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nerves, and
their attendant
complications.
Our work-
group recom-
mended the
replacement of
our existing
OR table mat-
tresses with
gel-and-memo-
ry-foam combi-
nation mattresses due to their higher-pressure redistribution abilities.
This recommendation was put into action in the first quarter of 2012,
and we saw our hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates fall from 0.77 in
the first quarter to 0.32 in the second quarter, just for starters.
The same goes for all table accessories and positioning and padding
devices. Even though the use of conventional sponge foam, rolled-up
towels and other supplies at hand has long been the practice, these
methods are outdated and the substances mentioned above are better
solutions. Whether you need a donut for the back of the head, posi-
tioners for tucking the arms or elbow and heel rests for supine
patients, use memory foam or gel products.
In addition, be sure to use these materials alone. Our review of the
research found that if, for instance, you have a memory foam mattress
and you place sponge foam positioning devices or multiple sheets on
top, they decrease the pressure redistribution effect. The more layers
you have between the patient and the mattress, the more you impede
the ability of the mattress to do its job.
P A T I E N T S A F E T Y
GO WITH GEL Gel-filled and memory foam posi-
tioning devices provide more efficient pressure
redistribution than conventional sponge foam.
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