700,000 UK pressure sore sufferers rely on this specialised equipment

Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores or bedsores, are a serious concern for healthcare professionals, especially when caring for patients with limited mobility. These painful wounds affect over 700,000 people a year in the UK and can lead to complications, impacting a patient's quality of life and increasing the burden on healthcare resources. 

Fortunately, specially designed beds and mattresses offer a crucial line of defence.

Pressure ulcers occur when prolonged pressure on the skin restricts blood flow, leading to tissue damage. Areas particularly susceptible include bony prominences such as the heels, sacrum, elbows, and hips. Patients with limited mobility, those confined to bed rest, or those with impaired sensation are at increased risk.

Specially designed beds and mattresses play a pivotal role in pressure ulcer prevention by relieving pressure and promoting blood circulation. These products incorporate various features and technologies that make them indispensable in care homes and other healthcare settings.

• Pressure redistribution: Advanced materials and designs redistribute pressure more evenly across the body's surface. This minimises the pressure concentration on any specific area, reducing the risk of tissue damage.
• Microclimate control: Breathable materials and technologies, like air circulation systems, help regulate the microclimate between the patient's skin and the mattress. This helps to prevent excessive moisture build-up, which can contribute to skin breakdown.
• Support and comfort: Enhanced support and comfort accommodate the body's natural contours. This helps to reduce friction and shear forces, which can further exacerbate skin damage.
• Ease of use and cleaning: Many pressure-relieving beds and mattresses feature user-friendly controls, adjustable settings, and removable covers for easy cleaning and disinfection.

Alongside significantly impacting patient outcomes, healthcare settings and professionals also benefit from investing in pressure relief and care equipment. 

Shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and improved quality of life for patients allow healthcare professionals to focus on other aspects of patient care, increasing their efficiency. The simplified care regime offered by specialist equipment also reduces the time and resources required for frequent repositioning and wound care. These preventive measures can reduce costs associated with infections, injury care, and prolonged care home stays or hospitalisations.

Selecting the appropriate equipment involves considering the patient's needs, risk level, mobility, and overall health condition. Consulting with an equipment specialist like Medirite can ensure that the chosen product meets the patient's requirements.

Various types of pressure care and relief equipment exist, each with unique features and benefits.

Pressure-relieving mattresses: These are designed to distribute pressure more evenly across the body's surface, reducing medium- to high-risk cases of pressure ulcers. They come in various types: 

• Static – mattresses comprising of specialist foams that support the body by spreading weight evenly and thereby relieving pressure on sensitive body parts
• Alternating pressure – mattresses that contain air cells that actively inflate and deflate to move the patient’s weight around and relieve pressure
• Domus 3D SE,
• Domus Verso,
• and budget-friendly Domus 1
• Hybrid – A mixture of the two allowing for a patient to use the alternating pressure features when they need it most but still have the benefits of static foam at all times

Pressure-relieving cushions: Cushions can relieve additional pressure for specific areas, such as the heels, sacrum, or elbows. There are also models tailored for use in wheelchairs. They are available in different shapes, sizes, and materials, including gel, air, and foam.

Pressure-relieving pads: Pads can be placed under the patient's body for extra cushioning and support. They are often used in conjunction with mattresses and cushions.

Speciality beds: Speciality beds may be necessary for patients with complex needs or severe risk of pressure ulcers. These beds can provide advanced features such as automatic repositioning, microclimate control, and integrated pressure-relieving systems.

Sheepskin: A ‘low-tech’ alternative, medical-grade sheepskin is a natural material that can help to reduce friction, provide microclimate control and absorb moisture, making it a viable choice for pressure care.

Pressure ulcer prevention is a continuous effort that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. By utilising specially designed beds and mattresses, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall quality of care.

At Medirite, we offer a range of innovative pressure management products that are indispensable in any healthcare setting. For advice from one of our specialist equipment team, contact us today.