Research shows that patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) are the most at risk of developing pressure ulcers. This high risk starts from the first day of their hospital stay. Critically ill patients are often confined to their bed for long periods, either sedated or receiving mechanical ventilation.
This is where pressure ulcer mattress specialist, Rober is making its mark. Since the recent launch of its NoDec™ WIZARD the UK ‘zero pressure’ ulcer specialist has delivered one hundred Wizards, which are now in use by critically ill patients across Europe.
Pressure ulcers result from prolonged pressure on bony prominences such as the heels, spine, buttocks and hips. As critically ill patients are unable to turn themselves, caregivers need to reposition them in bed. If this is not done correctly even this action can cause friction and shearing – again leading to the development of pressure ulcers.
The unique NoDec WIZARD is a dynamic, ‘zero pressure’ mattress. Rober purpose-designed it to provide pressure injury prevention to critically ill patients who may be immobile or in intensive care. The NoDec WIZARD combines Rober’s signature alternating pressure cell design with an impressive tilt facility. This action gently turns the patient onto their side, comfortably and correctly.
As well as reducing pressure on the body, this tilting movement assists with pulmonary function and helps reduce the risk of chest complications in immobile patients. It also cuts down the need for manual handling.
The slow and controlled tilt function from left to right and ensures that no area suffers prolonged pressure. Depending on nursing and clinical requirements, the lateral rotation therapy can operate on either a continuous or a programmed 6-hour basis.
Permanently inflated cells down each side of the mattress are a safety feature, keeping patients away from the mattress edge.
Mike Hutson, Rober’s CEO explains “There is a growing demand for so-called turning mattresses and our NoDec Wizard has been able to successfully plug this gap in the market. The problem with the traditional turning mattresses is they often cause skin damage to the patient because they don’t have the dynamic function that prevents pressure wounds. Our mattress combines the two and I am delighted that it has proved so popular across Europe.”
Contact Rober to talk more about the Wizard here.
