Pressure Relief Toolbox
Pressure relief is a complex and vital aspect of seating and posture management. Many factors contribute to a patient’s risk level when it comes to pressure care. This blog focuses on practical strategies seating clinicians can use to help protect areas of skin that are at risk of pressure damage—or are already showing signs of breakdown and require urgent attention.
As clinicians, choosing the right solutions for individuals with compromised skin integrity or a history of pressure injuries can be challenging. It’s not just about the cushion under the user—it’s also about addressing those hard-to-protect areas such as the ears, knees, heels, rib flares, elbows, and more. We need adaptable, reliable tools that provide comprehensive protection for our most vulnerable patients.
One such option: The Woven Air Insert
The Woven Air Insert is designed to offer immersive pressure relief by dispersing air throughout a network of tubes. This creates a stable and highly effective solution for patients at very high risk of skin breakdown.
Key Benefits of the Woven Air Insert:
- Enhanced Comfort: Soft and flexible, the Woven Air Insert is particularly well-suited for individuals with sensory impairments. Unlike traditional cell-based cushions that can feel firm or have hard edges, this insert compresses gently for maximum immersion and comfort.
- Lateral Stability: Non-stretch lateral fabric and integrated air tube retainers keep the insert’s shape stable without the need for zippers or other complex support mechanisms.
- Maintenance-Free: There’s no need to shake, pump, or adjust. The Woven Air Insert maintains its form and function with zero maintenance.
- Secure During Transfers: The insert remains securely in place during repositioning, avoiding the risk of bunching or shifting under the user.
- Insert-Ready: Pre-sized and compatible with structured or configurable cushions. Enhances existing contours without compromising the cushion’s shape or support.
- Consistent Structure: Unlike cell-based designs, which can experience cell migration and leave unprotected voids, the Woven Air Insert retains its shape and distributes pressure evenly over time.
- Durable: Constructed without glue, reducing the risk of air leaks or ruptures. Proven reliability in clinical settings.
- Tested and Trusted: Performs exceptionally well under ISO testing standards.
Application Ideas for the Woven Air Insert:
- Footplate Integration: Attach the insert to footplates to offer pressure relief while accommodating foot and ankle contractures (e.g., inversion, eversion, plantar flexion, dorsiflexion).
- Moulded Seating and Care Chairs: Cut a custom-sized space in moulded seating and place the insert as needed—whether in the seat base, backrest, or both.
- Cushion Upgrades: The insert can be retrofitted into various contoured cushions—such as the STX, STX2, and G7 models—to enhance their pressure-relieving properties.
P8 Gel – Versatile Pressure Relief Made Simple
The FormAlign® P8 Gel Sheet is a smart, user-friendly solution designed to enhance both pressure care and comfort for your patients. Tailored for versatility, this gel sheet features a self-adhesive backing and can be easily cut to shape, making it ideal for customising and upgrading existing seating components—no edge sealing required. Just cut, peel, and apply.
Its highly stretchable material allows it to conform smoothly to the contours of postural components already in use. The gel’s column design allows the surface to reduce shearing on the skin and is effective in maintaining posture. Plus, its ultra-lightweight structure ensures the user benefits from enhanced comfort and protection without added bulk or weight.
Key Applications for the P8 Gel Sheet:
A quick and effective way to improve protection for vulnerable areas and increase pressure-relieving performance across a range of seating components:
- Add to lateral supports for extra protection.
- Apply to headrests to enhance comfort and reduce pressure on specific areas such as the ears.
- Attach to footplates to protect heels and feet from hard surfaces.
- Place on armrests for added comfort and skin protection.
- Fit to leg rest hangers to reduce localised pressure.
- Use on pommel blocks
- Cover any exposed metal or plastic surfaces to eliminate potential pressure points
Whether you’re upgrading existing equipment or addressing specific areas of concern, the P8 Gel Sheet offers a quick, effective, and customisable solution to enhance patient care.
