Elle TENS

The Elle TENS is the state of the art, efficient method of drug-free pain relief. In order to obtain maximum benefit.

Description
Specifications
Catalogue
Media

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.

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.

When Should TENS Not Be Used?

Contraindications

1. Do NOT use 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 NOT place 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 NOT use 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.

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.

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Display Symbols and Their Meanings

Elle Tens

Power Bar:

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This shows the output from 0 to 15 for both left and right channels. Each segment represents approximately 7% of the total output.

Boost (2):

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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.

BURST (2):

Elle Tens

This function is used at the onset of labour and in-between contractions.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 modesavailable 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:

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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:

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Indicates the Opti-max output. Each segment represents 20% of total Opti-max power.

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

b) Release the battery compartment cover and insert 2 x AA batteries 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

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

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

Useful Diagrams

Inserting the battery

Press and rotate the belt clip to reveal the battery compartment.

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Release the battery compartment and insert the batteries.

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Connecting the leads

Insert both black jack plugs into the sockets.

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Connecting the Electrode Pads

Insert a red and black pin (at the end of each lead wire) into each pair of electrodes.

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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.

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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.

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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 NOT pressed in. The Elle TENS will always start up in BURST 1 mode.

b) Begin by pressing the Elle Tens 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 Elle Tens 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 original BURST 1 mode. Continue this cycle during your early stages of labour

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 Elle Tens 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 Optimax 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.

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.