So you have been told you have experienced an illness or injury that places you at higher risk for developing one, or worse, have developed a pressure sore? What does that mean and how to treat varies based on the staging (severity) of the sore.
Read on to learn more about pressure sores and how a ROHO Cushions can help with prevention and healing.
What Is a Pressure or Bed Sore?
A pressure sore, or commonly referred to as a bed sore, is a sore that develops from pressure on the tissue and skin around a bone that is created when blood flow to the area is compromised. Blood flow compromised, typically when you are confined to a wheelchair or bed after an illness or injury Pressure sores are caused by a combination of pressure, friction (rubbing), and shear force (skin health plays a role here).
How Can They Be Prevented?
Pressure sores can be prevented from limiting the time spent in one position. Typically you should move every 15 minutes, even if you need help from someone else to accomplish the task. Wheelchair pushups, if you have the upper body mobility, can be useful to prevent pressure sores, and, can help you to perform effective transfers.
Early identification is also important for preventing and skin should be checked daily with changes noted.
Using talcum powder to minimize friction and lotion to keep skin healthy and supple also provide significant prevention.
What Are the Risk Factors and Symptoms associated with Pressure Sores?
Risk Factors
- Immobility.
- An inability to feel pain or discomfort due to illness or injury.
- Poor nutrition and hydration. Be sure to not lose focus on your overall health with adequate hydration and good nutrition.
- Medical conditions affecting blood flow. This can include diabetes and heart disease.
Symptoms
- Unusual changes in skin color or texture.
- Swelling.
- Pus-like draining.
- An area of skin that feels cooler or warmer to the touch than other areas.
- Tender areas.
Be sure to contact your health care provider if you believe you have a pressure sore so you can begin the appropriate treatment plan.
What Do I Do If I Have a Pressure Sore?
Your doctor will "Stage" a pressure sore on a scale of 1 - 4 based on the severity and depth of the injury. They can take from 3-5 days up to 3-5 months to heal; prevention is, therefore, the key.
You and your health care team can determine the right cushion for you, but here is a primer on the different types of cushions and their benefits.
Cushions 101
Cushions contour to your body and provide you support which aids in healing. Cushions can allow for prolonged sitting, but you need to ensure you do not exceed the time prescribed by your health care team. One of the primary roles of cushions is to prevent the development of future sores.
There are many different types and sizes of cushions so be sure to work with your health care team to choose the right cushion for you.
Cushion Differences
Choosing the right cushion requires a careful balance of needs. ROHO cushions use patented, interconnected neoprene air cells. These cells create a cushion that flexes to match individual body types and needs.
ROHO manufactures 3 heights of cushions; a High Profile (4” tall air cells), a Mid Profile (3” tall air cells) and a Low Profile (2.5” tall air cells).
High Profile Cushions are ideal for first-time users or for individuals with current pressure sores. This cushion allows for errors in underinflation. In order for cushions to function ideally, proper inflation is key. Caution, the High Profile can make individuals feel unstable because they are sitting much higher while on the cushion.
Low Profile Cushions addresses the unstable feeling found in the High Profile line. It is the ideal cushion for long term users and as a prevention measure. Monitoring proper inflation, at minimum once a day, is required when using this cushion to prevent "bottoming out". Bottoming out is when the air in the cushion is removed and as a result, you are sitting without the cushions aid.
Mid Profile Cushion is the perfect compromise with increased stability and moderate pressure sore protection.
Other Common Questions
Can I place a towel between me and the cushion? In short no, the cushions are designed to contour to your body, a towel or any other barrier between you and the cushion limits its ability to perform optimally. Good news is that ROHO makes covers specifically designed to work with its cushions.
Can I secure the cushion to a chair? Again, no, securing the cushion can alter its ability to contour to your body.
How long does a cushion last? Typically 3-5 years with proper care and use.
Time to Purchase a ROHO Cushion
Now that you understand how a ROHO cushion can help you, as well as when and how to use it, it is time to purchase. We are here to help you choose the right product as well.
Monday through Thursday between 9 am and 5:30 pm EST & Fridays between 9 am and 5 pm we have representatives that can answer questions, typically within 15 minutes.
You can always place an order on our website at any time.
