Treating Bedsores: The Right Bedding For Comfort

Bedsores are a common affliction for people who are unable to move their bodies when laying down. People who have serious leg or back injuries, who have undergone extensive surgeries, or who cannot move their bodies well on their own due to arthritis, illness, or weakness can all be susceptible to bedsores while they are reclined. The best way to treat bed sores is to rotate the body often to prevent pressure and moisture from accumulating on the skin, causing tears, bruising, and infection. The right bedding can also help. Here are ways you can treat bedsores by having the right bedding.

Alternating pressure mattress

Found at medical stores or prescribed to you by your doctor, you can find great relief with an alternating pressure mattress. This mattress is air-filled and lies on top of your existing mattress. It works to relieve bedsores and prevent new ones from forming. It works by filling and deflating built-in air pockets in a random fashion, so pressure is not placed on any joints or tissue for any length of time. They can be placed in a solid mode as well to use as added padding when bedsores are not a concern.

Ask your doctor if an alternating pressure mattress is an option for you or your loved one while bedridden. In some instances, your insurance may be willing to assist in the cost of purchasing or renting an alternating pressure mattress, especially if it is prescribed or recommended by your doctor.

Cushions and cotton sheets

Cushions placed under key areas, such as the buttocks, hips, neck, and lower back, can help relieve the pressure of joints that can cause bedsores. Cushions are available in cotton, gel, and even air-filled varieties to provide ample comfort for different parts of the body.

Cotton sheets and blankets are best for bedridden individuals, since it is a breathable fabric that can reduce heat and moisture buildup around pressure points. Make sure to change bedding every day if you or a loved one is reclined for most of the time.

Preventing and treating bedsores relies heavily on the type of bedding you use, from specialty alternating pressure mattresses to supportive cushions and cotton bedding. If you are concerned about bed sores, your doctor can help you find the right bedding for you or a loved one who cannot move around and is reclined in bed most of the day.

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