Pressure Ulcers are challenging – Unfortunately, these may occur when a person has become immobilised or bed-bound for a significant period of time, or if they are unable to feel pain. Ulcers may begin to form on areas of the skin over bony prominences when lying in bed for prolonged periods, wearing a cast for an extended timeframe or sitting on a chair or wheelchair in the same position for an extended period of time.
They can be a serious issue for older adults or frail patients and can occur as a direct result of the quality of care the person receives. If the individual is not positioned correctly, turned regularly or given proper skin or nutritional care, pressure ulcers can quickly develop.
Can this risk be mitigated? Yes, this is where medical air mattresses play a pivotal role. In this blog, we have explained in detail how pressure relieving air mattresses can help in preventing bedsores.
Understanding Pressure Ulcers
Pressure Ulcers can happen for several reasons but primarily due to lack of movement. There are 4 recognised stages/categories recognised internationally:
Stage/Category i. The area over the bony prominence becomes red and does not ‘blanche’ when pressed by a fingertip. It may feel warm to the touch and individuals may report a burning or itching sensation.
Stage/Category ii. An intact or open blister develops over the bony prominence in response to unrelieved pressure. This may cause significant pain.
Stage/Category iii. The affected area has a crater-shaped appearance due to the damage caused below the surface of the skin, involving the epidermis, dermis and sub-cutaneous tissue.
Stage /Category iv. Tissue damage extends down through the epidermis, dermis, sub-cutaneous tissue to muscle, bone, tendon or fascia. There is significant risk of infection, increased pain and discomfort for the individual.
Where do pressure ulcers develop on the body? Usually, skin that covers more bony areas like the shoulders, elbows, back of the head, lower back, hips, heels, inner knees and even the ears are all susceptible. It’s also important to be aware that tissue damage may occur in areas where skin tends to fold over itself or where medical device equipment may be in place for a long period of time.
Importance of Pressure Ulcer Prevention
The skin needs to be treated with significant care. Once pressure ulcers develop, it can be days, months or in some cases years before they heal completely. Perhaps the most significant risk is infection. If the ulcers become infected, fever, general malaise and fatigue may ensue. The risk of mortality is also increased.
Both the prevention and management of pressure ulcers is labour and resource intensive. It is estimated that it costs around €250 million per annum to manage all pressure ulcers across various care settings in Ireland. The cost to the individual is substantial with loss of earnings, diminished quality of life, prolonged hospital admissions and pain,
It is imperative that every effort is made to prevent pressure ulcers from developing to ensure that all individuals requiring health care assistance are ensured the best outcomes. This will also have a positive impact on resource utilisation for the healthcare provider.
Introduction to Air Mattresses
So, what can we do? Pressure relieving mattresses can be used effectively to lower the risk of pressure ulcer development, primarily by redistributing pressure to protect at risk areas. O’Flynn Medical specialise in providing these hospital grade air mattresses to the market, including the Domus 4 Pressure Relieving Mattress, the Pro-care Auto High Specification Pressure Relieving Dynamic Mattress and the Scan Turn Rotational Mattress, we have something to suit every type of need.
Benefits of Air Mattresses in Pressure Ulcer Management
Air Mattresses can be helpful for those who are struggling with mobility and may be bedbound for a prolonged period of time. The mattresses are designed with various alternating pressure and air-filled cells which help distribute pressure evenly, ensuring that pressure is relieved off specific areas of the body which in turn aids blood circulation and reduces the risk of tissue damage. Microclimate management is another important feature which relates to the heat and moisture levels next to the skin. The mattress cover should have an adequate moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) that has a capacity to stretch in all directions to provide optimal patient envelopment and immersion.
Tips for Selecting and Using Air Mattresses
Choosing the right mattress depends on the needs of the patient. What is their mobility level, what is their current medical condition, what would they be most comfortable with? Mattresses with features like micro ventilated cells and temperature regulation offer more comprehensive management. They also come with increased cost.
In terms of using the mattress, it is important that the caregiver repositions the individual frequently (as per clinician guidelines) or encourages the individual to reposition themselves if this is feasible and appropriate. Regular monitoring for early signs of tissue damage and good skin hygiene is imperative. It is also a good idea to stop using an air mattress when a patients condition has improved and mobility has returned. This should be done under clinical supervision.
About O’Flynn Medical
Our aim is to provide the right product for the individual in a timely manner. At O’Flynn Medical, we offer high-quality products and operate a flexible rental service. Why not use the rental service temporarily to determine if the product is right for you?
Recognising that medical equipment needs can vary, we extend our services to short-term rentals. Alongside air mattresses, we offer a diverse range of medical equipment, including hoists, electric profiling beds, wheelchairs, scooters, cushions and more. Anything that may help make the patient more independent and comfortable.
Contact us today for more information.