How To Prevent Bed Sores and Why Hospital Mattresses Matter

Learn about what bed sores are, how they occur, prevention methods, and the best supporting products to aid prevention and care.

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1. Understanding Bed Sores and Risk Factors
2. The Importance of Repositioning and Movement
3. Skin Care and Hygiene Practices
4. Nutrition and Hydration Support
5. The Role of Hospital Mattresses in Pressure Relief
6. Mattress Features That Aid in Bed Sore Prevention
7. Complementary Pressure Relief Products
8. When To Seek Professional Evaluation

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin that can occur from pressure on an area of skin for an extended amount of time. These are especially prevalent in individuals who have limited mobility and opportunities for repositioning, like wheelchair users or patients who spend most of their time in a chair or bed.

The best bed sore prevention methods include repositioning, skin inspections, and ensuring pressure redistribution while positioning. Proper hospital bed care is also important.

This guide will highlight more prevention strategies to help you prevent bed sores and care for them.

Bed sores are injuries caused by prolonged pressure combined with moisture, friction, and shear, especially over bony areas. This often happens when a patient is immobile for an extended period. These areas typically include shoulder blades, hips, ankles, the back of the head, and more. The areas at risk will depend on if you spend most of your time in a chair (including wheelchairs) or bed.

These injuries are more likely to occur when you experience:

• Lack of mobility
• Poor nutrition
• Excessive friction on the skin
• Moisture-related skin breakdown

For pressure ulcer prevention, early wound detection is key. These signs can include redness, increased pain, warmth, and more.

One of the greatest risk factors for bed sores is lack of repositioning and movement–in other words, if you sit in one position for too long. If someone is in the same position for most of the time, some areas will start to receive less blood flow, which causes the skin to start breaking down. This becomes a pressure ulcer.

To prevent pressure ulcers, encouraging blood flow to all areas of the body is crucial. Repositioning, or changing positions, will help do that. Repositioning will redistribute pressure from any areas that may be at risk of bed sores, therefore reducing the risk of developing a bed sore in that area.

Try the following guidelines for repositioning to avoid bed sores:

• Changing positions around every 2 hours is generally recommended, however an ideal schedule will depend on your or the patient’s condition and support surface.
• Use caregiver positioning aids, such as a pillow, wedge cushions, or foam support, to elevate the area at risk.
• For wheelchair users, try maneuvers such as weight shifts, push-ups, or tilt adjustments every 15 to 30 minutes if able.

There are various other support devices to aid pressure redistribution, such as wedges or overbed trapezes for caregivers.

While repositioning is one of the most effective methods for bed sore prevention, proper skin care practices are also essential. Using the right cleansers and controlling the skin’s moisture will help prevent skin irritation and breakdown.

Suitable cleansers include a mild skin cleanser, like a pH-balanced gentle cleanser. Consider also trying barrier cream application or an absorbent underpad to control moisture.

Be sure to inspect any pressure ulcer-prone areas regularly. A consistent skin inspection routine will help catch any symptoms early on.

Proper hydration and nutrition in wound care are also key for prevention. Skin repair support is aided by eating a balanced diet with vitamins and minerals and drinking plenty of water. Even if bed sores start to develop, recovery may be faster if supplemented by well-rounded nutrition and hydration.

All food groups are important; however, to prevent bed sores, make sure to eat enough protein, vitamin C, and zinc. These nutrients are especially helpful in both prevention and recovery from bed sores.

Be sure to also drink enough water, as hydration and skin health go hand-in-hand. Dehydration increases the risk of the skin becoming fragile and delaying healing.

Some hospital mattresses are specialized mattresses designed to distribute body weight evenly and reduce pressure buildup. Despite their name, they can be purchased for home use. Here are some different hospital pressure relief mattresses to consider:

• Foam mattress: made of medical-grade foam that adapts to the contours of the body to distribute weight more evenly. Best for mild risk patients and short-term use.
• Alternating pressure mattress: have air-filled pockets that inflate and deflate in alternating cycles. This helps regularly shift pressure to different points on the body.
• Low-air-loss mattress: circulate air within the mattress to keep the mattress cool and dry to help control skin moisture levels.

As you consider different hospital mattresses, keep in mind that the best fit will depend on your or the patient’s mobility level, weight, and medical condition.

Some specific features that help prevent bed sores are:

• Multi-zoned foam layers that reduce pressure on the heels and shoulders
• Breathable, waterproof covers to manage moisture
• Firmness and air pressure adjustment controls for customization

Consider Vitality Medical as your trusted source for hospital mattresses for home or care facility use.

Consider these other products that can also aid in bed sore prevention:

• Gel or foam cushions for wheelchairs and chairs
• Heel protectors and positioning boots
• Bed overlays and alternating air pads (for short-term use)

Any of these products, in combination with the use of a hospital mattress, will maximize comfort and protection from pressure ulcers.

It is important to seek proper, professional wound care assessment when needed. Even if you are unsure if your symptoms need medical attention, consult a healthcare professional, and they will determine if further care is necessary.

The following are some symptoms that always need professional evaluation:

• Infection signs (area is hot to the touch, painful, fever, etc.)
• Redness
• Blistering
• Open sores

If you are at high risk for pressure ulcers, schedule a wound care specialist follow-up regularly for optimal care and wound prevention. Catching symptoms and treating them early on is the best way to prevent infection and injury to deeper tissues.

Bed sores can be a painful, uncomfortable experience that only add to the stresses of life. Thankfully, preventing them can be made easier with the right care and wound prevention equipment. Bed sore prevention is supported by safe patient positioning, hydrating, and sitting or laying on a more supportive surface. Prevention is also aided by attentive skin care, a balanced diet, and supplemental supportive products.

Specifically, investing in a quality hospital mattress can significantly reduce pressure-related injuries. With Vitality Medical as your trusted source, you can find a variety of hospital mattresses, pressure relief cushions, and wound care products for long-term comfort and safety.