People, who have difficulty moving and spend a lot of time lying in the same position in bed, or sat in a chair for hours on end, are at risk of developing pressure ulcers. These are usually found on the areas of the body that are bony and experience pressure against chairs and beds, most commonly on the hips and buttocks. As well as causing great discomfort to the patient, these sores can be very slow to heal. Pressure relief cushions can be used very effectively to try and avoid this condition developing.
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.
As well as being manufactured in different sizes and shaped, some products are available with a ramp to one side, which can be very useful for patients with low stability as they can help keep them in their chairs. Different pads are suitable for those at differing risks of ulcers. These items will last longer if they are turned regularly, and very, thin soft pads that will wear out quickly are of little use.
A lightweight, easy to move pad is a good idea if it will need to be used in various different chairs. Smokers should take particular care that the product they select is fire retardant but all manufacturers should comply with current fire safety legislation. Pads are specially manufactured for the use of children and some companies specialize in those for the very large who may be too weighty for regular products
Pressure relief cushions can be a valuable aid in the prevention of ulcers, but it is important that the correct product is used. Other measures should be employed along side their use such as moving the patient in the correct manner in order to avoid dragging, not letting them get too hot or cold and dealing with incontinence issues promptly. Making sure that the patient has a good diet and enough to eat is also 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.
As well as being manufactured in different sizes and shaped, some products are available with a ramp to one side, which can be very useful for patients with low stability as they can help keep them in their chairs. Different pads are suitable for those at differing risks of ulcers. These items will last longer if they are turned regularly, and very, thin soft pads that will wear out quickly are of little use.
A lightweight, easy to move pad is a good idea if it will need to be used in various different chairs. Smokers should take particular care that the product they select is fire retardant but all manufacturers should comply with current fire safety legislation. Pads are specially manufactured for the use of children and some companies specialize in those for the very large who may be too weighty for regular products
Pressure relief cushions can be a valuable aid in the prevention of ulcers, but it is important that the correct product is used. Other measures should be employed along side their use such as moving the patient in the correct manner in order to avoid dragging, not letting them get too hot or cold and dealing with incontinence issues promptly. Making sure that the patient has a good diet and enough to eat is also important.
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