When caring for a loved one who is bedridden or has limited mobility, there are many worries one can have just developing bed sores.
These painful wounds cause more problems than the wound itself; They are a very big medical problem and potential complication from the wound. Pressure ulcers may create infection, a longer hospital stay, or worse significantly decreased quality of life.
The good news is that prevention is possible, and one of the biggest tools for this is a specialized home hospital bed. But how does this medical equipment play this huge role?
Understanding the Enemy: What Are Bed Sores?
Bed sores are formed when constant pressure on a specific area of the body cuts off blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues. Without oxygen and nutrients from blood, tissue sustains damage and dies. Most commonly, this happens on bony prominences such as the heels, tailbone (coccyx), hips, and elbows.
The three main culprits when it comes to bed sores:
Pressure: Application of force, uninterrupted, on the skin.
Shear: When the skin slides one direction while the underlying bone moves another (for instance, sliding down in