[Wonder Warthog]

"No matter how much padding and cushioning there is, pressure ulcers can still develop, especially in those who lead active working lives. They are a fact of life for those with sensation and movement problems, and nearly impossible to completely prevent."

I think they WOULD be very simple to prevent. It seems to me that a cushioned pad with alternating air cells (picture an old-style air mattress, but with every other "tube" independently sealed--hook every other tube up to a pressure/vacuum source (small pump), and alternately deflate and inflate them). No part of the body is thus under pressure for extended periods of time. This wouldn't work for things like braces, but it seems to me it would do the trick for bedsores and similar problems.

[Judith Anne]

Yes, for a bedridden patient. I started to post earlier that it's easier to prevent bedsores than pressure ulcers in neurologically compromised patients, but didn't want to confuse the point. Braces, clothing, immobility of position are the problems for active working quads and paras.

A mattress very similar to what you describe is in use at all the hospitals where I've worked.

[hummingbird]

I think they WOULD be very simple to prevent. It seems to me that a cushioned pad with alternating air cells (picture an old-style air mattress, but with every other "tube" independently sealed--hook every other tube up to a pressure/vacuum source (small pump), and alternately deflate and inflate them). No part of the body is thus under pressure for extended periods of time. This wouldn't work for things like braces, but it seems to me it would do the trick for bedsores and similar problems.

Haven't read whole thread, but I've heard that some burn units are using SelectComfort mattresses with some success...since the bed is adjustable without moving the burn victim, I guess it is more comfortable and easy to care for the patient. (and, no, I don't work for them!) Wonder if they would work for cases like Christopher Reeve's and others prone to bedsores...

[oceanperch]

They have beds now a days that have a fine sand that is whirled around by water in a bladder it is like being in a dry jacuzzi very cool, very spendy $25,000.00 My son rented one when his waterbed had to be dismantled to get his room painted.

For seating systems they have what you decribed, my son uses a "Contour U" seating system where they prop him up in a bean bag type system such the air out so it is custom to his body and then they cast or make a mold of the bag ship the casts of to the factory and make cushions that are then mounted on his wheelchair.

I don't know about all skin break down but you have to be quite active in going to seating rehab clinics to get the best chair for your needs.

Not many have someone or knowledge to get to clinics.