NHS PURCHASING & SUPPLY AGENCY FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT HOLDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF UROLOGY PRODUCTS

FAQs

Important factors necessary for successful results when using enuresis alarms:

    1. The child must want to be dry.
    2. Wets frequently (3 to 4 times a week or more).
    3. He/she must understand that waking up to the alarm is the treatment. Ignoring the alarm does not help.
    4. For the first few nights, parents/carers must help the child to wake up when they (the parents) hear the alarm.
    5. The child should be allowed to drink as much as they want especially during the day.
    6. No lifting of the child (by the parents) during the night to empty the bladder.
    7. No pull-ups, nappies etc. during the treatment.
    8. Continued parental support and encouragement.

Which alarm is best?

Bedwetting alarms are recommended as the first line treatment for nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in children aged 5 and over. All of the alarms are clinically equally just as effective. The choice is very personal regarding the colour and sound and if you wish to have vibration and/or sound. Some have the ability to record a message, music or a telephone ring. We do not recommend starting off with vibration only as the child may not wake up to it. Vibration and sound is helpful as the child can switch off the sound at a later stage and use the alarm discreetly with vibration only. This is useful if the child is sharing the room or going away visiting friends and relatives. If your child does not tolerate a body worn alarm, then all our alarms can be linked to the Bed-Mat, which is placed on the bed and covered with a bath towel with the alarm attached to the side or beside the bed, as with the Bed-Side alarm.

Which sensor is best?

The Easy-Clip© sensor is very popular, especially with boys, but just as effective with all children. The Easy-Clip© sensor clips comfortably on the outside of close fitting underpants. It should be washed regularly with soap and water, rinsed under the tap and shaken dry.

The Standard sensor is worn inside any sanitary pad or sandwiched between two pairs of close fitting underpants and tends to be more popular with girls. 

My child is a very deep sleeper

Deep sleep is not linked to bedwetting. Many children sleep soundly, especially when at home, even those that are dry at night. Bedwetting takes place throughout all stages of sleep. Reports from the USA and Australia claim that up to 80% of children will not wake up even to the fire alarms. However, they do wake up to the sound of a parent's voice. At the early stages of treatment with enuresis alarms, you have to help your child wake up when you hear the alarm. As long as the child is motivated and wants to be dry, he/she will start to wake up to the sound of the alarm by themselves. 

How quickly does the alarm work?

Assuming there is no organic or physiological disorder, such as diabetes or kidney ailments causing bedwetting, and as long as your child is motivated and wanting to be dry, wets frequently (at least three to four times a week), understands that waking up to the alarm when it sounds/vibrate is the treatment and finally, you are willing to help him/her wake up when you hear the alarm especially for the first few nights, then he/she can be dry using the alarm within three months.

The more frequently the alarm wakes up the child, the quicker the child will get dry. In general, we expect the child to be completely dry within three months (maximum four months) but can be much sooner. Significant signs of improvement can be seen as early as a two weeks.

Why 8-Tone?

The Yellow Audio MO3 alarm, Camouflage Audio MO3 alarm and the Ultimate 1 Gold MO4 alarm are 8-Tone models. These alarms have 8 different alarm sounds and a different sound plays each time the alarm is activated. This is helpful in preventing the user from getting used to one sound and ignoring it, preventing "auditory accommodation".

Product overview:

All of our enuresis alarms work in the same way to achieve dry nights - by waking the user up on the very first signs of wetting. However, they differ in providing various features to suit the individual user and their circumstances. This means that every individual can find the right alarm to suit their own personal needs.

The Audio (MO3) alarms are the smallest and lightest bedwetting alarms in the world. This is our simplest bedwetting alarm, designed especially for those looking for a straightforward cure for bedwetting, and the least expensive alarms in the Malem range. These alarms work on three button cells that will last for about one hour of continuous buzzing and typically for the duration of the bedwetting treatment. Batteries should always be changed by an adult - see the diagram here for the correct way to insert batteries into this alarm. There are three single tone versions of this alarm, each with a different sound (Red, Green & Orange) and two 8-Tone alarms (Yellow & Camouflage). The 8-tone alarm plays 1 of 8 different alarm sounds each time it is activated - this helps prevent “auditory accommodation” (when a child might start ignoring their alarm). We know of a lot of clinics who use the 8-tone alarm as their one and only alarm choice.

The Personal Continence Trainer (PCT MO3V) is the same size and weight as the Audio MO3 alarm but this is a VIBRATE ONLY model, suitable for those that are hard of hearing. The Visual Continence Aid (VCA MO3L) is the LIGHT ONLY version, to alert others when wetting has occurred.

The Ultimate 1 (MO4) alarm is one of our most popular bedwetting alarms and combines both sound and vibration in a colourful alarm for an effective solution for bedwetting. The alarm allows you to choose sound only, vibration only or both sound + vibration together. These multi-sensory stimuli ensure that even deep sleepers wake up on the very first sign of wetting. The Ultimate 1 alarm uses two AAA batteries that will last up to 10 hours of continuous buzzing. There are three single tone versions of this alarm, each with a different sound (Pink, Blue and Purple), and a Gold 8-Tone alarm. The 8-tone alarm plays 1 of 8 different alarm sounds each time it is activated - this helps prevent “auditory accommodation” (when a child might start ignoring their alarm).

The Ultimate 1 Selectable (MO4S) is is equivalent to having 11 alarms in one! Our most flexible bedwetting alarm, the Ultimate 1 Selectable is adaptable to suit your environment and your child’s preferences. Easy-to-change switches allow you to quickly switch between sound only, vibration only, or sound + vibrate, depending on your preferences each night. This is helpful when the user is sharing a bedroom as, once the user is able to wake up to the sound and vibration of the alarm, they can easily use the vibration only setting so that they are not disturbing others. The selection switch can be set either the 8-tone setting (where a different sound is played each time the alarm is activated to prevent “auditory accommodation”) or your child’s favourite alarm sound.

The Ultimate 1+ Record (MO5) is the world’s first recordable bedwetting alarm. It is ideal for those with special needs or who might need reassurance when they wake up in the night. The alarm allows you to record your own personalised message, which plays as soon as wetting occurs - this can be used to instruct and/or reassure the bedwetter when they wake up from wetting. Additionally, the sound of a familiar voice has been shown to be the most effective way to wake up children - 94% of children wake up to a voice recording. The alarm also has the option to set an alarm sound to play instead when wetting occurs - set to play either the 8-tone setting (where a different sound is played each time the alarm is activated to prevent “auditory accommodation”) or your child’s favourite alarm sound.

The Deluxe (MO24) bedwetting alarm is Malem’s newest model. The alarm has been designed specifically to wake up even the deepest sleepers, to maximise your child’s success with their bedwetting alarm. The Malem Deluxe bedwetting alarm combines a loud alarm sound with a personalised recordable message, as well as optional strong vibration and flashing light, to ensure that your child wakes up as soon as bedwetting occurs. The sound of a familiar voice has been shown to be the most effective way to wake up children (94% of children wake up to a voice recording). Easy-to-change switches allow you to quickly change the settings between sound/message only, vibration only, or sound/message + vibrate, depending on your preferences and requirements each night.

The Multi-Choice alarm has so many features that it is equivalent to 33 bedwetting alarms in just one product! Choose 1 of 20 melodies to play when the alarm is activated - ideal for anxious children, as a familiar tune can be reassuring and less disruptive than a loud alarm sound. Record up to 3 personalised messages - the sound of a familiar voice has been shown to be the most effective way to wake up children - 94% of children wake up to a voice recording. The alarm also has options for loud alarm sounds, which can be  set either to the 8-tone setting (where a different sound is played each time the alarm is activated to prevent “auditory accommodation”) or your child’s favourite alarm sound.

Malem’s Wireless (MO12) bedwetting alarm can also sound in multiple rooms at the same time (e.g. parents’ bedroom), enabling you to fully support your child through their bedwetting treatment. It’s also ideal for those that do not want an alarm attached to their pyjama top.The alarm system consists of a small Transmitter, which clips magnetically onto a child’s waistband. The separate wireless Receiver sounds on the very first sounds of wetting.

The Ultimate Bed-Side alarm (MO6) is the most advanced bed-side alarm in the world. This alarm includes the best features of the popular Malem wearable alarms, but is ideal for children that do not want anything attached to them whilst they are sleeping.The alarm unit sits sturdily on a bed-side table and connects via a long wire to a discrete bed-mat, which is placed under the bed sheet. It is the only bed-side alarm in the world that allows you to record your own personalised message, which plays as soon as wetting occurs. If preferred, single tone or 8-tone alarm sounds can be set to play instead.

 

Troubleshooting

The most likely problems you are likely to encounter with any of the alarms are:

    1. Exhausted batteries. They need to be replaced with fresh ones in the correct orientation. Batteries should always be replaced by an adult. DO NOT use the modern hearing aid batteries (Zinc/Air) in the MO3 alarm as they will not power the alarm.
    2. Corroded battery contacts. Batteries will corrode if they leak or if the alarm has been flooded or placed in the washing machine. If this happens, try to clean the battery contacts. However, if this alarm has been in the washing machine then other inner components are likely to have been damaged and this is unlikely to solve the problem.
    3. Buzzer does not sound or the sound is very faint. Damaged buzzer either due to being wet or dropped. The buzzer would need to be replaced - this is not usually worthwhile if other components and battery contacts are corroded.
    4. Broken sensor. Replace sensor.
    5. The Easy-Clip© sensor must be cleaned regularly - "fluff" and dried up urine can accumulate between the jaws and prevent the alarm from being reset.

This information is available in the Instruction Booklet.

Replacement Easy-Clip© sensors are available to purchase.

Troubleshooting: MO3/PCT/VCA

Does the alarm keep buzzing if you remove the sensor from the alarm?
If it does, then the problem is with the alarm. This can be due to several causes:

  1. The batteries are exhausted and need replacing with a fresh set. Batteries should always be replaced by an adult. Make sure to observe the correct polarity (see diagram here). Do NOT use hearing aid batteries (Zinc/Air) as they will not power the alarm.
  2. The two wires within the sensor socket are touching each other. They should not be touching each other. Ease apart if touching.
  3. The alarm has been flooded either by urine or in the washing machine.

If it does not, then the problem is with the sensor. Try the following:

  1. Lift the sensor lever to keep the jaws of the sensor open.
  2. Unplug the sensor from the alarm. Make sure the lever of the Easy-Clip© sensor is lifted up, wash the clip in soapy water, rinse under the tap and shake dry. "Fluff" and dried up urine will accumulate inside the jaws of the clip and will prevent the alarm from resetting. Wash several times if the problem is not sorted first time.
  3. If the sensor is broken or damaged, replacement Easy-Clip© sensors are available to purchase.

This information is available in the Instruction Booklet.

Troubleshooting: MO4/MO4S

The alarm should sound/vibrate as soon as the material between the front jaws of the clip  gets wet (see drawing in Instruction booklet). If it does not, try the following:

1. Lower the lever of the Easy-Clip sensor without placing any material between the jaws, the alarm should sound/vibrate.
2. Place a dry cloth between the front jaws of the clip (not under the lever) and lower the lever. Place few drops of water on the cloth so that it gets wet. The alarm should sound/vibrate.

If the alarm does not sound, try the following to establish that the alarm is working:
1. Unplug the sensor from the alarm
2. Touch both wires inside the socket at the same time with a metal paper clip or small screwdriver. The alarm should sound/vibrate.
3. Make sure the sliding selection switch within the battery compartment is set positively in position and not in-between positions.
4. If it does not sound/vibrate, then the fault is with the alarm. If it does sound/vibrate then the fault is with the sensor (see below).
5. Remove the batteries and replace with a fresh set. Observe the correct polarity and make sure the metal contacts within the battery compartment are clean with no deposits.

If the problem is with the sensor, try the following:

  1. Lift the sensor lever to keep the jaws of the sensor open.
  2. Unplug the sensor from the alarm. Make sure the lever of the Easy-Clip© sensor is lifted up, wash the clip in soapy water, rinse under the tap and shake dry. "Fluff" and dried up urine will accumulate inside the jaws of the clip and will prevent the alarm from resetting. Wash several times if the problem is not sorted first time.
  3. If the sensor is broken or damaged, replacement Easy-Clip© sensors are available to purchase.

This information is available in the Instruction Booklet.

Troubleshooting: MO12

The most likely reasons for the alarm not functioning are:

1. An exhausted Transmitter battery. Replace battery and make sure the sensor lever is NOT left down when the alarm is not in use as this will exhaust the battery.

2. Dirty or tarnished Easy-Clip sensor. Clean by lifting the lever, washing in warm soapy water several times, rinse under the tap and shake dry. See instruction booklet. A red glow must be seen on the front of the transmitter case when you lower the sensor lever (without placing any material between the jaws). The sensor must be cleaned regularly to prevent “fluff” and urine from collecting inside the sensor which in time will bridge the contacts and prevent the alarm from being reset. If no red glow is seen, replace the battery or clean the sensor. Replacement MO12 Transmitters are available to purchase.

3. The selection switches within the Receiver battery compartment have been changed as to silence the alarm (please reset as in the instruction booklet).

RE-TUNING THE WIRELESS ALARM

Re-tune as per instruction booklet if the Easy-Clip lever is lowered (without fabric) but:

  • The Receiver is switched ON but does not sound 
  • The LED glows inside the front of the Transmitter

Press the straightened end of a paper clip into the re-tuning point at the back of the Receiver. Whilst the green LED is ON, lower the lever of the Easy-Clip sensor. The green LED will stop flashing and the system is ready for use.