UK pressure ulcer prevention specialist, Rober is dedicated to preventing and eliminating pressure injuries. The company has developed a series of mattresses that stop the skin from being damaged by pressure. Managing Director, Mike Hutson explains more about the technology and his continued commitment to provide patient care and comfort.

Why do people get pressure ulcers?

When people have health conditions that make it difficult for them to move they become at risk of pressure ulcers. This is especially the case for anyone who is confined to lying in a bed or sitting for prolonged periods of time. Pressure ulcers can form anywhere on the body, but contact areas that are not covered by a large amount of body fat are most vulnerable. This includes body parts such as shoulders, elbows, back of the head, ears, knees, ankles, heels or toes or spine. Most especially it includes those parts that are in contact with the bed or wheelchair.

There are compelling economic arguments for healthcare providers to invest in pressure ulcer prevention. Pressure ulcers dramatically increase the cost of each patient’s care bill, studies showing that each ulcer adds an additional £4,000 onto the overall care costs of a patient. Consequences for the patient include prolonged hospitalisation, pain, social isolation and in worst cases, death.

Greek military hospital NIMTS will soon be using Rober’s NoDec^® AIRSTREAM THP (Total Heel Protection) mattress to prevent heel-related pressure ulcers.

The pioneering pressure relief mattress is part of Rober’s new and extensive product range. It has been designed specifically to avoid pressure ulcers on the heel and lower limbs.

Pressure ulcer prevention has gained royal recognition. A pioneering researcher in the field is now a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Professor Jane Nixon, deputy director of the Leeds Clinical Trials Research Unit, has spent much of her career looking at ways of reducing the risk of patients developing pressure ulcers. While bed sore prevention may be an unglamorous subject it remains a major healthcare challenge. As such it’s appropriate that the Queen has honoured Professor Nixon for her continued work.

Targeting pressure ulcer avoidance worldwide, dynamic air mattress specialist, Rober Ltd. has the right bedside manner for innovation.

Working with De Montfort University (DMU), graduate Ben Smith has just completed an exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project. The goal was to develop cost effective pressure ulcer relief solutions for Third World countries. The two-year project also looked at expanding product development capabilities within Rober, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of pressure relief innovation. Following the KTP, Ben explains more.

Pressure ulcer mattress specialist Rober is proud to be joining the Made in Britain Network.

Being a British designer and manufacturer of ‘zero pressure’ mattresses has lots of advantages. Most importantly it means we control the lifecycle of all our products. We can ensure that each one of our mattresses that leaves the Rober head office in Chesterfield is made to the highest quality. The result is that our customers receive skilfully manufactured pressure relief mattresses that have been built to last.

Acting to avoid pressure ulcers is a rare example of a win win situation. Pressure sores are bad for patients. They cause pain, infection risk, the need for additional treatment and extended care. All these problems also make pressure ulcers for healthcare providers who could use precious resources better. Estimates suggest that every ulcer adds £4,000 to a patient’s overall care bill. And experts tell us that carers can avoid nine out of ten by adopting simple measures.