BATH BUDDY BATHMATE User manual

Instruction Book
BATH BUDDY / BATHMATE

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Page Description
1Inventory
2Electrical safety Inventory
3Setting up and putting cushion in bath
4Filling and getting into bath
5Leaving bath, disconnecting and cleaning
6Technical specification
7Trouble shooting guide
8Routine maintenance and servicing
9Safety Information
10-11 Appendices
12 Cautionary notes
13-16 Electromagnetic Emission Tables
Thank you for purchasing the BATH BUDDY / BATHMATE portable lift. This simple bath aid is designed to provide
safe, comfortable bathing for people with limited mobility or disabilities affecting movement. The BATH BUDDY /
BATHMATE is all that’s needed to gently lower the bather into the water from a comfortable seated position. When
it’s time to get out, the system conveniently raises from the water, so you can simply transfer out of the bath. We
hope you have many years of satisfied use from this excellent product. To help keep it in good condition, please refer
to the following instructions. A handy operating guide is included to enable you to use the BATH BUDDY /
BATHMATE as quickly as possible.

1
Inventory - Upon opening the box, the following items should be included
:
1. White cushion
2. Main blower unit
3. 4 white suckers
4. White hose
5. Mains lead & plug
6. Hand control unit
Other items include:
7. Instruction booklet
8. Handy operating guide
9. Guarantee card
10. Carry case (optional) not shown
1
2
5
6
4
3
Instruction Book
BATH BUDDY / BATHMATE
The BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE consisting of:

Electrical Safety
The appliance is supplied with a power
cord fitted with a 13 amp fuse for
connection to a 230v AC 50Hz electricity
supply.
WARNING
•Should the power cord need to be
replaced, this should be carried out by
the manufacturer, his agent, or other
qualified person
•This appliance required a 13 amp fuse.
When changing the fuse ensure it is
replaced with an identical rated (13A)
Fuse, ASTA Approved to BS 1362.
If the fuse cover is damaged, the
plug must not be used and should
be replaced by the manufacturer,
his agent or other qualified person.
2

Putting the Cushion into the bath
1. With the cushion deflated, place into the
bath, making sure the sucker tabs are each
pointing away from the cushion. Care
should be taken not to twist, bend or
crush the hose during this operation.
IMPORTANT Each sucker must be securely
fastened to the bath surface, to check this pull
gently on each sucker to establish adhesion.
2. Switch on the power at the mains supply,
checking the green light on the blower unit
is illuminated.
3. Take the hand control unit in either hand
and gently depress the up button until the
cushion is fully inflated (see diagram A).
The machine is designed to stop once the
correct pressure has been achieved.
Releasing the button at any time will stop
inflation (see note 1 in notes section).
IMPORTANT - The up button should be
depressed until the blower unit stops inflating
automatically, failure to do so will cause the
cushion to be under inflated.
Before use check for air leaks from the cushion
and hose. Any air leaks will be visible in the form
of air bubbles emitted from the hose or cushion.
If any air leaks are present discontinue use and
contact your supplier.
A
3
Setting Up
The appliance must be set up in the bathroom with a minimum
distance of 60cm in all directions away from the bathtub or shower
Any existing bathroom socket must be protected by an isolation
transformer or a residual current device (RCD) with 30 mA. If this
is not fitted, then the compressor must be plugged in outside the
bathroom.
To ensure the cushion sticks to the bath surface correctly, both
suckers and surface should be clean and free from deposits left
by cleansers.

Filling the bath
Once you are sure the cushion is in the correct position
water may be added to the bath. It is recommended that
approximately 8 - 10 inches (20 - 25 cm) of water is added
initially, however, this can be adjusted by the user according
to individual needs and the size and depth of the bath being
used. The water should be of an even mix of hot and cold
water.
Note: Temperatures in excess of 50°C (122°F) will distort
the cushion. Remember, if the water is too hot for you
it is probably too hot for the cushion.
Getting into the bath
The bather can enter the bath either by sitting on the edge
of the bath and sliding onto the cushion swinging the legs
over and into the bath, or by stepping into the bath and
sitting on the cushion. You should be centrally placed within
the coloured anti-slip seating area of the cushion, with your
lower back positioned against the lumbar support* (see
diagram B). Sitting forwards or backwards of centre will
cause an uneven descent. Sitting centrally the bather is now
ready to be lowered into the bath. Taking the hand control
unit in either hand, gently depress the down button (see
diagram C). The cushion will gently deflate. Releasing the
button at any time will stop this action, to continue depress
the button again maintaining contact until right at the
bottom of the bath. To aid stability a fixed grab rail should
During the deflate cycle the
lumbar support and seat area
of the cushion will slowly
fold in and around the user,
promoting a supported descent
into the bath. The bather should
always allow the front part of
the cushion to fully deflate
before attempting to lie back.
By stretching out the legs when
the cushion is approximately 2/3
deflated, the air in the front of
the cushion will be forced out.
Once this has been achieved,
the bather can recline against
the back surface of the bath and
bathe in the normal way. It is not
recommended that the bather
leave the coloured seating area
of the cushion while bathing.
B
C
4
be fitted, these are available from The Bath Buddy Company
Ltd or your Dealer can supply one as an accessory. Please
see Appendix B for guidance on positioning the grab rail.
In addition the bather may also find it useful to rest one, or
both hands on the sides of the bath to further aid balance.
During the assessment for the
BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE,
special consideration should be
taken when the potential user is
a child or a severely disabled or
infirmed user. In these instances
it may be necessary for the
user to bath with supervision or
assistance from a carer.

5
Getting into the bath - continued
*IMPORTANT
A central sitting position on the cushion is vital whilst
being raised or lowered. Leaning forwards slightly will
help maintain stability. Please do not lean backwards
as this may result in an uneven descent or elevation.
Should this occur during the deflate or inflate cycle,
the bather should simply stop the cycle using the hand
control and re-position so they are seated within the
coloured seating area, before continuing.
Leaving the bath
When the bather is ready to leave the bath they should
sit upright and ensure a central seating position is
achieved within the coloured anti-slip seating area
of the cushion*. This position will ensure maximum
safety during the inflate cycle. Taking the hand control
unit in either hand de-press the up button. The
cushion will slowly inflate to bring the bather back
level with the top edge of the bath. Continue to
depress the button until the blower stops
automatically. During the inflate cycle the bather
should use the grab rail to improve balance. In
addition the bather may also find it useful to rest
one or both hands on the sides of the bath to
further aid balance.
The bather can now exit the bath by either swinging
cushion or by stepping over and out of the bath.
Disconnecting
THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED
WHILST CONNECTED TO THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, AND THE
BLOWER UNIT LEFT RUNNING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD.
After use the cushion should be
deflated, at least partially to help
remove it from the bath. To avoid
putting undue strain on the cushion
or suckers, the cushion should be
removed from the bath by lifting
the sucker release tabs. Do not pull
the cushion (see diagram D). To
fully deflate the cushion for storage
simply disconnect the hose from
the blower unit by depressing the
button on the top of the connector
and pulling it away from the blower.
This will allow most of the air to
flow quickly out of the cushion.
To remove the last of the air, apply gentle pressure to
the cushion or roll the cushion into a cylinder, starting
with the end furthest away from the hose.
Cleaning
The hand control unit, hose and cushion should be
dried after use. In situations where there is a risk of
passing infection, these components should be sanitised
with water based disinfectants rinsed and thoroughly
dried. It is particularly important to store the cushion dry.
The screw fixing suckers can be removed individually
to be cleaned and then replaced.

6
Technical Specification
Transport & Storage Conditions Operating Conditions
Mode of Operation
Bath buddy 20 pages.indd 8 14/07/2015 11:55

7
PROBLEM SOLUTION/RECOMMENDATION
The cushion inflates in a stop and start
fashion.
The hand control ON button is not being fully depressed, or the hose in kinked.
Keep pressing the button until the motor stops automatically, check hose is not kinked.
The cushion is fully inflated but the
motor is not cutting out.
Release the UP button, which will stop the motor running. The system is designed so that it
cannot over inflate the cushion. Should the blower unit continue to operate for more than
20 seconds after the cushion is fully inflated, release the UP button and consult your dealer
for advice.
The motor has stopped and will not
start again.
If the light is out, check the fuse in the main plug. If the light is on wait 40 minutes for unit
to cool down, and try to operate again. If fault continues consult your dealer for advice.
The cushion has distorted in places. Distorted patches indicate an exposure to temperatures above 50°C.
DO NOT USE Return for replacement.
The cushion appears to be
over-inflating.
The cushion cannot over-inflate unless it has previously been in contact with water above
50°C.
The seams appear to be opening
up slowly.
If the remaining seal is 3mm (1/8”) wide or less, return the equipment for a
replacement cushion.
Air bubbles are emitted from
between the double seam at
the base of the cushion.
This will only occur if the inner seam has failed.
Return the equipment for a replacement cushion.
The area around the hose
connecting flange has distorted.
DO NOT USE Return for replacement cushion.
The cushion does not appear to deflate
fully.
Air must be forced out of the cushion, disconnect the hose from the blower
unit, this will allow most of the air to flow out of the cushion. To remove the last of the air,
apply gentle pressure to the cushion, or roll the cushion into a cylinder, starting with the end
furthest away from the hose.
The cushion is sliding in the bath. Ensure the suckers and the bath are free from powdery deposits or oils.
Dry and clean before attaching the cushion.
Contact the manufacturer for spares and screw these in.
Air is escaping into the bath water. DO NOT USE There is a fault with the cushion or hose. Contact your dealer for advice.
Trouble Shooting Guide

Routine Maintenance & Servicing
The following should be carried out at the intervals specified:
1. Remove the cushion from the bath after every use and clean the cushion and suckers as
per the instructions on page 5.
2. Check the seams on the cushion after every use as detailed on page 12.
3. Change the fuse as required to the rating and specification on page 2.
4.
Accessories & Spares
Spares Accessories
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
BB 0135 SUCKER
BB 0290 HAND CONTROL COMPLETE
BB 02O8 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BB 0209 QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
BB 0221 CARRY CASE
BB 0222 GRAB RAIL
For all service or spares requirements please contact the service department at
the Bath Buddy Company Ltd on [phone].
Prices for spares available on request.
The expected lifetime of this product is 3 years. The appliance (blower unit + cushion) will have to be
serviced after this period. Servicing can simply be arranged by calling [phone].
8

9
Safety Information
1. This appliance is not intended for use by persons
(including children) with severely reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities, unless they are
supervised by a person responsible for their safety
or fully understand the hazards involved when
using the product.
This appliance is not intended for use by children
unless they are continually supervised.
Children should not be allowed to play with, or
undertake the cleaning and maintenance of the
appliance.
2. As a safety measure the blower unit will switch
The cushion will no longer inflate even if the
control unit UP button is continuously depressed.
In the unlikely event of this failing air will
automatically bleed back through the motor,
thus ensuring over inflation does not occur.
If the blower unit continues to operate for more
than 20 second inflate the cushion has fully
inflated, release the UP button and consult your
dealer for advice.
3. For your safety, ensure that in the event of an
electricity power failure, or the unlikely event of
product failure, that an alarm system or telephone
are conveniently placed in close proximity. The
unit will NOT operate should this occur during use,
therefore, assistance may be required to leave the
bath.
4. Inflation and deflation can be interrupted at any
time by releasing the appropriate button on the
control unit. Please note that on inflation the UP
button should be depressed until the blower unit
stops automatically.
5. There is no electrical connection in or to the
hand control unit. This unit is therefore safe to
be operated by either user or attendant with wet
hands. The blower unit, however is connected to
the mains electricity and should not be handled
with wet hand unless disconnected from the
electricity supply.
6. Should the cushion slide even if the suckers and
bath surface appear to be clean and dry please
contact your supplier for advice.
7. An alternative method of placing the cushion in
inflate the cushion fully outside of the bath.
Position the cushion square in the bath in line
so that all 4 suckers make contact with the
bottom flat part of the bath. Press down on
the semi deflated cushion checking that all
four suckers are attached by gently pulling
on the cushion.

Appendix A
Recommended Bath Sizes
The Bath Buddy/Bathmate lift is suitable for most baths. As a guide to whether a tall or standard cushion is required,
please refer to the diagram below. If a bath falls outside of the guidelines below please contact your dealer
or manufacturer for advice.
Both Standard & Tall Cushions
are suitable for bath widths of
460mm to 560mm
(18” to 22”)
Max 560 mm (22”)
Standard Cushion is
recommended for
bath depths of between
340mm - 415mm
13” - 16”
Tall Cushion is
recommended for
bath depths of between
415mm - 490mm
(16” - 19”)
Min. 460 mm (18”)
10
The BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE lift is suitable for most baths. As a guide to whether a tall or standard cushion is
required, please refer to the diagram below. If a bath falls outside of the guidelines below please contact your dealer or
manufacturer for advice.

11
Appendix B
Grab Rail Fitting Instructions
All dimensions are approximate and are for reference only.
The grab rail should always be fitted to suit the individual needs of the user.
POSITION A from 300 to 900 mm (13 to 35 inches) from back edge of bath.
POSITION B from 100 to 600mm (4 to 24 inches) from the top edge of bath.
The following should act as a guide to positioning the grab rail when used with the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE.
A grab rail should only be fitted by a qualified workman in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

12
Cautionary Notes
1. Temperatures higher than 50°C (122°F) will
damage the cushion.
If the cushion becomes distorted and the
distorted area changes colour or appearance
do not use the equipment, contact your
supplier for advice.
2. The product should be routinely serviced
every two years.
3. Check the seams on the cushion regularly.
This is best carried out when drying the fully
deflated cushion. The cushion for added
reliability has a double seam. Should the first seam
be compromised do not use the product further,
contact the supplier.
4. In the unlikely event of water entering the
system indicated by air bubbles emitting from
the cushion or hose, discontinue use,
contact your supplier.
5. Should the blower unit casing, cushion or hose
become damaged, please discontinue, contact
your supplier.
6. The blower unit should be disposed at
the end of it’s life separately from your
household waste.
.
General Information:
Abreviations: Conformity marking for products
sold within the European Economic Area
ASTA – Association of Short-Circuit Authorities
(BS 1362 - Specification for general purpose fuse links
for domestic and similar purposes)
IPX4 – Splash Proof Safety Rating
Unauthorised modification of Appliance could result in
product failure. Hazards could include: Over inflation of
(Fire, Electrical shock)
7. All repair work, servicing, modifications should be
carried out by The Bath Buddy Company Ltd.
The Bath Buddy Company Ltd undertakes to repair
or replace, free of charge, any unit that fails in normal
domestic use within one year from the date of
purchase, provided the product has been kept, used
and maintained in accordance with the instructions.
The Bath Buddy Company Ltd may make any
reasonable charge to cover the return of the product
where no fault is found to exist, or the fault is the
result of misuse of the product.
8. WARNING: To avoid risk of electric shock, this
equipment must only be connected to a mains supply
with protective earth.
All the information in this instruction book, along with
contact details can be found on the following website:
www.bath-buddy.com

13
The BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below.
The customer or the user of the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE should ensure that it is used in such an environment.
The BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE uses RF energy only for its
internal function. Therefore, its RF emissions are very low and
are not likely to cause any interference in nearby electronic
equipment. The BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE is suitable for use
in all establishments, including domestic establishments and
those directly connected to the public low-voltage power supply
network that supplied buildings used for domestic purposes.

14
The BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below.
The customer or the user of the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE should ensure that it is used in such an environment.
Mains power quality should be that
of a typical commercial or hospital
environment. If the user of the
BATH BUDDY requires continued
operation during power mains
interruptions, it is recommended that
the BATH BUDDY be powered from
an uninterruptible power supply or
battery.

15
The BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below.
The customer or the user of the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE should ensure that it is used in such an environment.
Portable and mobile RF communications equipment
should be used no closer to any part of the BATH
BUDDY/BATHMATE, including cables, than the
recommended separation distance calculated from
the equation applicable to the frequency of the
transmitter.
Field strengths from fixed transmitters, such as base stations for radio (cellular/cordless) telephones and land mobile radios,
amateur radio, AM and FM radio broadcast and TV broadcast cannot be predicted theoretically with accuracy. To assess
the electromagnetic environment due to fixed RF transmitters, an electromagnetic site survey should be considered. If the
measured field strength in the location in which the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE is used exceeds the applicable RF compliance
level above, the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE should be observed to verify normal operation. If abnormal performance is
observed, additional measures may be necessary, such as re-orienting or relocating the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE.

16
The BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE is intended for use in an electromagnetic environment in which radiated
RF disturbances are controlled. The customer or the user of the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE can help prevent
electromagnetic interference by maintaining a minimum distance between portable and mobile RF communications
equipment (transmitters) and the BATH BUDDY/BATHMATE as recommended below, according to the maximum
power output of the communications equipment.

The Bath Buddy Company Limited
Unit C1A, The Nore, Hovefields Avenue
Basildon, Essex SS13 1EB
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Why not visit our website at
www.bath-buddy.com
BB0208 Rev.C.