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In the medical field, a “positioner” can refer to various devices or tools designed to assist in the proper positioning of a patient during the continuum of care. When it comes to pressure injury prevention, positioners are used to support specific areas of the body, offload pressure, and improve patient comfort. 

Positioners can also be used as part of a treatment plan for patients with existing pressure ulcers. Effectively offloading the affected area helps promote the healing process by reducing further irritation and damage to the wound. Using positioners to offload pressure will also increase patient comfort, minimizing the risk of patients causing further damage to their pressure injury by shifting around.

Preventing pressure ulcers and addressing existing ulcers not only helps improve patient comfort, but can also result in significant cost savings for healthcare systems. Patients who develop pressure ulcers often require longer hospital stays and additional treatments, increasing the overall cost of care.

For patients that are lying or sitting for extended periods of time, these positioners are commonly used to offload pressure from vulnerable or at-risk areas, such as heels. Offloading pressure on the heel is critical for preventing pressure ulcers from developing or worsening.

While positioners offer numerous benefits to the patient and healthcare facility, using them under healthcare professionals’ guidance and in conjunction with a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention and treatment plan is essential. Each patient’s condition and risk factors should be carefully evaluated to determine the most appropriate offloading strategy for their needs.

Learn more about Spry’s pressure injury prevention products at sprytx.com.