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Pressure Relief Cushions

Algeos carry the Levabo range of pressure relief cushions for the reduction, prevention, treatment and management of perssure sores and ultimately ulcers.  Our products are available via NHS Supply Chain and direct to hospital, also supplying to care homes, community nurses and direct to patient where required.

Pressure ulcers are areas of the skin where the skin or underlying tissue is damaged. In the case of immobility and weak skin integrity, pressure ulcers can occur within 10 - 15 minutes, which is why a quick and preventative effort is important. Most pressure ulcers can be prevented with use of pressure relief cushions. The Levabo range is clinically proven to be one of the best preventive product solutions in the world.

 

Pressure Relief Cushions
Placements of Pressure Ulcers


Pressure Sores, Ulcers and Prevention with Levabo

Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers and general bedsores, develop from prolonged pressure on the skin - sometimes leading to tissue damage. Common sites include the heels, the sacrum, elbows and the hips. Key risk factors for developing ulcers includes immobility, poor nutrition, excess moisture, friction and shear resistance.

Levabo Cushions

Levabo (an innovative Danish brand) offers a range of pressure reducing cushions designed to alleviate pressure and enhance patient comfort.

Key Features of Levabo Cushions

  • Ergonomic Design: Cushions distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on vulnerable areas.
  • High-Quality Materials: Durable and breathable for comfort and longevity.
  • Versatility: Suitable for use in beds, wheelchairs and other seating arrangements, even toileting.
  • Inflatable Options: Adjustable firmness via an air pump and easy to transport.

Popular Levabo Products

  • All Up Wedge: A 30-degree wedge cushion that repositions patients to protect against ulcers.
  • Heel Up: Protects heels from pressure, ideal for bedridden patients.
  • Seat All Tail Bone: Provides relief for the sacrum and buttocks, crucial for wheelchair users.

Pressure sores and Ulcer Prevention Basics

Patient Repositioning

Frequent repositioning is essential to prevent prolonged pressure on any one area.

Supportive Surfaces

Using specialised mattresses, overlays and cushions like those from Levabo can reduce the risk of pressure sores and ulcers by distributing weight more evenly.

Skin Care

Cleaning and Moisturising. Keeping the skin clean and moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking. Barrier Creams can help by protecting the skin from moisture and irritants, especially in incontinent patients.

Nutrition and Hydration

Adequate nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining skin integrity and promoting healing. Patients should receive a balanced diet with sufficient fluid intake.

Education and Training

Educating caregivers and patients about pressure ulcer prevention includes:

  • Risk Factors: Understanding contributors to pressure sore/ulcer development.
  • Prevention Techniques: Implementing effective strategies like repositioning and using pressure-relieving devices.
  • Early Detection: Recognising early signs of pressure ulcers to address them promptly.

Regular Assessments

Routine skin assessments by healthcare professionals are critical for early detection and management of pressure sores and ulcers. These assessments should focus on high-risk areas.

Prevention, not cure

Preventing pressure ulcers requires a comprehensive approach including proper repositioning, supportive surfaces, skin care, nutrition, education and regular assessments. Levabo pressure reducing cushions play a pivotal role in this strategy, offering effective solutions for pressure relief and ulcer prevention. 

By integrating these cushions with other preventative measures, healthcare providers can significantly enhance patient care and outcomes, ensuring a higher quality of life for those at risk of pressure ulcers.


 

Research Review: Cushions for Pressure Sore Cushions and Ulcer Prevention

Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, pose significant health risks to individuals with limited mobility. Cushions designed to relieve pressure play a vital role in preventing these ulcers. This review summarises key research findings on the effectiveness of pressure-relieving cushions.

Foam Cushions

A study by McInnes et al. (2015) found that high-specification foam cushions significantly reduced the incidence of pressure ulcers compared to standard foam cushions. These cushions provide better pressure redistribution, reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Air-Inflated Cushions

Brienza et al. (2010) conducted a study comparing air-inflated cushions to gel cushions. Results indicated that air-inflated cushions were more effective in pressure ulcer prevention due to their ability to adjust and distribute pressure dynamically.

Gel Cushions

Research by Peterson et al. (2013) highlighted that gel cushions, although less effective than air-inflated cushions, still provided considerable benefits over standard seating surfaces. They help in reducing shear forces and maintaining skin integrity.

Foam vs. Gel Cushions

In a randomised controlled trial, Vanderwee et al. (2005) compared high-specification foam cushions to gel cushions in a long-term care setting. The study concluded that foam cushions were more effective in preventing pressure ulcers, primarily due to better weight distribution and comfort.

Pressure Redistribution

Cushions like those from Levabo are designed to redistribute weight evenly across the seating surface, reducing peak pressure points that are prone to ulcer development (Gefen, 2014).

Moisture Control

Cushions that incorporate breathable materials help in moisture management, a critical factor in maintaining skin health and preventing ulcers (Clark et al., 2011).

Shear Force Reduction

Some cushions are designed to minimise shear forces, which occur when skin layers move in opposite directions. This is particularly important in wheelchair-bound patients (NPUAP, 2014).

Pressure-relieving cushions are a cornerstone in the prevention of pressure ulcers, especially in patients with limited mobility. Studies consistently show that high-specification foam, air-inflated, and gel cushions significantly reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers by redistributing pressure, managing moisture, and reducing shear forces. Integrating these cushions into a comprehensive care plan, tailored to individual patient needs, can markedly improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.

References

  • Bergstrom, N., et al. (1987). The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk.
  • Brienza, D. M., et al. (2010). A Randomized Clinical Trial on Preventing Pressure Ulcers with Wheelchair Seat Cushions.
  • Clark, M., et al. (2011). The Role of Support Surfaces in Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment.
  • EPUAP/NPUAP/PPPIA. (2014). Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Quick Reference Guide.
  • Gefen, A. (2014). How Do Microclimate Factors Affect the Risk for Pressure Ulcers?
  • McInnes, E., et al. (2015). Support Surfaces for Treating Pressure Ulcers.
  • NPUAP. (2014). International Pressure Ulcer Guidelines.
  • Peterson, M. J., et al. (2013). Comparative Efficacy of Gel Cushions in Pressure Ulcer Prevention.
  • Vanderwee, K., et al. (2005). The Effectiveness of Repositioning and Pressure-Relieving Devices.