Re: alternating air mattress????do heels need to be floated
You should float the heels or use one of the dynamic low air loss systems that reduce the pressure below 32mm Hg on the all the bony areas. We use a mattress called the AirCell XL that reacts to the patients movements and automatically reduces the pressure to a level below the threshold for capillary closure.
We've tried over 20 mattresses over the years but have finally found one that does everything we need it to (not to mention making our assistants job a bit easier i.e. reduced turning). I think the AirCell is new but I'm not sure who makes it. According the my DON, its also very affordable (not like the Clinitron). Check into it.
And when it comes to prevention...I agree that its better to solve the problem ahead of time when possible. I know that the insurance companies tend to disagree but in reality, its both better policy and cheaper policy to stop bedsores than to treat them.
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