People who are bedridden due to a variety of pathologies, injuries or other reasons have a very high probability of the appearance of irreversible death of tissue structures - bedsores. One of the most effective ways to deal with this problem is the use of anti-decubitus gel mattresses, created specifically for those patients who are prescribed strict bed rest.
Features
Anti-decubitus products having a gel filler are static-looking mattresses, that is, the surface of such mattresses is fixed, and the necessary effect can be obtained due to the uniform and correct load distribution and a special cellular structure. Such a mattress is able to completely repeat the shape of the patient’s body, has a high therapeutic, prophylactic, orthopedic effect.
Antidecubital gel mattresses consist of:
- Shells that are made of latex, silicone or other synthetic material.
- A gel filler that fills the cavities of the cells from the inside.
Compared to most products with a similar effect, a gel mattress does not require a compressor unit for air injection and pressure control.
Disadvantages, advantages
Anti-decubitus gel mattresses are very popular, as they have a lot of advantages, among which it is worth highlighting:
- Convenience. In a gel mattress, pressure is correctly distributed, which allows a person to lie comfortably and for a long time on such a product. In this case, the limbs, neck, back do not experience any discomfort.
- Durability, simplicity. Since there are no mechanical devices in the mattress, its operation becomes as simple as possible. At the same time, the simplicity of the design eliminates rapid breakdowns, rendering the product unusable.
- Efficiency. The structure of the gel mattress allows you to maintain the body in the most comfortable position, excluding squeezing of soft tissues, an obstacle to normal blood circulation.
- Universality. Such products can be used to prevent the occurrence of pressure sores by almost anyone - and bedridden patients after operations and elderly people.
Areas of use
Experts recommend the use of anti-decubitus gel mattresses to the following categories of people:
- With senile weakness.
- With burn injuries (almost any degree).
- With real estate resulting from a stroke.
- With pathologies that are associated with a violation of the central nervous system (for example, with paralysis).
- With almost any kind of injury, damage to the musculoskeletal system (up to complicated fractures).
Moreover, mattresses with gel filling can be used not only for the prevention of pressure sores, but also for their therapy.
Instructions for use
There are no special difficulties in using a gel-filled mattress. To maximize the service life, it is recommended to remember some simple operating rules:
- It is unacceptable to put a medical decubitus mattress on the bed, having metal springs and sharp protruding parts. As a rule, they are put on a bed on top of ordinary mattresses.
- The mattress should be cleaned with a dry or slightly moistened sponge. The use of abrasive and alcohol-containing products is unacceptable.
- The mattress should lie flat so that no bumps can form that can reduce its effectiveness.
- Use only those patients whose weight does not exceed the maximum permissible specified in the instructions. As a rule, gel mattresses can withstand loads of up to 120-150 kg.
How to store
If the need for a mattress is no longer needed, it should be stored under certain conditions - in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight. In this case, the temperature at the storage location should be in the range of + 5-20 degrees.
Below we consider the best anti-decubitus mattresses.
Range
The gel-based mattresses are a fairly new invention, but their range on the modern market for orthopedic products is quite diverse. The most popular models are:
- Model 563. It consists of three sections that are independent of each other. Its frame is made of synthetic latex. This design greatly facilitates the process of cleaning the mattress and makes its operation the most convenient. This model is suitable for people who have a fracture, suffer from disorders in the musculoskeletal system, elderly people who, due to their own age, are unable to move, as well as patients of other categories.
The product weighs 45 kilograms, and the maximum allowable load on it is 120 kilograms. Each product of this model is additionally equipped with a special cover that prevents pollution of the mattress and facilitates its cleaning.
- Model TK-1/1. The top of this product is made of high quality polyurethane, which guarantees the best support for the body of the person lying on it. The gel with which the cells of the mattress are filled has the ability to maintain a temperature that is 1-1.5 degrees lower than the body temperature of the person lying on it. This property allows the product to provide micromassage and cooling effect.
The gel filler is able to change its position in several directions, which, coupled with the elasticity of the anti-decubitus device, allows you to evenly distribute all the loads, which prevents excessive pressing of the mattress. In addition, the model has small trapezoidal pores that provide constant air circulation, allow the patient's mattress and body to breathe, and reduce the intensity of the response pressure. Additionally, the device is equipped with a mattress cover, which has a non-slip surface, has moisture and vapor-tight properties. In addition, the manufacturer produces this product model in various sizes.
- Model MPP-VP-G2-05. It is an anti-decubitus device having a gel layer. It allows you to optimally distribute the load in the most critical places. In addition, the product can change shape depending on the weight of the patient, thereby creating the highest degree of comfort. Additionally, the mattress is equipped with a polyester removable waterproof mattress cover with a polyurethane coating.
The mattresses described and other models are indispensable helpers for the patients themselves and their relatives, many of whom do not have a special skill in treating pressure sores.
Russian manufacturers
On sale products are presented by several manufacturers:
- The company "Medservice". The price of the product is 24,300 rubles. There are 3 sections, the color is blue. It is supposed sanitation without the use of detergents, a cover is included.
- The Russian company Vitsian also produces gel mattresses. The cost of the product is 18,990 rubles. There is an air cushion effect. Designed for home therapy. Not suitable for people who weigh more than 110 kg.
Reviews for this medical device
Mattresses against bedsores for bedridden patients receive the best reviews from users and specialists. People who have experience using such a device, note their convenience and good effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of existing pressure sores.