Is your client at risk of pressure sores?

As some of you may already know, the Innova team have taken a big step forward when entering 2015 — we’ve launched our brand new SOMLENT pressure relieving mattress range. As a result of this, we would like to express how pressure sores are at risk of developing during everyday activities.

 

Pressure sores can also be known as bed sores, pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers. It is an area of skin that breaks down and is typically caused by one or more of 3 main factors:

1. Pressure — This is the weight of the body pressing down on the skin.
2. Shear — This is when layers of skin are forced to slide and rub — for example, when the client is pulled up when on a chair or bed.
3. Friction — This is the rubbing of the skin.

Without realising it, pressure sores can develop and take hold quickly. The risk of pressure sores can be caused by various factors such as:

1. Confinement to bed, chair or wheelchair — If users are confined to a small space such as a bed, chair or wheelchair, they can develop pressure sores in as little as 1-2 hours.
2. Inability to change positions without help — such as people who may be in a coma or suffering from a hip fracture.
3. Moisture — Moisture can cause certain areas of the skin to become vulnerable to infection.
4. Poor nutrition and/or dehydration — When skin is poorly nourished, bed sores are more likely to form.
5. Decreased mental awareness — With the lack or mental awareness often arising from various medications, an individual may not have the level of sensory perception or ability to act to prevent the development of a pressure-induced injury.
6. An underlying health condition — Health conditions such as diabetes or heart failure can disrupt blood supply or make skin vulnerable to injury and damage.
7. Aging skin — With age, skin loses some of its elasticity, which means that it is more at risk of damage. The amount of fat under the skin tends to decrease as people get older. Circulation can also be adversely affected with age.
8. Pressure from a hard surface — If a chair or mattress is of a poor standard, or is not suitable for the user, a build up of pressure can be caused. This is why when it comes to choosing such equipment, the right choices need to be made.
9. Involuntary muscle movements — Muscle spasms such as those caused by Huntington’s Disease can create friction which can ultimately lead to pressure sores.

Obtaining the correct equipment is vital when reducing the risk of pressure sores. As mentioned above, the team here at Innova have worked alongside healthcare professionals to produce a product range that we are immensely proud of – the SOMLENT mattress range. As we already knew, many air mattresses are good at what they do; however after a vast amount of research we realised there was one flaw, comfort. All of our SOMLENT mattresses not only provide optimum pressure relief but also exceptional comfort. The SOMLENT range includes of 5 different sets of mattresses:

1. Somlent Regulator

 

• The Somlent Regulator is made up of 18 circular cross section nylon elements, of which the top 3 are static to provide head support. This product is a 3 way alternating system, meaning that every other cell is inflated, whilst the cells in between are deflated to relive the pressure sores.

1. Somlent Peakflow

• Similar to the Regulator, the Somlent Peakflow features a 3 way alternating system. However what makes this mattress different is that it has the benefit of an intelligent digital pump.

1. Somlent Genius

 

• The mattress utilises a continuous low pressure system, and is a world first concept! It is divided into 3 sections (head, torso and legs) and the inflation of each section is determined and adjusted instantaneously at the slightest movement or change in weight or position. It’s no wonder it is called a Genius!

1. Somlent Serene

• Standing out from the rest, the Somlent Serene has no pump! But don’t be deceived, it still provides excellent comfort and pressure relief. The bottom section of the mattress consists of 8 large polyurethane cells with soft, stretchy covers, which are filled with both foam and static air which is controlled by Automatic Valve Regulation.

1. Somlent Assure

• The Assure is an alternating air mattress, which is combined with foam to make a comfortable patient experience.

If you’re needing to replace or upgrade your mattresses in your hospital, hospice, care home, or other care environment, please get in touch to book a no-obligation demonstration. For more information about our SOMLENT range, call one of our team on 0345 034 1450 or visit our website for more information.