Pressure area care

Patients in Intensive Care may spend long periods of time in bed in the same position, especially if they are attached to a ventilator or breathing machine, and receiving drugs to keep them sleepy and comfortable (sedation). This means that they may be more likely to develop pressure (or bed) sores. Special low pressure or pressure relieving mattresses are widely used in Intensive Care, to help reduce this risk.

Pressure care for patients who are proned (nursed face down)

Pressure area care is especially important for patients who are being cared for in the prone position (face down, with the head turned to one side). This position has been used for many years to improve lung function in patients with severe respiratory (breathing) problems.Patients who are cared for in the prone position are turned less frequently in bed, and may be at higher risk of developing pressure (or bed) sores. The position of the patient's head and arms will be changed every 2-3 hours, and padding or small cushions will be carefully placed in areas where the patient's face and body are pressing onto the bed.