Save 20% On Your First Autoship Order

Day
:
:
Online since 2002 |   866-316-0162

Articles and News

Preventing Pressure Sores In Wheelchair Users : 7 Products That Can Help

Preventing Pressure Sores In Wheelchair Users : 7 Products That Can Help
Kevin Cleary

For those with limited mobility, a wheelchair can help maintain independence and quality of life. Preventing pressure sores in wheelchair users is crucial and HPFY offers some tips to keep them healthy.

The fine line between maintaining your independence and mobility includes the risk of developing pressure ulcers for those who use wheelchairs daily. Pressure injuries may seem like a minor problem, but they can lead to serious health issues down the road. These can be difficult to heal and can lead to serious infections over time. As someone who uses a wheelchair daily, I may be able to help you in preventing pressure sores in wheelchair users. 

Protecting Wheelchair Users from Pressure Ulcers

How do pressure ulcers on buttocks while sitting in wheelchair develop?

I’m sure you have heard the term pressure sores or ulcers, but do you understand what they are and how do they develop while sitting on a wheelchair? A pressure sore or ulcer is simply damaged skin from being in one position for too long due to limited mobility. These commonly occur in areas that are bony and don’t have a lot of excess tissue in the area (i.e. heels, elbows, and your backside). There are four main issues that can cause these types of injuries and they include:

  • External pressure applied to a body part
  • The friction that damages blood vessels directly under the skin
  • Shearing which separates the skin from the underlying tissue
  • Moisture (sweat, urine, or feces)

These types of pressure injuries can be difficult to heal but can be avoided by a variety of treatments such as proper skin hygiene, shifting positions regularly, and utilizing medical aids that alleviate pressure points.

7 Products For Preventing Pressure Sores in Wheelchair Users

Once you understand what causes a pressure sore, the next logical step is finding a way to make sure you avoid them. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Not so fast!! Once a sore or ulcer becomes advanced it can be significantly more difficult to treat so early intervention is crucial to avoid potential infection. Yes, many of these products are common sense and are readily available, but there are some you may not know about that are much more efficient in preventing pressure sores. They can include:

1. Wheelchair Seat Cushions

This is the first and best place to start. When you are in a wheelchair your backside takes the brunt of your body weight. If you only use your wheelchair for short periods of time you may be able to get away with a foam pad, but those who spend a longer period of time in their chairs may benefit from a seat cushion that employs air bladders to disperse weight and minimize pressure points. These air cushions come in many different forms and sizes to benefit just about every user with limited mobility.

 

2. Tilt in Space or Full Reclining Wheelchairs

Your wheelchair itself can help prevent pressure ulcers. One of the best methods for avoiding pressure ulcers and sores is by shifting positions and wheelchairs that allow the user to shift positions while seated are well suited to handle the problem. Tilt in space wheelchairs and full reclining wheelchairs shift pressure points so that one part of your backside does not take the brunt of your body weight. Just a shift of a few degrees can be effective in minimizing the risk of pressure sores.

 

3. Heel Cushions and Pads

One of the more susceptible areas of a wheelchair user can be their heels. This is due to the fact that our heels are a relatively bony area which endures pressure and over time can cause a sore. Many of these heel cushions or pads can offer enough padding to protect these delicate areas from pressure sores.

 

4. Elbow Protectors

Another bony area that may be susceptible to pressure ulcers is the elbow. As you sit in your wheelchair, your elbows may constantly be in contact with your armrest or arm trough and since there is very little skin or tissue in the elbow, over time, your elbows may develop pressure sores. By adding a little bit of foam padding or other material, you can add an extra layer of protection against pressure ulcers and even shearing.

 

5. Back Support Cushions

The other part of your body that is in constant contact with your wheelchair is your back. Wheelchair back cushions can vary in the types of foam used or thickness to minimize any pressure to your back or even shoulders depending upon the height of your wheelchair back.

 

6. Overlays

Mattress overlays maintain the skin health of a person who has to stayed in the wheelchair for long hours. They are gentle support surfaces for a mattress designed to prevent constant strain on the user’s body. These support and minimize pressure points thus protecting the body from friction and shear and therefore, pressure ulcers.

 

 

7. Skin Lotions and Nutrients

By keeping your skin from drying out, you can be sure to keep your skin soft and pliable therefore avoiding cracking. Lotions that include aloe or even lanolin can be beneficial to keeping your epidermis in good shape while supplements that contain Vitamin E can provide the nutrients that our skin needs to stay healthy.

 

Just by using or having some of these medical aids is not the total answer. By being diligent in shifting your position (if possible) and maintaining proper skin hygiene is crucially important in making sure our largest organ, the skin, is given the best hope. Work with your physical therapist to find the best method for avoiding pressure sores and be sure to be compliant!!

Where to buy products to prevent pressure sores in wheelchair users?

Health Products For You offers a wide range of supplies for prevention of pressure sores in wheelchair users and bedridden patients. Explore our catalog today to find all that you need to stay healthy and safe.

Related Articles

 

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.


HPFY Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, ...

Continue reading

Trending Articles

Enteral Feeding: The What, When, and How

Shweta Chaubey

When traditional oral intake is not feasible, enteral feeding comes into play. It supports nutritional needs of individuals recovering from an injury or surgery. Dive into this informative article and learn what, when, why, and how of enteral feeding and ensure optimal patient care.

Using the Carpal Solution Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support

Kevin Cleary

Looking for a non-invasive option to manage carpal tunnel symptoms? Experience relief from constant tingling and pain with this Carpal Solution Wrist Support. Read this article to know about the unique features and benefits of this wrist support brace designed to deal with CTS and find why it is one of the most reliable wrist braces available on the market.

Top 5 Best Reviewed Nebulizers of 2023

Kevin Cleary

Need an effective and affordable nebulizer? Look no further, in this article we offer 5 of our best reviewed nebulizers that are loved by our customers. Click to read more and find the perfect nebulizer for all your respiratory needs.

10 Best Overnight Adult Diapers

Shweta Chaubey

Worried about nighttime leaks? Say goodbye to leakage with our ten best overnight adult diapers and wake up refreshed and dry.

Five Best Cervical Traction Devices of 2023

Taikhum Sadiq

Neck pain can wreak havoc on your otherwise healthy life. Traction device improves your cervical health and overall well-being. Read more to find our best cervical traction devices designed to curb the stiffness and discomfort of cervical muscles.