Abdominal positioning in intensive care

Abdominal positioning in intensive care

Prolonged prone positioning in intensive care is associated with an increased incidence of pressure ulcers. When they are used, patients often spend up to 16 out of 24 hours in the prone position.

Carers are faced with the challenge of preventing pressure injuries to areas of the body such as the face, chest, genitals, knees and toes, which are not normally at risk when the patient is supine, but are at higher risk when the patient is prone.

The alternating pressure mode of the novacare APM 440 XC mattress ensures that the pressure under the patient is distributed by periodically venting and deflating alternating mattress cells over the preset time cycle. The unique design of the novacare APM440 XC allows carers to completely deflate the individual cells under the patient's body, creating an adaptable mattress surface for the treatment of vulnerable areas.

The cells can be specifically vented at particularly vulnerable areas of the body. The three head cells can be completely depressurised if required to relieve pressure under the head or to allow access to the head and neck for special procedures such as intubation, cannulation and hygiene. The novacare APM440 XC's ability to shift pressure with the option to relieve pressure from vulnerable areas of the body can provide a suitable solution for prone positioning.