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.
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.
Incontinent patients in particular, will need a product that is waterproof and easily cleaned. However, these qualities are useful to most people and a pad that can be cleaned will be more pleasant t use and will probably last longer. Pads that hold moisture against the body should be avoided, as persistently damp skin is both more easily damaged and takes longer to heal.
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.
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.
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
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.
Incontinent patients in particular, will need a product that is waterproof and easily cleaned. However, these qualities are useful to most people and a pad that can be cleaned will be more pleasant t use and will probably last longer. Pads that hold moisture against the body should be avoided, as persistently damp skin is both more easily damaged and takes longer to heal.
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.
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.
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
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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