Anti-bedsore cushion

[martin007]

There are many manufactures and types of anti-bedsore cushions on the market.


* Anatomical anti-bedsore cushion
* Fluid gel anti-bedsore cushion
* Viscoelastic anti-bedsore cushion
* Anti-bedsore cushion of two foams.
* Anatomical viscoelastic anti-bedsore cushion
* Anti-bedsore air cushion.

Experiences and opinions about it.

[Burgerman]

Sores are really pressure ulcers. So that means that you are looking for a surface that offers the least peak pressures that stop the blood circulating over the highest pressure points. Thats hip bones, coxccx (yes I can spell that!) heels, etc.

The way to get the lowest peak pressures is to have the most "immersion" into the surface. And the surface having the lowest possible pressure gradiant. So that means air or water. And it means at a low enough pressure that you sit/lay in it not on it. So that you have the largest body area possible supporting your mass. So a waterbed works great. A foam mattress can be good, but on foam the deeper you push into it the harder the foam fights back. So it takes twice the force to push your finger twice as far into it. That doesent happen with water. Or air. UNLESS the bed isnt deep enough.

So even foam can work, if its a really soft foam and the matress is a meter thick.

So thats impractical... Air water or 1m thick foam are not really practical... So then we get 1001 tricks to make a "pressure mattress". Which is what you see.

I have an occilating / alternating air bed. That works. But permanantly beeping at me when it fails every 2 months.
I tried the rest they dont work.
Heat (lack of) and airflow also help.

So make of this what you will.

[Burgerman]

Unless you are talking about wheelchair cushions in which case the same applies. And I use a roho at the moment. Lots of small, soft very low pressure air cells.

[martin007]

Unless you are talking about wheelchair cushions in which case the same applies.

Yes.

[Burgerman]

Well same thing. The deeper the immersion. The lower the pressure gradient. The lesser the peak pressure is. So no stopping the circulation in the skin covering bones such as the ischial tuberosities. And coxccyx. That circulation brings oxygen, keeps the flesh under the skin alive. Hence tilt/recline etc to periodically remove pressure and put most of your mass on your back for a bit every 20 mins.

[martin007]

My ass is fine.
I'm just trying to gather information.

[daveonwheels]

Sores are really pressure ulcers. So that means that you are looking for a surface that offers the least peak pressures that stop the blood circulating over the highest pressure points. Thats hip bones, coxccx (yes I can spell that!) heels, etc.

The way to get the lowest peak pressures is to have the most "immersion" into the surface. And the surface having the lowest possible pressure gradiant. So that means air or water. And it means at a low enough pressure that you sit/lay in it not on it. So that you have the largest body area possible supporting your mass. So a waterbed works great. A foam mattress can be good, but on foam the deeper you push into it the harder the foam fights back. So it takes twice the force to push your finger twice as far into it. That doesent happen with water. Or air. UNLESS the bed isnt deep enough.

So even foam can work, if its a really soft foam and the matress is a meter thick.

So thats impractical... Air water or 1m thick foam are not really practical... So then we get 1001 tricks to make a "pressure mattress". Which is what you see.

I have an occilating / alternating air bed. That works. But permanantly beeping at me when it fails every 2 months.
I tried the rest they dont work.
Heat (lack of) and airflow also help.

So make of this what you will.

it's coccyx

[Burgerman]

Yes I know when I see it. Then next time i cant remember again!

[Arima]

I use the RoHo cushion also.