Pressure relief cushions are a valuable aid in the prevention of ulcers, which can be very painful as well as difficult to treat. People with low mobility, who spend lots of time in the same position, are at risk of developing sores, especially on bonier parts of their bodies, which press against their beds or chairs. Buttocks, shoulders and hips are the most commonly affected areas, as well as heels, which are sometimes damaged by friction against sheets.
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.
Not all pads will meet the requirements of every user. People who find it difficult to get up out of a chair will benefit from a firmer pad that will be unlikely to slip in the chair when they try to move. Other people will prefer memory foam, which moulds to the shape of their body and feel very comfortable.
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.
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.
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.
Pressure relief cushions can be a valuable aid in the prevention of ulcers, but it is important that the correct product is used. Other measures should be employed along side their use such as moving the patient in the correct manner in order to avoid dragging, not letting them get too hot or cold and dealing with incontinence issues promptly. Making sure that the patient has a good diet and enough to eat is also 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.
Not all pads will meet the requirements of every user. People who find it difficult to get up out of a chair will benefit from a firmer pad that will be unlikely to slip in the chair when they try to move. Other people will prefer memory foam, which moulds to the shape of their body and feel very comfortable.
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.
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.
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.
Pressure relief cushions can be a valuable aid in the prevention of ulcers, but it is important that the correct product is used. Other measures should be employed along side their use such as moving the patient in the correct manner in order to avoid dragging, not letting them get too hot or cold and dealing with incontinence issues promptly. Making sure that the patient has a good diet and enough to eat is also important.
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