A person living with the challenge of limited mobility runs a high risk of pressure sores/ulcers on the buttocks, backs of the thighs, and the coccyx. They can be difficult to heal, depending on the depth and diameter of the sore. Treatment can include anything up to and including oral and topical antibiotics as well as skin grafts, requiring an increase in hands-on nursing time. In some cases, bedsores may even lead to malpractice or negligence charges. The most cost-effective way to treat them is to prevent them in the first place.

When someone is confined to bed due to recovery from illness or surgery, or because of long-term conditions such as neurological issues, preventing bed sores isn't the only challenge facing the care team. They also have to protect themselves from back injuries during repositioning. Not that long ago, transferring, positioning and turning a patient was a time-consuming and sometimes painful job, but with today's technology, all it takes is the touch of a button.

  
At first glance, the Stryker PositionPro Support Surface may resemble an air mattress like the ones used by campers. Actually, it's the only product in its class to offer power-assisted lateral positioning assistance.   Its unique configuration of air chambers allow the PositionPro to be adjusted so that a patient may be turned up to 40 degrees and supported in place for up to two hours, allowing better circulation to prevent the formation of skin ulcers or relieving pressure on preexisting sores, giving them a chance to heal. All an aide, nurse, or therapist has to do is press the button on the control pendant, and the air pressure in the chambers shifts, facilitating the process of repositioning the patient. The caregiver simply needs to support the patient while the pressure inside the PositionPro performs the lateral shift instead of lifting or rolling him or her around.

Patients aren't the only beneficiaries of the design and features of the Position Pro. Nurses, CNAs, therapists or at-home caregivers can complete the task of repositioning with ease and efficiency, saving valuable time and energy while avoiding back strain that may lead to down time and possible workers' compensation cases.

The PositionPro is made of three layers of material that help redistribute the pressure and provide the low air loss functionality, and has a bacteria and fluid resistant Dartex cover for easy cleaning and disinfection. It has a maximum capacity of 500 pounds as well as measuring 84 inches long by 35 inches wide, accommodating most patients with comfort and making it suitable for all but the youngest and smallest patients. The edges are made of firm foam which holds the chambers in place. Its attached control pendant allows for infinite positioning and can be placed anywhere on the bed rails or foot for optimal caregiver access. In addition to repositioning, the pendant also has controls for air pressure and maximum inflation. All electronics are UL approved, and come standard with a hospital grade plug.

Whether in the hospital, a long-term care facility, or at home, the PositionPro allows easy and safe position changes for patient and care team alike.

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO