O USO DE TECIDO FLANELADO SOBRE INCUBADORAS: REPERCUSSÃO NOS NÍVEIS DE RUÍDO

To assess the effectiveness of incubator covers (flannel) in decreasing sound pressure levels (SPL) coming from operating pulse oximeters and infusion pumps with alarms ringing. This quasi-experimental study measured SPL of 20 incubators divided into three groups according to brand, model, and age while they were functioning and had alarms ringing on the tops of the domes, with and without a cover. Only group 1 presented a significant decrease in noise levels when the alarm of the pulse oximeter went off while using a cover. The cover significantly increased noise produced by a working infusion pump in the groups 1 and 3. Noise levels significantly decreased with the use of a cover in the groups 2 and 3 when the alarm of the infusion pump went off. The conclusion is that no safe levels were achieved, despite decreased noise levels observed in some situations. Thus, incubator covers should not be used as a strategy to decrease noise and equipment should not be placed on domes.