Nearly 24% of skilled nursing residents develop a pressure ulcer at any given time. The focus on more effective prevention and quicker healing is driven, and even mandated by, many government and medical associations. Shear is a primary contributing factor in the development of pressure ulcers, but is sometimes overlooked because the damage is often undetectable from the outside.
Shear can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers, as well as make the skin tissue more vulnerable to the forces of direct pressure. For this reason, a clinically effective mattress should be used to reduce the effects of shear and friction on skin tissue.
The Invacare Resolution Glissando mattress features a patented design that allows the mattress to conform simultaneously to the resident and the bed frame, optimizing the features of an articulating bed. When the bed is articulated, the top surface retains its properties for effectively supporting the resident, while the base of the mattress separately conforms to the bed frame. This unique design reduces unwanted resident movement, reducing potential for tissue damage resulting from friction and shearing.
The innovative “gliding” feature takes comfort and safety to a new level — minimizing friction and shear that can contribute to costly pressure ulcers. By reducing unwanted resident movement as the bed articulates, the need for the caregiver to reposition the resident is eliminated, increasing caregiver safety by prevention possible injuries.
Sonal Patel is the associate business manager, Therapeutic Support Surfaces, at Invacare.