Medical Cushions – Uses For Patient Treatment

Jun 24th, 2024
medical cushion

If you have an injury or medical condition limiting your mobility or activity levels, it is important to prevent pressure injuries or sores. This is especially true if you are elderly and more susceptible to health issues. 

Excessive pressure on one part of the body restricts blood flow and causes tissue damage, skin breakdowns, or pressure sores to develop.  Pressure relief cushions provide comfort and excel in aiding rehabilitation and treatment.

According to the National Library of Medicine study, the entire cost of pressure injuries within Australian public hospitals in 2012-2013 was $9.11 billion. In this case, reducing preventable pressure injuries will result in cost savings Australia-wide. 

As a patient opting for in-home care or preferring a healthcare hospital setting, choosing the correct pressure cushions alleviates pain – but what is the right one to use? This article will explore the benefits of pressure care cushions–primarily the innovative EquaGel pressure cushion–pressure injury prevention, why patients should use them for rehabilitation, and the evidence of their effectiveness. After all, health comes first.

Definition of Medical Pressure Care Cushions

As mobility aids reduce the risk of patients developing sores, pressure cushions are essential to the recovery process. By spreading the patient’s weight over a large surface area, these are made to reduce friction, stopping rubbing against the skin that can increase pressure sore risks. Medical cushions can support limbs and body trunks, offer sitting support, and support the lumbar spine and posture.

How does pressure sore happen? Due to prolonged pressure on the body, such as the tailbone, upper back, hips, heels, elbows, or back of the head, the pressure can cut off blood flow, causing the tissue and skin to deteriorate.

You can choose various materials, pressure levels, and shapes to meet your rehabilitation needs. Your decision depends on your condition, treatment requirements, and the recommendations of professionals.

How Are Pressure Sores Treated?

According to Mayo Clinic, pressure ulcers, called bedsores, are treated by applying pressure to the affected skin. The wound is cared for, pain is controlled, infection is prevented, and good nutrition is maintained. Here are a few more tips when treating pressure sores: 

  1. Reducing pressure. The first step is to reduce pressure and the friction that causes it. How often you reposition depends on your condition or the quality of the surface you are on. Support surfaces include a mattress, bed, and unique cushions protecting vulnerable skin. 
  2. Cleaning and dressing wounds. Caring for your ulcer depends on how deep the wound is. Wash it with a gentle cleanser so the skin isn’t broken. Open sores must be cleaned with saline solution every time the dressing changes.
  3. Removing damaged tissue. Wounds must be free of damaged tissue to heal; a doctor or nurse can remove this skin.
  4. Other interventions. This can include drugs to control pain, such as anti-inflammatory ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin IB, or what your healthcare professional has recommended.

A qualified care team, such as a physician overseeing a treatment plan, a nurse specialising in wound care, medical assistants providing education, and a physical therapist, will help to improve mobility.

Benefits of Using Medical Cushions

Pressure cushions have a range of benefits regarding exceptional support. So why should you use them in your treatment? Whether you spend a lot of time sitting or have limited mobility, it’s essential to consider your needs.

1. Pressure Relief

These cushions distribute your body weight more evenly, reducing pressure on specific areas such as the buttocks, thighs, and coccyx, preventing the development of bedsores. Pressure cushions are fantastic products for achieving your treatment goals.

2. Comfort

These medical cushions provide a comfortable seating surface, reducing the impact of bumps or vibrations. Medical cushions benefit patients with spinal cord injuries, patients in a wheelchair or with limited mobility, and patients with conditions that impact the nerves.

3. Improved posture

Medical cushions reduce pain and discomfort for various medical conditions and support the spine’s natural curvature.

4. Temperature regulation

Some pressure cushions are designed to specifically regulate body temperature, which is vital for patients who struggle to regulate their temperature due to medical conditions such as Parkinson’s.

5. Mobility

As a pressure cushion can be portable and lightweight, you can take them anywhere. This is important if you travel frequently and switch between different chairs throughout the day. Medical cushions are the ultimate way to stay comfortable, no matter where you are.

The Three Risk Levels of Cushion

  • Low-risk level cushions are made from soft foam or latex and are suitable for long-term use.
  • Medium-risk level cushions are typically made of memory foam and can be used for extended periods. 
  • High-risk cushions made from more rigid foam are designed to distribute pressure over a larger area. They can be used for a long time, but they are often more costly.
  • The final level of medical cushions is very high risk. If a patient is more susceptible to pressure sores, this cushion level is made from a firmer material and is more padded.

Types of Pressure Care and Comfort

medical cushion

Deciding what is best for you can be challenging if you’ve recently sustained a pressure sore injury or have limited mobility. Thankfully, there are a range of medical cushions available for daily use.

EquaGel

Sculpted for stability, comfort, and excellent pressure distribution, the EquaGel has a thicker wall and a tight grid for a comfort layer. 

The cover is flame-resistant, vapour-permeable, and resistant to fluids. As a dry polymer gel, it is rubbery to the touch and has high compressive and tensile strength and durability. 

The “Column-buckling technology” creates immersion into the cushion. When the pressure is exceeded, the wall of gel buckles into the hollow area between the walls, passing the weight to the surrounding walls for support. This technology can handle all weights for various conditions, including tuberculosis.

Temperature-neutral properties with an open-cell design create airflow, ensuring the cushions are 12 to 15 degrees cooler than the air/foam-type cushions. 

With no valve, pump, or air cells, it is easy for the patient to use. The covers have a carry handle, a Velcro positioning strap, and a rear zip.

EquaGel cushions are the go-to choice for sitting care and are available in multiple sizes for its three options!

  • EquaGel. With pressure prevention, this cushion is 2” – 5.1cm high.
  • EquaGel Protector. This Grade 1-4+ pressure cushion for pressure injury is 2.5” – 6.4cm high.
  • EquaGel Adjustable Protector. This cushion is a Grade 1-4+ pressure injury, 2.5” – 6.4cm high, with two inserts that enable four settings.

Purple Back Cushion

If you’re a patient who needs extra lumbar support, this back cushion is moulded to fit your back and is made from 100% grid. With its no-slip design, the integrated strap always ensures this cushion stays in place, whether you’re using it as a car seat or office chair. How else does this cushion benefit?

  • It is easy to wash with gentle detergent
  • Cradles your tailbone
  • Offers superb comfort with dozens of air channels
  • Is durable
  • Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
  • Withstands wear and tear from regular use

Access Heel / Elbow Protector

This duo heel and elbow protector can easily protect these areas from pressure points. Fully washable, it is an L-shaped soft-heel pillow that is always comfortable for the patient. 

If you’re a diabetic patient suffering from a heel pressure wound, this can protect the heel with its pressure distribution.

ObusForme Back Supports

Do you need additional support for your lower back? This back support assists your lower curve, anatomically correcting your posture by supporting your spinal alignment. 

This support includes a patented lumbar pad and headrest that is removable and adjustable. With comfort padding, polyurethane paddings ensure long-term seating comfort, a bio-mechanically moulded back frame and an engineered shape that supports your back. If you’ve been looking for a reliable option, the ObusForme is an excellent option for comfort.

Access Lumbar Roll D Shape

Rehabilitation has become more accessible, with many pressure relief cushion sizes available to suit your treatment plan. Although these treatment options are simple, they always maintain effectiveness for patients.

This compensates for one’s natural tendency to slouch when seated, filling in the hollow of the back and supporting the lumbar curve. If you’re looking for a simple way to support your back, this lumbar roll is essential for your seating area.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention

What about pressure injury prevention? Pressure care cushions are great for rehabilitation, but how can you prevent a bedsore altogether? According to this National Library of Medicine study, regularly changing a person’s lying or sitting position is the best way to avoid pressure ulcers

  • Alleviate patient risk factors, such as placing appropriate padding at pressure points or frequent repositioning. For example, all wheelchair-bound patients should be appropriately fitted; the fitting process must also be altered if significant weight changes occur.
  • A repositioning plan must be created for patients at risk of an ulcer developing. This can cover the support surface for the patient, their general medical condition, and goals for care. Repositioning can also cause sheer force on the skin, so the fragility and state of the skin must be kept in mind. Lifting patients instead of dragging will also reduce friction. 
  • Consider the variety of pads available to cover pressure points or foam pads designed to wrap around body parts at risk of ulcers. 
  • Adequate nutrition can also prevent ulcer formation. Protein intake is essential for positive nitrogen balance, and vitamin/mineral supplements are recommended for a patient lacking a balanced diet.

What To Consider When Choosing Your Cushion

  • Cushion weight. Heavier cushions add more weight, so this can influence the mobility of your wheelchair if it is lightweight. A heavy cushion is more comfortable, but think about what is most practical.
  • Cushion height. The height of a cushion makes it easier to move around. For example, a taller cushion can prevent your chair from fitting beneath a table or desk. 
  • Maintenance. Pressure cushions must be maintained after each use, although some pillows require less maintenance. 
  • Price. Is your pressure cushion of choice suitable for your budget? How will it assist you, and how long will it last? Always invest in a high-quality pressure cushion. 
  • Stability. When you use your cushion for treatment, how many hours are you using it? A steady cushion helps with balance without moving around, making it easier to reach and do daily activities. 
  • Skin protection. A good pressure cushion will relieve your symptoms by reducing friction and discomfort. This can help painful pressure sores. 
  • Micro-climate. As skin breakdown is affected by the dampness, heat, and overall temperature of your skin, it is preferable to invest in a cushion with airflow.

Medical-Grade Medical Equipment in Australia

When looking for aids for daily living, medical cushions can support you in getting back to your usual way of life. And at Access Health, we understand the need for quality care. 

Whether you’re looking for rehab equipment for patient care or are in therapy, we are an Australian supplier of medical-grade equipment you can count on. 

If you’re interested in acquiring products as a healthcare professional or have a general enquiry, contact us today for targeted support. We have physiotherapy equipment, pressure care comfort, and electrotherapy to help you throughout rehabilitation. 

Disclaimer: Access Health is not qualified to agree or deny whether this content is correct. For accurate information, consult your medical professional or provider.

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