By Mackenna Moralez

It is essential that healthcare facilities managers embrace innovative technology to ensure their organizations remain competitive. As the staffing shortage continues, more hospitals and other healthcare facilities have begun relying on automation, such as touchless technology, to streamline operations. Healthcare Facilities Today talks with hand dryer manufacturers on ways they are advancing product technology and what they expect in the future. 

In what ways will technology continue to play a role in the way hand dryers are used in facilities? 

“Touchless technology is the way of the future for hand-hygiene products. It’s a major step forward in technology that is constantly being improved upon. In the past, surgical scrub sinks were foot operated. We recently worked with D|13 Group to create an all-encompassing solution — an integrated sink system that includes a motion-activated hand dryer, faucet and soap dispenser on a custom washbasin. This increasingly popular innovation allows users to wash, rinse and dry hands all in one place with no direct contact necessary. 

At Excel Dryer, we recently added the option for an electrostatic filtration system to one of our products. The system uses static electricity to charge particles moving through the dryer, causing them to stick to the internal filtration system and be removed from the air. With this technology in place, the dryer boasts faster drying times and greater durability and has been proven to remove 99.999 percent of viruses and 99.97 percent of bacteria from the airstream. Maintenance is minimal, and filter replacement is required every 6-12 months depending on usage.” 

— William Gagnon, vice president of marketing and sales, Excel Dryer, Inc. 

“Bobrick’s PureDri is a unique innovation in terms of offering continuous sanitization of the air in the restroom. Bobrick’s agnostic approach to hand drying options is especially important in healthcare settings. In addition to increasing optionality, healthcare facilities may also value noise levels, water containment and other considerations in appropriate settings for hand dryers.” 

— David Leigh, vice president of marketing, Bobrick Washroom Equipment 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.