Preventing Pressure Ulcers.
Pressure ulcers (also commonly referred to as bed sores), occur when the skin becomes damaged as a result of sustained pressure on the body. When sustained pressure combines with friction, pressure ulcers can occur. This painful affliction is most commonly found on individuals who need to spend extended periods of time lying in bed. This can be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from various disabilities to sicknesses.
There are however ways to prevent pressure ulcers from occurring. An age-old trick is to regularly roll a bedbound individual. This is to ensure that pressure doesn't amount on the body for too long, thus reducing the chance for pressure ulcers to occur. Whilst this has proven to show successful results, it's not the most practical way of preventing pressure ulcers. The rolling technique can not only be uncomfortable for the bedbound individual, but also for the person doing the rolling. A much more effective way to prevent pressure ulcers would be to invest in a pressure relief mattress.
What Are Pressure Ulcers?
As we mentioned before, pressure ulcers are areas of damaged skin caused by prolonged pressure and friction to the body. They are also known as bedsores, pressure sores or decubitus ulcers. Prolonged pressure starves areas of the body of vital oxygen and nutrients, which are carried in our blood. This in turn breaks down areas of skin, which eventually leads to the development of ulcers. It is also important to note that those with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to develop these ulcers. This is because type 2 diabetes can restrict the flow of blood to areas of the body.
Each year, it is estimated that half a million people develop a pressure ulcer in the United Kingdom alone. Approximately 1 in every 20 people who are admitted to hospital beds develop pressure ulcers. This is especially the case for those who are admitted when sudden illnesses arise. Patients over the age of 70 years old are also more likely than usual to develop ulcers due to pressure. This is mostly because older people are more likely to have restricted mobility and also have ageing skin.
Pressure ulcers are not only known to be extremely uncomfortable and painful, they can also lead to more serious health conditions. These conditions include blood poisoning or septicemia, cellulitis, gangrene or necrotising faciitis (flesh eating bacteria). If untreated some of these complications can prove to be fatal.
Prevent Pressure Ulcers with A Pressure Relief Mattress.
GB Healthcare produces medical grade pressure relief mattresses made from luxury memory foam. We utilise the most advanced techniques in mattress care in order to prevent pressure ulcers. Our pressure relief mattresses are ideal for both home care and hospital care environments.
Made using a specialised, two-way castellated cut into high quality memory foam, and featuring a tear drop air pocket. Alongside ultra-comfortable memory foam, this level of mattress engineering helps to redistribute pressure effectively. As such, patient blood flow does not become restricted, thus helping to promote healthy skin.
GB Healthcare's pressure relief mattresses are the ideal way to prevent ulcers from occurring.