Unfortunately many individuals who are confined to a bed for a long period of time due to illness are highly susceptible to bed sores. Bed sores are painful sores found at pressure points on the body. They are serious and can often lead to infection and other serious consequences if not treated quickly enough. It is important that the confined individual be turned often as to not spend too much time laying on those pressure points. Many times because of a lack of care or a lack of staff, individuals end up laying in one position for hours and hours on end. They will often develop a decubitis ulcer, aka bed sore soon after. In addition to the constant turning of the individual there are other things that can also be helpful in preventing bed sores as well. One of those being the use of an inflatable air mattress. These inflatable air mattresses or air beds as they are also known, have been touted as stopping bed sores from ever even starting. If you have a loved one either in a hospital or nursing home, or maybe even confined to a bed at home, this may be just what they need.
The way these inflatable air mattresses work is that inside the mattress they are divided into small air filled sections. Each section now cushions the pressure point rather then putting undue pressure on it. Pressure points are usually found on the back, buttocks and heels, and are now surrounded in comfort rather then bearing the weight of the individual against a hard mattress. Air beds can make all the difference not only in preventing the bed sores, but also in the comfort of the confined patient. If you are in the market for one of these inflatable air mattresses, there are a few tips and suggestions to take into consideration before venturing out to make a purchase. This is to ensure that your money is spent wisely and the intended user of the air bed gets the maximum advantages that it has to offer as well.
PRESSURE SORES
The first step is to do a bit of investigative research. Read reviews online and speak to the patients physician for their recommendation too. As with any consumer product, inflatable air mattresses come in a wide variety of styles and prices. It is important to know all the options and what options would be best for your particular situation. You do not want to spend money needlessly for an option that will never be utilized. Some of the options include different levels the air bed cane be changed to. By varying the levels you are maximizing the comfort of the patient as well as reducing the chance of bed sores even more. These mattresses have become so high tech that some even provide the option of rotating the air in each and every section. Because the air never stays in one section for very long, the possibility of a bed sore appearing is almost zero. Because of this, it is extremely important to know all the options that are available to you before you make a purchase.
It is also important to know your budget. Many times the cost can be reduced with a doctors recommendation or prescription for the mattress. Usually though this is only the case if the mattress is purchased through a medical supplier. Inquire with the patients doctor and see what they recommend would be the best course of action. Though an air bed may be a helpful addition for the confined patient, it should not break the bank. Especially if the patient is ill and may need that extra money for other medical necessities as well.
Inflatable air mattresses have been well known to greatly assist in the prevention of bed sores. If this is something that you feel will help a relative or loved one, by all means look into obtaining one. Just do your due diligence and research your options and both you and the patient will benefit tremendously in the long run.
Inflatable Air Mattresses in the Prevention of Bed Sores PRESSURE SORES
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