Comfort And Care For Vulnerable Skin

Imagine it’s a balmy afternoon in Georgia. You’re visiting one of the state’s many nursing homes, perhaps to see a loved one, or as a part of your work. As you walk through the corridors, you notice the beds. They’re not just any beds, though. They’re equipped with special bed sore mattresses designed to provide comfort and care for the most vulnerable of skin. These are crucial tools in the battle against a common yet often overlooked problem in long-term care facilities: bed sores. Sadly, the opposite can also be true. What if you do not notice specialty mattresses when your loved one has a bedsore? That can be a sign of neglect and you should contact an Atlanta nursing home neglect attorney.

Understanding Bed Sores Mattresses

Bed sores, or pressure ulcers as they’re also known, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that result from prolonged pressure on certain areas of the body. They’re particularly common in individuals with limited mobility, who spend extended periods either in a wheelchair or in bed. When blood is unable to reach the affected area for an extended period of time, such as a pressure point under too much pressure, the skin can break down, creating a sore that causes discomfort and pain as one of our attorneys can share who has won settlements as large as $450,000 in a nursing home bed sore case. Some common areas where bed sores can develop include:

• The back of the head
• The shoulder blades
• The hips
• The lower back and tailbone
• The heels
• The ankles

It’s important to take preventative measures to avoid bed sores, such as regularly changing positions, using pressure-relieving devices, and keeping the skin clean and dry. If a bed sore does develop, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to prevent further complications.

Here, the significance of mattresses becomes evident. However, not every mattress is suitable. Bedsores require a specific type of support to heal and prevent further development. Enter the range of mattresses designed with bed sore prevention in mind:

• Airbeds
• Memory foam mattresses
• Alternating pressure mattresses
• Low air loss mattresses
• Hybrid mattresses
• Gel-infused memory foam mattresses

Each of these options has its own unique features that aid in preventing bed sores.

Yet, selection isn’t solely about the mattress type. There are several crucial factors to consider when selecting a mattress for bed sore prevention. Consider factors such as:

• Weight distribution
• Firmness
• Support
• Susceptibility of certain body areas to pressure ulcers
• Typical regions where pressure sores appear
• Preventive measures used in hospitals
• Preferred comfort level
• Suggested frequency of patient turning
• Edge reinforcement

Consideration of these elements can make a significant difference in the comfort and well-being of individuals at risk of developing bed sores.

Georgia Nursing Home Responsibility To Decoding Pressure Relief Mattresses

The significance of pressure relief mattresses in preventing bed sores is undeniable. These specially designed pressure relieving mattresses help distribute the patient’s weight evenly, reducing pressure on specific points and allowing for proper spinal support and alignment. This means that no single part of the body bears too much pressure, reducing the risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Yet, pressure relief mattresses offer more than mere functionality. They come in various types, each with its unique attributes. Some of the different types of pressure relief mattresses include:

• High-tech, adjustable mattresses that provide periodic repositioning
• Low-tech pressure relief mattresses
• Automatic hi-tech pressure relieving mattresses
• Air chamber mattresses, which offer a different approach to pressure relief

These options provide a myriad of solutions to prevent bed sores.

Naturally, it’s not merely about possessing a variety of choices. The benefits that these mattresses bring are immense. Take for example a mattress equipped with a foam cover and double memory foam comfort layer; this pressure relief mattress has been tested to provide excellent pressure distribution results. This means that residents can rest easy, knowing their bodies are well-supported and that their risk of developing bed sores is significantly reduced.

The Anatomy Of A Bed Sore Preventing Mattress

Preventing bed sores is a complex process, and the mattress type used has a significant part in it. Foam, gel, and air mattresses all offer unique features that can alleviate pressure on the skin and help prevent bed sores from forming.

Foam mattresses, for example, are designed with a static structure that can be cross-cut, allowing for body movement and partial immersion. This flexibility helps spread the pressure evenly across the body, reducing the chance of bed sores forming.

Gel mattresses, on the other hand, provide pressure relief and weight distribution. The gel in the mattress helps redistribute body weight more evenly, reducing the pressure on any specific point.

Air mattresses offer a different approach. They are constructed with alternating pressure air chambers for body support. These chambers inflate and deflate alternately, redistributing the body’s weight on the mattress and reducing pressure on specific points.

Yet, mattress selection isn’t solely about the material used. Other factors, such as firmness, weight distribution, and maintenance, play a significant role in preventing bed sores. For instance, a mattress that is too soft can result in poor body alignment and back pain, increasing the risk of bed sores.

On the other hand, a mattress that distributes weight evenly can reduce pressure on vulnerable areas of the body, improving blood circulation and reducing the likelihood of bed sores.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, is also essential in preventing bed sores, as it ensures the mattress is kept clean.

Spotlight On Alternating Pressure Mattresses

The alternating pressure mattress is a widely accepted choice for preventing bed sores. As the name suggests, these mattresses constantly change pressure points to promote circulation and reduce skin breakdown.

Alternating pressure mattresses function by steadily alternating the distribution of pressure on the user’s body. This is achieved by:

• Inflating and deflating different chambers inside the mattress
• The continuous shifting of pressure points
• Encouraging circulation
• Minimizing skin deterioration

These features are key in preventing bed sores.

High-Tech Solutions In Low Air Loss Mattresses

Low air loss mattresses are prominent among high-tech options for preventing bed sores. These mattresses work by:

• Providing a cushion of air between the user and the sleeping surface
• Reducing moisture due to perspiration
• Improving circulation and posture
• Providing a cooling effect.

The way low air loss mattresses work is quite ingenious. They are designed to provide a constant flow of air to the surface of the mattress via multiple inflatable air tubes. This airflow helps to minimize moisture and heat buildup, thereby reducing the risk of pressure sores. Additionally, the mattress is engineered to evenly distribute the patient’s weight, thus alleviating pressure on certain areas of the body.

These are just a few examples of mattresses nursing facilities can use to protect your loved one. However, many facilities do not use these and bed sores are a huge issues. If you believe your loved one is being neglected and is experiencing bed sores due to this, contact The Turnbull Firm where our lawyers have won settlements as large as $2 million in nursing home neglect cases.