Privacy Screens, Room Dividers, Privacy Panels, Hospital Curtains, Medical Furniture, Partitions

What are Room Dividers?

Room dividers, sometimes referred to as room partitions, are devices that allow the space in a room to be divided into areas or subsections. The use of room dividers, in some cases, has to do with a decorating theme for the space. At other times, the reason for using a room divider is more functional than decorative. There are basically two types of room dividers. The first type is a folding divider, also called a privacy screen. It normally involves a series of panels that are hinged together, and is free standing. Generally, a privacy screen has three or more panels, but some only have two panels for smaller areas. The panels are unfolded and positioned in a way that sections off part of a room. Privacy screens can be used in bedrooms to create a changing area, or to create a visual distinction between a living and sleeping space. Many privacy screens are used in healthcare, military, education, or disaster relief settings and scenarios to give people privacy from others, or from a crowd.

The second type of room divider is the accordion style, often called a privacy curtain. Privacy curtains are mounted in metal tracks which run across the ceiling area. This makes it easy to slide them into place when necessary. Depending on the size of the space, one or more sets of privacy curtains may be installed. This design is often used in patient rooms of a hospital or a healthcare facility in order to be able to give patients privacy on demand.

One of the benefits of room dividers is the ability to manage sound in the space. For example, in an office setting, the partitions can separate a larger space into several work areas to help minimize the sounds created by the various employees in that space. While the effect is usually not as definitive as placing the employees in different rooms, the use of partitions help make it possible to contain enough of the sounds so that employees are not distracted by each other.

Room dividers not only add functionality, but can also add an element of visual interest to the space. This can be true in any area they are used in. Partitions made of panels may be covered in print fabrics or painted with any type of design that suits its use. Both types of room dividers are available in a wide range of colors, making them more attractive and welcoming as part of the overall design.

What is a Hospital Curtain?

The purpose of a hospital curtain is to prevent infections from spreading throughout a hospital, as well as providing a patient with privacy. These curtains are made with safety in mind and must pass strict health and safety regulations before they can be used in a medical facility. Their main benefit is their ability to combat the spread of infection. While the curtains previously used in hospitals of the past allowed serious infections to be transmitted, today’s technology has created anti-microbial materials that are utilized, instead.

A hospital curtain, also known as a privacy curtain, is a method of giving privacy to a patient in a hospital. It is usually hung from a track on the ceiling and reaches almost all the way to the floor. A hospital curtain should be made from material that is fire-retardant, and in accordance with general health and safety regulations. In the United States, the top portion of the curtain must be at least 70% mesh to allow water from a sprinkler to penetrate the curtain in the event of a fire.

How to Choose the Best Privacy Screen?

One of the first details to consider when buying a privacy screen is the size that is needed, along with the intentions for the screen, and the space which is available. Consider the materials to choose from since this will affect the appearance and durability of the screen. In addition, choosing a plain privacy screen or one that complements the rest of the décor is a consideration. Another thing to think about is how large the privacy screen should be. The space that is available may restrict the options when it comes to size. Therefore, measure the area that is to be shielded before purchase. That way, it will fit in the available space.

Another detail to consider is the type of material to use for a privacy screen. One of the most durable materials is metal, which tends to be heavy and hard to bend. But, this allows it to last several years. If the plan for the screen involves moving it occasionally or often, a lightweight material may be preferred, such as fiberboard or plastic. A privacy screen can additionally complement its surroundings since they tend to come in a wide range of designs and colors. They can also be customized and painted for a more personalized look.

How to Choose the Best Hospital Curtain Track?

The best hospital curtain track products should be easy to install as well as easy to use. Check on how the track items are fastened to a drop-down or fixed ceiling in order to choose the best model. Also, check the small interior pieces on the curtain track for easy, smooth movements so the curtain will move easily and swiftly along the track when it is installed without making noise. Hospital curtain track models should fit with specific curtains that are purchased for a hospital or healthcare facility. Make sure the tracks have the correct number of interior hooks, and determine the length and contour of the track to make sure it fits with the needs of a particular space. Overall, the best models are made of single-piece, sturdy metal raceways that can accommodate heavy-duty and extended usage.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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