Preventing Pressure Sores: What Caregivers Need to Know
People with limited mobility are at significant risk for pressure sores — also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. Left unaddressed, these skin breakdowns can become serious medical complications. The good news is that with the right approach, they are largely preventable.
The most common locations for pressure sores are the tailbone, the sides of the hips, and the heels. Heat, moisture, friction, pressure, and shearing forces are the primary contributors to skin breakdown. Understanding these factors is the first step toward preventing them.
Repositioning: The Foundation of Prevention
Proper and frequent repositioning is the most fundamental tool in pressure sore prevention. Changing the individual’s position at least every two hours reduces pressure on any one area of the body, prevents overheating, and allows the caregiver to check for incontinence and address moisture buildup before it affects the skin.
Repositioning also gives you a regular opportunity to visually inspect the skin — particularly at bony prominences — for early signs of redness or breakdown. Catching a potential sore early is significantly easier to address than treating an established wound.
Therapy Mattresses: Group 1 vs. Group 2
While repositioning is essential, specialty therapy mattresses provide a powerful additional layer of protection. These mattresses are designed to either prevent skin breakdown or assist in the healing of existing pressure sores, and they are divided into two categories based on how they work.
Group 1 mattresses are non-powered. They are typically foam-based surfaces engineered with features that reduce and redistribute pressure points. They are a significant upgrade over a standard mattress for any individual who spends extended time in bed, and they are available at a wide range of price points.
Group 2 mattresses are powered and active. They use technologies such as alternating pressure, low air loss, lateral rotation, or combinations of these features to continuously and dynamically address the three main contributors to skin breakdown: moisture, pressure, and friction. Group 2 surfaces are typically prescribed for individuals with existing wounds or those at higher risk who are spending the majority of their time in bed.
Pro Tip: If the physician has prescribed a therapy mattress surface during a hospital or rehab stay, that prescription should follow your loved one home. Do not assume a standard mattress is adequate simply because skin breakdown has not occurred yet. Prevention is always easier than treatment. |
A Combination Approach
The most effective pressure sore prevention combines both strategies: a consistent repositioning schedule and an appropriate therapy mattress surface. Together, they significantly reduce the risk of skin breakdown and support a better quality of care at home.
We’re Here to Help
Choosing the right therapy mattress depends on the individual’s specific risk factors, their physician’s recommendations, and the home care setup. Our team can help you understand the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 surfaces, explain the various features available, and match you with the right product for your situation and budget. Skin health is one of those areas where the right guidance upfront prevents a great deal of difficulty later.
Call us: 877-808-4540 (Mon–Fri, 9–5 ET)
Email us: contactus@adaptivespecialties.com
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