01270 766660
Request Call Back

Top Contact form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Rhino Sensory

Search

Tag: Bubble Column

Bubble Column vs Hurricane Column

Posted on 16 April 2019 by alexandra_hooson

Bubble vs Hurricane Column

Are you considering buying a sensory column but not 100% sure whether to go for the bubble or the waterless hurricane tube? We can help you decide!

Bubble and Hurricane Columns are centrepieces of every multi-sensory environment. Using a sensory tube will immediately draw eyes and capture attentions.

Therapeutic benefits of Sensory Columns:

  • Calming: The tubes are very calming, and the columns’ sound will encourage relaxation and ease anxiety. They’re perfect for de-escalation spaces to make the user feel more settled and happier in their environment.
  • Stimulating: The column’s changing colours and bubbling water effect creates a wonderfully stimulating visual effect, distracting and capturing attention.
  • Development: Interaction and movement are key elements of the tube’s experience, helping develop tactile, visual and social skills.

Bubble Column VS Hurricane Column

Explained in more detail:

1 . What goes inside the columns?:

  • Bubble Column: The Bubble Column is filled with water and water treatment additive. You can add Floating Fish and Ball Effects, which float in the water for additional visual stimulation.
  • Hurricane Column: The Hurricane Column is filled with specially treated polystyrene beads circulated by an air fan.

2. What do the columns sound like?

  • Bubble Column: You can hear the bubbles and sound of flowing water; it’s very relaxing and may remind some of being on holiday or sat in a warm, bubbling bath or hot tub.
  • Hurricane Column: The sound of the pitter-patter as the beads hit the top cap and the calming hum of the airflow. This sounds like rain tapping on a window and gives a relaxing and comforting sound.

3. How do you maintain the columns?

  • Bubble Column: The water inside the Bubble Column should be replaced every 6 – 8 weeks. If the room temperature is hot, the column may need to be emptied more frequently. When the column is empty, the tube may also need to be scrubbed to clean off any scum deposits. See our full cleaning instructions here: https://www.rhinouk.com/how-do-i-clean-my-sensory-bubble-column/.
  • Hurricane Columns: No maintenance, but the beads can be replaced annually for infection control.

4. Are both columns available in different sizes?

  • Yes, both are available in a variety of sizes, starting with the tabletop columns. However, Tabletop Tubes are smaller, portable and practical for busy spaces. When you’re not using it, you can move it around with ease and pack it away in a carry bag.
  • Sizes then start from 120cm tall to 200cm tall.
  • The size you decide on depends on the space you have available, and our team is more than happy to advise.

5. Can you put a podium or bean bag around both kinds of columns?

  • Yes, both columns can be fitted into a podium. A podium creates a comfortable padded seat around a sensory column where you can get up close and experience it fully. The column’s base is safely contained behind wooden panels covered in mirrors, creating a lovely visual effect.
  • Beanbags can be placed around a Bubble Column, but they cannot be put around a Hurricane Column as they can block the fan’s airflow. So please, please don’t do this!

6. Can you use interactive controllers in bother sensory columns?

Yes, both sensory columns are available in an interactive version, whereby a variety of controllers can be used to; change the colour and stop/start the bubbles or beads.

The Hurricane Column has one feature the Bubble Column doesn’t!

If you hold your hand over the top cap of the column, it will stop the airflow. When you let go, the beads will WOOSH up like a volcano! It’s a simple but effective cause and effect interaction.

 

We hope this short blog has helped you decide which column to buy, but please get in touch if we haven’t answered all of your questions or if you want to find out more.

Email: sales@dev-rhinouk.pantheonsite.io    Tel: 01270 766660 

Which Multisensory Resources make a difference for those on the Autistic Spectrum?

Posted on 17 January 2018 by alexandra_hooson

Which Multisensory Resources make a difference for those on the Autistic Spectrum?

People on the Autistic Spectrum can find it very difficult to process everyday sensory information; their senses can be over or under-sensitive, or they might experience both at different times. These sensory differences can have a significant effect on a person’s life and can affect their behaviour.

A person with Autism may behave in a way that you would not instantly link to sensory sensitivities. However, a person who struggles to deal with everyday sensory information is commonly experiencing sensory overload. Too much information causes stress, anxiety and sometimes actual physical pain, which can result in a meltdown, being withdrawn, or showing challenging behaviour.

It is important that we don’t judge a person who is having a meltdown or not responding. Small changes to an autistic person’s environment can make a huge difference, so as a carer, it is very important to consider the following points:

  • Take a second glance: Regularly re-evaluate environments to identify any difficulties it may be causing.
  • Add a sparkle of sensory: Implement sensory experiences to help stabilise a fragile state of mind.
  • Always be prepared: Tell the person about possible sensory stimuli they may experience before they are confronted by it.

It’s been proven that if a person with autism spends regular time with Sensory Environment or in a Sensory Room, it will help them control their behaviour, process information and increase their communication and organisational skills.

In most cases, a sensory room may be considered a luxury or an option that’s not immediately available. However, other sensory solutions are relatively inexpensive, portable and readily available.

If you have a spare corner of a room or even space to place a box, that’s great! You’ll soon be able to treat your senses to some sensory stimulation.

Sensory Equipment Ideas

Every autistic person will respond differently to a sensory environment, so it’s important that you create a space tailored to each user’s needs.

Below are a few sensory resources that have proven to have a positive impact for those with autism:

Opti Aura LED Projector 

Aura Projector

The Opti Aura Projector can transform a room into an immersive, visually stimulating environment within seconds. Choose a wheel from our extensive effect wheel collection and project worlds of imagination onto walls, floors and ceilings. Then, relax into the nighttime by projecting your very own galaxy of stars, or dive deep under the sea and swim with whales.

Tabletop Hurricane Tube

Tabletop Hurricane Tube

Our waterless bubble tube is a fantastically unique sensory resource. Its calming bubbling effect relaxes the user, distracting their eyes and mind and taking them into a calmer colourful world of bubbles.

Protac Sensit Chair

Protac Sensit Chair

A friend or a chair? Our specially designed sensory chair is fitted with weighted flaps that provide a ‘hug-like’ sense of security and calmness. Sensit Chairs have also been proven to increase concentration levels among users, making them a valuable resource for classrooms and activity spaces.

Tranquil Turtle

Tranquil Turtle

A bedtime buddy perfect for washing away any night-time worries and turning any bedroom into a sleepy dream palace. Our compact Tranquil Turtles create a calming underwater effect with soft lights and comforting sounds, encouraging a great nights sleep.

Sensory Fidgets 

Fidget Kit

Those with autism can have times of high anxiety, making it even harder for them to focus. With so many thoughts and feelings crowding their brain, they might struggle to organise their emotions and focus. A fidget is excellent for bringing people out of their heads and into their hands. Touching and exploring these tactile objects opens another side of your brain and boosts your concentration levels.

Swings

Sling Swing

Many people with autism find that the smooth rocking and swaying of a swing helps them feel relaxed. The proprioceptive stimulation the swing provides increases concentration and focus, helping ground an individual within themselves and their activity. In addition, the stimulation of their vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive (position) senses helps the person feel more in control of their own body.

To find out more about sensory equipment and sensory rooms suitable for those with Autism, please browse our website for inspiration or call our product specialists on 01270 766660 to discuss your requirements.

How To Clean A Bubble Tube

Posted on 24 July 2015 by alexandra_hooson

Bubble Tube Cleaning Brush, Bubble Column Additive

How often should a Bubble Tube be cleaned?

We recommend that you empty your Bubble Tube about every six weeks and refill it with fresh clean water. If de-ionised (distilled) water has been used then this will only need to be changed every 3 months.

What do I need to clean and refill a Bubble Column?

You will need the following for a quick, clean and easy procedure:

  • Length of hose
  • Bucket
  • Soft brush (or a cloth tied to a pole)
  • Pump (optional but recommended for tall tubes)
  • Easy access to water and drain
  • BCB – Bubble Column Additive (or water purification tablets)

How do I clean a Bubble Column?

Do not try to lift or drain the Bubble Tube single-handedly. And make sure you disconnect from the mains before emptying.

A 1.2m Bubble Column will need approximately 20 litres of water and a 1.75m Bubble Column will require approximately 40 litres of water.

Draining a Bubble Column

  1. Remove Bubble Column security bracket
  2. Remove podium pad and lid
  3. Disconnect the electrical cables at the base of the column
  4. Remove the bubble column lid
  5. Empty the column using the hose and creating a siphon (or use a pump)
  6. When almost empty lift the Bubble Column from the podium or position and tilt the column so the remaining water drains into a bucket.
  7. Remove any inserts such as fish or balls

Cleaning a Bubble Column

  1. Use a soft bristled brush (or tie a cloth to a pole) and clean the interior of the bubble tube with warm soapy water (Do not use hard or metallic cleaning tools that would scratch the acrylic)
  2. Clean out any algae and debris at the base of the bubble tube
  3. Thoroughly rinse out to ensure that any soap residue is removed.
  4. The exterior of the tube can be cleaned with normal spray polish and a soft cloth
  5. Replace the Bubble Column back in its position or position in the room.
  6. If using Ball Insert replace the inner tube

Refilling a Bubble Column

  1. Reconnect with electrical supplies (it runs on low voltage so this is safe)
  2. Replace Podium Lid
  3. Switch the Bubble Tube on to allow the pump to run
  4. Using a hosepipe from a tap or a bucket refill the column with water whilst the pump is running
  5. Fill with water to approx. 10cm from the top of the bubble tube
  6. Place any inserts or floating items back into the bubble tube
  7. Replace the podium pad
  8. Replace and secure the security bracket

Feel this is all too much for you to take on?  Why not use a waterless Bubble Column our fantastic Hurricane Tube which visually resembles a bubble tube looking almost identical.

Need further assistance with ongoing maintenance?  Call Rhino UK to request a maintenance plan.

(NB:  This article is based on the Rhino Bubble Tubes please check original manufacturers instructions before proceeding if your Bubble Column was purchased elsewhere)