Topic: Turn Select Rotation
Q: If my patient is on the PressureGuard Turn Select rotation mattress that is
turning at least 30° every 2 hours or less do I still have to reposition them
every 2 hours?
A: Yes, you must still reposition the patient on the schedule stated in your protocol.
The 30° position means 30° between the body and the mattress surface, not between
the body and horizontal. As the Turn Select rotates the body to 30° from horizontal,
the body maintains contact with the mattress. To comply with AHCPR guidelines,
the body must be repositioned 30° from the surface of the mattress on a regular
basis to give the skin time to breathe and recover from the effects of pressure.
Q: How is the ISCH-DISH different from a donut cushion?
A: In many ways. First, a donut is a closed ring that makes a tourniquet effect
around the ischials. The ISCH-DISH is an open backed, U-shaped pocket that promotes
circulation rather than impeding it. Second, the donut cushion concentrates the
weight of the body on the area of the ring. The ISCH-DISH distributes the weight
of the body fully across the length and width of both femurs, thereby decreasing
pressure on any one unit area compared to the donut. And third, the donut cushion
is a one-size-fits-all product, while the opening of the ISCH-DISH is sized to
the individual user.
Topic: EZ-Dish pocket
Q: How is the EZ-Dish different from a donut cushion?
A: In many ways. First, a donut is a closed ring that makes a tourniquet effect
around the ischials. The EZ-Dish is an open backed, U-shaped pocket that promotes
circulation rather than impeding it. Second, the donut cushion concentrates the
weight of the body on the area of the ring. The EZ-Dish support the weight of
the body fully across the length and width of both femurs, thereby decreasing
pressure on any one unit area compared to the donut. Third, the EZ-Dish has a
layer of visco-elastic foam across the top of the support layer to ease the transition
between the ischial opening and the femur support.
Q: How does the Geo-Matt cut reduce heat and moisture?
A: Air is able to circulate through the channels that the patented " Ring-of-Air" creates throughout the mattress. This wicks heat and moisture away from the
body and vents it to the atmosphere better than solid foam or straight-cut foam
can.
Topic: Alternating pressure vs. low-air-loss
Q: What is the difference between alternating pressure and low-air-loss?
A: Although they're both EO277 powered mattresses, alternating pressure and low-air-loss
operate on two totally different principles.
Alternating pressure mattresses consist of individual air tubes that inflate and deflate on a set schedule, and
in an A-B-A-B pattern. That is, at a given moment the A tubes are inflated and
the B tubes are deflated, and then they reverse. This automatically changes the
pressures on a given point on the body, enhancing tissue perfusion by "milking"
blood through capillaries as pressure is applied and released.
Low-air-loss mattresses consist of large bladders punctured by tiny pin-holes. Air diffuses up through
these holes, and into the space between the air bladders or cylinders and the
cover. Heat and moisture vapor from the patient diffuse down through the cover
into this space, and is pushed away from the patient and out of the mattress/cover
system. If this is done effectively, low-air-loss can reduce the negative effects
of heat and moisture buildup on the skin.
Both technologies are used in the management of skin and wounds. Neither has
consistently documented benefits over the other.
A: No more than any other mattress does. No mattress has ever prevented foot drop.
The causes of foot drop are more closely linked to the individual's physical condition,
rather than to a lack of support of the foot in supine. However, the Heel Slope
does support the foot more effectively by better accommodating the shape of the
heel and lower leg and still dramatically reduces interface pressures.
Q: Does the Heel Slope contribute to edema in the lower leg and foot?
A: No. Edema is caused by the part (e.g. the hand or foot) being lower than the
heart. With the Heel Slope, the heel is even with the heart. Therefore, the Heel
Slope cannot contribute to edema.
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