Aug Blog| Complete Pressure Mattress System: The Advantage of One Manufacturing Partner
Understanding Medical Devices Series | Why One Manufacturing Partner Can Make the Difference
For an alternating pressure mattress system, the mattress and control unit are more than two separate products. They are two interconnected parts of a solution designed to work together to support pressure ulcer prevention.
For medical device OEMs, this raises an important question: Is it more efficient to source the mattress and control unit from different manufacturers, or to work with one contract manufacturing partner for the complete system?
While working with multiple suppliers can appear to offer flexibility, partnering with one experienced manufacturer for both components can provide significant advantages – from product integration and quality consistency to supply chain management and long-term product development.
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The Mattress & Control Unit Work As One System
They are two interconnected parts of a solution designed to work together to support pressure ulcer prevention.
An alternating pressure mattress relies on controlled air pressure changes within its cells to create alternating support surfaces. The control unit is responsible for generating and managing the airflow that makes this possible.
This means that the performance of one component directly influences the performance of the other.
The mattress construction, air-cell configuration, materials, dimensions and air requirements need to work effectively with the control unit’s pump capacity, pressure settings, cycle times and control functions.
When these elements are developed and manufactured with a clear understanding of the complete system, OEMs can take a more integrated approach to product performance.
The Challenge Of Using Different Manufacturers
When the mattress and control unit are sourced from separate manufacturers, the OEM may need to coordinate two independent development and manufacturing processes.
This can create additional complexity in areas such as:
- System integration – ensuring that the mattress and control unit perform as intended together.
- Product specifications – aligning technical requirements between two suppliers.
- Quality management – managing quality processes, documentation and communication across multiple partners.
- Testing and validation – coordinating activities between manufacturers when system-level performance needs to be assessed.
- Supply chain management – managing separate production schedules, logistics and inventory.
- Troubleshooting – determining whether an issue originates from the mattress, the control unit or their interaction.
- Product changes – assessing the impact when a component, material or manufacturing process is changed by one supplier.
None of these challenges necessarily make a multi-supplier model unworkable. However, they can increase the coordination required from the OEM.
One Manufacturing Partner, One Connected Solution
Working with one contract manufacturer for both the mattress and control unit can simplify this complexity.
A partner with experience across both product areas can consider the complete system from the beginning – rather than looking at the mattress and control unit as isolated components.
Different clinical environments require different textile solutions. Understanding the strengths of each material helps manufacturers design products that meet specific user needs.
This can provide several benefits:
- Better integration
- Consistent quality
- Simplified supply chain
- A single point of responsibility
- Greater flexibility during product development
Experience Across Both Products Makes The Difference
For OEMs, the value of a contract manufacturer is not only the ability to produce individual components. It is also the experience to understand how those components work together as a finished solution.
At SHL Healthcare, we have experience developing and manufacturing alternating pressure mattress systems as well as control units. Our capabilities cover both product areas independently:
Pressure Ulcer Prevention Systems
We develop and manufacture mattress solutions designed for alternating pressure applications, with experience in materials, construction, welding, sewing and product testing.
Control Units
We also have experience with control units designed to provide the airflow and pressure management required by alternating pressure systems.
But importantly, our experience extends beyond manufacturing the two products separately. We understand the requirements of combining the mattress and control unit into one integrated system.
For OEMs, choosing one experienced contract manufacturer is not simply about reducing the number of suppliers. It is about working with a partner who understands the complete system.
With experience across both alternating pressure mattresses and control units, SHL Healthcare can help OEMs create a more connected approach to development, manufacturing, quality and supply.
Why Partner with SHL Healthcare For Your Alternating Pressure Mattress System?
- Experience across the complete system – from alternating pressure mattresses to control units.
- Integrated manufacturing expertise – combining textile, welding, sewing, assembly and testing capabilities.
- Medical device experience – supporting OEMs with quality-focused development and manufacturing.
- One manufacturing partner – simplifying communication, coordination and supply chain management.
- End-to-end partnership – from product development and industrialization to series manufacturing.
For OEMs looking to simplify their supply chain while maintaining control over quality, integration and product performance, one experienced manufacturing partner can make the entire process more connected.
Send us your request at: bd@shl-healthcare.com
www.shl-healthcare.com
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