The Stages of a Bed Sore

  BED SORE STAGES DEFINED 

Pressure can be reduced through the use of the recommended alternating pressure mattress systems. These specific models are approved by medicare under code E0277. The following alternating pressure mattresses are designed to heal stages 1-4 bed sores and pressure ulcers. 

The PM8080 Hospital Alternating Pressure mattress system 

8000 Group II Series Alternating Pressure Low air Loss Mattress 

True Low Air loss Medical Mattress System 

  Stage I: An observable, pressure-related alteration of intact skin, whose indicators as compared to an adjacent or opposite area on the body may include changes in one or more of the following parameters:

• Skin temperature (warmth or coolness);
  
• Tissue consistency (firm or boggy);
  
• Sensation (pain, itching); and/or
  • A defined area of persistent redness in lightly pigmented skin, whereas
    in darker skin tones, the ulcer may appear with persistent red, blue, or purple hues.
    Stage I pressure ulcers may be difficult to identify because they are not readily visible and they present with greater variability. Advanced technology (not commonly available in nursing homes) has shown that a Stage I pressure ulcer may have minimal to substantial tissue damage in layers beneath the skin’s surface, even when there is no visible surface penetration. The Stage I indicators identified below will generally persist or be evident after the pressure on the area has been removed for 30 to 45 minutes.
    
  
  
  
  
   
  0. Stage II: Partial-thickness skin loss involving epidermis, dermis, or both.
     The ulcer is superficial and presents as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater.
     Stage III: Full-thickness skin loss involving damage to, or necrosis of, subcutaneous tissue that may extend down to, but not through, underlying fascia. The ulcer presents clinically as a deep crater, with or without undermining of adjacent tissue.
     Stage IV: Full-thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle, bone, or supporting structures (e.g., tendon, joint capsule). Undermining and sinus tracts may also be associated with Stage IV pressure ulcers. 
     
     
     
     
      STAGE 1
     By the definition in Tag F314 - regardless of color, temperature, consistency, or sensation - the skin of a Stage I pressure ulcer is intact. If the skin is dark purple or very deep in color but intact, it may be a deep tissue injury or DTI. DTI is not a simple Stage I, it could indicate that the damage is deeper, including subcutaneous tissue, muscle, bone, joint capsule or other supporting structures. Unlike a Stage I (that is caught in a timely fashion), a DTI may not resolve or improve with prevention measures like offloading. Confusion also lies in the classification of Stage II (partial-thickness) and Stage III or IV (full-thickness) pressure ulcers. To clear things up, use the following assessment criteria.
     Stage II (Partial-Thickness) Pressure Ulcers:
     

     • Cannot have, or ever have had, slough or eschar (necrotic tissue)
       
     • Heal by regeneration of the dermis and epidermis
       
     • Heal without granulation tissue
       
     • Have a “flat” edge
       
     • Have no undermining or tunneling
       
     • Heal without scarring
       If the injury goes through the epidermis and into, but not through, the dermis, it is a Stage II (partial-thickness) wound. If there is any necrotic tissue in the wound, it cannot be a Stage II ulcer. Also, the wound edge in a Stage II pressure ulcer will be at the same height as the intact skin. As long as all wound healing factors have been addressed, these ulcers often heal quickly. Each hair follicle acts as a “wound edge.” The epithelial cells lining the follicle migrate, allowing tissue to regenerate, and spread out from each hair follicle.
       Stage III or Stage IV (Full-Thickness) Pressure Ulcers:
       
       • May have slough or eschar (necrotic tissue)
         
       • Heal by filling in with granulation tissue, followed
         by epithelialization and contraction
         
       • Will not have regeneration of dermis and epidermis
         
       • Have a “healing ridge” at the edge
         
       • May have undermining or tunneling
         
       • Heal with scar formation
         A Stage III or Stage IV pressure ulcer goes through the epidermis and the dermis. The dermis itself never regenerates. The void or “dead space” must fill with new granulation tissue (beefy, red, bumpy tissue) whose blood supply comes from
         a process called angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Full-thickness wounds only heal from the edges inward; this is why they take longer to heal. The granulation tissue needs to reach skin surface before epithelialization
         and contraction or resurfacing can occur. 
         
         more information about products to treat and heal bed sores at 
         
         www.alternatingpressuremattress.com
         www.medicalairmattress.com 
         
         
         
         
         
         References
         CMS Manual System. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
         Services (CMS). Pub. 100-07, State Operations Provider Certification. Transmittal 4. November 12, 2004. Martin P. Wound healing: aiming for perfect skin regeneration. Science. 1997;276 (4):75.
         Mast BA, Schultz G. Interactions of cytokines, growth factors, and proteases in acute and chronic wounds.
         Wound Repair and Regeneration. 1996;4(4):411.
         National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel www.NPUAP.org
         Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society www.WOCN org
         Wysocki AB. Anatomy and physiology of skin and soft tissue. In: Bryant RA, ed. Acute & Chronic Wound
         Nursing Management. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2000:1.
         
         
         
     
     

Bariatric Alternating Pressure mattress

This article will cover bariatric alternating pressure mattresses. The bariatric alternating mattress was designed for larger patients that needed the extra weight capacity or width to the mattress for transfer purposes.

Recently we have seen many of the bariatric alternating mattresses used to replace a full or queen size mattress so the patient does not need to modify their existing bed. There is no longer a need to transfer from your queen size mattress to a standard alternating pressure mattress. patients can now purchase these larger full and queen sizes for use with their existing box springs.

NEO ALTERNATING PRESSURE MATTRESS QUEEN SIZE

Options include 10 zone comfort control, Adjustable cycle times, stage 4 bed sore therapy.  With a weight capacity of 1000 lbs this hospital mattress system can easily support 2 people.

For more information on these new state of the art alternating mattresses click here

PREVENTING BED SORES USING YOUR EXISTING MATTRESS

Using alternating pressure overlays are a great way to prevent bed sores while using your existing bed or mattress. Alternating pressure overlays are cost effective solutions that are easy to install and easy on a patients budget.

The most popular and first line of bed sore prevention is using an alternating pressure pad system. These alternating pressure pads use bubble cells that inflate and deflate under the patient. They fit over the patients existing bed and heal up to stage 1-2 bedsores.

The alternating pressure pads are offered in a standard and deluxe model. The difference between the systems are the standard models set to a maximum inflate and then alternate under the patient to reduce pressure and stimulate blood flow. The deluxe alternating pressure pads include the same features but the pump allows you to adjust the firmness or softness of the pad.

These alternating pressure overlays are also very compact and can fit nicely in a suitcase or carry on. These alternating pressure pads are ideal for a travel situation. The weight is about 12 lbs and can be used in hotels, nursing homes, home healthcare, campers , etc.

Ideal for a patient on a budget. These alternating pressure overlays are a great solution for short term care.

CANT DECIDED WHAT ALTERNATING PRESSURE MATTRESS TO USE?

Cant decide on the proper alternating pressure mattress? Well your not alone. There are so many alternating mattresses that are available to heal bed sores and it can be a difficult to try to select the best one.

Many mattresses look similar but are very different, and often times more money does not mean a better product. There are many distributors that sell mattresses for thousands of dollars but they may or may not be a manufacturer. They may be charging you the same rates that the insurance company would normally reimburse them?.

So how do you select the proper alternating pressure mattress? Well let the facts speak for themselves. The PM8080 Hospital mattress system is one of the most complete on the market today. This alternating pressure mattress really covers all the bases. It heals bed sores up to and including stage 4, It has a built in low air loss feature to keep the patient cool and dry. The mattress has adjustable cycle times so you can have it alternating more or less frequently based on the cycle you select. This gives this alternating pressure low air mattress the most versatility on the market today.

This alternating pressure mattress system is used in all of our hospital accounts so your patient or family member can own the same mattress they may have used in the hospital. The most attractive feature of this hospital air mattress is the price! This model is currently on sale for $1490.00 normally over $2500.00 (wholesale price) Call or order your PM8080 today and enjoy the benefits of comfort and long term healing.

This elite mattress will heal existing bedsores and it will also prevent new sores from forming.

The new digital push button pump now offers: Microprocessor controlled for simplicity and easy-to-use Quiet and vibration free

10-level comfort range

Adjustable cycle time

Therapy modes : Alternating/Static/Auto-Firm/Seat Inflation mode

Power failure alarm with audible buzzer and visible indicator

Low pressure alarm with audible buzzer and visible indicator

This mattress will eliminate having to turn the patient at night.


The PM8080 Advanced Alternating Pressure and Low air Loss Mattress System 

www.alternatingpressuremattress.com

True Low air Loss Mattress Systems

WHAT IS TRUE LOW AIR LOSS THERAPY?

True low air loss therapy uses a blower pump to remove excess moisture while immersing the patient into the mattress. Low air loss is defined both by the effectiveness of moisture control and method of moisture control. With the low air loss mattress, moisture is dissipated between the mattress and the cover. The baffles have tiny holes which continually blow air. The moisture from the patient transfers through the vapour permeable fabric cover to interact with the air blowing up from the mattress. This process keeps the patient cool and dry without blowing air directly onto the patient. While reduction of excess moisture is a distinguishing feature of low air loss mattresses, their primary objective is still to immerse the patient into the surface for increased contact area and even redistribution of pressure so blood flow is maintained for areas of high risk.

True Low air Loss

This true low air loss hospital mattress is designed to heal up to stage four pressure sores. It operates using a blower based air pump that quickly inflates and effective manages moisture. This advanced low air system is commonly used in hospitals, but is excellent for home use.

The 400 lb weight capacity can easily support the majority of patients. The cover is low shear, easy to clean and full encases the air cells. The pump is user friendly and easy to use. Auto firm and seat inflation feature makes it easy to transfer in and out of the bed.

5 Year warranty

True Low Air Loss Mattress 

www.alternatingpressuremattress.com

Fusion Therapy Mattress

This Therapeutic Hospital Mattress is centered around "Dynamic Dispersion technology" where each air and foam filled baffle communicates to create exceptional envelopment and pressure redistribution.

Each zone is is sealed in order for air to be the primary support within each zone. The quilted cover is waterproof, breathable, fire retardant, and antimicrobial.

The advanced hospital mattress also comes with a firm edge perimeter and soft heel section. This fusion therapy hospital mattress creates an environment for prevention and therapy. This mattress system supports 500 lbs and comes with a 5 year warranty. No Pump required!

www.alternatingpressuremattress.com (more mattresses for bed sores available here)