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.
Before purchasing any type of medical equipment it is wise to speak to a professional. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists are likely to have the greatest knowledge of these products and can help on choosing the most suitable. Not only can buying the incorrect item be a waste of money, it can also be dangerous as for example, putting too high a cushion in a wheelchair could put the patient at risk of falling out of it.
There are many factors to consider in choosing the ideal pad, and one of these is how well the product conforms to the shape and movement of the patient's body. Memory foam, for example, moulds to the body so is very comfortable but it also means that it may move with the patient when getting up. Something that moves less easily would be more suitable for people with poor balance, especially those who are helped by leaning against something to help themselves up.
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.
People who feel the heat are best off avoiding foam products, which seem to retain body heat easily. The warmth of the pad is therefore an important consideration for those who feel the heat or the cold. Patients who feel a chill easily may wish to avoid gel pads, which can feel very cold to the touch.
Some products are more effective than others and are frequently graded as being suitable for high, medium or low risk of ulcers. They come in all shapes and sizes, but should the size needed for a particular chair not be available, many companies offer a custom-made service. Some pads have an upward sloping side to prevent those with low stability slipping in their chairs. Thin soft items will wear out quickly but all will last longer if they are turned over frequently.
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.
Before purchasing any type of medical equipment it is wise to speak to a professional. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists are likely to have the greatest knowledge of these products and can help on choosing the most suitable. Not only can buying the incorrect item be a waste of money, it can also be dangerous as for example, putting too high a cushion in a wheelchair could put the patient at risk of falling out of it.
There are many factors to consider in choosing the ideal pad, and one of these is how well the product conforms to the shape and movement of the patient's body. Memory foam, for example, moulds to the body so is very comfortable but it also means that it may move with the patient when getting up. Something that moves less easily would be more suitable for people with poor balance, especially those who are helped by leaning against something to help themselves up.
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.
People who feel the heat are best off avoiding foam products, which seem to retain body heat easily. The warmth of the pad is therefore an important consideration for those who feel the heat or the cold. Patients who feel a chill easily may wish to avoid gel pads, which can feel very cold to the touch.
Some products are more effective than others and are frequently graded as being suitable for high, medium or low risk of ulcers. They come in all shapes and sizes, but should the size needed for a particular chair not be available, many companies offer a custom-made service. Some pads have an upward sloping side to prevent those with low stability slipping in their chairs. Thin soft items will wear out quickly but all will last longer if they are turned over frequently.
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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