Rober has developed a pioneering mattress solution designed specifically to relieve pressure on the heel and lower limbs.
The NoDec AIRSTREAM Total Heel Protection (THP) uses high-speed solenoid technology to provide the rapid changes in airflow required to stimulate reactive hyperaemia in the deep tissues surrounding bony prominences.
The new mattress contains an independent heel zone that prevents pressure ulcers from occurring at this site and helps existing pressure injuries to heal.
The AIRSTREAM THP is part of a new generation of fully-automatic mattresses. Importantly, patients nursed upon them require less manual repositioning, providing welcome relief to overstretched nurses and care-givers.
Additional features such as a touch-screen display panel, comfort settings, timed static mode, audible and visual alarms, and permanently-inflated side formers all provide great benefits to patients and busy nursing staff.
The heel is the second-most-common site for pressure ulcers to occur. This area is particularly vulnerable due to the proximity of bony prominences to the skin surface. Particularly at risk of all forms of pressure ulcer are people with limited mobility, especially those confined to lying in a bed or sitting for prolonged periods of time. This applies to the heel as much as any other part of the body.
The constant movement of Rober’s pressure relief mattresses ensures that patients are not affected by prolonged periods of pressure and, therefore, are at a reduced risk of developing pressure injuries. Furthermore, evidence suggests that their use can actually accelerate the healing of existing pressure injuries.
Mike Hutson, chief executive of Rober, said: “Resultant sores or ulcers pose a significant healthcare risk. This can mean prolonged pain, smell, infection, reduced mobility, potential amputation and, in worst cases, death.
“Pressure ulcers are painful and troublesome for patients and their treatment can be lengthy, difficult and expensive. Yet, the ‘Stop the Pressure’ campaign estimates that between 80% and 95% are avoidable.
“While it’s understandable that other areas of the body, especially the sacrum, get most attention, prevention of heel ulcers also demands dedicated care.”
