Selecting the proper wheelchair cushion

Choose the Level of Pressure Redistribution

Basic cushion Adds comfort for lower risk seated individuals.

Moderate cushion Helps redistribute pressure for those at risk for pressure ulcers. May also help with positioning needs.

Advanced cushion Significant pressure redistribution for highest risk patients or those with pressure ulcers. Will address positioning needs. May be adjustable to meet individual patient needs.


Step2: Choose the Type of  Cushion Material

Foam wheelchair Cushion: Most economical material. Typically used for comfort through moderate pressure redistribution. Different density foams can be used to address patient comfort, including more expensive visco elastic memory foams. Different cut patterns are often used to prevent shear and help reduce pressure.

 Gel & Foam wheelchair Cushion: Typically provide moderate to advanced pressure redistribution. Most common design is gel sacks placed between high- er quality foams. Gel sacks separated into quadrants perform best by keeping gel focused under problem areas to reduce pressure. Also designed to reduce shear and heat. 

Air Cell wheelchair Cushion: Typically provide the most advanced pressure redistribution. These cushions are adjustable to meet the individual needs of each patient. Redistribute pres- sure very well by distributing weight evenly. Tracks patient movements and adjusts to patient’s body contours reducing pressure points.





Step3: Choose the Best Cushion Design

Flat wheelchair Cushions Sometimes referred to as a zero elevation cushion, it has the same thickness across the entire cush- ion. Can be used for comfort or pressure redistribution.

 Wedge wheelchair Cushions Thicker in the front and angling down to a thinner back, it pro- vides support, stability and pres- sure redistribution for active users that tend to slide forward.

Pommel wheelchair Cushions Abducts legs to reduce skin shear and pressure. Provides proper alignment to reduce hip rotation. Can be on a flat or wedge cushion.

 Contour wheelchair Cushions Sometimes referred to as a Saddle Cushion, it emphasizes proper positioning and leg align- ment while reducing hip rotation. Provides pressure redistribution and comfort by increasing seating area.

Anti-Thrust wheelchair Cushions Has a one inch shelf in the middle to reduce thrusting and sliding forward. Helps reduce sacral sitting. Low profile front minimizes leg elevation.

 Back Cushions Provides comfort, support and cushioning on back and spine. Helps redistribute pressure while eliminating the hammock effect of a sling back

http://www.alternatingpressuremattress.com/wheel-chair-cushions.html

Hospital Bed Replacement mattress

This new hospital bed mattress is ideal for hospital and nursing home use. The state of the art hospital mattress heals and prevents up to stage 3 pressure ulcers.

This support surface mattress features our thickest three-layered design to completely conform to your resident’s body. The top layer consists of a premium convoluted foam that provides air channels that help keep heat down to prevent the patient from sweating.

The super soft heel section features visco elastic memory foam that cradles the heels allowing for incredible pressure redistribution and shear reduction.

Nylex Super Stretch premium cover allows the mattress to conform to your resident while reducing shear. Fluid proof and antimicrobial.

Meets federal fire standard 16 CFR 1633

premium pressure relief hospital mattress keeps patient cool to prevent skin breakdown and pressure sores.

450 pound weight capacity

works with standard hospital bed frame

Free shipping

 

 www.alternatingpressuremattress.com

Ultra Pad Dry Pads for use with Alternating Pressure Mattresses

The power of ONE ULTRA-SORB DRY PAD

Designed for use exclusively with alternating pressure mattress and low air loss systems. This pad helps to keep the patient dry preventing moisture and skin breakdown.

• ONE PAD for healthier skin. 

• The innovative backsheet on Ultrasorbs AP allows air to flow through the pad while still acting as a barrier to moisture.*

• The result is maximum skin dryness and comfort.

ONE PAD for lower cost.

• Ultrasorbs AP are so strong and absorbent that they eliminate the need for multiple pads. They also reduce the need for draw sheets, linens or reusable under- pads. 

• The result is a dramatically lower cost.

ONE PAD for easier care.

Ultrasorbs AP can be used on both standard beds and air support therapy beds.

Indications for use:

Managing moisture when patient or resident skin dryness is a concern, such as with incontinence or other high-moisture-loss situations.
Features:
• The advanced SuperCore® thermo-bonded core wicks moisture away from the skin and locks fluid away for increased dignity, superior odor control and better skin care.
• Ultrasorbs AP are super absorbent – one pad has the absorbing power of three or more standard underpads.
• The extra-strong pad and film provide exceptional resistance to tearing and resulting linen changes.

Special pads that wick moisture away from the skin have also been shown to be more effective at protecting skin than disposable briefs.”

http://www.alternatingpressuremattress.com/ultrasorb2436.html

Using Alternating pressure pads to heal bedsores

Using alternating pressure pads or APP pads to heal bedsores.

Alternating pressure pads are used to prevent and heal basic bedsores and pressure ulcers.

The Alternating pressure pad system includes the mattress and a air pump. Most APP pad systems are twin sized. 78"x34"

Alternating Pad systems prevent bedsores and relieves painful pressure points. The quite pump inflates 130 individual bubble cells preventing decubitus ulcers from developing. The mattress is designed to fit over an existing twin mattress or bed. This mattress is also used over medical bedframes, gel mattresses, or in some circumstances reclining chairs.

Alternating pressure pads and pumps operate on a fixed or variable system. The fixed APP system inflates to a maximum firmness, the variable or deluxe alternating pressure pad provides the user the ability to adjust the firmness or softness of the pad.

More at www.medicalairmattress.com

How to prevent a pressure ulcer

How to prevent a pressure ulcer
Keep turning and repositioning
When sitting:

• Adjust your weight every 15 minutes
• Use a chair cushion when sitting
• Use good posture when sitting
  

When Lying:

• Turn from your back to either side every 2 hours or less
• Keep the head of the bed as low as possible while in bed
• use pillows or wedges to help take the pressure off of a certain area, especially your heals.
• Talk to your health care professional about getting a special medical air mattress or gel overlay mattress.
  

More information at www.medicalairmattress.com

How do you prevent a pressure ulcer?

Taking care of you skin is very important.As you age , skin becomes drier and can be damaged more easily.

• keep your skin hydrated with moisturizers, especially after a bath or shower
• inspect skin daily. Look for redness or any skin breakdown. Report any changes to you healthcare professional.
• Skin should be washed with warm (avoid hot) water and use gentle cleansers to minimize dryness.
• Avoid aggressive massage or massaging over bony areas such as hips
• Replace soaps with skin cleansing products.

http://www.medicalairmattress.com/15019.html

more ideas and products at www.medicalairmattress.com

NEW ALTERNATING PRESSURE MATTRESS HEALS BEDSORES!

The PM 8080 is one of the most advanced systems in the TRADEWIND series. The microprocessor pressure sensor technology provides smart pressure auto-checking feature to maximize patient's comfort. This replacement mattress, which offers a low air loss therapy, is consisted of 20 8 inches high cell-in-cell designed air bladders. Ideal for home health or hospital use. The patented cell-in-cell design allows the inflation and deflation of air cells to be achieved in the shortest amount of time while providing the good pressure dispersion. The inner cell also offers a sufficient weight support during a power failure. Mattress will remain inflated for up to 24 hours in the event of a power outage. For ease of care taking, the mattress can be easily changed back to flat surface (static mode) within a very short period of time.

This elite mattress will heal existing bedsores and it will also prevent new sores from forming.

The new digital push button pump now offers: Microprocessor controlled for simplicity and easy-to-use Quiet and vibration free

10-level comfort range

Adjustable cycle time

Therapy modes : Alternating/Static/Auto-Firm/Seat Inflation

Power failure alarm with audible buzzer and visible indicator

Low pressure alarm with audible buzzer and visible indicator

This mattress will eliminate having to turn the patient at night.

http://www.alternatingpressuremattress.com/3000.html

Using skin protection cushions to prevent pressure sores

Pressure sores most often form on the skin over bony areas where there is little cushion between the bone and the skin. Most pressure sores form on the lower part of the body, including over the tailbone and on the back along the spine, on the buttocks, on the hips, and on the heels. Other common spots are the back of the head; the backs of the ears; the shoulders, elbows, and ankles; and between the knees where the legs rub together.

Pressure sores can range from red areas on the surface of the skin to severe tissue damage that goes deep into muscle and bone. These sores are hard to treat and slow to heal. Other problems, such as bone, blood, and skin infections, can develop when pressure sores do not heal properly.

What causes pressure sores?
Things that cause pressure sores include:
Constant pressure on the skin and tissues. This is by far the most common cause of pressure sores.
Sliding down in a bed or chair, forcing the skin to fold over itself ("shear force").
Being pulled across bed sheets or other surfaces (friction burns).

Moisture that stays on the skin.
As we get older, our skin gets more thin and dry and less elastic, so it is easier to damage. Poor nutrition-common among older people and people who cannot move easily-makes these natural changes in the skin worse. Skin in this condition may easily develop a pressure sore.

How are they treated?

Treatment focuses on preventing a sore from getting worse and on making the skin healthy again. Some Treatments include: http://www.medicalairmattress.com/seatingcatagory.html
Relieving pressure on the area by changing positions often and spreading body weight evenly with special mattresses or other support.
Keeping the sore clean and covered, and not letting it dry out.
Eating a healthy diet with enough protein to help the skin heal.
Keeping healthy tissue around a pressure sore clean and dry.
In most cases, removing dead tissue and applying medicated ointments or creams to reduce the risk of infection. Only use medicines prescribed by the doctor to treat pressure sores, and follow all instructions carefully.
If infection develops, the person will need antibiotics . Severe pressure sores may need surgery.
How can you prevent pressure sores? Seating and positioning cushions can be very effective in treating and preventing sores. Some cushions that are recommended are: http://www.medicalairmattress.com/gel14888.html

If you have any questions about treatment feel free to ask us at admin@alternatingpressuremattress.com

http://www.medicalairmattress.com/

ref: web md.com

medical air mattress heals bedsores

Many patients have turned to medical air mattresses to prevent and heal pressure sores.
Medical air mattresses or alternating pressure mattresses alternate under the patient to allow blood flow to reach all the areas of the body. As the mattress alternates it will continuously change contact points with the skin's surface. The mattress alternates allowing blood flow to reach all areas on the body to heal bedsores. In addition to the alternating feature some alternating pressure mattresses such as http://www.medicalairmattress.com/14027.html use a built in low air loss feature. The low air loss features works with the alternating pressure to circulates airflow keeping the patient dry preventing moisture build up and skin breakdown. For more information on alternating pressure mattresses please visit our site at http://www.medicalairmattress.com/our-recommendations-stages-1-4.html We divided a special section that shows the most popular wound care solutions from stages 1-4

Robert Convey
director of customer care
www.medicalairmattress.com