Medical Anti-Decubitus Pads (Bedsore Pads): A Key Barrier for Prevention and Care

Decubitus ulcers (also known as bedsores or pressure injuries) are common yet serious complications faced by patients who are bedridden for long periods or have limited mobility. Once they occur, they not only cause severe pain and prolong hospital stays but may also lead to infections, sepsis, and even life-threatening situations. In both clinical and home care settings, medical anti-decubitus pads (Bedsore Pads or Pressure Relief Pads) are playing an increasingly important role as core tools for prevention and auxiliary treatment.

This article will comprehensively analyze the principles, types, applicable scenarios, key usage points, and latest development trends of medical anti-decubitus pads, helping caregivers, patients, and medical professionals scientifically select and effectively utilize this crucial protective equipment.

I. What Are Medical Anti-Decubitus Pads?

Medical anti-decubitus pads are auxiliary cushion materials specifically designed to redistribute body pressure, reduce the duration of local tissue compression, and promote blood circulation. They are usually placed on mattresses, wheelchair seats, or operating tables, in direct contact with the patient’s body. Through material properties or structural design, they reduce the risk of ischemic necrosis in bony prominence areas (such as the sacrococcygeal region, heels, shoulder blades, and hips) caused by prolonged pressure.

Unlike ordinary foam cushions or household cushions, medical anti-decubitus pads must meet medical device standards and possess clear pressure distribution performance, breathability, durability, and easy cleanability.

II. Mechanism of Decubitus Ulcer Formation and the Working Principle of Anti-Decubitus Pads

The occurrence of decubitus ulcers mainly stems from three factors: pressure, shear force, and friction, among which continuous vertical pressure is the primary cause. When local tissue is subjected to pressure exceeding the capillary closure pressure (approximately 32 mmHg) for more than 2 hours, blood flow is interrupted, cells become hypoxic and necrotic, and eventually, an ulcer forms.

Anti-decubitus pads intervene in this process through the following ways:

Pressure redistribution: Evenly distribute the pressure concentrated on bony prominences over a larger contact area.

Shear force reduction: Surfaces with high friction coefficients prevent patients from sliding down, avoiding dislocation between the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Enhanced breathability and moisture wicking: Reduce sweat accumulation, keep the skin dry, and lower the risk of skin maceration.

Dynamic pressure relief (for some high-end models): Simulate the effect of "position changes" through periodic inflation and deflation.

III. Common Types and Applicable Scenarios

1. Static Anti-Decubitus Pads

No power supply is required; they achieve pressure relief relying on the elasticity of the material itself.

High-Density Foam Pads: Economical and practical, suitable for low-risk patients.

Gel Overlays: Good conformability and heat dissipation, often used during surgery or short-term bed rest.

Air-Foam Composite Pads: Combine the advantages of both air and foam, providing more balanced support.

Applicable to: Home care, short-term bed rest after surgery, and patients with mild mobility limitations.

2. Dynamic Anti-Decubitus Pads (Alternating Pressure Mattress Overlays)

Equipped with multiple air chambers, controlled by a pump for alternating inflation and deflation, changing the pressure points every 5–10 minutes.

Significantly reduce the incidence of decubitus ulcers in medium to high-risk patients.

Some models feature low-pressure alarms and position change reminders.

Applicable to: ICU, nursing homes, long-term bedridden patients, and high-risk groups with a Braden score ≤14.

3. Specialized Body Part Protection Pads

Heel Protectors: Suspend the heels to avoid pressure on the Achilles tendon.

Sacrococcygeal Pressure Relief Pads: U-shaped or recessed design to avoid the coccygeal area.

Seat Cushion-Style Anti-Decubitus Pads: Used by wheelchair users to prevent ischial tuberosity decubitus ulcers.

IV. How to Select and Use Correctly?

1. Assess the Patient’s Risk Level

Use the Braden Scale or Norton Scale to assess the risk of decubitus ulcers:

Low risk (Braden score 19–23): A high-density foam pad is sufficient.

Medium to high risk (Braden score ≤18): It is recommended to use a dynamic air cushion or gel composite pad.

Existing Stage I–II decubitus ulcers: Need to coordinate with wound care and select pads with shear-force-free design.

2. Focus on Material and Cleanliness

Prioritize covers that are waterproof, anti-bacterial, wipeable, or machine-washable.

Avoid wrapping the pad with plastic film—it will block breathability and exacerbate skin maceration.

Regularly check for sagging, cracking, or odors, and replace the pad promptly if any issues are found.

3. Correct Placement and Maintenance

The pad should fully cover the pressure-bearing area without gaps.

Do not stack multiple layers of ordinary quilts on the anti-decubitus pad—it will offset the pressure relief effect.

Even when using high-end pads, it is still necessary to assist the patient in changing positions every 2 hours; the device cannot be relied on entirely.

V. Common Misconceptions

❌ "Once an anti-decubitus pad is used, there’s no need to change positions."→ Incorrect! No static pad can replace position changes. Dynamic pads can extend the interval between position changes, but skin checks are still required regularly.

❌ "The softer the pad, the better."→ Overly soft pads can cause the body to "sink in," which instead increases the contact area and shear force. An ideal pad should be "soft yet supportive."

❌ "Household foam pads can also prevent decubitus ulcers."→ Ordinary memory foam or latex pads have not undergone medical-grade pressure testing; long-term use may accelerate the formation of decubitus ulcers.

VI. Innovation Trends: Intelligence and Personalization

In recent years, the technology of anti-decubitus pads has been continuously upgraded:

Smart Sensor Pads: Embedded with pressure sensors to monitor body pressure distribution in real time and remind caregivers to adjust the patient’s position via an app.

Temperature-Controlled Materials: Regulate local temperature to improve microcirculation.

3D-Printed Custom Pads: Precisely model according to the patient’s body shape to achieve personalized pressure distribution.

Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Materials: Reduce medical waste and respond to the concept of green healthcare.

VII. Access Channels in Countries Like the UK

In the UK, medical anti-decubitus pads that meet NHS standards can be obtained through the following channels:

NHS Community Care Teams: Provided free of charge after assessment by nurses or occupational therapists (OTs).

Local Council Social Services: Offered as part of "home adaptation equipment."

Medical Device Suppliers: Such as Millercare and NRS Healthcare, supporting rental or purchase.

Prescription Channel: Some high-risk patients can obtain pads with a prescription from a general practitioner (GP).

Conclusion: One Pad, Guarding a Patch of Skin

Although medical anti-decubitus pads seem simple, they are indispensable "invisible guardians" in the modern care system. They do not make a sound, but silently redistribute pressure with every breath; they do not speak, but build a safety barrier for fragile skin.

Preventing decubitus ulcers has never been the success of a single measure, but the collaborative outcome of assessment, equipment, position changes, nutrition, and care. And in this battle of protection, a suitable anti-decubitus pad is often the first and most critical line of defense.

May everyone who is bedridden for a long time be able to stay away from pain and enjoy dignity under soft yet solid support.