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.
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can give particularly useful advice in choosing the correct product. It is essential to consult a health care professional before making a purchase because the wrong equipment can cause more harm than good. Pads should fit wheelchairs and chairs correctly, and if necessary, be made to measure, as for example, a very thick item could raise the patient so high that they are at risk of falling out of their wheelchair.
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.
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.
People who feel the heat are best off avoiding foam products, which seem to retain body heat easily. The warmth of the pad is therefore an important consideration for those who feel the heat or the cold. Patients who feel a chill easily may wish to avoid gel pads, which can feel very cold to the touch.
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 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.
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can give particularly useful advice in choosing the correct product. It is essential to consult a health care professional before making a purchase because the wrong equipment can cause more harm than good. Pads should fit wheelchairs and chairs correctly, and if necessary, be made to measure, as for example, a very thick item could raise the patient so high that they are at risk of falling out of their wheelchair.
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.
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.
People who feel the heat are best off avoiding foam products, which seem to retain body heat easily. The warmth of the pad is therefore an important consideration for those who feel the heat or the cold. Patients who feel a chill easily may wish to avoid gel pads, which can feel very cold to the touch.
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 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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