New Year, New Support Surfaces?

As you’re kicking off the new year by making updates around your facility, why not take the time to determine whether your residents are using the support surfaces that best fit their needs? According to CMS, “Appropriate support surfaces or devices should be chosen by matching a device’s potential therapeutic benefit with the resident’s specific situation; for example, multiple ulcers, limited turning surfaces, ability to maintain position.”¹

There are two types of mattresses: static pressure redistribution devices and dynamic pressure reduction surfaces.

Static pressure redistribution devices are non-powered devices that may be indicated when a resident is at risk for pressure ulcer development or delayed healing. 

Examples:

• Solid foam
•  Gel-infused foam
•  Convoluted foam (i.e., channel-cut or “egg crate” foam)
• Gel

Dynamic pressure reduction surfaces are powered devices that are indicated if a resident can't move into a variety of positions without placing weight on a pressure ulcer, if their weight completely compresses a static device that otherwise maintains its original integrity or if they have a pressure ulcer that is not healing as expected and it is determined that the pressure could be contributing to the delay.

Examples:

• Alternating pressure mattresses and overlays
• Low air loss devices

Professional Medical offers a complete line of support surfaces to meet your residents' needs. To learn more, contact your ProMed territory manager, visit us online at www.promedsupply.com or give us a call at (800) 648-5190.

Reference

1 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. State Operations Manual. Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities (Rev. 70, 01-07-11). Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/

som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf. Accessed January 9, 2013.