Specialized Bedding/Furniture

There are several types of bedding, cushions, and materials used to help alleviate pressure and both reduce the risk of pressure sores, as well as help reduce pressure upon those sores which have already developed. The use of appropriate bedding and other materials can help to minimize the chances that bedsores will form. Appropriate bedding can also be used to help keep bedsores that have already developed from worsening further. Care must be taken to choose the type of bedding that will most benefit the patient’s specific risk factors and conditions.

Bedding

Specialized bedding can be particularly effective in nursing home settings, where many residents who are at risk of bedsores may also suffer from incontinence. Because excessive moisture can increase the risk of bedsores, individuals who may be at risk of spending an extended time in wet or soiled clothing can benefit from bedding which minimizes the moisture contact against the skin. Ideally, nursing home staff should prevent excessive exposure to moisture by a regular schedule of changing and turning the nursing home resident. However, this is not always the case. Responsible nursing home facilities may use this type of bedding as a tool to help minimize any potential damage that may be caused by exposure to moisture, regardless of the cause. 

Medical sheepskin is recognized as being one of the most beneficial types of bedding available for individuals who are at risk of bedsores. These sheepskins are specially treated to withstand moisture, including urine in some cases, which makes them ideal for those who are bedridden in a nursing home setting when incontinence is a concern. Medical sheepskin does require specialized cleaning and care, however, and cannot be used as a substitute for quality, reliable nursing home staff. In particular, if you notice that the sheepskin used for your loved one’s bedding looks matted, dirty, or otherwise unkempt, it is not able to give the protection and care that the bedding was intended to provide. Staff members must be trained on how to clean and care for the medical sheepskin if it is to be a truly effective tool.

Cushions/Mattresses

Cushions may also be used to alleviate pressure and minimize the potential for bedsores in a nursing home setting. There are several different types of cushions, with different levels of support. In addition, specialized mattresses, such as foam, waterbeds, air or gel mattresses are available for those who are at risk for recurring bedsores or who have already developed a bedsore that needs specialized bedding in order to have the best chances of healing.

Cushions and mattresses vary widely in their price range, and the more expensive options may or may not be covered by insurance. This is one of the ways that medical expenses can mount quickly when bedsores are involved. It is important to discuss the need with the attending physician, as well as the primary care physician, in order to get the best recommendation with regards to cushions and bedding.

Equipment

Wheelchairs are another common area where bedsores may develop as a result of extended periods of immobility. While nursing home staff should manually change a wheel-chair bound resident’s position every 15 to 30 minutes, this often does not occur. Pressure-release wheelchairs provide relief of excessive pressure by redistributing the resident’s weight and having the ability to tilt to release said pressure. If you or your loved one do not have access to this type of chair, it is imperative that position changes are maintained on a regular basis in order to minimize the chances for bedsores to develop.

Regardless of the type of bedding or equipment used, there is no substitute for a comprehensive care plan that includes regular turning, and adequate inspection of all bedding and other materials in order to prevent excessive moisture, skin irritation, and other risk factors for bedsore development.