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.
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.
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.
Some products feel warmer t the touch than others depending on whether they contain foam, water, gel or air. Gel pads generally feel the coldest so somebody who feels the cold may not be comfortable sitting on one. Foam usually feels warmest and gets warm from the heat of the body quite quickly so is best avoided by those prone to overheating.
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.
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.
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.
Some products feel warmer t the touch than others depending on whether they contain foam, water, gel or air. Gel pads generally feel the coldest so somebody who feels the cold may not be comfortable sitting on one. Foam usually feels warmest and gets warm from the heat of the body quite quickly so is best avoided by those prone to overheating.
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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