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.
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.
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.
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.
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 many factors that should be considered in the fight to prevent ulcers, such as dealing with the patient's nutritional needs and making sure that he or she is well hydrated. It is important to make sure they are not too cold or do not overheat and when moved, care is taken not to drag them. However, pressure relief cushions also have a very important role to play in avoiding this condition.
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.
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.
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.
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 many factors that should be considered in the fight to prevent ulcers, such as dealing with the patient's nutritional needs and making sure that he or she is well hydrated. It is important to make sure they are not too cold or do not overheat and when moved, care is taken not to drag them. However, pressure relief cushions also have a very important role to play in avoiding this condition.
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