Are "donuts" (invalid cushions) safe ?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

The institution where I currently work uses "donuts" for new moms with sore bottoms . My previous institution "outlawed" them about 15 years ago. A wound care conference I attended said the cushions decrease blood flow to the perineum and pull on the repaired perineum and hemmorhoids. What do you do at your hospital ?

We don't use them on our postpartum unit.

From personal experience, I can tell you they tend to "squeeze" the anatomy that sinks into the hole and really don't relieve pain all that much. I think a soft pillow is probably a better bet as it lets weight be distributed evenly and doesn't inhibit perfusion.

This is funny . . .haven't thought about the donut in a long time . . 24 years actually.

When my oldest son was born, I was given a donut pillow. I have to say I appreciated it as we sat down to our special meal. I remember it as being comfortable. But then think "cauliflower" . . . . :uhoh3: (sorry)

I've never seen them since.

steph

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

3. managing tissue loads

although ring cushions (donuts) are known to cause venous congestion and edema, few studies have documented their deleterious effects. crewe (1987), in a study of at-risk patients, found that ring cushions are more likely to cause pressure ulcers than to prevent them.

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

3. managing tissue loads

although ring cushions (donuts) are known to cause venous congestion and edema, few studies have documented their deleterious effects. crewe (1987), in a study of at-risk patients, found that ring cushions are more likely to cause pressure ulcers than to prevent them.

Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

I don't know about the use in OB.

I had a very bruised and painful tailbone a few years ago from a fall, and tried a donut cushion. It didn't help at all. What did help was to use a kid's "noodle" swimming toy, cut to about 2 feet, bent into a U-shape, and placed in a small pillowcase. I sat with the open end of the "U" at the back, and it worked quite well to keep pressure off my tailbone. I had a management job at the time and spent a lot of time sitting and it helped tremendously.

The noodle cost me $1.

Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry.

In the hospital where I do my clinicals, they use the donuts for moms who have had episiotomies. There are some who use it, and most who don't. I don't think it's detrimental to their well-being, but it might be a bit uncomfortable at the beginning. Most of the time, though, all these new moms want are the ice packs, sitz baths, and rest. Nothing more. :S

Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

ooh i would rather eat donuts than sit on them.. i prefer the glazed..lol... yes we do use donuts in our postpartum unit..

Your wound care nurse will most certainly not recommend them. There is too much research that shows the use of donuts to be harmful.

Specializes in OB, lactation.

We don't use them. We don't even have them. Ice packs, sitz baths, meds, Dermaplast, rest, etc.

Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

We don't have donuts either. Like mitchsmom said...ice, sitz bath, dermoplast, tucks pads, etc.

Edited to add that in my personal experience I don't think I would've wanted one.

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