| One of the main benefits of a memory foam mattress
topper is the prevention of bed sores Preventing
Bed Sores
As we age, our risk of experiencing an illness or injury
that will leave us bed-bound for long periods of time
increases. If we're lucky enough to escape that fate, we are
likely to care for someone else who may be confined in
either a lying or sitting position for extended periods of
time. Prolonged sitting or lying down may lead to bedsores,
also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers. Investing
in a memory foam mattress can help prevent bed sores.
How Bedsores Form
When you sit or lie in one position for too long, your body
weight is distributed to specific areas of your body called
pressure points. These pressure points will vary depending
on whether you are bed-bound or wheel chair-bound. For
people who stay in bed, most pressure ulcers form on the
lower back below the waist, the hip bone and heels, and the
memory foam mattress topper cushions these points making the
formation of bed sores less likely. For people in chairs or
wheelchairs, the exact spot where pressure ulcers form
depends on the sitting position. Pressure ulcers can also
form on the knees, ankles, shoulder blades, back of the head
and spine. Over time, an increase in pressure to these
areas, combined with a decrease in blood supply to the skin,
may result in bedsores.
A slight discolouration
Bedsores usually begin as a slight discoloration. If the
pressure is not relieved, they may worsen into actual sores.
These sores can vary from minor (called stage I) wounds to
deep wounds (called stage IV wounds), which affect all
layers of the skin as well as the muscle and bone. If these
sores are not treated, they may become infected. Therefore,
the best way to treat bedsores is to try to prevent them
from occurring in the first place, and buying a memory foam
mattress topper is an effective form of prevention.
If a patient is confined to bed
If you have already bought your memory foam mattress topper,
there are other measures you can take to prevent bedsores.
Good skincare is important, and the skin should be inspected
at least once a day. Pay special attention to any reddened
areas. Skin should be kept clean with a soft cloth or
sponge, and creams or oils should be used to prevent dry
skin. Body position should be changed at least every two
hours, and lifting should be used in preference to dragging
to reduce friction. Avoid massaging the skin on bony parts
of the body. Make sure that the bed-bound person has a
healthy balanced diet to assist the healing process, and for
low appetite, add a dietary supplement. Zinc and vitamin C
are particularly important to the healing process.
To order your Prima Comfort memory foam mattress toppers and
pillows today
call 01664 485013 or click the button below.
|
|
