There are many ways to help prevent people with low mobility from developing painful ulcers and sores, and using pressure relief cushions is one of them. People who are forced to spend long periods of time sitting or lying are most at risk of developing this condition, especially if they can not change position themselves. Bony areas such as the buttocks, hips, shoulders and heels tend to most affected with the ulcers developing when the tissue is damaged by continued pressure against the bed or chair, by slipping and dragging and by friction. Ulcers can be difficult to treat, especially in the most severe cases, so prevention is important.
It is always a good idea to consult a health care professional before purchasing this equipment so that they can advise on what is the most suitable. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists, in particular, can give very valuable advice. It is particularly important to make sure that purchases will not cause dangerous situations; for example, using too high a pad in a wheelchair could mean that the patient could easily topple out. It is therefore essential to make sure that aids fit chairs correctly, and some need to be made to measure.
Not all pads will meet the requirements of every user. People who find it difficult to get up out of a chair will benefit from a firmer pad that will be unlikely to slip in the chair when they try to move. Other people will prefer memory foam, which moulds to the shape of their body and feel very comfortable.
Sores and ulcers are more likely to develop when skin is damp, so a pad that wicks moisture away from the body is a good idea, especially for people who tend to get hot easily, or the incontinent. Waterproof items are available for the incontinent, but can also be useful for others, for example if drinks are spilt. All patients would benefit from a product that can be cleaned as this should extend the life of the item.
Some products feel warmer t the touch than others depending on whether they contain foam, water, gel or air. Gel pads generally feel the coldest so somebody who feels the cold may not be comfortable sitting on one. Foam usually feels warmest and gets warm from the heat of the body quite quickly so is best avoided by those prone to overheating.
Products are made to different grades for those at low, medium and high risk of sores, and in all different shapes and sizes so that they can be correctly matched to existing equipment. Particularly thin and soft items are likely to thin out too much too quickly, but regular turning can increase the life of most aids. Sloped pads are very useful for people with poor stability, such as those who may slip out of chairs.
If the pad needs to moved in and out of chairs regularly, it is important to choose one that is not too heavy or difficult for the patient to move. All products should be fire-retardant but this is especially important for smokers. Special items are available for certain groups too, for example, pedriatic for disabled children and bariatric for users who may be too heavy for standard pads.
There are lots of ways to help prevent the development of ulcers, including taking care to move the patient using the correct technique and apparatus. People at risk should be fed a healthy diet and drink enough, as well as not spending too long in too hot or too cold conditions. Pressure relief cushions can also help prevent sores developing as well as making the patient more comfortable.
It is always a good idea to consult a health care professional before purchasing this equipment so that they can advise on what is the most suitable. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists, in particular, can give very valuable advice. It is particularly important to make sure that purchases will not cause dangerous situations; for example, using too high a pad in a wheelchair could mean that the patient could easily topple out. It is therefore essential to make sure that aids fit chairs correctly, and some need to be made to measure.
Not all pads will meet the requirements of every user. People who find it difficult to get up out of a chair will benefit from a firmer pad that will be unlikely to slip in the chair when they try to move. Other people will prefer memory foam, which moulds to the shape of their body and feel very comfortable.
Sores and ulcers are more likely to develop when skin is damp, so a pad that wicks moisture away from the body is a good idea, especially for people who tend to get hot easily, or the incontinent. Waterproof items are available for the incontinent, but can also be useful for others, for example if drinks are spilt. All patients would benefit from a product that can be cleaned as this should extend the life of the item.
Some products feel warmer t the touch than others depending on whether they contain foam, water, gel or air. Gel pads generally feel the coldest so somebody who feels the cold may not be comfortable sitting on one. Foam usually feels warmest and gets warm from the heat of the body quite quickly so is best avoided by those prone to overheating.
Products are made to different grades for those at low, medium and high risk of sores, and in all different shapes and sizes so that they can be correctly matched to existing equipment. Particularly thin and soft items are likely to thin out too much too quickly, but regular turning can increase the life of most aids. Sloped pads are very useful for people with poor stability, such as those who may slip out of chairs.
If the pad needs to moved in and out of chairs regularly, it is important to choose one that is not too heavy or difficult for the patient to move. All products should be fire-retardant but this is especially important for smokers. Special items are available for certain groups too, for example, pedriatic for disabled children and bariatric for users who may be too heavy for standard pads.
There are lots of ways to help prevent the development of ulcers, including taking care to move the patient using the correct technique and apparatus. People at risk should be fed a healthy diet and drink enough, as well as not spending too long in too hot or too cold conditions. Pressure relief cushions can also help prevent sores developing as well as making the patient more comfortable.
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