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Invacare
®
Therapeutic Support Surfaces
Invacare
®
Therapeutic Support Surfaces
4
• Always follow the directions and advice given by the prescribing
physician.
• Elevate the head of the bed no more than 30˚ whenever possible for
maximum pressure distribution.
• To determine if the patient has bottomed out, place an outstretched
hand, palm up, between the mattress and the patient. The support
surface should have about one-inch of uncompressed surface
between the hand and the patient. If you can feel the patient’s
body, the mattress needs more depth. Either provide a thicker
support surface or add more air to the mattress.
•
Use a static support surface if the patient can assume a variety of
positions without bearing weight on a pressure ulcer.
• Use a dynamic support surface if (1) the patient cannot assume a
variety of positions without bearing weight on a pressure ulcer, or
(2) the patient fully compresses the static support surface.
• Patients should not wear incontinence briefs or pads when using a
therapeutic support surface because they can retain heat and
moisture. Follow existing protocols if available.
• To promote air flow, use flat sheets rather than fitted sheets.
•
When placing a patient on a dynamic surface for the first time,
acclimate them to the therapy by using a static mode for the first
several hours.
Helpful Hints
1. Completely immobile
OR
2. Limited mobility or has a pressure ulcer
on the trunk or pelvis, plus one of the following:
-impaired nutritional status
-fecal or urinary incontinence
-altered sensory perception
-compromised circulatory status
1. Multiple stage II pressure ulcers on trunk or pelvis and
-Patient has been on an ulcer treatment program plus
a Group I surface for at least the past month
-Ulcers have worsened or remained the same.
YES
YES
Require moisture control for
incontinence or perspiration
YES
Low Air Loss
2. Large or multiple Stage III or IV pressure
ulcer(s) on the trunk or pelvis
3. Recent myocutaneous flap or skin graft for a
pressure ulcer on the trunk or pelvis
NO
NO
Gel overlay, alternating
pressure pad or foam mattress
NO
Alternating Pressure,
Low Air Loss or Lateral Rotation
Standard homecare mattress
This algorithm is a recommended guideline for product selection. It is not a guarantee of product performance.
Patient condition and therapeutic benefit should be the primary drivers of product selection.
OR
OR
06-059 9/26/06 7:59 AM Page 4