Anti-decubitus pillows

Pressure ulcers are a well-known medical phenomenon. They represent deep damage to the soft tissues of the body, which are formed in a uniform position. Today, pressure sores are still an urgent problem, especially for people with disabilities, sedentary disabled people, bedridden patients. Prevention of pressure sores is not a big problem - especially if you use the appropriate textile products and linens (for example, anti-decubitus pillows).

In order to fully understand the principle of operation of such products, it is necessary to understand in detail why they are necessary in the fight against bedsores.

Every person is constantly in motion.This statement is true even for the time of day when people are sleeping. In a dream, we often toss and turn and instinctively change the position of our body, which in itself is a good prevention of the formation of pressure sores.

The fact is that the own mass begins to put pressure on those parts of the body that are located below. In fact, they are clamped between the skeleton and the flat surface on which the person is lying, and such prolonged pressure can very quickly lead to the development of necrosis. For example, if a person will lie in bed for a long time without changing the position of the body, the bedsores are formed on the elbows, back, buttocks, lower back.

However, this in any case will not reduce the pressure on the tissue sufficiently. That is why special anti-decubital cushions have been developed that make it easy and simple to solve this problem.

Today there is a wide variety of types and forms of products of this type, but all products perform a number of functions:

• They reduce the pressure of body weight on soft tissue. This is achieved by the whole complex of qualities of such a pillow, but the orthopedic qualities and features of the placement of the filler inside play an important role. The anti-decubitus cushion retains its shape much better and maintains the body parts in the desired position, which ensures normal blood circulation.
• Proper selection of filler and outer fabric cushion prevents the action of shearing force.

• Most variants of such pillows have an unusual internal structure, which provides the effect of micromassage. Due to this, normal blood circulation is maintained and the risk of stagnation is reduced.
• Such a product relaxes the spine and individual muscle groups - depending on its location. It also allows the pillow to perform its main function, since excessive muscle tension can cause increased pressure on soft tissues.
• These models reduce pain in paralyzed areas.

Today, a good orthopedic pillow against bedsores is considered indispensable for any person who has to be in one position for a long time. These are, for example, wheelchair users, paralyzed bed-ridden patients, many patients during the postoperative period, whose recovery takes many months.

However, anti-decubitus pillows differ in other qualities - for example, the correct support of damaged areas of the body and limbs.

Because of this, they can be used in the following cases:

• In the later stages of arthritis - for increased comfort and reduce pain in the joints.
• For the prevention of secondary damage (at the stage of recovery after burns).
• With ischemic ulcers.

• In case of permanent or temporary long-term disruption of the musculoskeletal system, for example, with extensive paralysis or paresis.
• At the recovery stages - after stroke or heart attack.
• In diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the body with severe pain syndromes - for example, radiculitis, osteochondrosis.
• These products are well suited for improving the position of a limb - after fractures or complex dislocations.

An orthopedic pillow was provided for seriously ill people, but now it is readily used in everyday life. For example, a pillow is great for sleeping for older people, and some office workers use it as a preventive pad for a chair.

Today, there are many different types of anti-decubitus pillows, which differ in scope:

• For bed patients. Of course, if we are talking about a person who has to be in a horizontal position for a long time, then in this case it is important to choose a good orthopedic mattress, but even he will not be able to provide sufficiently good support for certain areas of the body. Pillow also takes into account all the anatomical features of the body. As a rule, such options are provided for the care of elbows, lower back, knee bends, hips and neck.

• In the form of a wheelchair seat. Today, the need for such prophylaxis is taken into account even by the wheelchair manufacturers themselves. Pillows provide support not only for the buttocks and lower back areas, but also for the feet, elbows, and forearms.
• Special cushions for toilet seats considered a separate species. They are used instead of a circle - to prevent squeezing and flowing of soft tissues of the buttocks.

Of course, manufacturers offer various options for pillows that are able to demonstrate maximum quality and efficiency. For example, there are anti-decubitus orthopedic pillows with a magnet or so-called jade products that have a positive effect on the body due to magnetic energy.

However, before making a purchase, you should first of all take into account the basic qualities of the pillow so that its use is really effective. These qualities include the shape, surface type, dimensions and type of filler.

As for the shape, a square pillow is considered a universal classic option. It is usually used when a sick or elderly person needs additional support from certain parts of the body.Such a choice is optimal if not only a pillow is used, but also a full orthopedic mattress.

Usually such products are produced contour. In other words - the pillow has a certain contour (depending on the intended place of use). So, for example, there are pillows in the shape of the buttocks, oblong (under the elbow), products in the shape of the feet or the shoulder girdle.

Separately, there are also cone-shaped models that are used to support the coccyx. A notch in the base helps keep the pelvis in an optimal position. Typically, such pillows are necessary when recovering from operations on the pelvic organs or in case of any gynecological complications.

The surface can be of two types: smooth, embossed. In the reviews, consumers say that the relief cushion is best suited for sedentary patients, as it prevents the risk of the buttocks slipping from the chair. A smooth surface may well be suitable for simple prevention of pressure sores in bed patients or as a liningunder the office chair.

Far from being the last in importance is a factor such as size. Of course, if the pillow is too small, it can cause discomfort, there will be no preventive effect.

The following types of pillows are distinguished (depending on the filler used):

• Foam rubber. This material is the most simple and affordable. Such a pillow is the most budget option, however, with a sufficiently high quality, it is almost as good as other models.
• From silicone gel. This filler follows the contours of the body well and is able to provide soft support. In addition, the gel reduces sweating, as it has a slight cooling effect.

• Polyurethane or polyurethane foam pillow. This type of products has recently gained great popularity, since this filler is characterized by a memory effect, perfectly memorizing and repeating the shape of the body.Due to these qualities, this model most effectively prevents the compression of soft tissues.
• Latex pillow - Another good option. Natural latex attracts with an ideal combination of softness and elasticity, while it provides good air circulation to the tissues.
• Aerial. We are talking about more simple, but no less useful static models. These pillows are made up of individual cells, which are straightened when inflated. Such a product is able to provide an optimal distribution of body weight due to the "flow" of air from one cell to another. It is well suited for obese people.

Before purchasing a suitable cushion for the prevention of bedsores, pay attention to the following:

• It is best to choose a contour cushion - under the desired part of the body. So you will provide better support. A simple square option is suitable if you are already using an orthopedic mattress.
• If the pillow is new, and you are not sure about the quality of its materials, then antiallergenic models are best suited. They will avoid the unwanted reaction of the body to the fabric or filler.
• Each pillow model has a certain weight limit. Consider it if you want the pillow to last long enough, otherwise it will quickly deform.

• It is better to choose a relief and non-slip pillow, especially for sedentary patients.
• Carefully choose the type of filler - depending on what the patient needs. For example, air cushions distribute excess weight well, while gel pads prevent excessive sweating and provide soft support to the body.
• Consider the availability of additional features that may be helpful. For example, some models are equipped with convenient handles or suggest the possibility of easy changing and washing the outer cover.

Among the well-known manufacturers, the most popular are:

• Roho. Represents the best models of airbags, which have different in size cameras, each of which is "packed" in a separate case. The current models are the Mosaic and Quadtro Select Low pillows.
• Armed. High-quality polyurethane cushions that are durable and effective body support. Armed CQD-J-P and Armed CQD-J-F models withstand weight up to 120 kg.
• Varilite. Pillows, providing full anatomical support. Most models are equipped with special waterproof covers and special automatic valves. Evolution Wave LPB and Varelite Stratus are popular.

An overview of the popular anti-decubitus cushions see in the video below.