About Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Cushion Support Surfaces - Prevent and Treat Skin Breakdown.
ABOUT ALTERNATING PRESSURE THERAPY
Alternating pressure therapy is used in wheelchair seating, mattresses, and mattress overlay to redistribute pressure and improve comfort for the prevention of pressure ulcers and the treatment of Stage I -IV pressure ulcers.Alternating Pressure is a dynamic air-powered therapy that redistributes pressure by use of an alternating air pump through a series of air bladders within a wheelchair cushion or mattress. There are two series of air bladders in every cushion, odd series, and even series. The bladders are inflated via an adjustable alternating air pump that varies the pressure in one of the two series in a timed cycle (typically 10 minutes). This leaves one series of bladders firm and the other series soft. At the end of the time cycle, the firm bladders become soft and the soft bladders become firm. The alternating pressure cycles continue.
HOW DOES ALTERNATING PRESSURE WHEELCHAIR CUSHION PREVENT SKIN BREAKDOWN
There are many benefits of alternating pressure therapy in a wheelchair cushion. However, the primary benefits are: pressure redistribution and improving blood flow to the skin.
PRESSURE REDISTRIBUTION
Continued pressure between the body and the seating surface closes off the vascular structures in the skin impeding blood flow. A constant supply of blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin and is essential for keeping the skin healthy. By impeding blood flow the skin will breakdown and eventually die, leavng a wound, The series of firm bladders that support the body change every 10 minutes. Therefore,
To ensure the quality, durability, health, and safety of the alternating pressure support surfaces we offer, all are manufactured in the US by Blue Chip Medical Products or Crown Medical Products. from materials sourced from US manufacturers. This ensures adherence to the strictest US medical standards.
Therapeutic benefits of alternating pressure
- Redistributes pressure
- Improves comfort
- Prevention of pressure ulcers
- Treatment of early stage pressure ulcers
When to consider an alternating pressure overlay or wheelchair cushion
- To provide improved comfort over existing mattress
- Prevention of pressure ulcers
- Treatment of stage I and stage II pressure ulcers
- Automatically redistributes pressure
- For those who are at moderate risk of developing pressure ulcers
- For those who are moderate risk for skin breakdown
- To overlay an existing hospital mattress
- To prevent ulcers in wheelchairs
Links to Comforts Best Alternating Pressure mattress overlays and wheelchair cushions
Alternating Pressure Pad and Pump Mattress Overlays (APP)
- Alternating Pressure Pad & Pump Mattress Overlay (non-adjustable)
- Alternating Pressure Pad & Pump Mattress Overlay (Adjustable)
Wheelchair Cushions
- Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Cushions
Geri-Chair Recliner Cushions
When to Consider alternative materials / therapies to alternating pressure
- No ulcer and want maximum skin protection: Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss
- Pressure Ulcer and not able to regularly reposition without assistance: Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss
- Stage I or stage II at higher risk of skin breakdown: Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss
- Stage III & Stage IV: Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss, Air Fluidized Therapy
For assistance call a Comforts Best care specialist from 8am - 8pm nationwide at 888 450-0045.