To use a sheepskin for bed sores, lay it wool side up under the parts of the body most at risk, usually from the shoulders to below the buttocks, and let the person lie directly on the wool. Use it day and night, move it to the chair when they get up, and wash it in Woolskin when it starts to smell. These are the AS4480.1 medical sheepskins we recommend for it.
A medical sheepskin helps prevent bed sores by reducing the three things that cause them: pressure, shear (the skin being dragged as the body slides) and moisture. In a 2004 trial at a Melbourne teaching hospital, 441 patients were given either a medical sheepskin or standard care. Pressure ulcers developed in 9.6% of the sheepskin group and 16.6% of the others (Jolley et al., Medical Journal of Australia). How you use the sheepskin decides how much of that benefit you get.
| Product | Size | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Medical Sheepskin Overlay (M102) | about 38" x 24–26" | AS4480.1, HiTemp wash, urine resistant |
| HiTemp Bedsore Prevention Package (M104A) | sheepskin 24" x 38" + foot pad 12" x 26" | medical sheepskin (M102C), XD1900 foot pad and 1 L of Woolskin |
| Superior Overlay XD (SC104XD) | 30" x 60" | Merino wool pad for the whole body; machine wash and dry |
More choices: all bed sore prevention products and bedsore prevention packages.
Wash the sheepskin when it becomes smelly, in Woolskin, which cleans, disinfects and conditions the wool and the leather. HiTemp medical sheepskins can be washed in hot water. Air dry with the leather facing up, or tumble on low heat and gentle agitation until nearly dry: wool does best with about 15% moisture left in it. Full steps: washing and drying sheepskin.
Which way up does a sheepskin go?
Wool side up, leather side down on the bottom sheet.
Can a sheepskin be used if a bed sore has already started?
Ask the nurse or doctor first. They will set the treatment plan for an existing sore and can say whether a sheepskin should be used with it. Read more about bed sores, their stages and prevention.
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I ordered a shear comfort overlay for my 90 year old mother. The product arrived in excellent condition, and was just as described on your website. The fleece is thick and soft, and since putting it on her bed she has rested much more comfortably and sleeps better. …
Medical Sheepskin OverlayVery high quality heel protectors. Worth the cost compared to the other products on the market. We were pleasantly surprised how soft and comfortable they are. … By the looks of the construction and quality of materials used we expect them to last quite some time.
Heel ProtectorsThis is the second time I have ordered from this company. Item is as promised and it is being used to successfully relieve elbow pressure. Very pleased with item, ordering and delivery.
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