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Pressure Sore Cushions and Accessories

At Algeos, we understand the importance of preventing pressure sores, especially for those with limited mobility or at high risk. Our extensive range of pressure sore cushions and other ancillary solutions are designed to promote skin health, enhance comfort and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.

From innovative cushions to advanced pressure-relieving mattresses, our products cater to healthcare professionals.

By combining expert design with the latest research in ulcer and pressure sore prevention, Algeos offers solutions that are not only practical but highly effective in improving patient outcomes.

Whether you’re a healthcare provider or a carer, Algeos is committed to helping you manage and prevent pressure sores with confidence.

Pressure Sore Cushions and Accessories
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Pressure Sore Prevention Utilising Pressure Relief Cushions

Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, are damaged areas of skin and tissue. They happen from too much pressure on the skin for a long time. These painful wounds typically develop on parts of the body that bear weight, such as the heels, hips, elbows and lower back. 

Pressure sores can vary in severity. They can be simple red marks or deep, open wounds (ulcers). These wounds can expose muscle or bone. They can greatly affect a person's quality of life. In severe cases, they can lead to life-threatening infections.

Preventing pressure sores is very important in healthcare. This is especially true for patients with limited movement. These patients may be in hospitals, care homes, or living with long-term illnesses. 

While these sores can be challenging to treat, prevention strategies are well-documented and critical to reducing their occurrence.

What Causes Pressure Sores?

Pressure sores happen when long-lasting pressure on the skin reduces blood flow. This lack of blood flow deprives tissues of oxygen and nutrients. This sustained pressure can result in cell death and tissue damage. 

Several factors contribute to pressure sore development, including:

  • Pressure: When skin and tissues are pressed between a hard surface, like a bed or wheelchair, and bone, blood flow is limited. This can cause tissue damage.
  • Shear: This occurs when the skin moves in one direction, while the underlying bones move in another. Shear forces are common in bedridden individuals when they are moved inappropriately or slide down a bed.
  • Friction: Rubbing the skin against another surface can cause damage. This weakens the skin’s ability to resist pressure.
  • Moisture: Too much moisture from sweat, urine, or wound fluid can soften the skin. This makes it easier for pressure sores to form.

Who is at Risk?

While anyone can develop a pressure sore under certain conditions, certain groups of people are more vulnerable. These include:

  • People with limited mobility:
    Some individuals are in beds or use wheelchairs. This includes those recovering from surgery or those with long-term health problems. They are at high risk. Without regular repositioning, the pressure on specific body areas can become prolonged and lead to sores.
  • Elderly patients: As people age, skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more susceptible to damage. Reduced circulation and slower healing processes also increase the likelihood of pressure sore development in older adults.
  • People with reduced sensation: Some people have conditions that affect their nerves. This includes those with diabetes or spinal cord injuries. They may not feel pain in areas that are under pressure. As a result, they might not change their position often enough to avoid sores and ulcers.
  • Malnourished individuals: Poor nutrition weakens the skin. It also lowers the body’s ability to repair damaged tissues. This makes it harder to prevent or heal pressure sores.

The Stages of Pressure Sores Leading to Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are classified into four main stages, depending on their severity:

  • Stage 1: The skin is intact but may appear red and does not blanch when pressed. It may feel warmer or cooler than the surrounding skin and the person may experience pain or itching. A sore may be developing at this point.
  • Stage 2: The skin breaks open, creating a shallow ulcer or sore. The area may be tender and painful.
  • Stage 3: The sore becomes a deep wound, extending into the fat tissue. It may resemble a crater and can be accompanied by dead tissue (eschar) or infection. An ulcer.
  • Stage 4: The most severe form, where the ulcer extends through the skin and fat into the muscle or bone. There is a high risk of serious infection at this stage.

Prevention of Pressure Sores

Preventing pressure sores requires a proactive approach, especially for individuals at high risk. Prevention strategies focus on reducing pressure, maintaining skin integrity, and addressing factors like moisture and nutrition.

1. Regular Repositioning

Frequent repositioning is one of the most effective ways to prevent pressure sores. For people who are bedridden, they should change positions every two hours. Wheelchair users should try to relieve pressure every 15 to 30 minutes.

  • For bed-bound individuals: It is important to change positions often. You can lie on your back, side, or stomach. This helps spread pressure evenly across the body.
  • For wheelchair users: People should change their position often by tilting or leaning forward. This helps reduce pressure on their back and bottom.

2. Pressure Sore Cushions and Accessories

Pressure-relieving surfaces, like special mattresses, cushions, body padding, and overlays, are important for preventing pressure ulcers. These products are designed to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas by redistributing body weight more evenly.

The Levabo brand offers a range of products specifically designed for the prevention and management of pressure sores. These cushions are designed for different body parts. They provide the best support and relief for areas that are likely to get pressure sores. Let’s take a closer look at some key products in their range:

Levabo All-Up Cushion

The Levabo All-Up Cushion is an inflatable cushion. It is made to provide support for patients who are in bed or have limited movement. It can be used to protect various areas prone to pressure sores, such as the sacrum, heels, or hips. Made from a soft, breathable material, the All-Up Cushion reduces moisture build-up, which can further contribute to skin breakdown.

Levabo Heel-Up Cushion

Levabo Heel-Up cushions are made to reduce pressure on the heels. This area often develops pressure sores. This cushion elevates the heel off the surface of the bed or chair, effectively removing any direct pressure. The Heel-Up’s unique design ensures that the Achilles tendon is also supported, helping to prevent strain.

Levabo Seat Cushion

This seat cushion is designed for those who spend prolonged periods sitting, such as wheelchair users. The Levabo Seat Cushion redistributes weight across the buttocks and thighs, preventing excessive pressure build-up on bony areas such as the coccyx and sitting bones.

Levabo All-Up Multi Cushion

The All-Up Multi Cushion is highly versatile and can be used to support different areas of the body, from under the knees to the shoulders or hips. Its multi-functional design makes it ideal for repositioning and ensuring that different pressure points are continuously alleviated.

Levabo Leg Cushion

This cushion is designed to lift and support the legs, providing relief for the lower limbs and helping to prevent pressure build-up on the heels and calves. It’s particularly useful for patients who are bedridden, as it not only aids in preventing sores but also helps improve blood circulation, which is crucial in promoting overall leg health and reducing swelling.

3. Skin Care and Hygiene

Maintaining good skin hygiene is essential to prevent pressure ulcers. Moisture from sweat, urine, or other sources can break down the skin, making it more susceptible to damage. Here are a few key practices:

  • Keep the skin dry and clean: Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, followed by gentle drying, is crucial. Special attention should be paid to skin folds or areas prone to moisture buildup.
  • Moisturise dry skin: Dry skin is more prone to cracking, which increases the risk of ulcers. Use a moisturiser regularly to keep the skin supple.
  • Use barrier creams: In areas prone to moisture exposure, such as the buttocks or perineum, barrier creams can protect the skin by forming a protective layer.

4. Nutritional Support

Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and promoting healing. Malnutrition weakens the body’s defences, making it harder to prevent and heal pressure sore and ulcers. Diets rich in protein, vitamins (particularly vitamins C and E), and minerals like zinc and copper are essential.

For individuals at risk of pressure ulcers or sores, consulting with a dietitian can ensure they receive adequate nutrients tailored to their specific needs. In cases where eating sufficient food is difficult, supplements or fortified meals may be recommended.

5. Education and Training

Ensuring that both caregivers and patients are educated about the risks and prevention of pressure sores is essential. Caregivers should be trained to reposition patients correctly, use pressure-relieving devices effectively, and monitor skin conditions regularly. Patients themselves can also play a role in prevention by being vigilant about early signs of pressure sores and participating in their own care whenever possible.

Research on Pressure Sore and Ulcer Prevention

There has been a wealth of research conducted on pressure ulcer prevention, given the high cost and significant morbidity associated with these wounds. Below are some of the key findings from recent studies:

1. Repositioning Frequency

Research supports the idea that frequent repositioning, especially in high-risk patients, significantly reduces the likelihood of pressure ulcer formation. A review from the Cochrane Library highlighted the importance of repositioning every 2 to 3 hours in reducing pressure ulcer incidence in various healthcare settings.

2. Effectiveness of Pressure-Relieving Devices

A Cochrane review assessed the effectiveness of different pressure-relieving devices, such as specialised mattresses, cushions, and overlays. The study found that air-filled and foam mattresses significantly reduced the risk of pressure ulcers when compared to standard hospital mattresses.

3. Nutritional Interventions

Nutritional support plays a crucial role in preventing pressure ulcers. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that protein supplementation and adequate caloric intake in at-risk patients reduced the occurrence of pressure ulcers by promoting skin integrity and healing.

4. Use of Skin Moisturisers and Barrier Creams

In a study published by Advances in Skin and Wound Care, regular use of moisturisers and barrier creams, particularly in areas prone to moisture exposure, significantly reduced the incidence of stage 1 and 2 pressure ulcers by maintaining skin integrity.

Conclusion

Pressure sores are a common and potentially serious issue for individuals with limited mobility. However, with proper prevention strategies, such as regular repositioning, the use of pressure-relieving devices, good skin care and appropriate nutrition the risk of developing these painful sores can be significantly reduced.

Research continues to support these prevention methods and with ongoing education and the implementation of best practices, healthcare professionals and caregivers can dramatically improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

For those in the healthcare industry, understanding the risks and prevention of pressure ulcers is critical. With ongoing research on pressure ulcers, we have new chances to lower the number of cases and improve patient care.

Further Reading

  • Heel Up Pressure Relief Cushions

    April 14, 2025

    How Heel Up Pressure Relief Cushions Help Prevent Pressure Ulcers

    Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores, are a significant concern in hospitals and care homes, particularly among immobile or vulnerable patients. The heel is especially prone to ulceration due to its minimal soft tissue padding and frequent contact with bed surfaces. Heel Up pressure relief cushions offer a targeted solution by completely offloading the heel, redistributing pressure, and protecting the skin from injury.

  • Pressure Sore Cushion

    April 06, 2025

    Preventing Pressure Sores with Levabo

    In this article, we explore how Levabo products support the effective management of pressure ulcers, examine the best cushions for pressure sores on buttocks, highlight the importance of heel cushions for pressure sores, and provide actionable insights into preventing pressure sores before they begin.

  • Tissue Viability

    November 21, 2024

    Understanding and preventing pressure ulcers

    Across the UK, over 700,000 people are affected by pressure ulcers each year, at a cost of £3.8 million every day to the NHS1. With an ageing population – as well as increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, heart and kidney diseases, peripheral vascular disease, Alzheimer’s and lower limb oedema – prevention has been more important than ever to reduce waiting lists and improve the lives of those affected.

  • Patient Turning Mattress

    October 29, 2024

    Patient turning system could prevent pressure ulcers

    A White Paper commissioned by Care England has suggested that an innovative mattress-turning system has the potential to prevent pressure ulcers occurring for people in adult social care, while improving their comfort and promoting healing – all while delivering significant cost and resource savings to care providers and the NHS.
  • Blood stream with infected cells

    September 10, 2024

    World Sepsis Day: Addressing Sepsis Risk in Diabetic Patients

    Diabetic patients face a higher risk of sepsis due to slow-healing wounds and infections. Early detection through neuropathy testing and using off-loading cushions or advanced insoles like Levabo Heel Up can prevent ulcers from turning into severe infections. Proper foot care, daily inspections, and hygiene are crucial.

    On World Sepsis Day, let’s focus on protecting diabetic patients through proactive care and education to reduce the risk of life-threatening sepsis.

  • Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention

    March 12, 2024

    Pressure Off-loading Devices for Foot Ulcer Prevention

    In the UK, over 4.9 million people have the condition, with a further 13.6 million people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, the implications of diabetes to the individual can be severe. Without proper preventative care, people with the condition are at risk of complications such as foot ulceration, which can lead to lower-limb amputation. Lets look at offloading pressure and some of the tools available to achieve this.