Consultants’ Comments

• “Good quality product.”
• “Great touch sensitivity.”
• “No fingerprints on the screen.”
• “A nice presentation to the patient.”
• “Blocks some of the sound from the speaker.”
• “Does not work with a tablet that is in a case.”
• “Creates more waste.”
• “A barrier that is recyclable or biodegradable would make it more appealing.”

Description

iBarrier is a single-use, disposable tablet sleeve designed to reduce cross-contamination on electronic devices such as tablet computers including the iPad (Apple Inc.). iBarrier is touch sensitive, does not impede tablet operation and can be used while wearing gloves. The plastic sleeve is clear on one side and printed with the name of the product on the back. After inserting the device, the plastic may be wrapped to the backside and secured with the adhesive strip. iBarrier is available in a 100-count box. iBarrier was used by 12 consultants in 186 uses. It received an 86% clinical rating.

Product Features

With the integration of technology into the dental operatories, infection control products are necessary to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Many dental offices are utilizing tablet-size computers for patient education, x-ray image viewing, medical history entry and more. All consultants who evaluated iBarrier used it with an iPad. iBarrier fit more loosely on the newer, smaller versions of the iPad. iBarrier provides a means of keeping the electronic device free of smudges and splatter and eliminating the need to wipe it with disinfectant, which could cause damage. The plastic has a textured surface that enhances the touch response with gloved fingers. Most consultants used protective cases for their iPad, and they found that the iBarrier did not fit over the cases. Forty-two percent of consultants found iBarrier better than their current method of infection control and 42% found it to be equivalent. Fifty percent of consultants would switch to iBarrier and 75% would recommend it to a colleague.