What Should Seniors Know About Pressure Redistribution Surfaces?
Pressure redistribution surfaces, including specialty mattresses and cushions, help prevent pressure ulcers in seniors at risk. Understanding these devices helps seniors and caregivers select appropriate surfaces and use them effectively.
Why Pressure Redistribution Matters
Pressure ulcers develop when sustained pressure on skin reduces blood flow. Tissue deprived of oxygen and nutrients breaks down. Areas over bony prominences including heels, sacrum, and hips are particularly vulnerable.
Those who cannot change position independently are at highest risk. Bed-bound or chair-bound seniors need external help redistributing pressure. Even brief periods of immobility can cause tissue damage in vulnerable individuals.
Standard mattresses and cushions concentrate pressure at contact points. Specialty surfaces spread pressure over larger areas, reducing peak pressures below levels that cause damage.
Types of Surfaces
Foam surfaces use specialized foam that conforms to body contours and distributes weight. Density, composition, and layer design affect performance. Foam mattresses and overlays range from basic to highly engineered designs.
Gel surfaces use gel layers that flow to distribute pressure. Gel may be combined with foam for enhanced performance. Gel cushions are commonly used in wheelchairs.
Air surfaces use air-filled chambers to distribute pressure. Static air surfaces maintain constant air levels. Alternating pressure surfaces cyclically inflate and deflate different sections, periodically relieving pressure at different locations.
Low air loss surfaces continuously circulate air, managing moisture while redistributing pressure. These advanced surfaces are used for those at highest risk or with existing wounds.
Selecting Appropriate Surfaces
Risk level determines appropriate surface. Low-risk individuals may do well with quality foam surfaces. Higher-risk patients need more advanced technology. Those with existing pressure injuries need surfaces supporting healing.
Individual factors affect selection. Body weight affects how surfaces perform. Incontinence requires moisture management features. Activity level and ability to reposition matter. Assessment guides selection.
Setting affects options. Home use has different constraints than institutional care. Power availability, caregiver capabilities, and coverage all influence choices.
Proper Use
Surfaces must be used correctly to be effective. Placing too many layers between patient and surface reduces effectiveness. Sheets should be tucked loosely. Nothing should interfere with surface function.
Repositioning remains essential. Pressure redistribution surfaces reduce but do not eliminate the need for position changes. Following repositioning schedules is still necessary.
Surfaces require maintenance. Check foam surfaces for compression that reduces effectiveness. Power surfaces need electrical supply and mechanical maintenance. Replace worn surfaces.
Coverage
Medicare covers certain support surfaces when medical necessity criteria are met. Documentation of risk factors and medical need is required. Different surface categories have different coverage criteria.
Durable medical equipment suppliers provide specialty surfaces. Working with knowledgeable suppliers ensures appropriate selection and proper setup.
Getting Pressure Redistribution Surfaces
All Seniors Foundation helps seniors obtain appropriate support surfaces for pressure ulcer prevention. Proper surfaces protect vulnerable skin. Contact us for assistance selecting and obtaining pressure redistribution equipment.
