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Products for Preventing Bed Pressure Ulcers There are many different pressure-relieving support surfaces on the market.13 Sheepskin and other inexpensive pads (e.g., "egg-crate" mattresses) are common pressure-reducing devices. Other static devices include pressure-relieving pads (e.g., fabricated from elastic polymers) such as those used to cover operating room tables. Constant, low-pressure supports maintain uniform pressure throughout. Examples include higher-grade foam, and gel-, air-, or water-filled supports. In contrast, dynamic or alternating air devices have a built-in pump that continually redistributes air pressure. Low air-loss beds, as their name implies, permit small amounts of air to escape through a network of pores, whereas high air-loss (or air-fluidized) beds purposefully pump air through ceramic-type beads. Finally, kinetic turning beds, which allow continual rotation, are used more commonly in critically ill patients. Find an appropriate Alternating Pressure Mattress for you or your patient. |