Bedsores and Memory Foam
Bedsores, also called decubitus ulcers, have been a well-recognized
problem since the birth of medicine. They are widespread, affecting an
estimated 9% of all patients in American hospitals. The risks posed by
bedsores are well-known in the medical community, and most medical
facilities have policies to help prevent and deal with bedsores when they
develop. Most at risk are patients who are receiving in-home care, as
those without medical training may lack the expertise or resources to
adequately address this very serious issue.
Causes
Bedsores develop as a result of constant pressure on certain parts of
the body, most commonly the bony protuberances such as elbows and heels.
On traditional mattresses, these points come to bear inordinate amounts of
body weight, because most beds lack the pressure distribution properties
of memory foam or other more advanced materials.
Bedsores begin when external pressure denies blood flow and oxygen to tiny
blood vessels near the surface of the skin. This causes the death of the
first skin layers, usually manifesting itself as a red rash that looks
much like a sunburn. Bedsores in this stage are fairly mild and can be
successfully treated by simply encouraging air and blood flow. If not
managed properly, however, bedsores can eventually spread deeper under the
skin, in some cases causing decay of muscle tissue and bone. Bedsores can
be very difficult to treat, and severe cases may require amputation or
even result in death.
