Decubitus ulcers and what you can do about them

Decubitus ulcers, also known as bedsores, are skin damage to one or more areas of the body caused by prolonged pressure. If pressure is applied to a certain part of the body for too long, the tissue is poorly supplied with blood. This causes the tissue to slowly die, resulting in a wound that can extend to the bone.

Anyone who is unable to move due to illness or other immobility is at risk of developing pressure sores. Pressure sores tend to develop on areas of the body where the skin is close to the bone.

There are many causes and reasons for this, as well as factors that favour the spread of pressure ulcers. A few of these are

Early detection and prevention

Some of these causes can be prevented and measures can be taken to provide the patient with relief. Early detection is important. Regular skin care, pressure relief, transfer, a healthy diet and regular physiotherapy (to name but a few) can effectively prevent pressure ulcers.

One of the most important points is the correct positioning and pressure relief of the patient. Be it when caring for a patient at home or when hospitalised. With the right preventative measures and aids, pain can be alleviated and the further spread of pressure ulcers can be minimised. A wide variety of medical aids have been developed over the years for this purpose. We would like to briefly introduce you to some of these anti-decubitus aids, which have become indispensable in anti-decubitus treatment.

Anti-decubitus aids

Repose® anti-decubitus mattress

The main purpose of the anti-decubitus mattress is to relieve pressure on the patient in the care bed. It relieves pressure on the body and reduces pressure on certain parts of the body. This ensures better blood circulation in certain areas and an improved oxygen supply. It is used for anti-decubitus prophylaxis and is used in both Home Care and Inpatient Care. Thanks to its air chamber system, it reduces shear forces and frictional forces. It is vapour-permeable, liquid-tight, antibacterial and radiolucent. The one-piece cover is easy to disinfect and a pump is already included in the scope of delivery.

Anti-decubitus Repose® seat cushion

The seat cushion was developed for use on a standard static chair, where it has proven to be particularly comfortable and provides effective pressure redistribution. Suitable for acute use and in care facilities. The pressure redistribution cushion is housed in a unique and easy to use pump that allows the air cushion to be inflated within seconds and automatically ensures that the product is inflated to optimum pressure.

The anti-decubitus seat cushion consists of 7 interconnected, air-filled polyurethane membranes. These highly elastic, air-filled polyurethane membranes ensure minimal contact pressure. The two outer membranes are reinforced to provide additional relief for the sacrum. The seat cushion can be fixed to the chair with an integrated strap. Shear and friction forces are neutralised.

Repose® anti-decubitus heel protector

The heel protector from the Repose® product family was specially developed to minimise the risk of pressure damage to the heels. A significant proportion of pressure ulcers occur on the heels due to a combination of pressure and friction. The foot protectors ensure that the heel is completely relieved of pressure, minimising the risk of pressure damage. Clinical studies on the products have shown that they are effective in a variety of settings.

The anti-decubitus heel protectors consist of interconnected, air-filled polyurethane membranes. These highly elastic, air-filled polyurethane membranes minimise contact pressure. The recess in the heel area ensures that the heel is fully exposed. Shear and friction forces are neutralised.

Anti-decubitus mattress topper Repose®

This special mattress topper was developed for use on standard single beds, where it has proven to be particularly comfortable and enables effective pressure redistribution. The mattress topper is supplied in a unique and easy to use pump that allows the product to be inflated within seconds and automatically ensures that the optimum pressure is used. The mattress topper is suitable for acute use and for use in care settings.

The anti-decubitus mattress topper for radiology consists of interconnected, air-filled polyurethane membranes. These highly elastic, air-filled polyurethane membranes minimise pressure on the surface. The dimensions are specially designed for radiological applications. Shear and frictional forces are neutralised.

What should I choose?

We hope we have been able to give you a better understanding of some of the most important aids for pressure ulcer treatment and prevention. Of course, there are many other options and aids available to reduce the patient's pain and minimise the progression of pressure ulcers. We will be happy to help you if you have any further questions.