Important Information for our Customers

ALL FOAMS ARE NOT ALIKE

Only Alpha Cradle® foam has been thoroughly tested for toxic out gassing of hazardous vapor concentrations. Our foaming agents are safe to use for patients of all shapes and sizes. Choosing a less effective, potentially toxic foam, may subject your patient and yourself to dangerous vapor concentrations of TDI or MDI.

For over 40 years, hospitals and treatment clinics have trusted Smithers Medical Products for the safest, most advanced radiation treatment products on the market.

Insights from the SMP lab:

1. Toxicology – It amazes me how many RT centers use other brands that have never
   been tested for MDI vapor concentrations. Many foams contain high levels of MDI vapors and formaldehyde gas.
   -Jane

   ALPHA CRADLE BRAND FOAM IS THE ONLY FOAM TESTED AND PROVEN TO BE SAFE. SEE TOXICOLOGY SHEET

   In this post-COVID environment, re-using repositioning devices may pose a health risk to radiation patients with weakened immune systems. Used vacuum bags can transmit viruses and may be considered pathological waste by the governing State. See Regulated Medical Waste (guidelines). Additionally, antimicrobial-treated positioners can expose patients to dangerous chemicals. See: Prop 65 Warnings.
2. Attenuation — Only Alpha Cradle brand foam has gone through documented testing for transmission and build-up characteristics. Transmission was insignificant for all megavoltage energies.
3. Foam was originally designed for use with extruded polystyrene backboards. We always recommend placing a 1/2” piece of extruded polystyrene in the bag and then pouring the foam on top of the bag. Making forms directly on carbon fiber boards or other hard surfaces allow heat from the reaction to be transferred to the counter’s surface. This makes for poor forms with poor cell structures that easily degrade with time. By placing a small piece of foam inside the bag, it insulates the liquid foam keeping the heat inside the reaction for a high rising creamy foam that will harden and retain it’s integrity.
4. If the foam doesn’t fully rise, it may degrade over time and crack. This is caused by improper shaking. SHAKE VERY HARD, WITH CAP POINTED DOWN OVER BAG, VERY VIGOROUSLY FOR 10-15 SECONDS. Shaking for over 30 seconds can cause foam to explode out of the bottle. SMP’s Alpha Cradle brand foam is the only foam in the world with specially designed accordion-style bottles that keep this under control. If the bottle starts expanding before you open it, throw it away immediately.