The Science Behind the Heel Slope for heel protection

 
Heels are the second most common site for pressure ulcers, second only to the sacrum.  By virtue of its thinly padded surface, relatively poor blood supply, and difficult anatomical design for offloading, the heel is especially vulnerable to tissue damage.  Heel ulcers are also difficult to heal, due to these same reasons.
 
In order to help to reduce the incidence of heel breakdown, all Geo-Mattress and PressureGuard products are designed with a Heel Slope.  The foot end of the mattress slopes down to increase load on the calves and to decrease load on the heels.  On average, heel pressures are reduced by about 27% with this design compared to flat designs.
 
 
A flat surface does not conform to the shape of the lower leg, especially behind the Achilles tendon.
Result:  The heel must bear excess load, and skin will break down more easily.
 
 
 
 
The Heel Slope slightly lowers the heel, allowing the mattress to fill in the space behind the Achilles tendon.
Result:  Pressure is distributed over the entire lower leg, reducing pressure on the heel.
 
 
 
©2012 Span America. All Rights Reserved.
Content Management System and Website Design By Mediasation
 
 
 
I am a:
Clinical healthcare provider (nurse, physician, therapist, etc.)
DME dealer or distributor
Potential user or family member


- OR -

Call us at 1-800-888-6752
Monday - Friday
8 am - 5 pm eastern standard time
Span-America products appear on formulary or on contract with many of
North America's largest healthcare organizations and buying groups.

Please have a Span-America representative contact me about:
30-day product trial [ more info ]
Finding a dealer or supplier in my area [ more info ]
In person product demonstration [ more info ]



Span-America does not sell direct to facilities or end-users;
we work through our network of dealers and distributors.
Please have a Span-America representative
contact me about carrying your products.
Please send me more information as specified below:
[ List products of interest or your question or request ]
Your Name
Company Title/Position
Address
City/State/Zip
Your Phone Number E-mail
Answer Simple Math Problem
authcode
 
Span-America does not sell direct to facilities or end-users;
we work through our network of dealers and distributors.
You may want to have a dealer of your choice contact us
about acquiring a product for you.
Please have a Span-America representative
contact me about finding a dealer or supplier in my area
Please send me more information as specified below:
[ List products of interest or your question or request ]
Your Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Your Phone Number E-mail
Answer Simple Math Problem
authcode
 
Please send me more information as specified below:
[ List products of interest or your question or request ]
Your Name
Facility Practice Specialty
Part of chain? Please specify
Address
City/State/Zip
Your Phone Number E-mail
Answer Simple Math Problem
authcode