If you're using a mattress, such as an air mattress, specifically designed 
to reduce pressure, and the patient has pressure sores on their heels, would 
it be wrong to raise their heels using a pillow.  Would the pressure 
mattress be sufficient, and would the pillow negate any beneficial effects 
of the mattress?

Any ideas folks?

"Sally & Gareth" wrote...
> If you're using a mattress, such as an air mattress, specifically designed 
> to reduce pressure, and the patient has pressure sores on their heels, 
> would it be wrong to raise their heels using a pillow.  Would the pressure 
> mattress be sufficient, and would the pillow negate any beneficial effects 
> of the mattress?

Certainly would not help, and may well negate the effects of the mattress. 
Seems little point in spending all that cash on the special equipment, only 
to put something between it and the patient  ;o)

If foot/leg elevation is required, much better to either use the bed 
controls - or chuck a pillow UNDER the mattress.
-- 

Andrew Heenan
http://www.realnurse.net/

"Sally & Gareth" wrote...
> If you're using a mattress, such as an air mattress, specifically designed 
> to reduce pressure, and the patient has pressure sores on their heels, 
> would it be wrong to raise their heels using a pillow.  Would the pressure 
> mattress be sufficient, and would the pillow negate any beneficial effects 
> of the mattress?

Certainly would not help, and may well negate the effects of the mattress. 
Seems little point in spending all that cash on the special equipment, only 
to put something between it and the patient  ;o)

If foot/leg elevation is required, much better to either use the bed 
controls - or chuck a pillow UNDER the mattress.
-- 

Andrew Heenan
http://www.realnurse.net/