Caring for patients with limited mobility presents one of the most significant challenges in healthcare. These individuals often face serious risks, such as developing pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores) or musculoskeletal complications due to prolonged immobility. The ABeWER multiTURN® 6 mattress is a cutting-edge solution designed to address these challenges, providing comfort and support while preventing pressure injuries. This article explores why the multiTURN® 6 mattress is essential for immobile patients and how it improves the quality of care.
Pressure and Pressure Ulcers: A Major Health Concern
Prolonged bed rest, whether due to illness or post-surgical recovery, can develop pressure ulcers. These wounds form when the skin and underlying tissues are compressed between the patient’s body and the mattress for extended periods. Reduced blood flow to these pressure points leads to tissue death, causing open wounds that can become infected or worsen without proper care (Gefen, 2020).
Pressure ulcers can be incredibly painful and difficult to treat. In severe cases, they can lead to complications such as sepsis or other life-threatening infections (Bhattacharya & Mishra, 2015). Proactive prevention is critical for patients who cannot move or change positions independently. The multiTURN® 6 mattress is designed to address this risk by offering a comprehensive solution.
The ABeWER multiTURN® 6 Mattress: A Multi-Functional Prevention System
The ABeWER multiTURN® 6 mattress is an advanced pressure management system to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. Its numerous technological capabilities make it an ideal choice for patients with mobility challenges.
Auto-Positioning Functionality
One of the most significant features of the multiTURN® 6 is its auto-positioning function. This feature allows the mattress to reposition the patient at regular intervals automatically. This gentle rotation prevents prolonged pressure on specific body areas, promoting blood flow and reducing the risk of pressure injuries (Bennett, 2014).
Automated positioning also eliminates the need for frequent manual turning by healthcare staff, reducing the physical strain on the patient and the caregivers (Levine et al., 2013). This is especially important in hospitals or care facilities where staff may not reposition patients manually or regularly.
Pressure Distribution Technology
The multiTURN® 6 mattress uses pressure redistribution technology, evenly distributing the patient’s body weight. This helps to minimize the stress placed on bony prominences such as the hips, shoulders, and ankles, which are common sites for pressure ulcer development (Defloor et al., 2005).
The mattress helps protect these vulnerable areas from sustained pressure by evenly spreading the body weight, thus preventing ulcer formation. The effectiveness of this feature is supported by research showing that pressure redistribution significantly reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers in high-risk patients (Moore & Cowman, 2014).
Moisture Management
Moisture control is another critical factor in preventing pressure injuries. Patients with limited mobility are prone to skin problems related to moisture, such as irritation from sweat or incontinence. The multiTURN® 6 mattress is equipped with moisture management technology, designed to wick away moisture from the patient’s skin, keeping it dry and reducing the risk of skin breakdown (García-Fernández et al., 2014).
Maintaining dry skin is crucial, as excess moisture can exacerbate the risk of pressure injuries, especially when combined with prolonged pressure and friction (Brienza et al., 2001). The multiTURN® 6 helps maintain a healthy skin environment by ensuring the patient remains dry and comfortable.
Adjustable Firmness
Another essential feature is the ability to adjust the firmness of the mattress. The multiTURN® 6 allows healthcare providers or caregivers to fine-tune the mattress’s firmness according to the patient’s needs, providing optimal support and comfort. Whether a patient requires more firmness for support or softer cushioning for comfort, the mattress can be adapted to meet those needs, enhancing the overall care experience (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2019).
Daily Care for Patients with Limited Mobility and Caregiver Support
For caregivers and healthcare professionals, managing immobile patients can be physically demanding. The multiTURN® 6 mattress significantly alleviates this burden by automating the repositioning process, reducing the need for manual turning and repositioning. This, in turn, reduces the risk of injury for both caregivers and patients, as manual lifting and moving of patients is a leading cause of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare staff (Nelson et al., 2003).
Additionally, the auto-adjustment system allows caregivers to set the firmness and operational functions of the mattress according to the patient’s condition without needing constant monitoring or intervention. This streamlines the care process and improves the overall efficiency of patient care (Santy & Smith, 2013).
Skin Health Protection
Maintaining healthy skin is paramount for patients unable to move. The multiTURN® 6 mattress helps protect the skin from deterioration through moisture management and auto-positioning technologies. By controlling pressure, moisture, and temperature, the mattress helps preserve the patient’s skin’s integrity and prevents pressure injuries (NPUAP, 2016).
Psychological Relief and Patient Well-Being
Prolonged immobility can have profound psychological effects on patients, leading to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and depression. By using a system like the multiTURN® 6, patients experience increased comfort and support, contributing to a better quality of life during recovery or long-term care (Gorecki et al., 2009).
Reducing the need for constant manual intervention also helps patients feel more independent and secure. This sense of autonomy is crucial for improving their overall mental and emotional well-being (Chou et al., 2013).
Economic and Practical Benefits
While the initial cost of investing in a mattress like the multiTURN® 6 may seem high, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost. By reducing the risk of pressure injuries and improving the efficiency of care, the multiTURN® 6 can significantly lower overall healthcare expenses. Preventing pressure ulcers is far more cost-effective than treating them once they develop (Padula et al., 2019).
In addition to lowering treatment costs, the multiTURN® 6 can reduce hospital stays and the need for additional medical interventions, thus minimizing overall healthcare expenditure.
Conclusion
The ABeWER multiTURN® 6 mattress is integral to patient care for individuals with limited mobility. Its ability to prevent pressure injuries, provide automatic repositioning, manage moisture, and offer adjustable firmness makes it one of the most effective tools for improving patient quality of life. By reducing risks and enhancing comfort, the multiTURN® 6 helps ensure physical and psychological well-being while enabling healthcare staff to deliver high-quality care with less effort and strain. Investing in this advanced mattress offers long-term benefits, not only for patient health but also for reducing overall healthcare costs.
References
– Bhattacharya, S., & Mishra, R. K. (2015). Pressure ulcers: Current understanding and newer modalities of treatment. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 48(1), 4-16.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25991879/
– Bennett, G., Dealey, C., & Posnett, J. (2014). The cost of pressure ulcers in the UK. Age and Ageing, 33(3), 230-235. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15082426/
– Defloor, T., et al. (2005). The effect of repositioning on the prevention of pressure ulcers. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14(4), 373-382. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK333122/
– European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (2019). Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline. https://internationalguideline.com/
– Gefen, A. (2020). The future of pressure ulcer prevention is here: Detecting damage before it happens. Ostomy Wound Management, 62(8), 22-32. https://ttsafemed.dk/wp-content/uploads/Pressure-ulcer-prevention-article-about-study-by-Amit-Gefen.pdf
– Gorecki, C., et al. (2009). Quality of life in individuals with pressure ulcers: A systematic review. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 57(7), 1175-1183. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10184534/
– Moore, Z., & Cowman, S. (2014). Repositioning for treating pressure ulcers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25561248/
– Nelson, A., et al. (2003). Safe patient handling and movement: A practical guide for health care professionals. Springer Publishing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12626938/
– Padula, W. V., et al. (2019). The economic burden of hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Journal of Patient Safety, 15(4), 339-344. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7948545/