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.
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.
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.
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.
If the pad needs to moved in and out of chairs regularly, it is important to choose one that is not too heavy or difficult for the patient to move. All products should be fire-retardant but this is especially important for smokers. Special items are available for certain groups too, for example, pedriatic for disabled children and bariatric for users who may be too heavy for standard pads.
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.
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.
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.
If the pad needs to moved in and out of chairs regularly, it is important to choose one that is not too heavy or difficult for the patient to move. All products should be fire-retardant but this is especially important for smokers. Special items are available for certain groups too, for example, pedriatic for disabled children and bariatric for users who may be too heavy for standard pads.
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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