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Bariatric Waffle Cushion for Diabetic Non-Healing Sores [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-11-15

Some years ago I had a bed sore, and then I went into the hospital for something else. They put me on a waffle cushion, which was wonderful. I got to take it home, since they couldn’t use it again. So that cleared that up. Now I have another sore, but the commercial waffle cushions I tried all developed leaks fairly quickly. It turns out that I needed a bariatric waffle cushion suited to my weight (260 lbs). They come in various durabilities (and prices, of course) up to 700 pounds, and in seat cushion size and bed length.

Let’s look at the nature of the problem with some treatment options, and a range of products. Let us know if you have experience with any of them, or can suggest more.

Medical Advice

Mayo Clinic: Bedsores (pressure ulcers)

Bedsores — also called pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers — are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone. People most at risk of bedsores have medical conditions that limit their ability to change positions or cause them to spend most of their time in a bed or chair. Bedsores can develop over hours or days. Most sores heal with treatment, but some never heal completely. You can take steps to help prevent bedsores and help them heal. Complications of pressure ulcers, some life-threatening, include: Cellulitis. Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and connected soft tissues. It can cause warmth, inflammation and swelling of the affected area. People with nerve damage often do not feel pain in the area affected by cellulitis.

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and connected soft tissues. It can cause warmth, inflammation and swelling of the affected area. People with nerve damage often do not feel pain in the area affected by cellulitis. Bone and joint infections. An infection from a pressure sore can burrow into joints and bones. Joint infections (septic arthritis) can damage cartilage and tissue. Bone infections (osteomyelitis) can reduce the function of joints and limbs.

An infection from a pressure sore can burrow into joints and bones. Joint infections (septic arthritis) can damage cartilage and tissue. Bone infections (osteomyelitis) can reduce the function of joints and limbs. Cancer. Long-term, nonhealing wounds (Marjolin's ulcers) can develop into a type of squamous cell carcinoma.

Long-term, nonhealing wounds (Marjolin's ulcers) can develop into a type of squamous cell carcinoma. Sepsis. Rarely, a skin ulcer leads to sepsis.

A few recommendations:

Shift your weight frequently. Ask for help with repositioning about once an hour.

Ask for help with repositioning about once an hour. Select cushions or a mattress that relieves pressure. Use cushions or a special mattress to relieve pressure and help ensure that your body is well positioned. Do not use doughnut cushions, as they can focus pressure on surrounding tissue.

Use cushions or a special mattress to relieve pressure and help ensure that your body is well positioned. Do not use doughnut cushions, as they can focus pressure on surrounding tissue. Inspect the skin daily. Look closely at your skin daily for warning signs of a pressure sore.

Although they are called pressure ulcers, they can occur without such pressure, just from excessive blood glucose reducing blood flow. My father had them on his feet. He was a Christian Scientist, and would not take insulin except in emergencies, such as the threat of having both of his feet amputated.

Products

Beston Footcare

Air Inflatable Seat Cushion 19"x19" PVC, Coccyx Seat Cushion for Bariatric,Wheelachair, Office Chair. Medical Cushion Helps Relieve Tailbone, Sciatica Pain and Back Support Cushion holds up to 220 lbs（100kg） $25.96

Bariatric Waffle Cushion Diamond-shaped pattern to evenly distribute an individual's weight and minimize material stress. Low-air profile reduces pressure and helps prevent and treat pressure injuries. Recommended for pain management. Easy to clean, no cover included. Air pump required, sold separately (#66223). 22"W x 28"D x 2" thick • 700-lb. capacity $170.25

EHOB

EHOB Inc WAFFLE Bariatric Cushion

28" x 22" x 2", 700lb, Diamond Shape, Green, Lightweight Ehob Waffle Bariatric Cushion is designed with a diamond-shaped pattern to evenly distribute an individual's weight and minimize material stress. Its low air profile reduces pressure and helps prevent and treat pressure ulcers in most seating applications. Ideal to treat stage I to IV pressure ulcers and deep tissue Injury. Shipped inflated and ready for use.; Easy to clean and lightweight. Weight capacity: up to 700lb. $92.86 at Amazon $88.00 at Med on the go

WAFFLE Pre-Inflated Seat Cushion

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