Understanding Pressure Ulcers: How Pressure Care Products Make a Difference
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, are localized areas of injury to the skin and underlying tissue caused by pressure. They typically occur on bony prominences, such as the heels, buttocks, hips, and sacrum.
Pressure ulcers develop when the blood supply to an area of skin is restricted for an extended period of time. This can happen when a person is lying or sitting in the same position for too long, or when they are unable to move themselves.
Pressure ulcers can be serious and difficult to heal. In some cases, they can lead to infection, bone damage, and even death.
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent pressure ulcers, including:
- Repositioning the person regularly
- Using pressure care products, such as mattresses, overlays, and cushions
- Keeping the skin clean and dry
Pressure care products can help to prevent pressure ulcers by redistributing pressure and reducing friction and shear. They can also help to improve circulation and promote healing.
There are a variety of pressure care products available, including:
- Mattresses: Pressure-relieving mattresses are designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body. This can help to prevent pressure ulcers from developing.
- Overlays: Pressure-relieving overlays can be placed on top of a regular mattress to provide additional pressure relief.
- Hybrid Mattress/Overlays: Pressure-relieving hybrid mattress/overlays combine the benefits of both products and provide a high level of pressure relief and redistribution.
- Cushions: Pressure-relieving cushions can be used to protect specific areas of the body, such as the heels, buttocks, and hips.
Pressure care products are available in a variety of materials and designs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common materials used in pressure care products include:
- Foam: Foam is a lightweight and durable material that can be used to create a variety of pressure-relieving products, such as mattresses, overlays, and cushions. Foam products are typically affordable and easy to use.
- Gel: Gel is a soft and fluid material that can be used to create pressure-relieving cushions and overlays. Gel products are effective at redistributing pressure and reducing friction and shear. However, they can be more expensive than foam products. Products like the Gelina cushion combine the benefits of foam and gel.
- Air: Air mattresses and overlays are designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body by using air cells. Some are powered by an electric pump, meaning air is moved between cells automatically. Air products are typically more expensive than foam or gel products, but they can be very effective at preventing pressure ulcers.
When choosing pressure care products, it is important to consider the individual needs of the person. Some factors to consider include:
- The person’s weight
- The person’s mobility level
- The person’s risk of developing pressure ulcers
- The person’s budget
Depending on their individual needs, a person who is at high risk of developing pressure ulcers may need a pressure-relieving mattress, overlay, and cushions. It is also important to choose pressure care products that are comfortable and easy to use. If you are unsure which pressure care products are right for your loved one, talk to their healthcare provider.
Here are some additional tips for using pressure care products effectively:
- Make sure that the pressure care products are properly fitted.
- Reposition the person regularly, even if they are using pressure care products.
- Keep the skin clean and dry.
- Inspect the skin regularly for signs of pressure ulcers.
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By following these tips, you can help your loved one to avoid the serious complications of pressure ulcers.