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Heel Protectors for Pressure Sores

Levabo heel protectors for pressure sores are designed to provide optimal relief and protection for individuals at risk of developing heel pressure sores and ulcers.

Specifically engineered for use in healthcare settings, these cushions are ideal for patients who spend prolonged periods immobile or have very limited mobility, offering a comfortable solution to reduce the risk of pressure sores.

The lightweight, inflatable design ensures targeted offloading of pressure from the heel area, promoting healthy blood flow and reducing the potential for tissue damage.

Heel Protectors for Pressure Sores
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Pressure care, diabetic foot support and heel offloading

Heel Protection for Pressure Sores

Prolonged pressure, friction and shear at the heel can quickly lead to skin breakdown, particularly in bedbound, immobile and high-risk patients. Heel offloading solutions help reduce these stresses and support safer, more practical pressure care for clinicians and carers.

Our heel pressure relief range offers a simple, effective way to support pressure ulcer prevention, improve comfort and protect delicate skin in both clinical and home care settings. 

Read Heel Pressure Guide
Heel offloading Pressure redistribution Bed sore prevention support Diabetic foot risk reduction
 
Heel Up heel protector designed to offload pressure from the heel while in bed

What are heel protectors for pressure sores?

Heel protectors are supportive offloading devices designed to lift or cushion the heel so it is less exposed to sustained contact with the mattress or other surfaces. Their job is not simply to add softness. A well-chosen device helps reduce direct heel loading, lowers friction and shear, and supports a more stable resting position.

For patients with fragile skin, reduced mobility or impaired sensation, the heel is often one of the first places clinicians monitor closely. That is why heel-specific support is commonly considered alongside repositioning, skin checks and risk assessment.

Quick summary

Heel protectors are most commonly chosen for people who:

  • Spend long periods in bed or in one position
  • Have fragile skin or a history of pressure damage
  • Need heel offloading after illness, surgery or injury
  • Live with diabetes, neuropathy or reduced tissue tolerance
  • Need a practical single-patient solution in care settings

Where there is open skin, infection, severe pain, vascular concern or an existing ulcer, product choice should sit within a clinical care plan.

Why people choose heel protectors

Pressure redistribution

Designed to reduce loading on the heel by changing how weight is supported during rest, especially when lying supine for long periods.

Shear and friction reduction

Structured heel protectors can help minimise rubbing and dragging forces that contribute to skin breakdown in vulnerable patients.

Practical for bed care

They are useful in hospitals, care homes and home settings where offloading needs to be simple, repeatable and comfortable.

Support for diabetic foot risk

For people with diabetes or reduced sensation, keeping pressure away from at-risk areas can support a safer pressure-management routine.

Size and fit options

Some systems are available in multiple lengths and profiles to match different leg sizes, positioning needs and support requirements.

Helpful within wider care plans

They work best when combined with repositioning, skin inspection, suitable surfaces and the broader tools in pressure sore support.

 


Types of heel protector and related options

Short Heel Up pressure relief heel protector for smaller fitting requirements

Short heel protectors

Suitable where a shorter profile is preferred. Explore Heel Up Short.

Heel Up Max pressure relief heel protector for larger or longer support requirements

Medium to max sizing

Useful when you need more length or a different fit. Compare Heel Up Medium, Heel Up Long and Heel Up Max.

DARCO heel pressure relief cushion for heel ulcer prevention and protective offloading

Foam-based heel relief

For structured cushioning and heel protection, see the DARCO Heel Pressure Relief Cushion.

Related pressure care tools

Heel devices often sit alongside pressure care cushions, bed sore cushions and wider offloading footwear.

OTC versus clinical selection: some heel protectors can be purchased directly, but they are usually chosen within a pressure-care context rather than as a general comfort product. Existing wounds, severe oedema, compromised circulation, neuropathy or unusual limb shape may call for clinician-led selection.

When heel protectors are commonly considered

Concern or use case How heel protection may help
Bedbound or very low mobility patient Supports heel offloading and reduces contact pressure during prolonged time in bed.
High pressure ulcer risk pathway Can sit within a broader prevention plan including positioning, cushions and skin monitoring.
Diabetes or reduced sensation Helps reduce localised heel loading where tissue tolerance may already be reduced.
Need for broader foot pressure redistribution Some patients need underfoot offloading as well as heel-specific support.
Established pressure sore risk at multiple body sites Heel protection may need to be combined with seat, sacral or positioning solutions.
Home care or care-home support Simple single-patient devices can help carers maintain a consistent offloading routine.

Pressure Relief Cushions


How to choose the right heel protector

  1. Start with risk and setting. Is the user in hospital, a care home or at home? Are you preventing risk, supporting a healing pathway, or managing an already vulnerable heel?
  2. Look at the whole lower limb. Heel shape, calf length, oedema, stability and limb alignment all matter. The heel is only one part of the positioning picture.
  3. Choose the right format. A shorter option may suit one patient, while a longer or max-length device may provide better support for another. Compare Short, Medium, Long and Max.
  4. Consider hygiene and workflow. Single-patient options can be helpful in clinical and high-turnover care environments. Accessories such as the Heel Up manual pump may also matter.
  5. Think beyond the heel. If there is forefoot, ankle or plantar pressure to manage as well, add in foot offloading devices or supportive insoles where appropriate.
  6. Review regularly. Offloading only works when the device is fitted correctly, tolerated well, and checked routinely alongside skin inspection and repositioning.

Selection tips for mixed audiences

  • Clinicians: focus on offloading goals, skin condition, infection control and pathway fit.
  • Caregivers: prioritise ease of application, stability in bed and regular skin checks.
  • Consumers and families: seek advice early if there is redness, tissue damage, diabetes, numbness or circulation concerns.

For a wider overview, browse diabetic foot protection products and the main pressure care hub.

Helpful guides

How Levabo relieves heel pressure in bed

A useful starting point for understanding heel offloading and why heel-specific devices matter.

Read the guide

Preventing pressure sores

Practical overview of pressure sore prevention using pressure-relief cushions and care routines.

Read the guide

10 things that help prevent pressure ulcers

A broader educational piece covering repositioning, skin care and pressure redistribution.

Read the article

Pressure off-loading devices for diabetic foot ulcer prevention

Useful when heel risk sits alongside diabetic foot pressure management.

Read the guide

Pressure care product guides

Browse more educational content across pressure care, diabetic foot support and related products.

View product guides

Pressure sore support category

Explore adjacent products for multi-site pressure management, not just heel protection.

View pressure sore solutions

Bed sore cushions and treatments

Helpful for carers looking for wider support across heels, hips, elbows or sacral areas.

View the range

Diabetic footcare products

Explore products that support pressure reduction, monitoring and foot protection.

Browse diabetic footcare

Popular brands, product families and solution routes

Levabo Heel Up range

Purpose-designed heel pressure relief cushions for heel offloading in bed. Start with the full heel protector category or compare Short, Medium, Long and Max.

DARCO protective offloading

For structured heel cushioning and protection, the DARCO Heel Pressure Relief Cushion provides an alternative route.

Diaped and diabetic prevention support

Where pressure sore risk overlaps with diabetes management, explore Diaped, diabetic insoles and the wider diabetic foot care range.

Heel protector FAQs

Are heel protectors the same as ordinary heel cushions?

No. A heel protector for pressure sore support is usually selected to offload or reduce direct pressure on the heel in bed, rather than simply add comfort inside footwear.

Who may benefit from a heel protector?

They are commonly considered for people with limited mobility, frail skin, diabetes, reduced sensation, post-operative immobility, or a history of heel pressure damage.

Can heel protectors be used for people with diabetes?

They may be helpful where diabetic foot risk includes heel pressure exposure, but people with diabetes and any sign of skin damage, numbness, swelling or poor circulation should follow clinical advice. Related options include diabetic footcare products and diabetic insoles.

How do I choose between short, medium, long and max?

Choose according to limb size, the amount of support required, and how much of the lower leg you want the device to accommodate. Algeos offers Short, Medium, Long and Max options.

Can a heel protector be used on an existing pressure sore?

That depends on the wound, surrounding skin, circulation and the wider care plan. Existing ulcers or suspected infection should be clinically assessed. A heel protector may form part of offloading, but it is not a substitute for wound care review.

Do heel protectors replace repositioning?

No. They are most useful as part of a broader pressure-management strategy that may include regular repositioning, skin checks, support surfaces and other pressure care products.

What else might I need alongside a heel protector?

Representative options to compare

Heel Up Short

Compact heel offloading option for pressure relief in bed.

View product

Heel Up Medium

Mid-length option for single-patient heel pressure relief.

View product

Heel Up Long / Max

Longer-format options for users who need extended support.

View Long / View Max

DARCO Heel Pressure Relief Cushion

Foam-based protective option for cushioning and heel offloading support.

View product

References

  1. NICE Quality Standard QS89: Pressure ulcers
  2. NICE Clinical Guideline CG179: Pressure ulcers
  3. International Guideline: Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries
  4. IWGDF Guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetes-related foot disease
  5. Diabetes UK: Looking after your feet

Further Reading

  • Pressure Mattress

    August 12, 2026

    Algeos expands pressure-care portfolio through new Caversham partnership

    Algeos has expanded its pressure-care portfolio through a new distribution partnership with Caversham®, making four specialist Class I medical devices available to healthcare professionals and care providers across the UK.

  • Post Op Shoe

    February 12, 2026

    What Is a Post-Op Shoe?

    A post-op shoe (post-operative shoe) is a medical footwear device used after foot surgery, fractures, ulcer care or soft-tissue procedures to protect the foot and reduce stress during walking. 

  • Turn All

    November 04, 2025

    Reducing pressure ulcer risk: The role of automated lateral turning systems

    In the challenging world of pressure care, ensuring immobile or high-risk patients receive consistent repositioning is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. In this blog post we explore how an automated lateral turning system.

  • Single Patient Use Pressure Cushions

    August 13, 2025

    Single-Use Pressure Relief Cushions Unwrapped

    Demand for single-use pressure care cushions - especially disposable pressure-relief cushions - exists across UK hospitals, care homes and community services. The drivers are simple: infection prevention and control (IPC), speed and simplicity in high-turnover pathways, and the ongoing need to prevent pressure ulcers. 

  • Preventing Pressure Sores on the Buttocks With Cushion

    July 31, 2025

    Preventing Pressure Sores on the Buttocks

    Pressure sores (also called pressure ulcers or pressure injuries) are largely preventable. The buttocks - especially the sacrum and ischial tuberosities - are high-risk areas for anyone who sits or lies for prolonged periods, has reduced mobility or experiences incontinence.

  • Heel Up Pressure Relief Cushions

    June 30, 2025

    How Levabo Relieves Heel Pressure in Bed

    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.