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.
Pads are filled with a variety of materials such as foam, gel, air or water. Some materials, such as foam, conform to the shape and movement of the body. These are comfortable and suitable for many, but somebody very unsteady on their feet might find a product that is a bit firmer and less likely to move with them when they get up, both safer and more useful.
A pad that holds moisture is a bad idea as moisture encourages ulcers to develop. People who find themselves sweating heavily or are incontinent will particularly want to look for a product that does not get damp. It is important to be able to clean pads so they do not have to be thrown out simply because they are dirty. Waterproof items are also very useful.
Pads differ in how warm they feel against the body, so this is another point to consider. Foam products can get quite warm against the skin and may not be suitable for people who get very warm. Items made of gel are probably the coolest to touch and may be uncomfortable for patients who feel the cold easily.
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.
All products should adhere to fire safety laws but smokers should take particular care that the pad they use is fire resistant. Very heavy patients may need to check that the product they are considering will take their weight and obviously, children will have different needs to adults. If the item will need to be moved around it should not be too heavy or hard to grip.
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.
Pads are filled with a variety of materials such as foam, gel, air or water. Some materials, such as foam, conform to the shape and movement of the body. These are comfortable and suitable for many, but somebody very unsteady on their feet might find a product that is a bit firmer and less likely to move with them when they get up, both safer and more useful.
A pad that holds moisture is a bad idea as moisture encourages ulcers to develop. People who find themselves sweating heavily or are incontinent will particularly want to look for a product that does not get damp. It is important to be able to clean pads so they do not have to be thrown out simply because they are dirty. Waterproof items are also very useful.
Pads differ in how warm they feel against the body, so this is another point to consider. Foam products can get quite warm against the skin and may not be suitable for people who get very warm. Items made of gel are probably the coolest to touch and may be uncomfortable for patients who feel the cold easily.
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.
All products should adhere to fire safety laws but smokers should take particular care that the pad they use is fire resistant. Very heavy patients may need to check that the product they are considering will take their weight and obviously, children will have different needs to adults. If the item will need to be moved around it should not be too heavy or hard to grip.
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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