Babycare TENS Elle TENS User manual

Elle TENS
Instructions
for use
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Elle TENS Quick Reference Guide
If you are in labour, please use the quick
reference guide set out below. It is
however recommended that you read the
section entitled “Setting Up Your Elle
TENS” found on page 5 to obtain the best
performance from your unit.
Before using the Elle TENS, please
read the contraindications and warnings
on page 2.
1. Insert 2 x AA batteries in the
compartment at the back of the unit (see
figs 1 and 2, page 6).
2. Insert the leadwire plugs into the top of
the unit (see fig 3, page 6).
3. Insert the pins at the other end of the
leadwires into the sockets attached to the
electrode pads. Do not remove the
electrodes from their backing at this stage
(see fig 4, page 6)
4. Position the electrode pads on the
body as indicated on page 7.
5. Make sure that the ‘boost’ button at
the side of the unit is NOTpressed in. This
ensures that the unit will start in the
BURST 1 mode (see page 3).
6. Press the (on/off) to turn the unit
on.
7. Now push the (CH1 +) key until you
feel a pulsating sensation.
8. Repeat the same with the (CH2+)
key.
9. At the onset of a contraction press the
‘boost’ button for the additional surge of
power needed to combat the pain.
10.Release the ‘boost’ button once the
contraction has passed and continue in
the BURST 1 mode as before.
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Contents
Elle TENS Quick Reference Guide
How will the Elle TENS Help Your Pain?........................................................................1
Introduction to the Elle TENS ......................................................................................1
Frequently Asked Questions ........................................................................................1
When Should TENS Not be Used? ..............................................................................2
Controls for the Elle TENS ..........................................................................................3
Display Symbols and Their Meanings..........................................................................4
Setting Up Your Elle TENS ..........................................................................................5
Useful Diagrams ..........................................................................................................6
Suggested Electrode Placement Chart ........................................................................7
Using you Elle TENS ....................................................................................................8
Useful Information ....................................................................................................10
Troubleshoooting Questions......................................................................................10
Technical Specifications ............................................................................................11
Explanation of Symbols on Unit
Equipment providing a particular degree of protection against electric shock
particularly regarding allowable leakage currents having an F type (floating)
applied part.
Warning - refer to page 2 of these instructions.
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1
How will the Elle TENS Help Your Pain?
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve
Stimulation) works by passing mild
electrical impulses through the skin, via
electrode pads, into the nerve fibres which
lie below. The TENS impulses help your
body produce its own pain killing
chemicals, such as ‘endorphins’.
The level of pain relief obtained varies from
person to person. Some find that the Elle
TENS provides all the pain relief required
during the whole of labour, whereas others
find that other analgesics are also needed
during the later stages of labour.
Introduction to the Elle TENS
The Elle TENS is the state-of-the-art,
efficient method of drug-free pain relief
with no known side effects. In order to
obtain maximum benefit, it is advised that
you seek guidance from your medical
adviser as well as reading this instruction
guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) When shall I start using my Elle TENS?
A) Use as early as you can after the onset
of labour to allow time for your body’s
pain-killing chemicals to rise.
Q) Can I try the Elle TENS before going
into labour?
A) Yes, place 2 pads on your forearm to
feel the different pulse sensations
following the instructions on page 5.
Q) Can I combine the Elle TENS with other
medication?
A) Yes, you can still use analgesics such as
gas and air (entinox) or pethidine.
Q) Can the Elle TENS be used in hospital?
A) Yes. However, a midwife may ask you to
switch it off temporarily.
Q) Can I use the Elle TENS if I am
considering a water birth?
A) Yes, but not in the water itself.
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2
When Should TENS Not Be Used?
Contraindications
1. Do NOTuse TENS before 37 weeks of
pregnancy unless under medical
supervision.
2. Electrodes should only be positioned
as recommended (see page 7) unless
otherwise stated by your midwife or
medical adviser.
3. Do NOTplace electrodes on the
abdomen (before birth), the front or side
of the neck, or areas on the head, which
could cause current to flow transcerebrally.
4. Do NOTuse TENS if you have a
demand-type cardiac pacemaker.
5. If you suffer from epilepsy, or any
undiagnosed pain, consult your medical
adviser.
Warnings
1. Electronic monitoring equipment (such
as ECG monitors and ECG alarms) may
not operate properly when TENS
stimulation is in use.
2. Skin irritation can occur following long
term application.
General Precautions
1. Do not use this unit without first
reading these instructions.
2. Do not immerse the Elle TENS unit in
water or any liquid.
3. Do not place it close to any source of
excessive heat.
4. Do not operate this unit in the
presence of flammable gas.
5. Do not drop this unit onto a hard
surface.
6. Do not attempt to open the Elle TENS
unit.
7. Only use the specified batteries and
electrodes.
8. If damaged as in precautions 2-5
above, do not use. Return to supplier.
9. Remove the batteries when the Elle
TENS unit is not in use.
10. Do not use TENS whilst driving or
operating potentially dangerous
machinery.
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Controls for the Elle TENS
The Elle TENS is very simple to use.
However, it is advisable to read these
instructions to obtain the most out of the
unit. Please ensure that all of the
precautions have been read thoroughly.
See page 2.
3
Opti-max Key - adjusts depth
of the pulses - upwards or
downwards. Particularly
useful in the final stages of
labour or when you may need
extra power
Left Channel
Intensity Keys
Hoop for attaching neck
cord used for portability
during labour
Right Channel
Intensity Keys
Mode Key
On/Off Button
Boost Button -
used for extra
surge during
contractions
Leadwire Jack
Plug Socket
Connectors
User
Display
Top
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4
Display Symbols and Their Meanings
Power Bar: This shows the
output from 0 to 15 for both left and right
channels. Each segment represents
approximately 7% of the total output.
: Pressing the ‘Boost’ button
at the top right of the unit activates the
Boost mode. This function is used during
contractions. The small arrow to the left of
the word Boost will remain on, indicating
the unit is in a continuous mode. There are
two Boost modes available indicated by a
1 or 2 in a small circle next to the word
BOOST. You can switch between them by
pressing the Mode key.
: This function is used at the
onset of labour and in-between contrac-
tions. The small arrow to the left of the
word Burst will flash in time with the
bursting rhythm you feel from the Elle
TENS. There are two Burst modes
available indicated by a 1 or 2 in a small
circle next to the word BURST. You can
switch between them by pressing the
Mode Key.
Low Battery Indicator: This sign will
start flashing when the batteries are
running low. If this is the case, change
both batteries. Please refer to page 5
for instructions.
Opti-max: Indicates
the Opti-max output. Each segment
represents 20% of total Opti-max power.
Please refer to page 8 for more details.
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5
Setting Up Your Elle TENS
Check the following contents:
• 1 x Elle TENS unit
• 1 x Pack of 4 self adhesive electrodes
(40mm x 100mm)
• 3 x Leadwires (2 for use and 1 spare)
• 4 x AA batteries (2 for use and 2 spare)
• 1 x Carrying pouch
• 1 x Easy-release neck cord
• 1 x Instruction manual
• 1 x Women’s Guide to Drug Free Pain
Relief (if you have purchased this unit)
The Assembly Stage
a) Press and rotate the belt clip at the
back of the Elle TENS in either direction to
reveal the battery compartment (see fig 1,
page 6).
b) Release the battery compartment
cover and insert 2 x AA batteries (see fig
2, page 6), ensuring the positive (+) and
negative (-) terminals are correctly
positioned as marked in the battery
compartment. Replace the cover.
c) Take two of the purple leadwires and
insert each of the black jack plugs (at one
end of each leadwire) into the sockets at
the top of the Elle TENS unit (see fig 3,
page 6).
d) Now insert the pins (at the other end of
the leadwires) into the sockets attached to
the sticky electrodes. Do not remove the
electrodes from the backing at this stage
(see fig 4, page 6).
NB. Each leadwire has a red and black
pin. It makes NO difference whatsoever
which electrode they are attached to!
e) If you wish, attach the easy-release
neck cord which enables you to hang the
Elle TENS from your neck whilst in labour
(see fig 5, page 6).
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6
Inserting the
battery
Press and rotate the
belt clip to reveal
the battery
compartment.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Release the battery
compartment and
insert the batteries.
Connecting the
leads
Insert both black
jack plugs into the
sockets.
Connecting the
Electrode Pads
Insert a red and black
pin (at the end of each
lead wire) into each
pair of electrodes.
Using the Neck Cord
for mobility during
labour.
Thread the loop of the
neck cord through the
space at the base of
the unit. Slip the
other end of the neck
cord through the loop
and pull into position.
Useful Diagrams
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Suggested Electrode Placement Chart
The sticky electrode pads need to be
placed in the correct position for
maximum pain relief. It is preferable to
obtain assistance from either your
birthing partner or medical adviser when
positioning the pads. Please read the
following instructions carefully:
1. Carefully peel the pads from the
plastic backing using your forefinger and
thumb. Do not pull on the lead wires.
2. Position the top two pads (connected
to the left socket CH1) approximately 4cm
either side of the spine and 4-5cm above
the imaginary navel line as seen in the
diagram.
3. Position the bottom two pads
(connected to the right socket CH2)
approximately 4cm either side of the
spine and 4-5cm below the imaginary
navel line as seen in the diagram.
Reference: Cluett E. (1994) SRN RM ADM PGCEA.
Analgesia in Labour: A review of the TENS method.
Professional Care of Mother and Child. Mar;4 (2): 50-2.
Bra line
In line with navel
Panty line
7
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Using your Elle TENS
a) You are now ready to start using your
Elle TENS. Switch the unit on by pressing
the on/off button. Ensure that the
‘boost’ button located at the top right of
the unit is NOTpressed in. The Elle TENS
will always start up in BURST 1 mode.
b) Begin by pressing the CH1+ key.
Each time you press this key, a small
‘half-moon’ shape will appear on the
screen increasing in number and size as
the intensity is increased. You will begin
to feel a pulsating sensation which will
burst in time with the small arrow
flashing on the screen.
c) Repeat the previous step with the .
CH2+ key. You will now feel a sensation in
both sets of pads.
d) BURST 1 (use between contractions):
This is the first mode that you will use. It
feels like a bursting, tingling sensation
i.e. the pulses are off and on periodically.
This mode will help to promote those all-
important natural pain-killing chemicals
known as ‘endorphins’ and ‘encephalins’.
e) BOOST 1 (use during contractions):
When experiencing a contraction, simply
press the ‘boost’ button located at the
top right of the unit. The Elle TENS will
then switch automatically into the
BOOST 1 mode for that extra surge of
power required to combat the pain during
contractions. This will feel like a
continuous sensation.
f) Once the contraction has passed,
simply release the ‘boost’ button. The
Elle TENS will return to the orignial
BURST 1 mode. Continue this cycle during
your early stages of labour.
8
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The Mode Button
There are two modes available on the
Elle TENS, each with a Burst and Boost
function.
Mode 1 (Burst 1 and Boost 1), which has
been described above, is primarily used
for the earlier stages of labour.
Mode 2 (Burst 2 and Boost 2) can be
used when your labour advances and
your contractions become more
frequent.
Press the Mode button to switch
between modes. You will see from the
User Display, that the number in the
small circle next to the BURST or BOOST
will change from 1 to 2 and vice-versa.
NB. Both modes are interchangeable
and can be used according to your
preference, not necessarily for the stage
of labour you are in.
The Opti-max Key
This provides extra versatility to your Elle
TENS. Increasing or decreasing the Opti-
max key will allow you to either heighten
or lessen the level of pulse power
transmitted to the electrode pads.
Pressing the OM key either + or - will
increase or decrease Opti-max sensation,
this is extremely useful for the final
stages of labour when you need an extra
surge of power.
There are 5 Opti-max levels indicated by
5 dots, enlarging in size as the Opti-max
power is increased. The unit will always
start up at Opti-max 3, which is exactly
half way between the highest and lowest
setting.
NB. The Opti-max key can be used
according to your preference and not
necessarily for the stage of labour you
are in.
9
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Useful information
Continue stimulation for as long as
necessary, unless you experience
discomfort.
If you stimulate for a number of hours
ensure the pads do not become dry. If this
occurs, switch off the unit, disconnect the
electrodes, and apply a small drop of
water to them.
Always ensure that the unit is switched off
before you remove the leads. Do not pull
the wires. Always remove the jack plugs
from their sockets by holding the plugs
between the forefinger and thumb.
N.B. The Elle TENS can also be used as a
standard TENS unit for relief of numerous
conditions, including after pains and post
operative pains. It is worth bearing this
in mind if you have a caesarian section.
Please seek medical advice first.
Troubleshooting Questions
Q) Why does the stimulation not appear
to be as strong after you have used the
Elle TENS for a while?
A) Increase the intensity, you may have
become used to a lower setting.
Q) Why does the stimulation feel strong
but ineffective?
A) You may need to reposition the
electrode pads.
Q) Why does the stimulation not feel
sufficiently strong even on a high
setting?
A) The batteries may need replacing.
Q) What do I do if there is no
stimulation, intermittent stimulation, or
weak stimulation felt even with a new
battery?
A) Check electrode contact. Check leads.
Check batteries. Phone Babycare TENS
on 0845 230 9737.
10
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11
Elle TENS - Technical Specifications
Equipment type Dual Channel Digital TENS
Display Digital LCD - 5 seven segment digits around 42 segments
Modes 2 burst modes and 2 boost modes
Pulse Frequency (Hz) Pulse Width (애s) Description
Burst 1 16 150* 1 burst per second,
8 pulses per burst
Burst 2 32 150* 2 bursts per second,
8 pulses per burst
Boost 1 80 150* Continuous
Boost 2 100 150* Continuous
* Default pulse width after mode changed (pulse width is NOT
changed when switched between BURST and BOOST mode)
5 selectable pulse widths in all modes:
50, 100, 150, 200, 250
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Elle TENS - Technical Specifications Continued
Automatic Power Off The Elle TENS will switch off after 5 minutes if not used
Output Voltage 0 - 55v zero to peak adjustable in 15 steps at 500⏲load
Output Intensity 0 - 110mA adjustable in 15 steps at 500⏲load Intensity
level will drop back to zero after programme changes
Output Waveform Symmetrical bi-phasic rectangular
Output Jacks CE Touch-proof jacks
Battery 2 x 1.5v AA Battery (Type LR6)
Unit Size 115mm x 55mm x 30mm
Unit Weight 75 grams
Low Battery Indicator 2.2v±0.2v
Classification
This unit is fully compliant with EEC Directive 93/42/EEC, classified as internally
powered equipment type BF. It is intended for continuous operation.
12
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ISO 9001: 2000 ISO 13485:2003
EC DIRECTIVE 93/42/EEC Annex V
Babycare TENS
108 George Lane, South Woodford, London E18 1AD
Tel (+44) (0)20 8532 9595 Fax (+44) (0)20 8532 9551
www.babycaretens.com e-mail [e-mail]
Babycare TENS is part of the
Body Clock group of companies 0120
May 2006 (2)
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