Pressure care mattresses are essential in preventing pressure ulcers and promoting patient comfort. As a therapist, you play a crucial role in equipping your clients with the right mattress for their needs, ensuring they remain comfortable and free from pressure-related complications. This guide aims to help you make the best choices possible for your patients.
Understanding Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers or bed sores are injuries caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, especially around bony areas like the hips. If untreated, pressure sores can lead to severe infections and other complications. Immobile elderly patients are generally most at risk, and diet and general health do factor in. In long-term care settings, up to 30% of patients can be affected by pressure sores. In light of this statistic, effective prevention and management strategies are essential.
Types of Pressure Care Mattresses: Foam Mattress vs Air Mattress
Pressure ulcers significantly impact patient comfort and recovery. Pressure-care mattresses minimise the pressure placed on vulnerable areas, reducing the likelihood of pressure sores forming. Enable Lifecare offers a variety of quality pressure care mattresses tailored to the differing needs of your patients:
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Alternating air mattresses: These mattresses provide adjustable pressure settings for optimal support. They utilise alternating air chambers that inflate and deflate to evenly distribute pressure, preventing skin breakdown.
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Foam Mattresses: Lightweight and portable, foam mattresses offer comfort and support but may not be suitable for all high-risk patients.
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Hybrid Mattresses: Combining foam and air technologies, hybrid mattresses provide versatility for various patient requirements.
Specialised massages promote skin integrity and ensure your patients are comfortable and content, ensuring faster recovery and a better quality of life.
Key Features to Consider
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Pressure redistribution: A good pressure care mattress needs to provide weight distribution to minimise pressure points. This is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers, especially for patients with limited mobility.
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Moisture management: Keeping moisture levels down is key for maintaining skin integrity and ulcer prevention. Moisture-wicking properties help keep the skin dry, reducing the risk of breakdown.
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Ease of use: An easy-to-use product will benefit both carers and patients. Look for a product that’s easy to set up, adjust, and maintain.
Assessment Criteria for Patients
Conducting a thorough patient assessment is essential for determining which mattress is best for your patient. Standardised tools like the Braden Scale, Waterlow and Purpose-T methods will help assess your patient's risk level by looking at factors such as mobility, sensory perception, and moisture. Involving a team of healthcare professionals in this decision-making can lead to better outcomes for your patient and ensure that the chosen pressure care mattress is specifically tailored to their needs.
Training and Support for Therapists and Caregivers
Its essential that therapists and, in turn, carers are properly trained in how to effectively use a pressure care mattress. Enable Lifecare is committed to providing comprehensive education on mattress features and usage. Our aim is to help you select and operate our products so you can get the best possible outcomes for your patients. Our training includes guidance on adjusting settings for optimal pressure relief and recognising signs of discomfort.
At Enable Lifecare, we offer continuous assistance, including product maintenance and troubleshooting, to support you with any issues that may arise. Our knowledgeable customer service team are happy to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure you can confidently help your patients heal in comfort. By investing your time in extra training, you’ll be certain to get the most out of our pressure care mattresses, and you patients will enjoy a quicker and more comfortable journey to recovery.
Improve Patient Care with Pressure Care Mattresses
Choosing the right pressure care mattress for optimal patient comfort and the prevention of pressure ulcers. As a therapist, selecting the right pressure-relieving mattress can significantly improve the comfort levels and recovery time of your patients.
With a solid understanding of the various types of mattresses, key features, and the importance of training and support, you can make smart decisions that will greatly effect patient wellbeing. We encourage you to explore Enable Lifecare’s range of alternating air mattresses and hybrid mattresses and take advantage of our training resources. Together, we can ensure that every patient receives the best possible care on their journey to recovery.
