Introduction

Millions of people who are either seat-bound or wheelchair-bound in the home are at serious risk of developing acute pressure sores as a direct result of using inappropriate seating.

Most seating aids for home use are made from only foam materials which may provide some comfort but do little to lessen the possibility of pressure sores developing.

Surprisingly, the skin can become vulnerable to pressure after only half an hour and even those who are chair-bound temporarily are at risk of developing sores.

Finding a mattress that offers good support is the key to a decent night's sleep. Too soft and the body will slouch, too firm and it can cause discomfort to pressure points such as hips and shoulders.

The shoulders and the hips put more pressure on the mattress compared to that applied by the head or legs. The traditional production method of coils, springs and foam meets the requirements of the average person but not the individual.

These preferences are not possible as requirements will vary based on height, weight, body shape and sleep position.

SupaSupport Pressure Relief Systems

SupaSupport pressure relief systems minimise cross infection and hygiene problems which have recently become major issues facing Health Service providers across Europe. Systems are available in a range of materials and support levels to provide maximum comfort.

The extra comfort is obtained with SupaSupport air-filled products because air reacts differently to pressure than a fixed material.

Pressure put on a specific place on the cushion or mattress, will give counter-pressure on other areas, specifically where the pressure is the lowest. The end result will be that the pressure on each point is equal. This is the so-called push-aside effect.

This is only the case with liquid (water) or gas elements (air). In other words, independent of length, weight, or position of the person, the cushion or mattress will always adjust itself again and again giving those areas of the body which apply the most pressure the opportunity to do so without discomfort, but at the same time supporting those parts of the body applying less pressure.

The SupaSupport product range includes comfort and pressure relief cushions which can be used as a domestic pressure sore relieving cushion as well as a wheelchair cushion. Cushion System options include:

• a sewn, zipped or welded cover
• a foam or inflatable inner

The SupaSupport product range also includes static and dynamic pressure relief mattresses, aimed at both domestic and hospital environments. Mattress System options include:

• static or dynamic mode
• inflatable cells or a patented air pocket inner

Products are supported by independent testing (PRESSURE MAPPING) through established centres of excellence to verify the exacting standards set by the company.

Benefits of SupaSupport Cushions

• Breathable 
• Maintains its shape 
• Suitable for wheelchair seating and domestic seating 
• Waterproof
• Resistant to viruses and bacteria 
• Easy to clean and disinfect 
• Comfort through soft construction 
• Reduced risk of pressure sores
• Flame Retardant to BS7177:1996 Crib 5
• Washable to 60 degrees C
• Tumbler Resistant
• Re-usable
• Conforms to Oko-tex Standard 100 (if requested)
• Integrated pressure gauge (optional)
• Patents applied for 0426803.3 and 0426804.1

Benefits of SupaSupport Mattresses

• Provides personalised comfort
• Maintains flexibility whilst offering adjustable firmness
• Is a durable product
• Manufactured from quality materials
• Keeps its shape over time
• Comes complete with warranty
• Improves health and sleep quality:
• Improved posture for back
• Improves sleep patterns
• Chosen materials protect against allergies and acarids

Summary of SupaSupport Options

Sewn, zipped covers are waterproof with sewn seams with a zip for easy removal. There is the potential for contamination in the corners and near the stitching, but the cover can be machine washed.

Welded cushion covers are waterproof with welded seams so the corners have no folds. This reduces the potential for contamination. This type of cover can be easily wiped down, but cannot be removed.

A foam cushion inner is a cheaper alternative to an inflated pressure relief cushion. Depending on the model, the level of support varies: from mere comfort to pressure redistribution to pressure relief.

An inflatable cushion inner gives the ultimate in pressure relief, where the level of support can be adjusted to suit the user. The optional cushion LCD gauge can be used to optimise the level of pressure relief, based on the users weight.

A static mattress system supplies variable volumes of air into each of the three comfort zones. This is done at the touch of a button, by the hand-held electronic low-voltage air regulator.

A dynamic mattress system is a specialist, high quality system offering superior and cost-effective pressure care. An inflatable inner core is controlled by a pump.