Pressure Relief in Seating

Pressure ulcers used to be known as bed sores, amongst other terms, but the current name reflects the fact that you are just as likely to sustain damage through extended periods sitting down, as in bed. So pressure relief seating is just as important as mattresses and overlays.

The cushion shown above is particularly designed for use in wheelchairs. It has thin liquid-filled cells incorporated directly in the cover, which prevent rapid wear and tear, but also and more importantly, skin irritation and pressure sores. The combination of a pressure management foam and the ultra-thin liquid cell packets provides ideal skin protection and positioning for those with moderate to high risk of skin breakdown.
 

Dementia-friendly pressure relief

These cushions are designed to look like a standard household cushion, made out of a comfortable and breathable material. They are not clinical-looking and daunting for those with dementia.

To help with confusion about where to sit down or difficulties with impaired vision, the cushions are available in a number of different strong colours which can be picked to contrast with your furniture.

The range includes cushions suitable for people at low, medium and high risk of pressure damage.

The dementia-friendly pressure care cushions distribute weight and allow maximum airflow, which provides benefits to the skin through creating the microclimate. They have been tested in care facilities and generated a very positive response.
 

Postural support plus pressure relief

The pressure relief cushion shown here has a shaped profile and provides postural support.

The patented warp-knitted 3D space fabric from which the cushion is made spreads pressure widely, and the shaping of the cushion also gives support, by incorporating a recess that supports the pelvis as well as helping with pressure distribution.

The Airospring AS300 is constructed from three layers of washable fabric, and is designed to help prevent perspiration by facilitating airflow when in use, contributing to greater comfort and lower risk of pressure damage.

Materials are non-allergenic and adapt as you move, conforming to support any demands on the body, regardless of the user’s position. The thickness of the cushion offers maximum comfort as well as good postural support.
 

Specialist seating with pressure care

Specialist seating, such as the rise and recline chair shown here, has been designed with built-in pressure relief in the seat and backrest. The pressure relieving surfaces are combined with a facility to tilt the chair, elevate the leg rest, and change the depth of the seating area, to ensure that it suits the needs of the user.

These systems can make it easier to provide consistent posture management as well as pressure relief for people with complex needs.

Seating designed to offer great adjustability, postural management and pressure relief is, inevitably, complex. Good suppliers offer free training to professionals, to ensure that they understand all aspects of the specialist seating, and how it can affect a person’s comfort and independence.

There is more about specialist seating in our care seating section.

We have an excellent article contributed by Award-winning Times journalist, Melanie Reid, who broke her neck in a riding accident, about living with the constant risk of pressure sores

Vivid Care’s CPD webinar on pressure care and seating
 

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