Astor Bannerman has been designing, manufacturing and installing equipment for people and families living with a disability for more than 27 years. That experience, combined with on-going customer feedback and consultation, has taught us a lot and continues to challenge us to expand our product range with ever improving and innovative products.
Historically, changing tables have been developed primarily for use in private homes, usually in a single-user situation, not high-use, public settings such as a Changing Places Toilet. With our commitment to Changing Places, and through learned experience of extensive installations over the years, we began to question the suitability of the equipment for the job. We decided it was time to develop a Changing Table specifically for use in a multi-user public environment like a Changing Places Toilet, addressing the very specific needs to overcome the challenges thrown up by public Changing Places toilets.
The result: The Astor Invincible Changing Table.
ROBUSTNESS
One of the problems with toilets that are open to the public; in parks, town centres and tourist attractions, is vandalism. That, along with wear and tear, can bear heavily on padded surfaces, handsets, exposed wires and vulnerable parts. To combat this problem, we were determined to make the new table to be as robust as possible.
So, when we were developing the Astor Invincible we went right back to the drawing board, looking at every individual component and material to make sure they were all as tamper-proof as possible, eradicating exposed wires and vulnerable parts.
We also designed the changing table stretcher using a material with a patent pending design, that is very easy to clean and disinfect, even when it is covered in graffiti!
Furthermore, when the prototype of the changing table was ready, as well as running standard tests, we also tested it to make sure that it could cope with being opened and closed 1,000s of times to ensure maximum robustness.
This video shows the changing table with the maximum load placed on it (227kg), in the process of being bounced 100,000 times, 3 times a second!
HYGIENE
Changing tables are constantly exposed to dirt and grime, and the challenge, now even more than ever, is to keep them clean and sanitised.
For Changing Places toilets in high use areas such as leisure centres, parks and tourist destinations, it is essential that the equipment can be cleaned and maintained effectively. So, making each element easy to clean was a priority when we were developing the new changing table.
One of the Astor Invincible’s main features is its patent pending stretcher, which is made with a highly cut resistant material that is very easy to disinfect and clean. The stretcher is also incorporated into the frame, with integrated controls, to minimise gaps and nooks & crannies where dust and grime could accumulate. There is also no need for an extra padded mattress which can trap dirt, as the stretcher itself is flexible and comfortable.
In addition, although the Astor Invincible has been designed to be used in wet rooms and is IPX4 rated for waterproofness, it has been designed without a shower tray, which can be hard to clean.
COMFORT
If a changing table is uncomfortable or awkward to use it can make for an unpleasant, frustrating experience.
Wherever a changing table is installed, it is essential that as well as being robust and hygienic, it is also comfortable! That was at the forefront of our minds when we were developing the Astor Invincible.
The main feature of the Astor Invincible is the stretcher material – a highly cut resistant material that flexes to give a comfortable surface to lie on. There is also no need for an extra padded mattress, as the stretcher itself provides comfort.
In addition to a comfortable stretcher, the front guard has a split design allowing flexibility to use both guards for full protection, or to lower one to give better access to give care whilst retaining a level of protection.
To aid usability, the controls are integrated into the frame with two sets of simple up/down control buttons to choose from to suit the care-giver’s position and preference.
The result of all those considered features is a changing table, the first designed specifically for use in a Changing Places Toilet, that is ROBUST, HYGIENIC and COMFORTABLE: The Astor Invincible!
Find out more about the Astor Invincible Changing Table
ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN
Astor Bannerman offer the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including fixed and mobile changing tables, hoists, height adjustable washbasins, toilets and accessories. They are always developing new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets.
Contact Astor Bannerman on 01242 820820 if you have any questions about Changing Places Toilets or the newly announced £30m of Government funding. We also offer free advice on any aspect of planning and installation for a specific project.
ABOUT AVESO
The team at Aveso are passionate about Changing Places toilets. They have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013, and can provide free, expert advice on all aspects of the Changing Places planning and design process.